Step Into the Ancient: Kaurava Kunda Trek Explained (2024)

Embark on a captivating journey as we guide you through the enchanting landscapes and historical wonders of the Kaurava Kunda Trek. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed exploration of this ancient Kaurava Kunda Trek, unraveling the mystique surrounding its legendary past.

During my visit to Bangalore last year, I stumbled upon numerous small hills, such as Kaurava Kunda, near the city—perfect spots for a delightful weekend day trip. These hidden gems offer fantastic opportunities for one-day treks from Bangalore, and their proximity to the city allows for a quick and fulfilling adventure that can be wrapped up in just half a day.

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About Kaurava Kunda

A fellow trekker recommended Kaurava Kunda, a hill previously unfamiliar to me, during the Vattakanal Trek. Intrigued by the suggestion, I explored this hidden gem, especially for its stunning sunrise views.

The nomenclature of the twin hills, Kaurava Kunda, finds its roots in the mythological tales of the Mahabharata, which are associated with both the Kauravas and Pandavas. Situated in Kavaranahalli village, the base of these hills holds the epic’s historical resonance. Additionally, a midway temple devoted to Lord Shiva adds a spiritual touch to the journey.

According to my trekking companion, Kaurava Kunda surpassed popular destinations like Skandagiri or Nandi Hills for sunrise-watching due to its lesser-known status. The charm lay in the serenity of the location, as the hill remained relatively undiscovered, ensuring a peaceful sunrise experience with minimal crowds compared to the more renowned hills.

How to Get to Kaurava Kunda?

• By Road—Located approximately 75 kilometers from Bangalore city, Kaurava Kunda can be reached by car in just 1 hour and 20 minutes. Nestled in the Chikkaballapura district, driving or riding a bike is the most convenient and straightforward mode of getting to the hill’s base.

• By Bus – Regular bus services connect Bangalore city, specifically Majestic or Hebbal bus stops, with Chikkaballapura. Upon reaching Chikkaballapura, you can easily hire an auto-rickshaw to reach the base of Kaurava Kunda. The distance between the Chikkaballapura bus stop and the hill’s base is approximately 5 kilometres.
  • Caution: It’s important to note that arranging an auto-rickshaw for the return journey may pose a challenge, potentially requiring you to walk back to the main road.

Best Time to Trek to Kaurava Kunda Peak

The optimal time to reach the peak is between 5 and 6 AM to see the sunrise, especially during the winter months from October to February. This period offers pleasant weather without excessive heat or rainfall. It’s advised to avoid the summer and rainy seasons, as the steep path lacks sufficient shade or cover, making these times potentially risky for trekking.

Kaurava Kunda Trek Statistics

• Distance: 5 kilometres return covering both the hills.
• Grade: Easy to Moderate. The ascent is steep, and rain can make the trail extremely slippery. There is no well-defined path to the peak, and the final stretch involves navigating through giant boulders, adding an element of risk to the trek.
• Time taken: 4 to 5 hours.
• These two hills are renowned for their night trek, allowing enthusiasts to reach the summit just in time to witness the breathtaking sunrise.

This self-guided trek doesn’t necessitate the assistance of a trekking agency. Nevertheless, it is not recommended to trek alone due to the potential isolation and loneliness on the trail. Even though we did not see the wildlife, there have been reports of leopards and wild boars on the trail at the peak.

Important Information

• When you reach the peak of the first hill, two more hills come into view. Facing both, you can choose to trek the hill on the right, which offers incredible views of the Isha Foundation in Chikkaballapura. The hill on the left provides a stunning district and nearby village sights.
• Be cautious of the bushes and thorny plants along the path.
• Exercise caution around wildlife, particularly if you have a backpack or a packet. There have been reports of leopard and wild boar sightings.
• Wear durable and comfortable footwear.
• Ensure you have an ample water supply.
• Pack snacks and breakfast for the trek due to the absence of nearby shops.
• Respect the environment: Do not litter or dirty the area. Carry your garbage and dispose of it in a proper waste bin.

I want to emphasize strongly: DO NOT litter. Please carry your trash and dispose of it when you encounter a garbage bin. It’s disheartening to witness litter in these pristine locations. If we fail to care for our environment, we certainly don’t deserve the privilege of enjoying such beautiful places.

Isha Foundation Views

From the hill’s peak (on the right), you can catch breathtaking views of the Isha Foundation and the towering Adiyogi statue. The hill is a relatively short and easy trek for most fitness levels.

As you reach the summit, the panoramic view opens up, revealing the iconic Adiyogi statue in the distance. This vantage point offers a unique perspective, allowing you to admire the vastness of the foundation’s landscape and the peaceful surroundings.

The trek itself is rewarding, with cool breezes and a serene atmosphere adding to the experience. The best time to go is early morning, as the sunlight enhances the scenery and provides clear views of Adiyogi and the surrounding hills.

Itinerary for Kaurava Kunda Trek

The trek is perfect for half a day and is particularly renowned for night treks, allowing trekkers to reach the summit before sunrise. However, my friend and I opted for an early morning start rather than a night trek. Here’s the itinerary we followed:

Note: This was a self-planned trek; we didn’t engage any trekking agency.

• 4:00 AM—Depart from Bangalore very early to ensure timely arrival at the peak. Many start at around 1 AM and reach the summit by 3:30 AM.
• 5:30 AM – The journey from Bangalore takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Arrive at the hill’s base and commence the ascent to the peak.

Remember to carry warm clothing, as the weather can be quite chilly.

• 6:30 AM – Reach the summit and relish the breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views of Chikkabalapura village.

Bring along a light breakfast or snack to enjoy at the peak.
Avoid littering at the summit.

• 7:00 AM – Begin the descent after savouring the sunrise.
• 8:00 AM – Commence the return journey to Bangalore.

Note: Numerous darshinis (South Indian fast food joints) are available.

Is Kaurava Kunda Trek Safe for Solo Female Trekkers?

Reiterating from earlier in the post, undertaking this trek alone is strongly discouraged. Given the limited number of people and potential hazards, it poses a significant risk for solo travellers. I strongly recommend against solo treks on this route.

It’s advisable to have at least one or two companions for safety. As a good practice, having a trekking buddy is always recommended in unexpected situations.

Regrettably, no trekking agency organizes trips to this hill.

I run a small trekking community in Bangalore where you can connect with fellow trekkers to explore trails in and around the city. The group is self-managed, with each member responsible for their participation. We don’t run this group for any benefit but to bring together trekking enthusiasts. You can join the WhatsApp group using this link.

Closing Notes

The views from the summit are undeniably worth the early morning wake-up call. The scenic panorama is truly breathtaking, especially with the clouds enveloping the peak in the morning—a sight that feels absolutely divine and refreshing.

While I would personally rank it slightly below Skandagiri, which holds a magical allure, I believe starting the trek even earlier, aiming for the peak before 6:30 AM or 7 AM, could enhance the experience. Perhaps, on my next attempt, I’ll plan for an even earlier start.

Kaurava Kunda is an excellent choice for a one-day trek around Bangalore. Proper planning can complete it in half a day, making it an ideal weekend activity.

Thank you for reading my post, and I hope you thoroughly enjoy the Kaurava Kunda trek. If you know of any hidden gems around Bangalore, I’d love to hear about them. Please feel free to reach out to me at Solopassport@gmail.com.

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