A Guide To Skandagiri Night Trek

Things to do / Highlights

Starting point at Kalwara

Skandagiri is an awesome place to connect with nature and get a feel of placidity and peacefulness during the short amazing night trek. This trek involves an ascent of roughly 5 miles (8 km) and reaches an elevation of about 5,000 feet (1,500 m). It can be completed in four to five hours. The base camp for the trek starts from Kalwara village in Chikkaballapur district. Papagni temple is an ancient temple situated at the foothills and is one of the oldest shrines in Karnataka state. You can rest at the temple a while and get your bearings before you embark on the exciting uphill journey. The formalities to be completed before you set off on the trek are quite simple and easy. You could also seek the assistance of one of the forest guards, if required.

Unusual adventure

This special night trek lets you enjoy the sounds of nature and provides the opportunity to make new friends along the way. Though it might be a challenging trek for beginners, there are plenty of signboards at all the major deviations along the trail. A walk in the company of nature at night with the shining stars above is simply exhilarating. The trail is uneven, with lots of slippery boulders and rocky spots. The trail becomes steep at some places. Be sure to stop along the way for some great pictures of the trek. You will also come upon remnants of ancient forts that are now used as temporary shelters by trekkers. There are plenty of rocky platforms along the way, where you can stop to catch your breath. And don’t forget to enjoy the stunning views along the way either.

Take in the natural beauty

Soak in the beauty of a village in the vicinity, with its verdant fields and small, beautiful ponds. Do not miss the chance to sip some natural spring water. If you start the night trek at 4 am, you will get to the peak in time to catch the dramatic sunrise. There is a beautiful temple and a statue of a holy bull at the top. It can be extremely windy and chilly at the peak, alongside the peace and tranquility.

Refreshments

Check out the local food and relish delicious breakfast at a hotel on the way back. After climbing downhill, healthy options like coconut water, buttermilk, and watermelon juice are available to help you rejuvenate.

Travel tips

Best time to visit

The best time for this exciting night trek to Skandagiri is between the winter months of Nov-Jan, although the summer months also tend to be pleasant.

Entry restrictions

Entry to the trail is restricted and there is a limit of forty trekkers per day. So, planning your trip well in advance will help you trek on the day you want.

Permission

Permission from the forest department is mandatory. You can get it issued at the entrance of the trek’s starting point.

Stay fit

Keep exercising and stay fit to ensure you have a memorable trekking experience.

Packing

The weather changes drastically in the hills and hence it would be wise to carry a light jacket or sweater. Early mornings and night can be cold and chilly. Light synthetic track pants that dry easily and rugged cargo pants suitable for the jungle terrain are ideal clothing options for this adventurous trek. Full sleeve t-shirts can help you avoid sunburns and insect bites while caps and sunglasses can also come in handy.

Be slow and steady on rocky patches to avoid falling down. Good traction and waterproof shoes or a pair of trekking shoes with a good grip would be ideal. Carry an extra pair of socks and a raincoat if you are visiting in the rainy season. Walking sticks can be useful during the descent. Keep your bag lightweight for easy trekking. A flashlight is mandatory for the night trek, as is a personal medical kit for an emergency.

No washrooms

There are no toilets along the trail. You could also take along some snacks, water, and juices, just in case.

Skandagiri Night Trek information

Skandagiri Night Trek

Address: Skandagiri Hills, Karnataka 562103

Opening hours: 4am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 6 USD