Madhugiri Fort Trek
Hosted by Plan The Unplanned
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All About It
- Difficulty - Moderate
- For 10+ years
- Best Season - Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan) Spring (Feb, March, April)
The Oxford dictionary defines the term ‘monolith’ as “a large single upright block of stone, especially one shaped into or serving as a pillar or monument.” And with the Madhugiri Hill, located approximately 100 kms away from Bangalore in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, being the second largest monolith in Asia after Savandurga, you can be certain it's not going to be your average fort trek.
The trek up Madhugiri Fort sets itself apart owing to a myriad of reasons, the most obvious of which being the fairly challenging climb up to the peak and the intricate architecture adorning the ancient fort that follows you all throughout the trail.
Literally meaning ‘Honey-Hill’, Madugiri derives its name from the Honeybee colonies that used to be prevalent atop the fortress during ancient times. Originally built in the year 1678 by Raja Heera Gowda of the Ganga Dynasty, various additions were made to the fortress later on by Hyder Ali, the then de facto Sultan of Mysore. With grand bastions, gateways and water tanks located at strategic locations, the Madhugiri Fort is a prime example of the way warfare was conducted in those days
Highlights
Day 1
- Leave Bangalore by 5 AM (Approx)
- Have breakfast on the way
- Reach Base and start the trek by 9:30 ( approx )
- Reach the peak by 11:30 approx
- Descend and reach back to base by 2:00 PM
- Self-sponsored lunch enroute
- Reach back by 6:00 PM ( approx )
Who should attend?
What will we do ?
Private Vehicle (Non-AC Push Back Seats Vehic;e)
Breakfast, Lunch
The climb, which is little less than 6 kilometres long, can be split approximately into four portions based on difficulty level and is marked by stone gateways at each of these sites. The first section of the hike takes you up a flight of stairs, which is a relatively straightforward and scenic climb. You are greeted with magnificent views right away, a sample of what is to come. Along this section, one is also greeted by a succession of intricately carved stone gateways that beg you to take a step back and admire their beauty. This short ascent leads to a flat platform highlighted by a majestic bastion protruding from the remainder of the wall, which provides a 180-degree panoramic perspective of the surrounding area. The bastion built on a natural granite pillar and accompanied by an artificial tank designed to store water for the military is truly breathtaking and can only be appreciated from a higher vantage point a little further up the trail. The climb up and down from the bastion is difficult, with only a sheer slippery granite surface to help you, but the view is well worth the effort.
The second section of the journey begins here, since the trail ahead is indicated by stairs carved into the rock surface itself, and the incline becomes more difficult. The handrails provided for support here, on the other hand, make the ascent a little simpler. Enjoy the spectacular views of the bastion in contrast to the bird's eye perspective of Madhugiri town below as you make your way up to the third and most difficult stage of the climb, which many consider perilous.
With an incline of around 60-70 degrees, this is the most challenging part of the walk, requiring trekkers to get down on all fours while trying this difficult stretch. Those who are afraid of heights may find this particularly difficult; but, persevere and overcome your anxieties, and you will be rewarded. Even in the drier seasons, sturdy footwear is required for your trip to Madhugiri Fort, and it becomes a completely new ball game during the monsoons.
Breath a sigh of relief as you make your way through the little stone tunnel that marks the start of the fourth and last section of your trip up Madhugiri Fort. This is a rather straightforward stretch because it largely consists of a simple walk up to the peak on a gentle rise. However, with most of your resources gone, this final hike is a test of stamina, requiring you to extract every last ounce of vitality from your already fatigued bodies.
Unlike the other stone gateways, your arrival at the peak is marked by a fortified bare stone wall with a single door opening. The existence of multiple old structures at the top itself distinguishes the Madhugiri fort from the other forts in the vicinity, as opposed to a comparatively bare peak on most others. Aside from the Gopalakrishna temple, there are several dome-shaped stone granaries used by the military to store perishables. The most unusual sight here, though, has to be the single-story edifice made of rocks and concrete with many chambers inside. Each of these rooms is lit by a single opening in the ceiling, which creates a fascinating play of light. It is unknown if these rooms were used to house soldiers or prisoners of war, but their strategic location at the very top of the fort must have been significant.
