Long Weekends

Kalwarbetta (Skandagiri), 68 Kms from Bangalore is one the hill forts amongst the Nandi Hill ranges. The dilapidated walls of Tipu's fort can be found today on steep Kalwarbetta (Skandagiri), near the village of Kalwara. History says this was a small but strong hill fort. It surrendered to British troops on 19 October 1791. It remained in British hands until the peace treaty of 1792, which concluded of the third Anglo-Mysore war.  This is a tedious trek as the hill is precipitous and high. The trek starts from the Papagni Temple at the foothills of Kalwara village. The fortress of Kalwarbetta is in full sight throughout the walk uphill. This steep and fantastic trek through a maze of dense shrub is highly intriguing. Kalwarbetta is a teaser. Just as you reach the fort wall contended that you have topped the hill, you see another ring of fort. No sooner you reach there; you will find another majestic fort wall waiting to be conquered. There are six such series of stonewalls protecting an abandoned temple on the hilltop.  There are 2 caves, one starts from the base and as per locals, leads to the temple at peak and another one is somewhere midway which is about 30 feet only. Both are yet unexplored, especially the first one. Local say that there are pythons in the caves and had galloped their goats at times. Supposedly, there are 6 Samadhi in that cave. Note: Kindly try to make your bookings 5 days before the departure. Registrations for Skandagiri trek might be closed in advance depending on the permission availability from the Forest Department.  Difficulty level : Difficult Trek Length : 8 Kms in total (Two way) Altitude : 1434 Meter Distance from Bangalore : 70 Kms  Minimum Age : 8 Years  Weather : 18 to 24 Degrees (March to June) Few important points to note before you decide to register:Click Here read more read less

The beauty of Kodachadri trek located in the middle of Mookambika National Park has existed since time immemorial. The hill get it name from a flowering plant and is also called “Jasmine of the hills”. It is a scenic peak with dense forest cover all around it. With an altitude of 1,343m above sea level it is the 10th tallest peak in Karnataka.  At about 8 AM after freshening up, and a quick breakfast at our homestay, we will proceed to the trailhead, a quarter kilometer drive away. A quick introduction and briefing and then we enter the Jeep trail that ferries pilgrims to the temple up on the mountain. About a kilometer and a half later we deviate off the jeep trail and cross a stream to enter into the jungle (Expect leeches in the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons). The trails from here on are not very clear and it is easy to lose our way if we don't remain in one group. This stretch is about 2 kilometers long and passes through thick jungle. We’ll be crossing many small streams on the way. The creatures of the forest give us occasional appearance on the trek to the waterfall. Twenty minutes of scrambling and stumbling up the path after which the trail opens up into an open field with a couple of huts and agricultural land (the last signs of civilization until we hit the peak).  Soon after the clearing we start for the falls, that is about  another 20 mins climb. The trek gets tougher as you’ll be climbing on sharp and slippery rocks on the way. Once you get past it be sure to take a dip at the waterfalls.  Soon after resting and having fun at the falls we continue on the jungle trail to the right. After 30 mins of trekking in the same jungle terrain the path opens up to the grasslands of Kodachadri. The high winds up there don’t allow for a lot of vegetation. But beware this part is very steep with the incline being close to 60 degrees at certain points.Here on, the trail overlooks panoramic views and winds up and over a couple of hills. About 45 minutes later, the trail merges with the jeep trail. We regroup here and proceed to Kodachadri peak which is a 5 minute walk away from there. We will rest and have our packed lunch on the peak, after which we start heading back to the base. Being easier on the knees and easy to navigate when we begin losing light in the evening, the Jeep trail is ideal for reaching back to the base. A 3 hour hike along the trail and we are back to the base camp for a well deserved dinner and sleep. We freshen-up, have breakfast and leave our base-camp by 8 AM and proceed to the Bidanur fort built by Shivappa Naik 30 kilometers away. The fort belonged to the Keladi dynasty of 17th century and gives a complete view of the landscape in all directions. We will spend an hour here and then proceed towards Bangalore only stopping for lunch (self-sponsored). Difficulty level Moderate to Difficult Approx Temperature 30 degree Accommodation type Dormitories: Ideally big room where people sleep in sleeping bags provided by us. There will be separate rooms for girls and guys. Washrooms Toilets Only at Base Camp. Hotwater etc, as Per Availability. Food Basic Veg Meals (2 Breakfasts, Evening Tea Snacks, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner) Transport Non A/C. Depending on number of participants it can be Tavera/Qualis, Tempo Traveller, MiniBus, Bus, others. Distance from Bangalore 380 kms (one way) Total trekking distance 20 - 22 kms approx. Attraction Beautiful landscape, Hidlumane Waterfall.   For a bulk booking discount, call 9902027262. Few important points to note before you decide to register:Click Here read more read less

