Skandagiri

This place is located near Nandi Hills, India

Best time to visit this place is : November to January (Non-monsoon time)

Route: Bangalore - Hebbal Flyover - Yalahanka - Devanahalli - Chikkaballapur - Skandagiri.

About Skandagiri: Skandagri is approximately 65km from Bangalore city on Bellary Road [NH-7 Hyderabad-Bangalore Highway], near Nandi Hills and Chikbalapur. Located at an altitude of 1750 mts, it is every adventurer’s paradise with beautiful night trek, altitude camping, stunning sunrise, serene and swimming clouds.

FACT Files This place is called Kandavara Halli and the mountain is called Kandavarahalli Betta (also called as Skanda Giri). It is located near Chikkaballapura - a small town under Bangalore rural district.

Height -- about 1750m from sea level.

Distance ... From Bangalore 70+ km.

From Nearest Town/Medical Help : Chikkaballapura

Nearest Airport/ Railway station: Bangalore

The Route(Getting there):

There are two routes to Kalawarahalli Betta. One way is to take a turn towards Nandi Hills and go further to kalawara village crossing Muddenahalli. This route is shorter compared to the one from Chikaballapur. Second one is to go to Chikaballapur and then to Kalawara village. From Kalawara village ask for Omkara Jyoti Ashrama / Papagni Mutt. There is a shiva temple and vehicles can be parked there. This is at the base of the hills. Nandi to Kalawara to Papagni Mutt is 6 km. Chikaballapur to papagni Mutt is 3 km.

level of Trekking: Moderate

• must carry Water, first aid box, snacks or light foods as nothing available on the top or on the way to trek from papagni Mutt

Its a popular belief that it is fun on a full moon night to start the trekking expedition at 12:30 midnight and aim to reach the top at around 5:30 AM early morning. This timing allows viewing of sunrise against the backdrop of golden clouds.