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Courtesy - Flickr
Adventure / Trekking
4.5 / 5
  • Timings : 24 Hours
  • Entry Fee : No fee
  • Distance from near by city 61 kilometers from Bangalore
  • Trip duration (including travel in hours)3 - 4 hours
  • Transportation OptionsSedan - AC (4+1), SUV - AC (7+1), Tempo Traveller - AC (12+1)
  • Travel Tips Carry DSLR to capture moments

The enchanting beauty of the Makali Durga perched at an altitude of 1350 m above the base of the sea level has a lot many things to offer. It is situated at a distance of 18 kilometers from Dobbaballapura, 6.4 kilometers from the popular Ghati Subramanya Temple and 61 kilometers from the city of Bangalore. It is one of the top places to visit near Bangalore.

The hill station was the center of Granary storage, late 1800’s palegar named Makaliraya. Thus, the name was given Makali Durga. The base of the temple is simply dedicated to Lord Krishna. The entire place is filled with date plants, small boulders and the green shades of lemongrass.

The topmost view of the Makali Durga is fantastic with a lovely view of lakes on either side of the temple, curvy rocky trails and the railway station below the hill is the unique feature. It has a twinkling sky, rich historical record and the runway of trains through the greens is really an exciting view to glance at!

Makali Durga History

The historical importance of Makali Durga states that the Vijayanagara Empire uses to conduct the army exercises to this respective place. It was later captured by the father of Shivaji, Shahji, after the Vijayanagara Empire. Later the place was ruled by Kempe Gowda, after he occupied the place from Shahaji. 

Trekking at Makali Durga

Trekking in this beautiful hilltop is a moderately hard trek. There are directions written on the rock wall which helps the climbers and trekkers find the direction. Trekking to this location is not as popular as it is in Savandurga but if you go for it, then surely you will have a memorable experience to share. 

There is a massive fort located at the top of the Makali Durga. It is made out of granite rock. It is the summit of the old temple of Lord Shiva with the Nandi, the bull. The legendary Rishi Markandeya use to perform penance at this place. 

The path leading to this fort simply comprises of the rocks and uneven trails which is explored by many adventurous trekkers across the region and outside.
 
Night trekking at Makali Durga

Night trekking to this place takes around 2 hours to reach the hilltop. It is lovely to experience the twinkling night sky. If you start nearly at 10 pm at night, followed by camping and then winning over the hilltop trekking is a must explored package. 

Frankly, a professional guide is required for such sort of treks at Makali Durga. You must carry itineraries like a torch, mosquito repellent, snacks and drinking water before you start you’re trekking. 
 
It is best if you explore Makali Durga in the months of September to February. The weather remains very much pleasant and less rain is found.  One day trip from Bangalore at Makali Durga will surely add to your memory as top places that you have visited in your life.  

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31 places to visit & things to do in Places to visit near Bangalore

Antharagange
Avani Betta, Kolar
Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple Nandi
Big Banyan Tree
Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta
Devarayana durga
Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple
Ghati Subramanya temple
Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta
Janapada Loka
Kaigal Falls or Dumukurallu Waterfalls
Kanva Reservoir
Kotilingeshwara
Lepakshi
Lumbini Garden
Madugiri Betta
Magadi Rangathaswamy Temple
Magadi Someshwara Temple
Mekedatu or Sangama
Mudukuthore
Mukti Naga temple
Muthyala Maduvu
Nandi hill
Nrityagram (Bangalore)
Savandurga Hill
Shivagange hill
Siddara betta
Skandagiri or Kalavara Durga
Somanathapura Channakeshava Temple
Talakadu
Ulsoor Lake