Madhugiri Fort Trek
Location
Madhugiri, Karnataka
Price
₹1,299
Max Altitude
1368 meters
Distance
6 km round trip
Overview
Madhugiri Trek is a popular trekking destination near Bengaluru, ideal for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts. Located in Madhugiri town in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, the name "Madhugiri," meaning "Honey Hill," is derived from the honeybee colonies that once inhabited parts of the fort. The hill is the second-largest monolith in Asia, standing tall and majestic. The fort atop the hill was built in the 17th century by Raja Hire Gowda and is renowned for its unique architecture and strategic design. The moderately difficult trail winds through rocky terrain, sparse vegetation, and ancient fortifications, eventually leading to the summit, where the ruins of the Gopalakrishna Temple and intact circular granaries still remain. From the top, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and countryside, making the journey both scenic and historically enriching.
Highlights
- •Trek to Madhugiri Fort Hill, the second-largest monolith in Asia
- •Experience a thrilling climb with ancient fort ruins and stone steps
- •Explore the historic Madhugiri Fort, built by the Vijayanagara rulers
- •Witness a beautiful sunrise from the top of the monolithic hill
- •Guided by experienced trek leaders ensuring safety and fun throughout
Itinerary
Madhugiri Fort Trek: Conquer Asia’s Second Largest Monolith
The Madhugiri Trek is one of the most thrilling and historic treks near Bangalore, known for its massive monolithic hill – the second-largest monolith in Asia. Located in Tumkur district, around 100 km from Bangalore, this trek combines adventure, history, and breathtaking views, making it a must-do for trekkers and history enthusiasts alike. Standing tall at an altitude of 3,930 ft, the Madhugiri Hill is crowned with the remains of a 17th-century Madhugiri Fort, built by the Vijayanagara dynasty and later expanded by Hyder Ali. The trek is moderately difficult, with a 5–6 km trail (to and fro) that takes about 3–4 hours to complete. The climb involves steep rock faces, narrow passages, and fort walls, which makes it both challenging and exciting. The highlight of the trek is reaching the fort’s summit, where trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding hills, villages, and lush landscapes. For history lovers, the fort’s ancient gateways, granaries, and watchtowers add a unique cultural charm to the adventure. Whether you are a beginner looking for an adventurous weekend trek or an experienced trekker seeking a historical trail, the Madhugiri trek near Bangalore offers the best trekking experience with a perfect mix of natural beauty and heritage exploration.
- •05:00 AM - Depart from Bangalore towards Madhugiri (approx. 3-hour drive, 100 km) with convenient pickup points across the city.
- •8:00 AM - Head to nearest restaurant to have breakfast
- •08:45 AM - Reach Madhugiri base and begin trek briefing with safety instructions.
- •09:15 AM - Start ascending the rocky monolith, crossing fort walls, gateways, and narrow passages along the way.
- •11:00 AM - Reach the summit crowned by the Madhugiri Fort. Explore the historic structures and soak in 360° views of Tumkur landscapes.
- •12:00 PM - Relax, capture photographs, and enjoy refreshments at the top.
- •12:30 PM - Start the descent back to the base.
- •2:30 PM - Reach base, freshen up, and head for a hearty lunch at a local restaurant.
- •3:30 PM - Depart back to Bangalore.
- •04:00 PM - Arrive in Bangalore with memories of conquering Asia’s second-largest monolithic hill.
Whats Included
- ✓Transport: To and fro from Bengaluru in TT/Mini Bus
- ✓Food: 1 Breakfast
- ✓Expert Trek Lead from goChaarana
- ✓Basic first aid support
Whats Not Included
- ✗Any personal expenses
- ✗Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Refund & Cancellation Policy
We understand that unforeseen events can sometimes alter your plans. To keep things simple and fair, here’s our friendly cancellation and refund policy:
Participant Cancellation Policy
- 100% Refund: Cancellations 30+ days before departure (excluding convenience/transaction fees).
- 50% Refund: Cancellations 15-29 days before departure.
- No Refund, Future Credit, or Transfer: Cancellations 14 days or less before departure.
goChaarana Cancellation Policy
- If goChaarana cancels a trek due to weather, safety concerns, or unforeseen circumstances, participants will receive a 100% refund or the option to reschedule to another trek of their choice.
Rescheduling Option
- You can reschedule your booking to a future trek without any additional cost, subject to availability. This option is available if you request the change at least three days before your original trek date.
Important Notes
- Refunds will be processed within 7–10 working days.
- Trek fees are non-transferable to another participant.
- No refund will be provided for a no-show or dropping out mid-trek.
Things to Carry
Pickup Points
Banashankari Bus Stop
BTM - Udupi Garden Bus Stop, Opposite To A2B
Silk Board - Bus Stop, Opposite To Pizza Hut
Marathahalli - In Front of Kalamandir
Goraguntepalya - In front of people tree Hospital