Here Are 5 Treks Around Bangalore For Your Next Weekend Adventure

Being labelled as the most dynamic city in the world by the World Economic Forum is a heady tag for a city that has witnessed revolutionary changes in the past decade or so. Bangalore has certainly exceed growth and financial expectations set before it but that definitely came at a cost. The city’s infrastructure is already stretched beyond limits , not being able to cater to the massive influx of everyday traffic and is slowly deteriorating, taking the impeccably pleasant climate that attracted the Britishers eons ago, along with it. The cost of development one may say, has been eroding the fantastic green cover and enviable weather that was once a hallmark of this modern Metropolis.

However, those who wish to take a break from the humdrum of daily routine and just for a whiff of fresh air will probably be the happiest to explore the many nature-trails and escapes that are on offer just a few hours away. Here’s a look at 5 of the best trekking spots that aren’t that far away and as picturesque as words can describe.

Dig in!

I. Kumara Parvatha (Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary)

The Pushpagiri Wildlife sanctuary is one out of twenty-one wildlife sanctuaries that the state boasts of and is located in Somwarpet ( Kodagu - Coorg ) and was recently proposed to the united nations by the Indian government to be identified as a World Heritage Site. Apart from playing host to magnificent flora and fauna the habitat also houses one of Karnataka’s highest peaks called the “Kumara Parvatha” .

The hillock is at a height of 1,712 m and is the tallest in the sanctuary. One can trek up the peak in about a day’s time as it is a thirteen kilometre stretch. It begins at the sacred kukke subramanya hamlet which can be reached by an overnight bus journey. An arduous trek , preparation is key. Also , local permission from the forest department also needs to be taken care of.

Approximate cost of the trek - INR 3,000 /-
Distance from Bangalore - 280 Km.
Best months to trek - October to April

II. Kudremukh

Kudremukh is a mountain range and name of a peak located in Chikkamagaluru district, an area that receives one of the highest amounts of rainfall in the state. An erstwhile mining town , the hill station derives its name from the striking resemblance it shares with the shape of a horse’s face.

The Kudremukh peak is the third highest in the state of Karnataka and can be accessed using multiple transportation options. The nearest airport is the Mangalore Airport , which is situated about ninety-nine kilometres away. The starting point of the trek will be a tiny village called ‘Mullodi’ which is moderate walk from the main road as there is no transportation available. However, a few homestays are located here and this serves as an ideal base-camp. The total trekking distance is about ten kilometres and would require permission from the local forest authorities.

Approximate cost of the trek : INR 3,500 /-
Distance from Bangalore : 332 KM
Best months to trek : November - December

III. Brahmagiri

A mythical and sacred mountain range, Brahmagiri is sandwiched between the western ghats of Karnataka and the Wayand forests of Kerala. The area is well forested and has a huge green canopy cover. It is believed that Lord Brahma himself once set foot on these lands and constructed an ancient temple known as the ‘Dakshina Kasi’.

The hills of Brahmagiri can be reached by via a hike from the Irupu falls that is located in the kodagu district and is about a nine kilometre trek at best. As is the norm in protected areas one must seek access from the local forest officer at Srimangala. The range is very close to the Nagarhole forest reserve and one can see a smattering of wildlife such as Bisons, Sambar, Elephants, Deers , Cheetahs and maybe even Tigers ( if you are very lucky ) .

Approximate cost of the trek : INR 3,500 - 4,000 /-
Distance from Bangalore : 260 Km
Best months to Trek : October - March

IV. Tadiyandamol

Another little known trek is the Tadiyandamol trail which takes you to the highest peak of the Kodagu district and the fourth highest in the state. The route meanders through patches of the shola forests and also houses the historically significant ‘Nalaknad Palace’ which was one of four landmarks to be mapped during the Great trigonometrical survey.

The journey to the top is an extremely beautiful trip and is of interest to adventurists as well as naturalists. The trek can be completed in a day both ways , with the only downer being that camping has been banned.It is a relatively short trek and covers a distance of four kilometres only and begins at Kakkabe. Also, permission from local authorities isn’t required.

Approximate cost of the trek : 3,000 /-
Distance from Bangalore : 260 Km
Best months to Trek : October - March

V. Bandaje Falls

One of the most pleasing , scenic and dangerous treks is the Bandaje falls trail which is located in a remote area of the western ghats. The falls are due to a tributary of the Netravathi river and are gorgeous by themselves as the water descends from a height of two hundred feet. The trek however has gained notoriety for often having people lost for hours along the route.

The falls can be reached via the town of Ujire and is located at a distance of about twenty - five kilometres away. From Ujire, one must continue to another village located at the foothills called kadirudyavara. One of the most guarded routes, approval and authorization is needed from from Belthangady wildlife range office and it is mandatory to have an accompanying guide without whom the trek is forbidden.

Approximate cost of the trek : 3,000 /-
Distance from Bangalore : 310 Km
Best months to Trek : November - March