Escape the concrete maze of city life and immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of Chikmagalur with Bharat Trotters. Tucked away in the serene Western Ghats of Karnataka, the Bavikonda Trek is a premier offbeat adventure that takes you across rolling green grasslands, dense shola forest patches, and mist-laden ridges rising to an impressive 4,645 feet. Translating to the "Hill of Wells," Bavikonda offers panoramic views rivaling its famous neighbors like Kudremukh, while retaining a tranquil and uncrowded charm.
On this carefully curated 2-day trek, you’ll journey through 12 kilometers of scenic trails, refresh yourself at traditional homestays surrounded by coffee and spice plantations, walk through the lush Samse Tea Estate, and step onto the picturesque Kalsa Hanging Bridge over sparkling river currents. Designed for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike, this trip combines outdoor excitement with warm local hospitality and community bonding. Pack your bags, lace up your trekking shoes, and experience the ultimate weekend detox with Bharat Trotters!
Quick overview
Trip essentials
Tour TypeTwo Day Hike
LocationChikmagalur Karnataka
Difficultyeasy-to-moderat
Distance12 km
Highlights
What makes this trip special
Summit at 4,645 Feet: Reach the peak of Bavikonda for 360-degree views of Chikmagalur’s rolling mountain ranges.
12 KM Scenic Trek: Navigate pristine grasslands, gentle slopes, and misty shola forest trails.
Kalsa Hanging Bridge Visit: Snap memorable photos over the suspension bridge spanning the river valley.
Cozy Homestay & Campfire: Stay at an authentic mountain homestay with local Khas Karnataka meals and an evening campfire under the stars.
All-Inclusive Hassle-Free Travel: Comfortable round-trip transport from Bangalore with experienced Bharat Trotters Trek Captains.
Please note
Important notes
Punctuality: Departure and pickup schedules are strictly enforced to maximize trail time. Arrive at your designated pickup point 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time.
Zero-Littering Policy: The Western Ghats are an ecologically fragile zone. Plastic wrapping, bottles, and food packaging must be carried back in your personal daypack.
Alcohol & Substance Prohibition: Consuming alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances is strictly forbidden during active trekking, travel, and group activities.
Permits & Weather: Forest permits are handled on-site; weather conditions or local authority rules may alter the exact timing on summit day.
Plan
Itinerary
10 steps
01
07:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Day 0: Overnight Pick-up & Boarding from Bangalore
Board our comfortable transport vehicle from your designated pick-up location in Bangalore. Meet your fellow Bharat Trotters adventurers and trek coordinators as we begin our overnight journey towards the scenic hills of Chikmagalur.
02
07:00 AM – 08:30 AM
Day 1: Arrival at Homestay & Morning Refreshment
Reach our serene mountain homestay surrounded by lush greenery in Samse/Mullodi. Check-in, freshen up after the overnight travel, and recharge with a hot, authentic local South Indian breakfast.
03
08:30 AM – 09:30 AM
Off-Road Jeep Ride to Trek Base Camp
Hop into thrilling 4x4 local jeeps for a scenic drive to the Bavikonda trek base camp. Attend a short briefing by the Bharat Trotters trek captain, complete a gear check, and prepare for the hike ahead.
04
09:30 AM – 01:00 PM
Trek Starts: Grasslands & Shola Forest Trails
Lace up your boots and begin ascending through lush green rolling hills, gentle slopes, and dense shola forest patches of the Western Ghats. Soak in the cool mountain breeze and breathtaking nature trails along the way.
05
01:00 PM – 02:30 PM
Summit Peak & Scenic Ridge Packed Lunch
Reach the peak of Bavikonda Hill at an altitude of 4,645 feet. Stop at a shaded, panoramic vantage point to enjoy a wholesome packed lunch while taking in 360-degree views of the Western Ghats.
06
02:30 PM – 06:30 PM
Descent to Base Camp & Homestay Return
Begin your trek back down the mountain trail, taking in the tranquil forest sounds and golden hour views across the valley. Arrive at the base camp and board local jeeps back to the homestay.
07
07:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Campfire, Music & Regional Dinner
Freshen up with hot tea and evening snacks. Gather around a crackling campfire, share trail stories, play music under the starry night sky, and savor a hot, delicious Malnad-style dinner.
08
07:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Day 2: Morning Tea Estate Walk
Wake up to crisp mountain air and enjoy breakfast. Check out from the homestay and take a peaceful walk through the sprawling emerald green tea gardens of Samse Tea Estate.
