- District
- Chikkaballapur
- Base
- Kalavara
- Distance
- 8 km
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Altitude
- 1450 m
- Permit
- Required
Skandagiri Trek Overview
Skandagiri, also known as Kalavara Durga, is a historic hill fort located about 60 km from Bengaluru. It is highly celebrated for its managed pre-dawn/night trekking experience that lets adventurers witness a glorious sunrise over a sea of mist.
The trek starts from the Papagni Mutt at the base village. The path goes over broken stone steps, rocky terrains, and dense shrub forest. The final stretch scales the ancient stone walls of Tipu Sultan's ruined fortress to reach the wide flat peak.
Highlights
- Sunrise above spectacular cloud beds
- Tipu Sultan fort ruins
- Night trekking experience
Things to Carry
- Printed permit copy
- Government ID
- Torch or headlamp
- Warm jacket
Permit Information
Permit: Required
Authority: Karnataka Eco-Tourism Board
Booking: https://aranyavihaara.karnataka.gov.in
Notes: Night slots sell out very quickly. Strict checkpost security at the base.
Entry Fees and Timings
Adult fee: 500
Currency: INR
Reporting: 03:30 AM
Last entry: 04:30 AM
Guidelines
mandatory
Valid Ticket
No on-spot tickets are issued. Carry a digital or printed booking copy.
Safety Notes
medium
Low Visibility Dark Trek
Ensure you use a torch during the initial hours to prevent tripping over rocks.
FAQs
Are there daytime slots?
Yes, daytime slots are also available on the official portal, but sunrise slots are the most popular.
Sources
- Karnataka Eco-Tourism Portal
Verified: permit_required, entry_fee_details, timings · Retrieved 2026-07-19
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