About Place: Ballalrayanadurga is a concealed fort on top of a dense forest in the Western Ghats which stands with shattered walls as a distant reminder of its past when it was built in 12th century by Hoysala Empire. Situated at the height of 5000 feet, the whole valley glitters with natural colors during sunsets and makes an ideal place for trekking and camping with mesmerizing views around. The immersed greenery attracts trekkers at all times of the year. Apart from its historical significance the Ballalarayana Durga fort is also famous as a trekking destination. The most frequented trek route is the one that starts at Mundaje and takes one to the Bandaje Arbi before proceeding to the ruined fort. The trek to the fort is a difficult one and presents quite a few challenges to the trekker. Difficulty level : Moderate to Difficult Trek Length : 15 Kms in total (Two way) Distance from Bangalore : 290 Kms (One Way)  Minimum Age : 8 Years  Weather : 20 to 27 Degrees (March to June) Attraction : Beautiful Landscape Transport : Non AC Private Coach Food : Veg Food Washrooms : Only at Base Camp Accommodation Type : Dorms separate for Male & Female For a bulk booking discount, call 9902027262. Few important points to note before you decide to register:Click Here read more read less

Dudhsagar Trek - A Four tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in the Indian state of Goa on Goa's border with Karnataka. The waterfall is located in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wild Life Sanctuary at Collem in South Goa in the western ghats. is one of the world's most exquisite falls. It lies high up in the Mandovi River's watershed and so are not particularly spectacular during the dry season. During the monsoon season however, the falls are transformed into one of the most powerful falls in India. Dudhsagar Falls is listed as India's fifth tallest waterfall and is 227th in the world at 310 m.[1] The water plummets hundreds of metres (over a thousand feet) in large volumes during the rainy monsoon season, forming one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Goa. It is a major part of the Goa ecosystem. It is a four-tiered waterfall with a total height of 310 metres (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 metres (100 feet). The area is surrounded by a deciduous forest and many species of birds, insects, plants and animal abound here. IMPORTANT NOTE:   Participants are not allowed to carry any liquor purchased from Goa to Karnataka. There are chance of (1-2 hours) delay  in Arrival at Bangalore on Sunday night. Carry a raincoat. The weather is volatile and can change drastically on short notice. Torch is mandatory. Pack light. Carry only what is necessary. read more read less

