Skandagiri, also called Kalavara Durga, is a ruined hill fort at about 1,350 m with a famous sunrise-above-the-clouds view from October to February. The trek is now controlled through an online permit system run by the Karnataka Forest Department.
Skandagiri lies near Kalavara village, about 70 km from Bengaluru, and has been managed by the Karnataka Forest Department with an online booking system through the Aranya Vihaara portal. As reported for 2026, bookings must be made at least a day in advance and up to about 15 days ahead, slots are set at around 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM with a cap of about 150 people each, permits are non-transferable, and certified nature guides may be required on approved routes at about one per ten trekkers. Entry without a valid permit is refused at the base checkpoint, and forest squads carry out random checks. Trekkers pay a per-person fee online (a few hundred rupees) and carry photo ID. The path climbs from the base through boulders and steps to a ruined fort gate and the summit ridge, with the Papagni river and Nandi Hills visible on clear days. Plastic is prohibited, and rules, slot times and caps may change, so the portal is the authority.
| Distance | About 8 km round trip |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 hours round trip |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Self-drive or cab via Chikkaballapur (about 70 km); no metro; buses to Chikkaballapur then a cab to the base |
| Best season | October to February for cloud-sea views; monsoon brings fog and slippery rock |
| Address | Skandagiri, Kalavara, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka 562101, India |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Chikkaballapur district, about 70 km north of Bengaluru
What to bring
- Trekking shoes
- Headlamp for the pre-dawn start
- Warm layer for the summit
- 2 litres of water
- Government-issued ID and printed or digital permit
Location
Skandagiri, Kalavara, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka 562101, India
13.4092, 77.6810 View on map
Highlights
- Sunrise over the cloud sea in winter
- Ruined fort gate and summit ridge
- View toward Nandi Hills and the Papagni valley
- Regulated small-group trek
Tips for visiting
- Book the 4:00 AM slot on the Aranya Vihaara portal for the cloud-sea sunrise
- Carry the same photo ID used when booking
- Bring a warm layer, as the ridge is windy before dawn
- Carry out all rubbish; single-use plastic is not allowed
- Check the portal for current caps and guide requirements
When to visit
The 4:00 AM slot from November to January for the best cloud views.
Accessibility
Uneven boulders and steps with no facilities; not suitable for wheelchairs or for people with limited mobility.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How is a Skandagiri permit booked?
Through the Karnataka Forest Department's Aranya Vihaara portal at aranyavihaara.karnataka.gov.in, at least one day ahead.
What are the trek slots?
Reported slots start at about 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM, each capped at about 150 people.
Can permits be transferred?
No, permits are non-transferable and are checked against ID at the base.