- From Bangalore
- 65 km · ~1.75 h
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Best months
- Oct–Feb
- Altitude
- Not published
- Distance
- ~5 km round trip
- Time on trail
- 2–3 hrs
A gentle climb to an old hill fort with views of the nearby lake and farmland. Listed among the Forest Dept routes that now need advance online booking.
- Hill fort ruins
- Lake + farmland views
- Beginner-friendly
Permit & rules
Best time to visit
Go
Oct–Feb
Avoid
Midday summer
Wildlife
- Birds
- Monkeys
What to wear
- Sports shoes
- Cap
What to carry
- Water
- Snacks
Typical itinerary
- Leave Bangalore 5:30 am, hike 6:30–9, breakfast on the way back.
Operators compared
Listed starting prices per person from Bangalore. They change by batch – confirm inclusions with the operator.
Do it yourself
Fuel + permit.
~₹350
Namma TripLowest listed
Sunrise day trek · Day and weekend batches, transport optional on some treks, forest permit sometimes excluded
₹699
- Included
- Transport from Bangalore (about Rs 299 without transport)
- Trip experience
- Page notes a forest permit is required and night trekking is prohibited.
Muddie Trails
Day trek · Small groups, forest permits bundled, add-ons like waterfalls
₹1,290
- Included
- Guided; permits booked online
- Trip experience
- Small guided group from Bengaluru.
Thrillophilia
Camping trek · Marketplace – operator varies by batch, tent/homestay options
₹1,899
- Included
- Varies by operator
- Trip experience
- Listed as a trek with camping, so not like-for-like with day treks.
BMC Adventures
Morning trek · Multiple departure days, published cancellation tiers
₹1,840
- Included
- Per listing; check inclusions
- Trip experience
- A day-trek batch is also listed at Rs 1,790.
Bikat Adventures
Day trek · Capped groups, fixed itinerary, price + 5% GST
Check price
- Included
- See listing
- Trip experience
- Itinerary page; price not captured.
Local tips
- Good intro trek for children over 8.
Makalidurga FAQ
Do I need a permit for Makalidurga?+
Yes. Advance booking on the Aranya Vihaara portal. Check the portal for the fee.
What is the best time to trek Makalidurga?+
Oct–Feb. Avoid: Midday summer.
How far is Makalidurga from Bangalore?+
About 65 km by road, roughly 1.75 hours' drive. Round-trip fuel is about ₹744 at current prices for a car-level mileage estimate.
How difficult is Makalidurga?+
Easy, about 5 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.