Bangalore is a haven for day treks and day trips. To break the monotony of the our mundane life, we the city people flock to these destinations on the outskirts of Bangalore.
Among all options, Nandi Hills is perhaps the most popular day trip from Bangalore for it's stunning sunrise, misty mornings and unending vistas. But what most people don't know, is that Nandi Durg (Fort) located in Nandi Hills is just one of the Navadurgas or 9 Hill Forts around Bangalore, located within 100 km radius of the city.
All these hill forts made by the erstwhile rulers at strategic locations, lie in ruins today, but they serve as great hiking locations with gorgeous views from the top.
Nandi Durga(Fort) built on top of Nandi Hills, is one of the most popular getaways from Bangalore. While there is a motorable road to the top, a trek to the top definitely adds to the thrill. Nandi Hills is most famous for its sunrise, where a carpet of clouds surrounds your sight. The fort here is said to be built during the reign of Tipu Sultan. There's a temple on the hill top as well.
Place: Chikballapur District
Distance from Bangalore: Approx. 60 km
Trek Level: Easy
Entry Fee: Yes
Other Places to Visit Nearby: 9th Century Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Muddenahalli (Birthplace of Shri M. Vishveswaraya)
Savanadurga is famous as the largest monolith in Asia. It's name in Kannada (Savina-Durga) translates to the fort of death. It is made of 2 hills- Karigudda(Black Hill) and Billigudda(White Hill). There are no paved steps, and some remains of the fort can be seen en-route. However, the view from the top, especially that of Nandi Hills from a distance, is memorable.
Place: Off Magadi Road
Distance from Bangalore: Approx. 50 km
Trek Level: Difficult
Entry Fee: No
Other Places to Visit Nearby: Manchanbele Dam, 2 Temples at the foothills- Savandi Veerabhadraswamy temple and Sree Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy temple dating back to 1340 AD(Hoysala Rule)
Devarayanadurga, popularly known as DD Hills, literally translates to 'The Fort of God'. There is not much trekking to do here. There's a motorable road that goes to the Yoga Narasimha Temple. Alight the stairs to reach the temple top. Soak in the views from the view point beyond the Yoga Narasimha Temple.
Place: Tumkur District
Distance from Bangalore: Approx. 70 km
Trek Level: Easy/ Not Applicable
Entry Fee: Yes
Other Places to Visit Nearby: Yoga Narasimha Temple, Bhoga Narasimha Temple, Devarayanadurga Lake, Namada Chilume
Channarayanadurga was a medieval 7 storied fort, which was originally built by a feudal lord from Madhugiri. False doors leading you to the wrong side of the fort, a reservoir to store water throughout the year and ancient hallways, make the trek really interesting, and a bit spooky as well. From the top, one can even see Asia's second largest monolith of Madhugiri.
Place: Tumkur District
Distance from Bangalore: Approx. 100 km
Trek Level: Moderate
Entry Fee: No
Other Places to Visit Nearby: Madhugiri fort(Trek), Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve, Siddara Betta(religious trek)
Huthridurga or Uttari Betta is a hill fort built by Kempegowda-I, believed to be the founder of modern day Bangalore. The seven storied fort offers 10-12 gates, and takes the trekker through the SHankar Eshwara Temple, a cave, open grasslands, and further to the rock structure on top, where a mesmerizing view of Savanadurga hill awaits.
Place: Tumkur District
Distance from Bangalore: Approx. 75 km
Trek Level: Easy
Trek Length: 2 km one way
Entry Fee: No
Other Places to Visit Nearby: Aadi Narayanaswamy and Veerabhadra temples situated in the village.
Kabbaladurga peak is home to the Goddess Kabbalamma and the ruined Kabbaladurga fort. It is a great starting trek for amateur trekkers. The view of the surrounding villages from the top is simply stunning. It is also famous for night/sunrise treks.
Place: Near Kanakpura
Distance from Bangalore: Approx. 75 km
Trek Level: Easy
Trek Length: 3 km one way
Entry Fee: No
Other Places to Visit Nearby: Gaviranganabetta(night trek), Yadamaranahalli lake
Makalidurga trek can be started from Railway Station as its base (adding 2km to the trek) or from the temple devoted to Muthurayaswamy. It is believed that Markandeya Rishi performed penance here. The trek affords a beautiful view of the Gundamagere lake shaped like the South American continent. Special permission is required to trek here as it falls in a reserve area.
Place: Near Doddaballapur
Distance from Bangalore: Approx. 60 km
Trek Level: Moderate
Trek Length: 3 km one way
Entry Fee: Yes
Other Places to Visit Nearby: Ghati Subramanya Temple
Huliyurdurga translates to 'Fort of the Tiger', and the hillock appears to be in the shape of an inverted cup. The fort, which is said to be built by Kempegowda stands in complete ruins, and access to the fort is not easy. It offers stunning views of the villages below.
Place: Tumkur District
Distance from Bangalore: Approx. 95 km
Trek Level: Moderate
Trek Length: 3 km total
Entry Fee: No
Other Places to Visit Nearby: Hemagiri hill(Trek)
This fort was built by Kempegowda in the 17th Century AD. Not much of the fort remains today. However, trekking up to the top, with superb views of the surroundings, is a thrilling experience in itself. This trail is the trickiest of all Navadurgas, and it is advised only if you are an experienced trekker.
Place: Magadi
Distance from Bangalore: Approx. 60 km
Trek Level: Moderate
Trek Length: 3 km total
Entry Fee: No
Some general points to keep in mind during the above treks:
1. Try to avoid monsoon, since the rocks tend to become slippery.
2. Start the trek early in the day, since the temperature becomes hot during the afternoon.
3. Carry food and water with you, as some of these places may not have much facility for food.
So, break the monotony by trekking up one of these 'Navadurgas', and feel yourself to be a part of history!