Bengaluru to Skandagiri, one day, one cab
Skandagiri, also called Kalavara Durga, is the sunrise trek people mean when they talk about climbing above the clouds near Bengaluru. It is also the most heavily regulated: the Karnataka Forest Department requires pre-booking, caps the number of passes a day, and does not allow on-the-spot registration. The climb is about 8 km of rocky trail, moderate rather than gentle, and the descent is harder on the knees than the ascent is on the lungs.
Skandagiri at a glance
- Bangalore to Skandagiri distance
- ~65 km
- Drive time each way
- 1.5–2 hrs
- Opening hours
- Trek timings are set by the Karnataka Forest Department and the night trek has been subject to restriction; check the current position when you book
- Entry
- Pre-booking through the Karnataka Forest Department is mandatory. There are no on-the-spot registrations, daily passes are capped at around 150, and the fee is commonly published as ₹250 per person
- Best time to go
- November to February, when the sky is clear enough for the cloud view to happen
Worth knowing. This is the one destination on this list where turning up without a booking means not climbing. Arrange the permit first, then the cab.
Hours and ticket details checked September 2026. Temples and parks change these without notice, confirm before you travel if your plan depends on it.
Why Skandagiri?
- Sunrise above a cloud layer, on a clear winter morning
- Around 8 km of rocky trail, moderate rather than easy
- Ruined fort remains near the summit
- Close enough to Nandi Hills to see it from the top
A typical QuicReach day
Pickup from Bengaluru the night before
Reach the base, begin the climb with permits in hand
Reach the summit, wait out the cold for first light
Sunrise, then begin the descent
Drop back home in Bengaluru
Sample plan, timings are flexible and your exact fare is shown upfront in the app.
Skandagiri trip questions
Do I need permission for the Skandagiri trek?
Yes, and this is the part that catches people out. Pre-booking through the Karnataka Forest Department is mandatory, there are no on-the-spot registrations, and daily passes are capped at around 150. The fee is commonly published as ₹250 per person. Arrange the permit before you arrange anything else.
How long does the Skandagiri trek take?
Roughly 2 to 2.5 hours up and 1.5 to 2 hours down, over about 8 km of rocky trail. It is rated moderate: a reasonably fit first-timer manages it, but it is steep in places and the boulders are unforgiving in the dark.
How far is Skandagiri from Bangalore?
About 65 km, near Chikkaballapur, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road. It sits close to Nandi Hills, which you can see from the top, and the two are often confused by people booking their first sunrise trip.
When is the best time for the Skandagiri sunrise?
November to February. The sea of cloud that Skandagiri is famous for needs the right conditions and does not happen on demand, but a clear winter morning is by far your best chance of it.
Is the night trek still allowed?
Night access has been subject to restriction and the position has changed more than once, so we will not state it as settled. Confirm the current rule with the Forest Department when you book your pass, and plan the pickup around what they tell you.