Exploring Skandagiri and Kuntibetta
Exploring Skandagiri and Kuntibetta
IISc, being situated at the centre of Bangalore, is nestled in a trove of natural beauty, surrounded by beautiful trekking locations in its vicinity. My recent escapades to two such places, Skandagiri and Kuntibetta, only deepened my appreciation for trekking.
Part-1: Skandagiri
At the start of our second semester here on campus, my friends and I wanted to go on a trek, and upon browsing the internet for trekking spots, the first name that came up was Skandagiri (well, actually, it was Nandi Hills, but we were told that the place was overhyped and crowded, and so we ignored it).
“A moderately challenging trek that’s popular with millennials. The trek is known for its sunrise views and the ruins of an old fort at the top. The trek is about 8 km long and takes about 4 hours to complete.”
So, what next? We got our trek permits on the Karnataka ecotourism website, packed our bags, and, fuelled by the excitement of witnessing nature at its finest…. We were ready!
We booked an Uber and left the campus at 2:30 AM; it took us about an hour to reach the base of the trek. The trek began at 4:30 AM. At the start, I was really excited as it was my first trek, but soon I realised that this task was challenging. The trail was a mix of rocky patches and forest paths, but the camaraderie within the group kept my spirits high as I climbed higher. Armed with torches and guided by the moon’s light, we carefully navigated the terrain, leaving behind the mundane worries of our daily life at IISc.
Reaching the summit just before sunrise was nothing short of magical. The spectacle was totally worth the effort. The view from the top of the hill left me awestruck—a sea of clouds stretched endlessly, and as the sun began to rise, the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant hues. The chilly wind, the warmth of the first rays of dawning light, and that sense of accomplishment made the moment truly unforgettable.
We spent the rest of our time there amid natural beauty, clicking pictures and simply admiring the view. The journey down was quicker; with daylight guiding our path, the descent felt much easier. Back at the base, we treated ourselves to tender coconut water from a local vendor, which was the perfect way to rehydrate and refresh.
Skandagiri offered more than just a trek; it was an experience that one could truly understand only when one has lived it. It reminded me of the simple joys of immersing oneself in nature.
Part-2 Kuntibetta
My second trek was to Kuntibetta, located near the quaint town of Pandavapura, just 130 kilometres from Bengaluru and 30 kilometres from Mysuru. The name “Kuntibetta” is derived from the legend of the Pandavas, who are believed to have spent time there during their exile. The hills are said to be named after their mother, Kunti. Here’s a glimpse into my post midsem trek to this intriguing destination.
Again, our journey began early in the morning. We booked two cabs and set forth on a three-hour long ride to the base of the trek. Unlike the Skandagiri trek, the one at Kuntibetta did not require any trek permit. The fresh morning air and the golden light of sunrise set the perfect tone for the day ahead.
We started our trek around 7 AM, spotting a group that had already made it to the top before sunrise, which filled us with enthusiasm. This spirit, however, was short-lived as we struggled to find the correct trail to reach the top. After roaming around in vain for an hour or so, we were led to the right trail by what seemed to be that same group on their way down.
The Kuntibetta trail was much easier than Skandagiri. There were some challenging rocky inclines, but it was mostly undemanding. Once we were on the correct trail, the rest of the path was marked with green arrows, making our ascent easier. As we ascended, we were rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, dotted with lakes and fields.
After about an hour of trekking, we reached the summit. The view from the top was nothing short of breathtaking. The cool breeze at the summit was a welcome relief after the climb, and we took time to relax, click photos, and enjoy some snacks we had packed.
Upon descending, with much time left in our hands and the beautiful city of Mysore so close by, we decided to pay the cultural capital of Karnataka a short visit. So, we got on a bus to the Pandavapura Bus Station, and then another to Mysore. We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the city and took a train back to Bangalore soon after.
Overall, this trip was a fantastic adventure. The trek felt refreshing, and the incidental trip to Mysore was just what I needed after my midterms had ended.
Part-3: Reflections and Endnotes
Both Skandagiri and Kuntibetta are testaments to Bangalore’s diverse offerings for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Skandagiri impressed me with its ethereal clouds and serene sunrise, while Kuntibetta’s mythological roots and panoramic views added a cultural richness to the trek. These experiences reminded me of the importance of stepping out and connecting with nature. Whether it’s the camaraderie of friends on a midnight trek or the quiet moments of reflection atop a hill, these journeys enriched my soul and left me yearning for more.
As undergrads, if you’re seeking a quick getaway near Bengaluru, both Skandagiri and Kuntibetta promise to deliver unforgettable memories. A few things you should keep in mind before going on a trek are to research the location you are going to in advance and pack all the essentials that you might need during the trek, such as torches, some snacks, first-aid, lots of water, and an extra pair of clothing that might also come in handy. Be sure to wear suitable clothing for the trek, depending on the weather, and proper shoes are a must. Keep some cash with you, as you never know when you might need it.