The Kudremukh trek is every orophile's dream. Kudremukh trek is through steep hills and valleys. The hills, which bear the brunt of the severe monsoon wind, preclude any tree growth as a result the landscape is covered with grass. The valleys which are tucked in, have reasonable protection from wind and a deep soil profile, as a result of which stunted evergreen forests exist creating a unique microclimate, rich with mosses, orchids, etc. The whole scenery of grassland interspersed with narrow strips of forests provide a fantastic vista for a trekker. The totally fresh air and the climb up and down invigorates the body and soothes the soul. During the trek, one can view and study several wildlife species of plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, insects, etc. About Kudremukh National Park: Kudremukh National Park is spread partly over the thick hilly forests near the coastal plains on the western portion and the shola vegetation on the Western Ghats uplands, covering parts of 3 districts, viz., Chikmagalur, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada. The Kudremukh peak by which the National Park derived its name, is the highest elevation at 1892 meters. Special features of Kudremukh National Park (KNP): KNP is made of steep hills and valleys. The hills, which bear the brunt of the severe monsoon wind, preclude any tree growth as a result the landscape is covered with grass. The valleys which are tucked in, have reasonable protection from wind and a deep soil profile, as a result of which stunted evergreen forests exist creating a unique microclimate, rich with mosses, orchids, etc. The whole scenery of grassland interspersed with narrow strips of forests provide a fantastic vista for a trekker. The totally fresh air and the climb up and down, invigorates the body and soothes the soul. During the trek, one can view and study several wildlife species of plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, insects, etc. Difficulty level : Moderate to Difficult Trek Length : 22 Kms in total (Two way) Altitude : 1894 Meter Distance from Bangalore : 330 Kms (One Way)  Minimum Age : 8 Years  Weather : 28 to 30 Degrees (March to June) Attraction : Beautiful Landscape Transport : Non AC Private Coach Food : Veg Food Washrooms : Only at Base Camp Accommodation Type : Dorms separate for Male & Female For a bulk booking discount, call 9902027262. Few important points to note before you decide to register: Click Here read more read less

Any day in the “Scotland of India- Coorg” is better than a normal day in the city. If you are looking for a getaway that yells beauty, serenity and one of a kind experience then look no more. Tadiandamol Trek stands at a height of 5700ft, located at a distance of 8 km from the town of Kakkabe and approximately 35 km from Madikeri.It is the highest peak in Coorg and is situated in the south-eastern part of Coorg. We reach Coorg at dawn, the fresh aroma of coffee estates that span as far as your eyes can possibly see offer us a warm welcome. After a quick breakfast we start from Nalakanad Palace. the trek route has numerous visual treats for you guys in store. From seeing pretty butterflies, to waterfalls that are of just the right size to enjoy, to jaw dropping views of the valley. Tadiandamol is a MUST for everybody who choose NATURE over Netflix. After about 4kms of walk we reach BIG ROCK that will serve as a point of rest before we continue towards the peak. The path then tests you with gradual increase in the inclination, this where you come across the famous shola jungle. But nature has a trick up her sleeve, we come up to a false peak which deceive many people who end up thinking that this is the peak. The trail thereafter becomes narrow and steep, which makes even a distance of just 300m seem like a lot!  The top is usually covered in low, moving clouds. After spending ample time and enjoying everything that the trek has to offer we have our packed lunch and enjoy the panoramic views, we begin our descent at a slow comfortable pace back to the base. A short drive later we are back at our homestay for tea and snacks, followed by dinner and a blissful night’s rest. Next morning we wake up by 7 AM to freshen up and have breakfast, following which we will continue to the Golden Temple. We begin for Bangalore a little before noon and are likely to reach here by about 9PM in the evening. Overall, Tadiandamol offers enchanting views while at the same time not demanding too much physically (in comparison to treks such as Kumara Parvatha, Mullayanagiri/Bababudangiri, etc.), which makes it the perfect initiation trek for anyone looking to take up trekking seriously. Difficulty level : Moderate Trek Length : 14 Kms in total (Two way) Altitude : 1748 Meter Distance from Bangalore : 260 Kms (One Way)  Minimum Age : 8 Years  Weather : 24 to 28 Degrees (March to June) Attraction : Beautiful Mountains and View Points. Transport : Non AC Private Coach Food : Veg & Non-Veg Food Washrooms : Only at Base Camp Accommodation Type : Dorms separate for Male & Female Few important points to note before you decide to register:Click Here read more read less

