Channarayana Durga is a hill fort in Tumkur district in Karnataka state of India. The place is famous for its beautiful fort on the top that has great history. For a hiking/trekking enthusiast, Channarayana Durga Fort makes a great weekend getaway. It is surely one of the most spectacular hikes to do from Bangalore.
History
Channarayana Durga Fort was constructed by a local king Chikakappa Gowda, the ruler of Madhugiri Fort and its surroundings. The fort was built in the 17th century. The fort then fell into the hands of Marathas. But in the subsequent years, the control of the fort changed between the Marathas and Mysore Wodeyars. At the end, the British took over the fort during the Third Mysore War.
There are 6 stone entrances to get to the fort.
How to get to Channarayana Durga Fort?
Public transport – Unfortunately, there is no public transport to Channarayana Durga hill. However, there are trains between Bangalore and Tumkur.
Road – The base of the hill is around 100 kilometres (2.5 hours) from Bangalore towards Tumkur. And this is the easiest way to get to Channarayana Durga hill.
Hiking details of Channarayana Durga Fort
Itinerary
Early morning 7 AM – Start from Bangalore towards Tumkur. It takes 2.5 hours by road to reach the base of the hill.
Ensure to have breakfast on the way. There are plenty of darshinis (restaurants) to have good breakfast.
10:30 AM – Reach the base of the hill and start climbing.
11:30 AM – Reach the peak.
Ensure to carry your lunch and have lunch at the peak. Note: DO NOT LITTER. CARRY YOUR GARBAGE WITH YOU AND DISPOSE IT IN A GARBAGE BIN.
12:30 PM/1 PM – After exploring the fort, start descending.
The descend can be very slippery as it is quite steep and is rocky.
2:00 PM – Start for Bangalore.
4:30 PM – Reach Bangalore.
Logistics
- Total distance: 4.5 to 5 kilometres return
- Elevation: 1188 metres
- Grade: Easy (Steep but easy)
- Time taken: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Path: There is only one path that leads to the top. Just follow that path and you will reach the peak.
- Best time to visit: During winters; Summers can be very hot and it will be difficult to hike. And it is a definite no for rainy season.
Important information:
- Carry sufficient water. There is no source of water on top of the peak or even around the base of the hill.
- Be careful of the monkeys.
- There are no shops around so ensure to take packed lunch and snacks.
- The path has no shade anywhere so it can get difficult when hiking during summers. Ensure to start the hike really early.
- Do not throw litter anywhere. Please respect nature and dispose your garbage only in proper garbage bins.
Hiking Provider
- Company: Bangalore Mountaineering Club (BMC)
- Cost: INR 1050
- How to book? Online on their website
Safety for Solo female travelers
I would not recommend hiking this hill solo even for male travelers/hikers. Hence, a definite No for solo female travelers/hikers. There are very few people and it can get risky. I suggest going with a trekking agency or group of friends. The trekking agency is great because all the safety needs are taken care of.
Ensure to go with a reputed trekking agency. There are so many trekking agencies now in Bangalore and not all are a legalised registered trekking agency. So, please read the reviews and do your research before choosing the trekking agency.
My reviews
Hike
This hike is an absolutely beautiful hike and the fort is stunning. I was in love with the fort and the history that it has. This has to be in few of my favourite one day hikes around Bangalore. It is worth spending a day hiking this hill to see the fort.
Hiking agency
PIN for later read
Gallery
Note: This post is not written in collaboration or in affiliation with Bangalore Mountaineering Club (BMC). The reviews are my honest and unbiased opinions and are influenced only by my own experience with them.
Now this is what I would call a complete post. As a traveler, I would have to stumble upon various sites to find all this information. Having them all under one roof is surely helpful. Your pictures and journey looked too fab!
Wow , what a great informative post about this place. Frankly speaking I never heard about this fort and your article detailed about everything.
Pingback: Guide | Visit Golconda Fort (Hyderabad) - SOLOPASSPORT
Pingback: Day trip to Gingee/Senji Fort (Tamil Nadu) - SOLOPASSPORT
Thanks for sharing this informative post about the place. You mentioned each and everything about the place which is very helpful for people like me. I am bookmarking this post I would love to visit this place in future
I TRAVEL a lot with my son. waiting for him to grow to try treks and hikes.
Wow this is an incredibly detailed post for people who are planning this hike! It was a delight to see the beautiful pictures too.
You have shared such detailed information about this destination for people who wish to hike there. Loved the pics too
How elated it feels to go through such a wonderfully descriptive post about hiking during this lockdown. I am surely going to visit this after the situation calms down.
What a great detailed post on all the topics one needs to see. The narrative and sections answer it all and love that jumping picture which is spirited love
This is complete post with all the necessary information one should know before going to this place. Amazing pictures and seems like a great trekking trip.
Wow such a beautiful picture gallery and detailed post. I have not done hiking for many years now. This place looks awesome to start again.
I am game for any activity that involves rocks and dry grass. Such stunning captures from the top and on the way.
wow—such an interesting trek and the photographs are quite gorgeous. whenever i think of trekking i always think in terms of the mountains – i dont know why! A fort with such views would be such a fun outing too!
Thanks for the lovely read. The hike to Channarayana Durga Fort seems daunting yet exciting. Glad to know you enjoyed the hiking experience.