"So what would you guys like to eat?" asked Gopi, our trek coordinator, whose plan was to have a bonfire and a night picnic at the top of the Makalidurga hill. That sounded exciting, so we all put our thoughts together in a group Wassup chat and made a list. This was my 3rd night trek event, after the Kunti betta and Anthargange caving adventure not so long ago; and I was looking forward to a great night out once more.
Previous blog~ Bilikal betta trek : into elephant 🐘 territory
Tip~ All trek organisers have a strict rule of no alcohol, smoking or drugs of any kind on a trek.
Makalidurga night trek highlights
Trek start point~ Makali village
Trail distance~ 2 to 3 hrs depending
Terrain~ Uphill climb, rocky and interspersed with greenery
Altitude~ 1350 m
Level~ Moderate
Makalidurga night trek highlights (blog) Makalidurga; like HuthriDurga and KabbalaDurga~ is one of the 9 hill forts envisioned by Kempe Gowda I, to protect the city of Bangalore. Located about 60 kms/ 1.50 hrs from Bangalore, Doddaballapur (15 kms away) is easily the most accessible place that can be reached by road and train.
Tip~ Permission is required for the Makalidurga trek. One can register online for permission. The fee is 250 rs, in case you are coming on your own.
Forest department website to register for the trek
How to reach Makalidurga start point
There are two routes to trek Makalidurga.
1) The road route till the Makalidurga parking lot. Refer Google maps, and then climb uphill
2) The usual trekking trail starting from Makalidurga railway 🚂 station -> Muthuraya Swamy temple -> and then climb uphill
Public transport~ From Bangalore's Majestic bus stand there are regular buses to Doddaballapur. Thereafter, one can board any private local bus to Gauribidanur that will drop you off at Makalidurga railway station.
Ttains~ There are also certain trains from Bangalore to Makalidurga railway station. Check IRCTC site for correct timings.
Initial trail for Makalidurga trek
Like most trekking groups, we reached Makkalidurga railway station around 9 pm. "So guys, ready to start your trek?!" said Gopi as we huddled together and started off with the silly introductions. "We will be walking alongside the railway tracks now, so walk carefully." "This is really craZy", I thought to myself as we switched on our flashlights. It was thrilling no doubt, but I kept looking over my shoulders in case a train should pass by.
About 2 kms/ 30 mins later, we reached the village of Makali. Here we stopped by a home which was basically our base camp. After a short break, we each picked a sleeping bag and continued onward. Just then, another group of 4 who had come on their own also joined us. So we all picked up a stick each along the way for the bonfire. What a jolly gang we were!
Tip~ Usually one can engage a local guide at the Makali village near Muthurayaswamy temple. They may charge a small fee, but it's the safest bet incase of a night trek.
Uphill climb to Makkalidurga
The trail made up of boulders, rocks, tuffs of greenery and short trees is much like any other hilly trek around Mysore and Bangalore. Makkalidurga is undoubtedly a strenuous uphill climb, but the cool night breeze offered solace.
Carrying a backpack, sleeping bag, plus a stick and a flashlight was awkward and my gait was so unevenly balanced that it was hard to keep up with the gang. Even our three-legged* friend 🐕 who had followed us as we started the climb, was doing much better than me🥺. At a few tricky sections, where we needed to scramble up, there was as always a local guide to lend a helping hand. We climbed a long way up, until we took our second break and then continued again till the top of the hill. Yeah!!
* three-legged, because the dog may have apparently lost one leg in an accident.
"Surprise, surprise" said Gopi, as we had now reached the top of the hill, and he brought out these sky lanterns. They all looked swell. "Make a wish everyone" he said and so we did before letting them float high up in the sky.
'Make a wish as the sky lanterns float high up in the sky.' Makalidurga night trek, near Bangalore
Camping & bonfire night at the summit
It was almost midnight, and we found a cave to set up the bonfire.
There were chips, sodas, samosas, jam tarts, meat pie and even a chocolate cake from somebody's larder being passed around. Some guys were roasting marshmallows 😋 and potatoes in silver foil. The night was so perfect, on the top of a hill and far away from the busy city,
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A bonfire inside a cave atop Makalidurga
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We played some music, told stories and got some pics together. The dog also seemed to have a thoroughly good time snacking and being fussed over.
When all that was over, we got to a slightly higher ground of more even boulders, where we could snuggle into our sleeping bags. Sleeping on the top of a hill and gazing into the starry sky is at a different level altogether. Few guys however just preferred to chat the night away in a corner.
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A view of Gundamagere Lake from atop Makalidurga hill that resembles the continent of South America
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< Day 2 >
Makalidurga fort exploration
At the break of dawn we woke up to a gentle breeze and chirping of birds as the morning sunlight filtered through slowly. After a quick freshen up, we checked out the small temple dedicated to Makalidurga probably after whom this hill is named. The fort walls look formidable to this day. Few guys were running along the ramparts and having a good time.
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| A view of the railway tracks from atop Makalidurga hill |
The history of Makalidurga
Makalidurga was initially the stronghold of the Vijayanagara rulers. As time passed by and the Vijayanagara empire phased out gradually, the Nayaks took over. Later the Marathas under Shahaji Bhosle (father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) gained control of the fort. Thereafter, Kempe Gowda captured the fort from Shahaji Bhosle, and eventually made it one of the 9 forts to protect the city of Bangalore.
The descent to basecamp
We didn't want to spend any more time here, as many would have liked to get down to basecamp for breakfast and use the restrooms of course.
The hills have some nice greenery, and one can easily smell the fresh air on the descent. Gopi showed us clumps of lemon grass that grew on the slopes. So we all took to plucking a bunch of it as we walked along~ like the spoils of war!
Back at the basecamp for breakfast... Later we walked back to the railway station and back home 🏘️ sweet home!
Hope you enjoyed this blog, friends. Tell me what you think about it, your comments are much appreciated. Bye for now!
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