09
10:30 AM – 01:30 PM
Kalsa Hanging Bridge Visit & River Views
Head to the picturesque Kalsa Hanging Bridge. Take a stroll across the suspension bridge, capture memorable photos over the river valley, and stop at a local restaurant for a self-sponsored lunch.
10
02:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Return Journey to Bangalore
Sit back, relax, and reminisce about your 2-day Western Ghats adventure as we drive back to Bangalore, reaching late evening with hearts full of joy and new Bharat Trotters friendships!
Tickets
Ticket options
Full Tour Package (With Transport)
4499
Per person
Includes round-trip Bangalore transport
Stay
Forest permits
Meals
Guides
Sightseeing
Trip details
Inclusions & exclusions
Included in your trip
What you get
Transportation: Round-trip travel from Bangalore to Chikmagalur and back in a comfortable, sanitized tempo traveler or bus.
Accommodation: 1 Night stay at a cozy homestay (Separate dormitories/rooms for men and women).
Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Packed Lunch (Trek Day), and 1 Hot Local Dinner.
Activities: 12 KM Guided Bavikonda Trek, Samse Tea Estate visit, Kalsa Hanging Bridge visit, and evening campfire (weather permitting).
Permits & Guides: Forest entry permits, local jeep transfers to b
Plan separately
Not included
Sunday Lunch (Self-sponsored at a local dhaba/restaurant on the return journey).
Personal expenses (snacks, packaged drinking water, personal shopping).
Entry fees for any individual non-itinerary attractions or camera fees.
Anything not explicitly mentioned under Inclusions.
Before you go
Pickup & trip preparation
Meeting points
Pickup locations
1Majestic: Shanthala Silks and Sarees – 07:00 PM
2Rajajinagar: Navrang Theatre (Opposite Sagar Hotel Bus Stand) – 07:30 PM
3Mekhri Circle: Mekhri Circle Bus Stop – 09:30 PM
4Yeshwantpur: Yeshwantpur Metro Station – 10:00 PM
Packing checklist
Things to carry
Backpack: A sturdy 20–30L waterproof backpack with a rain cover.
Footwear: Trekking shoes with rubber grip and traction + 1 pair of comfortable slippers for the homestay.
Clothing: 2 pairs of quick-dry trekking pants/t-shirts, lightweight warm jacket/fleece for evening chill, rain poncho/jacket.
Hydration & Snacks: 2 Reusable water bottles (minimum 2 Liters total), energy bars, dry fruits, ORS/electrolytes.
Terms & Conditions↬ Booking Confirmation: Slots are confirmed only upon receipt of advance booking amount. Seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
↬ Property Code of Conduct: Homestay accommodations feature separate arrangements for men and women. Any physical damage to homestay or vehicle property caused by a participant will be billed directly to the individual.
↬ Itinerary Modifications: Bharat Trotters reserves the right to alter the schedule, trail route, or sightseeing spots in the event of adverse weather, unexpected forest department regulations, or landslides.
↬ Liability & Luggage: Participants are solely responsible for their personal gear and valuables. Bharat Trotters is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings during transit or trekking activities.
Cancellation Policy↬ More than 48 Hours Before Departure: Eligible for a refund with a nominal 10% administrative cancellation fee.
↬ 48 Hours or Less / Day of Departure: 100% Non-refundable. No cancellations or date modifications permitted.
↬ On-Ground / Event Day: No refund or credit shell under any circumstances once you reach the destination or if you choose not to participate on the day of the trek.
↬ Force Majeure: In the event of trip cancellation by Bharat Trotters due to natural calamities, extreme weather, or government bans, a full credit shell will be issued for future travel dates.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
A: Yes! The Bavikonda Trek is rated Easy to Moderate. The trail has gentle grass slopes and well-defined paths, making it ideal for first-time trekkers with basic physical fitness.
A: The total trek covers approximately 12 kilometers (round-trip, including ascent and descent) and reaches a peak altitude of 4,645 feet above sea level.
A: Bavikonda is located in the Mudigere/Samse region of Chikmagalur district, approximately 320 km from Bangalore (around 7–8 hours of road travel).
A: Yes, monsoon and post-monsoon (June to February) are the best seasons. The hills turn bright emerald green, small streams flow across the trails, and fog creates a romantic, cool climate.
A: Yes, Bharat Trotters provides clean and comfortable homestay accommodations with strictly separate rooms/dormitories for male and female travelers.
A: We serve freshly cooked, authentic local Malnad vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals (Breakfasts, packed lunch on trek day, and dinner on Saturday night).
Route
Location
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