Lace-up those trekking shoes and head out to Makalidurga for a day-long adventure. Scenic views and a slice of history await you at the top. Sitting just outside the district of Doddaballapura, Makalidurga is just a short drive from the city. It is located about 60 kilometers from the city and 10 kilometers from Doddaballapura. It’s perfect for a one-day getaway from Bangalore and gives you a chance to work on those glutes! Follow Google Maps blindly (for once!) and it will lead you right to the base of the hill where a railway track runs through. That’s basically the starting point of your trek.
Trekkers who have been here will tell you that there are two ways to conquer Makalidurga. There’s a shorter but trickier route and the longer, easier one. If you are in reasonably good shape, we recommend the shorter one. Even though it can pose a few challenges, you can navigate them with a little help and a trekking stick. The longer one, though easier, is quite a distance from the parking lot. And when you are getting back, you may not be prepared for the long walk.
At the summit, there’s plenty to gape at. You can look out to vast fields, homes that look like miniature matchboxes, and endless stretches of green. There’s also a sparkling lake below (if you want to stop by here on the way down, take the longer route). The hill, itself, offers ruins of a fort and a temple. Of course, the sunsets and sunrises here are breathtaking. But do remember to carry plenty of water and snacks if you are planning to spend a few hours here.
