Escape the urban hustle of Bangalore and step into an ethereal world above the clouds with the Skandagiri Sunrise Trek, curated by Bharat Trotters. Located in the Chikkaballapur district roughly 65 km from Bangalore, Skandagiri (also known locally as Kalavara Durga) stands tall at an altitude of approximately 1,450 meters (4,757 feet).
This popular 8-km round-trip night trek takes adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers through scenic, rocky terrain under a blanket of stars. As you reach the summit before dawn, you will be greeted by a mesmerising, uninterrupted panoramic view of the sun rising over an endless sea of clouds, surrounding hill ranges, and the historic ruins of an 18th-century fort built by Tipu Sultan. Whether you are a beginner looking for your first weekend trek or a seasoned explorer seeking a quick getaway, Bharat Trotters ensures a seamless, safe, and unforgettable outdoor adventure with expert trek leads and hassle-free permits.
Quick overview
Trip essentials
Tour TypeSunrise Trek
LocationChikkaballapur Karnataka
Distance8-km
Highlights
What makes this trip special
Mesmerising Sunrise Above the Cloud Bed: Experience the breathtaking sight of morning light piercing through a thick blanket of clouds at 4,757 feet.
Thrilling Midnight Trekking Trail: An invigorating 8 km round-trip night hike through rocky terrain, lush vegetation, and scenic forest paths.
Historical Fort Ruins & Summit Temple: Explore the ancient ruins of Tipu Sultan’s hilltop fort and visit the sacred hilltop Lord Shiva temple.
Beginner-Friendly Weekend Escape: Ideally suited for beginners, solo travellers, college groups, and corporate squads looking for a 1-day adventure near Bangalore.
Hassle-Free Guided Experience: Complete support with pre-arranged Karnataka Forest Department entry permits and expert Bharat Trotters trek leads.
Please note
Important notes
Date Selection: Since departures start late Friday or Saturday night for Saturday/Sunday morning sunrises, please select the Friday date on the calendar for a Saturday sunrise, or Saturday date for a Sunday sunrise.
WhatsApp Group Activation: A dedicated WhatsApp group will be created by Bharat Trotters between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM on the day of departure with vehicle details, driver contacts, and exact pickup timings
Vehicle Allocation: Vehicles are assigned based on group size (10–11 travelers: 12-seater Tempo Traveller; 20 travelers: Mini Bus; 30+ travelers: Large Bus).
Permit Timings: The trek start time depends on when forest department authorities grant clearance at the checkpoint.
Plan
Itinerary
5 steps
01
11:30 PM – 01:35 AM
Day 0: Late Night Pick-up from Bangalore
Board our comfortable Non-AC vehicle from your designated pick-up location in Bangalore. Meet your fellow Bharat Trotters adventurers and trek coordinators as we head towards Chikkaballapur.
02
04:00 AM – 04:30 AM
Day 1: Arrival & Night Hike Start
Reach the Skandagiri base point at Papagni Mutt, Kalavara Village. Briefing by the trek lead, forest permit verification, gear check, and start ascending the hill under the cool night sky.
03
06:00 AM – 07:30 AM
Day 1: Reach Peak & Golden Hour Sunrise
Reach the summit. Relax, unwind, and witness a mesmerising sunrise as morning light illuminates the surrounding valleys and sea of clouds. Capture scenic photos at the summit and explore the historic Tipu Sultan fort ruins and temple.
04
07:30 AM – 09:30 AM
Day 1: Descent to Base Point
Begin your downhill journey back to the base camp, taking in the morning mountain scenery and lush landscapes that were hidden in the dark during the ascent.
05
09:50 AM – 01:30 PM
Day 1: Breakfast Stop & Return Journey
Board the vehicle and stop at a nearby restaurant to freshen up and enjoy a satisfying breakfast (self-sponsored). Relax during your comfortable drive back to Bangalore with cherished trek memories.
Tickets
Ticket options
Base Package (Without Transport)
149
Per person
Trek leadership
Permissions
First-aid
Base for self-drive participants
Standard Package (Round-Trip Shared Non-AC Travel)
649
Per person
Round-trip transport from Bangalor
Trek guide
Entry fee
First-aid
Trek leadership
Private / Corporate Group Package
8499
Group of 12 members
Non/AC Transport
Trek Entry Fees
Trek Leader
Team Building Activities
First Aid Support
Trek Certificate
Mineral Water
GST Invoice (for corporate reimbursement)
Trip details
Inclusions & exclusions
Included in your trip
What you get
Official Karnataka Forest Department Trekking Permits.
