Madhugiri Fort Trek
Hosted by Plan The Unplanned
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
All About It
- Difficulty - Moderate
- For 10+ years
- Best Season - Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan) Spring (Feb, March, April)
How many times have you felt that your work is like a large rock that you just can't seem to scale?
So many of us have projects to complete or assignments to get through that feel like nothing less than a mountain of immense magnitude.
Well, chuck all those aside for a weekend and consider a Madhugiri trek booking, which will help whisk your mind away from the chaos and confusion of the week and refresh and rejuvenate your mind and body.
Just 100 km away from Bangalore, located in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, Madhugiri literally translates to honey hill – a name it earned from the multiple honeybee colonies that once existed at the top.
Today, a monolith stands alone with what remains of the Madhugiri fort atop and offers an interesting, challenging and unique trekking experience to all those who undertake it.
So, come along! Our Plan The Unplanned trek leaders and others just like you are all set for an adventure, away from the monotony and mayhem of city life.
Trek highlights
If you are looking for a day trip, a trek that doesn’t take up too much of your time, then the Madhugiri trek from Bangalore would be a great choice, as this will take less than 24 hours. All you need to do is start your day a little early, but we assure you that it will be worth your while!
- Leave Bangalore early in the morning and after breakfast, reach the trek base
- Start your climb, which should take around 2 to 2.5 hours and enjoy the vistas
- Explore the bastions, gateways, water tanks and intricate architecture on your way up or down
- At the peak, you can take a breather or capture memories and pics
- By afternoon, you will have completed your descent and be back at the base
- After a lunch enroute, you can be back in town by evening
The Madhugiri trek goes beyond being a trip to the second largest monolith in Asia after Savandurga; it is a tale of our history that goes back all the way to the late 1600s.
If you are willing to take the challenge, who knows what stories you might discover!
Highlights
Day 1
‣ Depart from Bengaluru at 5:00am
‣ Enjoy a quick breakfast en-route
‣ Reach the base and start the trek at 9:30am
‣ Reach the peak and explore
‣ Return to the base by 2:00pm
‣ Head to a local restaurant for a sumptuous lunch
‣ Reach Bengaluru by 6:00pm
*All timings are an estimate and subject to change
Who should attend?
What will we do ?
Private Vehicle (Non-AC Push Back Seats Vehic;e)
Breakfast, Lunch
Madhugiri Fort trek is only a 5.99-kilometre long trek; however, it is a trip of determination, magnificence, and never-before-seen beauty, which is split into four unique stages characterised by carefully carved stone archways.
The path starts by a scale of stairs, an easy scenic walk with far reaching views. The first thing you see is stone gateways, a magnificent bastion, erected on granite pillar. Sitting next to it, a centuries old water tank used to hold water to be used by soldiers. To reach the bastion is a short and hard climb over a slippery rocky landscape, well worth the scenery, though.
Then, there are carved stairs out of the rock. The slope becomes steeper, however, there are rails to hold the climb. Look behind you the bastion in sight and the Madhugiri town waving into the distance.
This is the hardest section and the slopes are 60-70 degrees. Majority of trekkers crawl on all fours. It is intimidating particularly to the people who are afraid of heights. However, wearing proper shoes and having a level head is not too bad, and it is very rewarding.
An indication of the final stretch comes in the form of a small stone tunnel that leads to a more gradual trail towards the summit. It is an endurance test more than a test of skill. You can go to the top to see old buildings such as the Gopalakrishna Temple, stone granaries and spooky multi-chambered rooms with light coming through the ceiling. Their significance is still a mystery but their existence is strong.
Absorb the wide sights, the hills in the backdrop and Madhugiri town in the depths like a grain of scattered puzzle. Have a good rest and go down, some sections are more difficult to go down.
Take back with you the excitement of a climb teaming with history, adventure and unsurpassed beauty as you head back to Bengaluru.
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
- Round-trip via non-AC tempo traveller or minibus (based on group size) with push-back seats
- 1× Breakfast
- Karnataka State Department entry fees
- Trained outdoor leader from Plan The Unplanned
- The overall experience that you gain during the trek
Exclusions
- Any meals beyond those listed
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of insurance (health, medical, life and accidental)
- Anything not expressly mentioned in the inclusions
Things to carry
✅ Warm layers and down or fleece jackets to stay warm
✅ Sun caps and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun and heat
✅ Small backpack to carry your essentials during the trek
✅ Extra cash for any meals not covered in your itinerary
✅ Power bank and charging cable for your phone
✅ Portable chargers for other electronics
✅ Compact raincoat or backpack cover to stay dry
✅ A comfortable pair of trekking shoes with good grip
✅ Energy bars to refuel during the trek
✅ 2x one-litre water bottles
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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