About Place: One of the lesser known treks in the Tamil Nadu circuit. We head towards the base where we freshen up and start the trek. First day hike is easy down hill climb from Vattakanal to vellagavi. After trekking for 6kms, we reach Vellagavi, a 50 house village with no road connectivity. They have to visit Vattakanal for selling the fruits and spices which are in abundance. Oranges, Butter Fruit, Papaya, Banana, Guava, Passion Fruit, Jack Fruit are some of the many varieties of fruits available here, which make it a mouthwatering experience. We visit the near by view points after having the lunch & reach back to the campsite for overnight stay.  Day 2 welcomes us with an unforgiving winding path which is continuously steep and equally spooky with the mist. After a tiring 3 hour hike, the warmth of lemon tea in the cold weather of Vattakanal concludes a satisfactory trek. The trek ends at Dolphin Nose in Vattakanal. This trek route is temporarily changed to Vattakanal >> Vellagavi >> Vattakanal. Difficulty level Moderate  Approx Temperature 20/25 degree Accommodation type Tented Accommodation with Sleeping Bags  Washrooms Only at Base Camp (Basic) Food Basic Veg Meals Food Transport Non A/C Private Coach Distance from Bangalore 450 kms (one way) Total trekking distance 14 kms approx. Attraction Forest. Waterfalls. Mountains and View Points. Important Note: Food & stay in this trek are very basic. Participants will have to carry there Bags on this trek while trekking or can leave it in vehicle. Few important points to note before you decide to register:Click Here read more read less

Kotagiri is a hill station in Niligiris District situated at the height of 5,890 feet. Most of the trekking trails are unexplored in this region due to its connectivity to Nilgiri Range which is prohibited to outsiders by forest department. The pleasant weather and fluctuating temperatures add up to the beauty of this place. The trail starts in the tea estates and continues down the valley on the river - path to end at Mettupalayam - Kotagiri junction. The major attractions near Kotagiri include the Catherine Falls, Elk Falls, Doddabetta Peak and the Rangaswami Pillar. Catherine falls is the second highest waterfall in Nilgiri Mountains after Kolakambai Falls. Difficulty level : Easy Trek Length : 12 Kms in total (Two way) Altitude : 1792 Meter Distance from Bangalore : 380 Kms (One Way)  Minimum Age : 7 Years  Weather : 18 to 22 Degrees (March to June) Attraction : Waterfall, Tea Plantations Transport : Non AC Private Coach Food : Veg & Non-Veg Food Washrooms : Only at Base Camp Accommodation Type : Dorms separate for Male & Female Few important points to note before you decide to register:Click Here read more read less

Channarayana Durga is a hill station near Tumkur. It is good place for trekking and rock climbing. The height is of about 1,188 mts. If forts or treasures that have evaded history's books are the kind of thing that make you salivate, then Channarayanadurga is where your next adventure lies. A mere hundred kilometers from the concrete of Bangalore city is the stolid granite of a hill fort that has borne witness to the rise and fall of several empires. Originally built by the lesser known Kings of Madhugiri, it was then passed into the hands of the shrewd Marathas. It became a sure bone of contention between the Marathas and the Mysore Wodeyars, who toyed with Channarayanadurga and passed her back and forth for many long years until the culmination of the Third Mysore War. This, quite possibly, offers basis to the hundreds of attempts made by locals as well as intrigued travelers who aimlessly hunt the hill down for any semblance of treasure that might have also escaped history's victors. Though not a single one of these attempts have met with any luck, their undying enthusiasm will keep them coming back for more.  On the other hand, there are a unique breed of enthusiasts who try their luck at a different feat and also come back, hungering for more - they are trekkers. Now,  channarayanadurga may not have any treasure left in her chest, but the stuff she is made of sure offers just as fulfilling a challenge to any trekker that attempts this trail. By itself, the Channarayanadurga trek can be classified as moderate. The starting point of this trail begins from the quaint village that rolls right up to the foot of the hill. Almost immediately you begin scaling the bare rock face that presents a steep gradient. With absolutely no tree cover to offer you any shade, this part can be rather tiring.   Few important points to note before you decide to register:Click Here read more read less