Skandagiri Trek

Skandagiri Trek has been one of the most controversial trekking places of Bangalore. 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. Skandagiri hills stands tall at an altitude of about 1450 meters. It is also known as Kalavara Durga. It has an ancient fort which belonged to a local king and was later conquered by Tippu Sultan.

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. Locals say that there are pythons in the caves and have galloped their goats at times. Supposedly, there are 6 Samadhi in that cave.