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

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

The nomenclature of the twin hills, Kaurava Kunda, finds its roots in the mythological tales of the Mahabharata, associated with both the Kauravas and Pandavas. Situated in Kavaranahalli village, the base of these hills holds the historical resonance of the epic. 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, the most convenient and straightforward mode of getting to the hill’s base is by driving a car or riding a bike.

• By Bus – Regular bus services connect Bangalore city, specifically Majestic or Hebbal bus stops, with Chikkaballapura. Upon reaching Chikkaballapura, one 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 kilometers.
  • 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 timing to reach the peak is between 7 to 8 AM, especially during the winter months spanning 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.
• Grade: Easy. 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: 2 to 3 hours.
• This hill is renowned for its night trek, allowing enthusiasts to reach the summit just in time to witness the breathtaking sunrise.

This trek is self-guided and doesn’t necessitate the assistance of a trekking agency. Nevertheless, if you are solo-traveling, it is not recommended to trek alone due to the potential isolation and loneliness on the trail.

Important Information

• Be cautious of the bushes and thorny plants along the path.
• Exercise caution around monkeys, particularly if you have a backpack or a packet.
• 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.

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, and 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 to 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 savoring 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 travelers. 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 case of unexpected situations.

Regrettably, no trekking agency organizes trips to this hill.

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. With proper planning, it can be completed 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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