Round-trip Non-AC Transportation from Bangalore (For "With Transport" package).
Certified and experienced Trek Leads / Guides from Bharat Trotters.
First-aid assistance during the trek.
Plan separately
Not included
Any meals, breakfast, tea, or personal refreshments (Self-sponsored).
Personal expenses (water bottles, snacks, personal gear).
Any kind of personal travel or medical insurance.
Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "Inclusions" section.
Before you go
Pickup & trip preparation
Meeting points
Pickup locations
111:30 PM: RR Nagar – Gopalan Arcade, Mysore Road
212:00 AM: Banashankari TTMC – Bus Stop
312:20 AM: BTM Udupi Garden Signal
412:40 AM: Silk Board Bus Stop
501:00 AM: Bellandur Centro Mall
601:15 AM: Marathahalli (In front of Kalamandir)
701:35 AM: Tin Factory (HP Petrol Bunk)
804:00 AM: Skandagiri Trek Base Point (For Own Transport Guests)
Packing checklist
Things to carry
Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip (Mandatory).
Backpack: Light & durable 20–30L backpack to carry your essentials.
Clothing: Layered warm clothes/jacket or sweater (it gets cold at the summit before sunrise).
Lighting: Headlamp or torch with fresh batteries (Mobile flashlight as backup).
Hydration & Food: At least 2 litres of water, energy bars, dry fruits, and light snacks.
ID Proof: Original or clear soft copy of Government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar, Driving License, Pass
Policy
Booking and cancellation
Terms & Conditions↬ Minimum Group Size: A minimum of 10–12 participants is required to organize the trip. If slots are not filled, Bharat Trotters reserves the right to offer an alternative trek or reschedule/refund.
↬ Age Eligibility: Participants must be 10 years of age or older with a basic level of physical fitness.
↬ No Alcohol / Smoking Policy: Consuming alcohol, smoking, or carrying intoxicants outdoors or during the trek is strictly prohibited. Violators will be terminated immediately without a refund.
↬ Cleanliness & Littering: Bharat Trotters strictly adheres to a "Leave No Trace" policy. Littering plastic or waste along the forest trail will attract heavy fines.
↬ Luggage & Belongings: Participants are responsible for their personal belongings, valuables, and electronics. Bharat Trotters is not liable for lost or damaged goods.
↬ Force Majeure & Schedule Changes: Weather conditions or sudden government/forest department advisories may lead to itinerary adjustments or cancellations.
Cancellation Policy↬ 15 to 30 Days Before Departure: 50% of the total tour cost will be deducted as a cancellation fee.
↬ 0 to 15 Days Before Departure: 100% cancellation fee applies (No refund provided).
↬ Unforeseen Cancellations: In cases of severe weather, natural disasters, or government restriction cancellations, Bharat Trotters will attempt to offer an alternate feasible trip or credit voucher.
↬ Refund Timeline: Approved refunds will be processed and credited to the original source account within 5–7 working days.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Skandagiri (Kalavara Durga) is located near Chikkaballapur in Karnataka, approximately 62–68 km from central Bangalore.
No, on-spot registrations are strictly forbidden by the Karnataka Forest Department. Pre-booking online through authorized operators like Bharat Trotters is mandatory to secure entry permits.
The trek is rated as Moderate. It involves an 8 km round-trip hike with steep, rocky terrain that requires a basic level of stamina and good trekking footwear.
It typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours to ascend to the summit and 1.5 to 2 hours to descend back to the base camp.
No, there are no commercial stalls or restroom facilities along the trekking trail. Basic facilities and food options are available near the base village before and after the trek.
No, flying drones is strictly prohibited by forest department regulations without prior written permission from government authorities.
The autumn and winter months from October to February offer the best weather conditions with crisp morning air and thick cloud beds at the peak.
Yes, absolutely! The trek is guided by professional Bharat Trotters trek leads who ensure a safe, inclusive, and well-managed group environment throughout the journey.
Route
Location
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