Channarayana Durga Fort Trek (2024)

Do you belong to individuals who enjoy exploring historical sites and delving into their significance? Count me in! The fusion of my two passions, trekking, and history, brings me immense joy. Channarayana Durga Fort is a remarkable location where both these interests converge. This destination holds historical importance and adds a dash of adventure to the experience. In this post, you will find the details of Channarayana Durga Fort Trek.

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Forts in India
Rayadurga Fort (Andhra Pradesh)
Red Fort (Delhi)
Zorawar Fort (Ladakh)
Bangalore Fort (Karnataka)
Chitradurga Fort (Karnataka)
Gudibande Fort (Karnataka)
Ballalarayana Durga Fort (Karnataka)
Channarayana Durga Fort (Karnataka)
Panhala Fort (Maharashtra)
Sinhagad Fort (Maharashtra)
Palakkad Fort (Kerala)
Rayakottai Fort (Tamil Nadu)
Gingee/Senji Fort (Tamil Nadu)
Golconda Fort (Telangana)
Rani Durgavati Fort (Madhya Pradesh)

About Channarayana Durga

Channarayana Durga, situated in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, India, is a notable hill known for its captivating fort with a rich historical background. For avid trekking enthusiasts, the Channarayana Durga Fort is an excellent choice for a weekend getaway. Undoubtedly, it stands out as one of the most breathtaking trekking experiences in the vicinity of Bangalore.

History of Channarayana Durga Fort

The construction of Channarayana Durga Fort is credited to the local King Chikakappa Gowda, who also ruled over Madhugiri Fort and its vicinity. This fort, dating back to the 17th century, initially came under Maratha control. However, the fort witnessed a series of transitions between Marathas and Mysore Wodeyars. Ultimately, during the Third Mysore War, the British took control of Channarayana Durga Fort.

A captivating detail about the fort is the presence of six stone entrances leading to its interior.

How to Get to Channarayana Durga Fort?

Channarayana Durga Fort is situated on Channarayana Durga Hill and can be reached by road.

• By Public Transport – Public transportation to Channarayana Durga Hill is unavailable. Nevertheless, there are trains connecting Bangalore and Tumkur. Travelers must then proceed from the Tumkur train station to Channarayana Durga Hill.
• By Road – The foothill is approximately 100 kilometers (2.5 hours) away from Bangalore in the direction of Tumkur, making it the most straightforward route to reach Channarayana Durga Hill.

Trekking Details of Channarayana Durga Fort Trek

Itinerary

Here’s a suggested one-day itinerary that my tour company followed, and it worked seamlessly, ensuring we returned to Bangalore on schedule:

• 7:00 AM: Depart from Bangalore, heading towards Tumkur. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours by road.
• Breakfast: Along the way, have breakfast at one of the numerous darshinis (restaurants) for a satisfying meal.
• 10:30 AM: Arrive at the base of Channarayana Durga hill and commence the ascent towards the fort.
• 11:30 AM: Reach the peak, where the fort is situated. Carry your lunch and enjoy it at the summit. Please remember not to litter; dispose of your garbage in a proper bin.
• 12:30 PM/1:00 PM: Explore the fort and then begin the descent towards the base. Be cautious during the descent as it can be slippery due to steep and rocky terrain.
• 2:00 PM: Depart for Bangalore.
• 4:30 PM: Return to Bangalore.

Logistics

Here are some essential considerations to be aware of before embarking on this trek:

• Total Distance: 4.5 to 5 kilometres return.
• Elevation: 1188 metres.
• Grade: Easy (even though the hill is quite steep).
• Time Taken: 2 to 2.5 hours (excluding the lunch or break hour at the top).
• Path: A singular pathway guides you to the summit. Follow this trail, and it will lead you to the peak.
• Best Time to Visit: Winter is the preferred season for trekking, while summers can bring intense heat, making the trek challenging. It is strongly advised to avoid trekking during the rainy season.

Important information

Here are some essential guidelines to follow for a safe and enjoyable trek:

• Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes, as the hill is steep. Opt for solid and comfortable shoes to ensure a secure trek.
• Always carry an extra pair of socks to be prepared for unexpected conditions.
• Carry an ample water supply, as no water sources are at the peak or around the hill’s base.
• Exercise caution with monkeys, particularly when carrying bags and backpacks.
• Since no shops are nearby, bring a packed lunch and snacks to sustain yourself during the trek.
• As the path lacks shade, trekking in the summer can be challenging. Initiate the trek early to avoid the intense heat.
• Strictly adhere to a “Leave No Trace” policy; do not litter. Dispose of your garbage only in designated bins or carry it back if bins are unavailable. Respect and preserve the natural environment.

Trekking Agency

• Company: Bangalore Mountaineering Club (BMC).
• Cost: INR 1050 per person.
• How to book? Online on their website
• After making a reservation, calling and confirming whether the trek is proceeding as planned is crucial. In Bangalore, most trekking agencies have a minimum participant requirement, and treks are typically canceled if the minimum number of participants is not met.

Is Channarayana Durga Fort Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

I strongly discourage solo trekking on this hill, even for male trekkers, and it is a definite no for solo female trekkers. The trek sees limited foot traffic, posing potential risks. As a general principle for trekking, having a trekking buddy is advisable for unforeseen circumstances.

I recommend either joining a trekking agency or going with a group of friends. Opting for a trekking agency is particularly beneficial as it adequately addresses safety measures and first aid requirements.

It is crucial to select a reputable trekking agency. With numerous trekking agencies in Bangalore, not all may be legally registered. Therefore, I strongly advise reading reviews and conducting thorough research before finalizing your choice of a trekking agency.

My Reviews

Trek

This trek is undeniably beautiful, featuring a stunning fort that captured my admiration. The historical significance adds to its allure, making it one of my favorite one-day treks around Bangalore. Spending a day trekking this hill to explore the fort is truly a worthwhile experience.

Trekking Agency

After extensive research and participating in numerous treks with various trekking agencies, I can confidently state that I prefer BMC. Several factors contribute to this preference:

• The trek lead who joined us on this trek was exceptionally friendly and excellent.
• Group members were predominantly fantastic, creating a vibrant and youthful atmosphere.
• The safety of the trekkers was a priority, with the trek lead equipped with a first aid kit.
• The lunch provided by BMC was not only delicious but also added to the overall positive experience.

All in all, my experience with BMC was pleasant.

Closing Notes

The Channarayana Durga Fort trek is one of my preferred treks near Bangalore. The breathtaking views from the summit are genuinely remarkable. I highly recommend exploring this fort along with other things to do when you find yourself in Bangalore.

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