Explore the historic structures and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hillocks, as well as the Madhugiri town below, which now resembles grains of sand. It's also a good idea to relax here before beginning the descent because the Sun will be out in full force and you'll need all of your energy to handle some of the steep portions that are more difficult to descend than to climb up and offer their own adventures.
Look back at the tangle of a trail you've just overcome and the majestic Madhugiri Fort wishing you farewell as we begin our trek back to Bangalore.
Meet your host
Plan The Unplanned
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
What’s life without adventure? Isn’t the real purpose of life to travel, to experience new places, and witness the sunrise from new mountaintops? This thought is what united Jatin and Tarun over a cup of chai, in spite of being from two unrelated backgrounds (CA and IT). They knew each other since the time Jatin was helping Tarun learn the ways of the wilderness through weekend treks and outings with another traveling group. Their love for traveling and trekking together motivated them to start something of their own. Thus was born “Plan The Unplanned”, where travel goals come true. Under the Companies Act, Plan The Unplanned is incorporated as Unplanned Journeys Private Limited They started their journey on unsteady ground, much like any other company, but they shared an infatuation for travel and adventure with their customers, which amplified their determination, and thus, Plan the Unplanned family keeps getting bigger every day! Just about any travel idea can come alive with Plan The Unplanned…treks, adventure activities like rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, backpacking trips across the country, cultural outings, photo walks; everything that fellow travelers need, to explore the great outdoors together. Well now that the wanderlust has kicked in and you can already see a vacation in your nearest future, here’s what we have to offer!
See Plan The Unplanned's other listings
Inclusions
- To and fro transport from Bangalore ( Non A/c Tempo Traveller/Mini bus )
- Breakfast
- Trekking Permits
- Parking fee
- Outdoor Leader from Plan The Unplanned
Exclusions
- Lunch
Any kind of personal expense - Any kind of insurance
- Any expenses arising out of unforeseen contingencies
Things to carry
- Small backpack to carry your essentials during the trek
- Hiking shoes
- Suncap & Sunscreen
- 2 litres of Water
- Energy Bars & Snacks
PICKUP LOCATIONS
Udupi Grand, Teacher's Colony, HSR Layout
Yamaha Showroom Domlur
KTM Mekhri Circle
Yeshwanthpur Metro
HOW TO REACH
Policy and more
Refund/Cancellation Policy – Weekend Trips from Bangalore
In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:
Intimation Period* | Cancellation Fee** |
7 days or more | 10% of the total invoice value |
Between 3-6 days | 50% of the total invoice value |
Between 0-2 days | 100% of the total invoice value |
- *Intimation Period means the number of days before the tour is scheduled to start
- **Cancellation Fee is the amount of money that will be deducted from the total billing amount before offering the refund.
- Refund/Cancellation requests are accepted only by email at [email protected] and not via call or Whatsapp.
NOTE:
Cancellations on the day of departure or a day prior due to work/family emergencies, health issues, etc. would not be entertained, and no refund or transfer to further dates shall be allowed for the same.
If you are wanting to cancel out on the day of departure and move the trek to a future date an additional charge of RS 1500 would have to be incurred to make the movement to a future date. This can be availed only within 3 months from the date of the actual trip departure.
Additional charges would be deducted (based on from where you booked) if you cancel the trek at any given date (along with the scenario described above), as payment gateway/event listing charges.
Transfer of Dates Policy
If you wish to shift your date of booking due to any unforeseen circumstances, the same should be intimated to us not less than 72 hours before the date of the event. (Not valid for group or corporate bookings)
Only one transfer per booking shall be permitted. Your booking shall stand canceled if you fail to join the event on the transferred dates.
Once the option of data transfer is made, the booking amount shall be held as credits with us, and in no case will a refund be made further on.
For Skandagiri Trek, Makalidurga Trek, Chinaga Betta Trek, Madhugiri - Permit Fees will be dedcuted. The charges per person being Rs 600 for Skandagiri, 500 for Makalidurga and Rs 310 for Chinaga Betta Trek, Madhugiri -250.The balance amount will be deducted as per the cancellation policy stated above.
