MAKALI DURGA TREK -2022

Hi Friends, 

This is second venture of our SplCABGang Trek outing in the month of September 2022.

Left Bangalore towards DBPura- in four vehicles- reached common point at DCross, had small Breakfast in Samruddi Garden  

and moved  towards Ghati Subramanya Temple,  had a darshan of Lord Kartikeya along with Narasimhaswamy  as we went early in the morning no rush were there for darshan- we had as Special Darshan over there

Ghati Subramanya  is a Hindu temple, situated on the outskirts of Bangalore near Tubagere, Doddaballapura, Karnataka, India. It is 60 km from the city and is a popular pilgrimage centre. The uniqueness of this temple is that the prime deity Lord Karthikeya, is found together with Lord Narasimha. According to mythology, both idols are believed to have emerged from the earth. It is also an important centre in South India for worship of the Hindu deity Kethu. Special rituals are performed during Brahmarathotsava, i.e., on the day of Pushya shudda Shashti. Narasimha Jayanti is the other major festival celebrated here.

Bangalore to Doddaballapura : 44km : can be reached by KSRTC or BMTC’s. or Private Vehicles

Doddaballapura to Ghati Subramanya: 16km : KSRTC or private carriages.

after having Darshan at Ghati we  left towards  our staying place in TapasiHalli (owned by Sri Kishore- kind heartened Guy-Special Thanks to Sri Honnalingappa Ji ) and  having some light Tea we started Trek to Makali Durga Trekking Starring Point Crossing Railway Lane-

Info about Makalidurga

Makalidurga is a hill fort situated near the village of the same name. It is 60 km north of Bangalore and 10 km after Doddaballapura on the way to Gauribidanur. The fort at the summit has an old temple of Shiva with Nandi and in legend Markandeya Rishi performed penance here.

Makalidurga Fort stands at the top of a huge granite hillock, huddled up amidst the chains of hills, formed like a valley close to Ghati Subramanya, a well-known pilgrimage center. It has a fort on top, at a height of 1,117 m.

It has become one of the trekking destination for adventurers. Many people go for night trek to this place.

The Makalidurga trek is the nearest railway trek to Bangalore. It begins with a 2-km walk on the railway track from the station of Makalidurga. One can also ride bikes to the beginning of the trekking trail as well. A lot of refreshments is advised to be carried in case one wants to trek this hillock.

Makalidurga trek is of a medium/difficult level. The total trek route is 4 km in length, which should take approximately 3 hours to complete. There is a parking space created for vehicles in the base of the hill. One has to just cross the railway track and turn left. There is a small temple and some houses at the base of the trek. It is where the trek starts. The trek is managed by Karnataka Tourism department and one needs to make a prior booking on their official website myecotrip.com, which charges a sum of ₹250 Indian rupees per adult. 

Karnataka Tourism provides a guide and local support for the charge. There is a public notice by Karnataka Forest Department as follows: "Makali hills comes under Makali Reserve Forest. This place is under the supervision of Doddaballapur forest department. Illegal trekking is prohibited, which is an offence under Section 24(C)II of Karnataka Forest Act-1963. Strictly illegal trekking is restricted. But on the public and trekkers demand, department provided the facility for trekking through online booking in website www.myecotrip.com. Night trekking not allowed. Morning 0600am to 0500pm only." Also, after a few meters, one can find an open ground with a view of the mountain. Turning right, would lead one to the trek path with markings all around. There are fort ruins and a temple at the top. 

Attractions : Trek, Greenery
Season            : January to December
Weather : Summer (25 to 30°C), Winter (15 to 25°C), Rainy (20 to 25°C)

How to reach Makalidurga-Nearest Bus station
Nearest bus station is Doddaballapura which is 10 km away.

Nearest Railway Station-Makalidurga has a railway station.

Nearest Airport-Nearest airport is Bengaluru.

How to reach Makalidurga from Bangalore

Car / Taxi

Bengaluru to Makalidurga distance is 58 km via State Highway 9. From Bengaluru, connect to Bellary road / Ramana Maharshi road. Drive from State Highway 9 to Melinajuganahalli. Drive along this road for around 50 km. Take left to reach Makalidurga.

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I Thank Sri Kishore for a wonderful Hospitality at Tapasihalli- No words to say about Sri Kishore, What an amazing person you are! You showed to us so much love and kindness even when you didn’t know us except Sri Honnalingappa. God bless you for your hospitality. A simple thank you is nowhere near enough to show us our  appreciation and express our deepest gratitude for your hospitality.

It was great visiting. You were so kind and I just want to let you know We cherish it. You are a true friend. Thank you. We can never repay you for the kindness shown me, but you took yours to a whole new level. May God never stop rewarding you for being so kind to us.

God bless you abundantly Sri KishoreJi and this event is well  organised - executed by Sri HonnalingappaJi a great Special Thanks to him also on this occasion

Thanks to One and All of SplCABGang Members