Makalidurga Trek
Hosted by Plan The Unplanned
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All About It
- 25 Slots
- Difficulty - Easy Moderate Hard
- For 8+ years
- Best Season - Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan) Spring (Feb, March, April) Summer (May, June, July)
History, legends and breathtaking views are what await you when you reach the Makalidurga trek starting point. Unlike traditional hikes or treks, this one starts at a railway station!
Just 60 km away from Bangalore is Makalidurga. Legend has it that this was where Rishi Markandeya performed penance and king Makaliraya had his fort and granary. The disintegrated walls of that fort still stand atop the hill, and within those ruins, a quaint temple dedicated to Makali Malleshwara is frequented by locals and explorers alike.
Although anyone is welcome on the trek, there are some stretches that might seem rigorous, so we at Plan The Unplanned suggest you come prepped!
But what we can promise you is this – an escape from the monotony of your daily routine, fresh and pristine air, views that will take your breath away, and empathetic outdoor trek leaders who will inspire you to trek with us again!
Trek highlights
Yes, there are plenty of treks to choose from at Plan The Unplanned – so why should you consider a Makalidurga trek booking? An evident and genuine question and here are just some reasons why:
- The trek starts unlike any other, besides a railway track
- This thrilling trail combines easy walking paths as well as stone-studded ways
- On your way to the top, take a moment with the ruins of a once resplendent Makalidurga fort
- Witness nature at its most abundant, including spotting a lake that might remind you of the South American continent
- A small temple, dedicated to Makali Maheshwara, sits between the ruins, awaiting those with a spiritual bent of mind
And then of course there is the fact that we plan the unplanned, we. Our enthusiastic trek leaders will be there for you, every step of the way (literally and figuratively). From solo female travellers to fitness fanatics, this trek is designed for anyone who wants to disconnect from the chaos of daily life and reconnect with their inner self.
Highlights
‣ Depart from Bangalore at 5:00am
‣ Have breakfast along the way
‣ Reach the trek base at 8:30am
‣ Climb to the peak (2 hours)
‣ Explore Makalidurga fort
‣ Start descent
‣ Reach the base at 1:00pm
‣ Stop for lunch enroute
‣ Reach Bangalore by 5:00pm
*All timings are an estimate and subject to change
What will we do ?
Private Vehicle (Non-AC Push Back Seats Vehic;e)
Stay Not Included
Breakfast
Our adventure starts well before the sun is up, with a group of sleepy-eyed faces gradually brightening with anticipation in Bengaluru. After getting everybody on board the ride starts off with light conversations and some ice-breaking games. Soon strangers begin to feel like a team.
A brief halt on the way with the familiar South Indian breakfast - crispy dosas, fluffy idlis and the most important, a rejuvenating cup of filter coffee. Stomachs satisfied and hearts content, we head on down the base of Makalidurga Hill, where the REAL magic starts.
The path meets us with rocky terrain and some scattered bushes and climbs up through dry forests and open meadows. The higher we go, the better the view, the fresher the breeze and the feeling of being out of the noise. Be sure to watch (and listen) to the birds and long lake vistas - there are peaceful surprises along this trail.
On the summit is the wreck of a lost fort - old weather-stained walls, upon which the story of the past is written in stone. Beyond this point the scenery extends forever, with hills melting away in the distance and a quiet lake sparkling in the foreground. Here we have a rest, well-deserved rest. Soaking it all in, and of course, clicking those well-earned summit photos.
The climb down is easy while we are retracing our steps down the hill. At the base, we board the bus and head to a local joint nearby to have a self-sponsored lunch - an ideal place to relive the day over hot meals.
As the city skyline is coming back into sight, a kind of silent satisfaction is in the air. One really good day, some memories and your body just waiting for you to hit your pillow.
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 non-AC transport from Bangalore
- 1× Breakfast
- Forest Department permits
- Trained outdoor leader from Plan The Unplanned & a local guide
- 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
✅ Soft copy of your Aadhaar or Voter ID (mandatory for permits)
✅ 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
✅ 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, HSR Layout
KLM Fashion Mall
Yamaha Showroom Domlur
Cubbon Park Metro
Mekhri Circle
Esteem Mall, Hebbal
Makalidurga Trek Starting Point
HOW TO REACH
Policy and more
For Departures from Bangalore: In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow
- If you cancel before 7 days – 90% of the amount will be refunded
- If you cancel between 3 – 6 days – 50 % of the amount will be refunded
- If you cancel between 0-3 days – No Refund
Note: For All The Above Refund Cases Transaction Fees/Internet Handling Charges will be deducted from the overall amount and the balance amount shall be refunded. You can transfer your ticket to anyone so that you could save your hard-earned money
“Transfer to a future date is only possible only if you cancel between 3-6 days before the trek date and not on the day of departure or a day before”
For other trips and travels with us, and detailed terms and conditions check the following link: https://www.plantheunplanned.com/refund-cancellation-policy
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 containing details regarding Pickup Points ( Location and Timings ), Outdoor Leader ( Point of Contact ), and 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 priorities at all times. Hence it is safe for women/girls to join us on our treks and travels. Our trek leaders always accompany the team, and our campsites are secured and safe for accommodation. We also have female trek leaders who attend 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
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: A day hike to Makali Durga may be completed in 5 to 6 hours. Since the treks are part of Eco Trips, which are overseen by the Department of Forestry, they require approval. With the exception of a few large rocks that must be climbed, the walk is somewhat strenuous yet manageable.
Q: Can we leave the luggage at the homestay/tents?
A: A one-day trek wouldn’t have the facility of a homestay and hence you’ll have to leave your luggage on the bus and carry the necessary to the trek.
Q: What about Makalidurga trek’s cellphone network and connectivity?
A: With the exception of a few spots where the network is weak, you will have access to mobile service for practically all major carriers, including Airtel, Vodafone, and Jio, throughout the walk.
Q: Is the trail filled with leeches?
A: No, it is not filled with leeches.
Q: What is the best time to trek Makalidurga?
A: Makalidurga is almost a year-round trek. Due to the trail's lack of tree protection, we advise you to wear a cap in the summer to protect yourself from the sun. Due to dehydration brought on by the intense heat, you will rapidly become exhausted if you don't wear a cap or hat.
Q: Is it possible to camp anywhere along the trail?
A: No, you cannot camp anywhere along the trail.
Q: Is it possible to trek Makalidurga during the monsoon season?
A: No, it is not possible to trek Makalidurga during the monsoon season. Avoid hiking in very heavy rain since the loose pebbles and mud make the route dangerously slick. This will make the walk less enjoyable for you.
Q: Is there food and water on the Makalidurga Trek?
A: There will be no food or drink available on the walk; you must carry your own. On this hike, bring two to three litres of water with you. To avoid hot and salty foods, bring some packed food such as whole fruits, dry snacks, energy bars, and cakes.
Q: How long does the climb up Makalidurga take?
A: Even for inexperienced hikers, the ascent and descent shouldn't take more than two hours. The whole distance would be 1.5 to 2 kilometres. As you cross the railroad tracks and reach the woodland, it begins. Arrows are used to clearly define the trail.
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