Embedded Files
No. of days: 1 day (Half day trek actually)
Trek Length & Duration: This is a relatively short, half-day to full-day trek. The ascent to the peak takes approximately 1.5 hours, and the descent can take longer if the path is missed. The entire outing, including travel from Bangalore, is easily manageable within a single day.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. The marked paths are easy, but getting lost on the descent can increase the difficulty and duration.
Route from Bangalore:
Drive: Bangalore > Devanahalli > Bellary Road (NH 44/AH 43) until the deviation to Nandi Hills on the left. Channarayanadurga Junction: At the T-junction intersection near Nandi Hills, take a right towards Sultanpet.
Trail/Waypoints:
Route 1 (Difficult/Thorny): Directly opposite the Nandi Temple on the left side of the road. This route is often overgrown and not recommended.
Route 2 (Recommended): Before the temple, after passing through the village, look for a right turn onto a mud road. This path typically features steps and stones, making for an easier ascent.
Terrain & Challenges:
Paths: The recommended ascent path has steps and stones, making it straightforward.
Descent Navigation: The main challenge can be finding the correct path on the way down, as multiple faint trails exist, leading to potential detours. It's crucial to pay close attention during the ascent.
This trek to Channarayanadurga was a prime example of spontaneous adventure! Due to last-minute transportation hiccups, our destination was decided just that morning. Our team was a small but spirited one: Arul, her husband Karthik, Ananthapadmanaban (Anty), Vijetha, Anil, his sister Aruna, and myself. We managed to organize one car and my bike for the journey.
I met up with Anil and the rest of the group at IISc at 8:30 AM, grabbing a quick breakfast at the mess before we hit the road at 9:30 AM. On the way, we stopped at Swathi, just past the Hebbal flyover, to pack our lunch. I rode pillion with Anil on the bike, while the others followed in the car.
About an hour into our drive, we hit the turnoff for Nandi Hills. Channarayanadurga lies just behind Nandi Hills, and we knew there were two access routes. We initially tried the first path, opposite the Basavanna Temple, but it proved far too thorny and time-consuming. So, we opted for the second route—a much more pleasant path with steps and stones, located off the main road to the right when driving from Sultanpet. The ascent was relatively easy, and we reached the peak in a comfortable 1.5 hours, by 1:10 PM. At the top, we found a temple and a pond, though no potable water, so carrying plenty is key! We settled down to enjoy the pulav we'd packed.
After about 1.5 hours of enjoying the summit, we began our descent. This is where the real adventure began! Having not paid close attention to the path on the way up (it seemed so obvious then!), we spent over an hour desperately trying to find the correct route down. By 3:00 PM, with the sun dipping and our water supplies exhausted, we knew we had to make a quick decision. Anil spotted a promising path heading downwards amidst a maze of half a dozen false trails. We decided to simply head "down," trusting our instincts. After about 45 minutes of thorny bushwhacking and some impromptu exploration, we finally hit the road! By 5:30 PM, we were heading back to Bangalore, stopping in Sultanpet for some much-needed tea and coconut water. Our stomachs full, we made our way back to IISc, and I reached home by 7:45 PM. It was a fantastic one-day outing, full of unexpected turns!
Google Sites
Report abuse