Transfer of dates on the day of departure shall be possible at an additional charge of 1500/- per person (applicable for few events).
Terms and Conditions
Frequently Asked Questionss
Q: I have booked the trek when will I get further updates regarding the trek?
A: Well, most of our treks are usually confirmed by Thursday and you would receive a BON VOYAGE mail that would contain details as regards Pickup Points ( Location and Timings ), Outdoor Leader ( Point of Contact ), Do’s and Don’ts. You’ll be added to Whatsapp Group for all further updates.
Q: Would I be added to a WhatsApp Group once the trek is confirmed?
A: Yes, the Bon Voyage mail would contain a link for Whatsapp Group through which one can join and interact with fellow travellers and outdoor leaders.
Q: I'm a solo traveller, Can I join?
A: The interesting thing about travelling alone is that you get to meet new people from diverse backgrounds, and towards the end, you are no longer strangers. Hence solo travellers are always welcome to join us on our trips.
Read more about solo travelling here and get inspired! https://www.plantheunplanned.com/solo-yet-accompanied/
Q: Is it safe for Women/Girls?
A: Safety and security are our priority at all times. Hence it is safe for women/girls to join us on our treks and travels. Our trek leaders accompany the team at all times, and our campsites are secured and safe for accommodation. We also have female trek leaders who accompany us on most of our treks.
Q: Do I have to carry luggage during trekking?
A: Not at all. You could keep all the extra luggage back at the campsite/homestay and carry only the necessary stuff for the trek (Raincoats, Torchlight, Waterbottle, lunchbox, and your valuable)
Q: Do you have Washrooms during the trek?
A: Well, you are in the mountains and none of our trails has a washroom facility during the trek.
Q: Do I have any other boarding points apart from the ones mentioned?
A: Yes, we do have options for picking a traveller on board with a few locations provided they are on the route to our destination. The following are the same:
- Croma Store, Sony World Signal
- Trinity Circle Metro Station
- Yeshwanthpur Metro Station
- Goraguntepalya Metro Station
Q: How do I avail discounts?
A: Details for availing discounts are mentioned in the following link, https://www.plantheunplanned.com/membership/
Q: What is the "Without Travel" option during my booking process?
A: Well, if you select this option, all the travel arrangements for your entire itinerary must be managed by yourself, and Plan the Unplanned crew will not be managing anything related to your travel. We recommend you come via car for a smooth travel experience to, from and within the destination.
Q: Would I be able to postpone to the future in case I do not attend the trek/trip on the day of departure?
A: We are extremely sorry, you cannot postpone to any future date in case you fail to attend the trek on the mentioned date for any reasons whatsoever (family/health/work emergencies). You can write to us at [email protected] as regards and our team will get in touch with you on the same.
Q: I've never been on a hike, so can I do this one?
A: The Madhugiri Fort Trek is an easy-moderate trek and one can easily do this trek with a moderate fitness
Q: What is the level of fitness expected from the trekkers?
A: This trek can be covered by any kind of person. Moreover, it is an easy trek. Although the route is not well-marked, the trek leaders would guide you through. Along with this, you will cover most of the course by walking and jumping on obstacles.
Q: Can we leave the luggage at the homestay/tents?
A: This is a one-day trek. So it won’t be possible to leave the luggage at the homestay. You can leave it on the bus and carry the necessary for the trek
Q: What about Madhugiri Fort Trek’s cellphone network and connectivity?
A: All networks had solid reception the entire way, all the way to the summit.
Q: Is the trail filled with leeches?
A: No, it is not filled with leeches
Q: What is the best time for Madhugiri Fort Trek?
A: The months of September through February are ideal for the Madhugiri fort trip. The best times to go on the Madhugiri Trek are after the monsoon or during the winter. You can see the lush vegetation of the Thimmalapura Forest in all its splendour after the rain.
Q: Is it possible to camp anywhere along the trail?
A: No, you cannot camp anywhere along the trail.
Q: Is it possible do the Madhugiri Fort Trek during the monsoon season?
A: The monsoon season brings a lot of rain to the area. Because it becomes extremely challenging to navigate the steep areas during the rains, we advise you to avoid it.
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