All Karnataka hikes

Near Bangalore · Tumakuru

Madhugiri

Asia's second-largest monolith — a fort carved onto granite

Moderate~4 km round trip2–3 hrs

Do it yourself ~₹600

No permit

Compare operators
From Bangalore
100 km · ~2.5 h
Difficulty
Moderate
Best months
Oct–Feb
Altitude
1,117 m
Distance
~4 km round trip
Time on trail
2–3 hrs

A massive granite monolith with a multi-layered fort wall climbing its slope. Moderately steep slabs and a stepped fort route; best done at sunrise before the stone heats up.

  • Fort walls on a monolith
  • Sunrise views
  • Combine with Devarayanadurga

Permit & rules

Permit needed?
No formal trek permit
Issued by
ASI/local authority
How to book
Walk-up; verify day-of conditions.
Fee
Nominal.
Guide
Not mandatory
Night trek
Not allowed

Best time to visit

Go

Oct–Feb

Avoid

Midday heat, rain

Wildlife

  • Langur
  • Birds of prey

What to wear

  • Grippy shoes
  • Cap
  • Sunscreen

What to carry

  • 2 L water

Typical itinerary

  1. Start at dawn, finish by 10 am.

Operators compared

Listed starting prices per person from Bangalore. They change by batch – confirm inclusions with the operator.

Do it yourself

Fuel + meals.

~₹600

Namma Trip

1-day sunrise trek · Day and weekend batches, transport optional on some treks, forest permit sometimes excluded

Check price

Included
See listing
Trip experience
Page says about 100 km from Bangalore.
Price source: listing seen Nov 2026View on Namma Trip

Backpackers United

Day trek · Friday-night bus/tempo-traveller, homestay or dorm, guide + permits usually bundled

Check price

Included
See listing
Trip experience
Rated moderate to difficult; not recommended for absolute beginners.
Price source: listing seen Nov 2026View on Backpackers United

Local tips

  • No shade on the slabs – start early.

Madhugiri FAQ

Do I need a permit for Madhugiri?+

No formal trek permit is needed. Walk-up; verify day-of conditions.

What is the best time to trek Madhugiri?+

Oct–Feb. Avoid: Midday heat, rain.

How far is Madhugiri from Bangalore?+

About 100 km by road, roughly 2.5 hours' drive. Round-trip fuel is about ₹1,144 at current prices for a car-level mileage estimate.

How difficult is Madhugiri?+

Moderate, about 4 km round trip. 2–3 hrs.

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Information compiled from public operator listings and forest department guidance, last reviewed 2026-11-01. Fees, quotas and closures change – verify on the official portal and with the operator before you travel. Operator links are provided for comparison; we do not sell treks.