Hills & treks · Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka
Skandagiri (Kalavara Durga)
A regulated sunrise trek to a ruined hill fort, popular for wide views and occasional cloud inversions. The summit is earned on foot.
A two-wheeler guide from Bangalore (Bengaluru). Distance is approximate from central Bengaluru.
Find the place
Open the destination pin in Google Maps. On mobile, select Two-wheeler directions where available, then check the route against local signs.
Open Google Maps ↗
Ride plan
How to get there
Ride north on NH 44 towards Chikkaballapur, then follow signs to Kalavara village and Papagni Mutt, the trek starting point.
Ride time is an estimate from central Bengaluru. Check live traffic, road closures, fuel stops and two-wheeler restrictions before departure.
Entry, permits & hours
Forest pass: required; book the official slot
A forest booking is required. Use the Karnataka Forest Department’s Aranya Vihaara portal. Current rules (from 15 July 2026): book 1–30 days ahead, report at least 10 minutes before your slot, and bring the original ID used to book. Cancellation 8 or more days before the trek refunds 50%; cancellations within 7 days (including day 7) are non-refundable. Check trek-specific slots and rules before paying.
Open official access information ↗Research checked October 2026. Government pages and on-site directions take precedence; confirm same-day closures and permit slots before travelling.
Season & timing
When to go
October–March; cloud inversions are weather-dependent, not guaranteed. Check the official slot calendar before planning a sunrise ride.
Why make the ride
What to see and do
- Historic hill-fort remains
- Forested trail and rocky ridgeline
- About 8 km round trip in official trek information
Before you leave
What to carry
- Booking confirmation and the original ID used to book
- Headlamp, water and a warm layer
- Trekking shoes with grip and light snacks
Stay safe and leave no trace
A few things to know
- Do not trek without a valid slot or outside the permitted time.
- Follow forest staff instructions and stay with the marked group/trail.
- Avoid the exposed ridge in storms or poor visibility.
Official references