Channarayana Durga Fort Trek
Trek at a glance
Trek highlights
Unlike many other treks, this trek has so much variety to offer – what starts off as a slightly challenging trek, goes on to become better and prettier. The wide blue skies will lie in wait for you, as the looming structures of the once resplendent Channarayana Durga fort start to appear. Although sitting atop giant rocks, this trek gives you a little bit of everything – from pristine water bodies to flowers happily dancing in the breeze.
- Invest just about half a day for an experience of a lifetime
- Trek up a rocky surface for an adventure that you will give you a rush
- Enjoy vistas that look like picture frames have come to life
- Explore the multiple parts of the fort, including a small lake, temples and mandapas
- Take a break or a breather and soak in the sights
- Spot a monkey or rabbit hopping around
- On your way back, take a moment to check out Mandagiri Betta or Basadi Betta; home to several Jain temples
- Check out the panoramic view of Pandithanahalli village, known for its pinch-shaped 81 feet tall Guru Mandir
The Channarayana Durga trek time is around 6 hours, and add to that the time to reach the trek base and back, you don’t need more than 12-13 hours totally. But should you choose to come on this trek with our tribe, we can assure you a great time and memories that you will relish for a lifetime!
Trek itinerary
- Enjoy a quick breakfast en-route
- Reach the base and start the trek by 8:30am
- Reach the peak and explore
- Soak your legs into the lake
- Descend and reach the base by 2:30pm
- Head to a local restaurant for a sumptuous lunch
- Reach Bengaluru by 5:00pm
Trek detail itinerary
The hike up to Channarayana Durga commences in a tiny shrine in the village of the same name. This trail is fractionated into three parts each with something up the sleeves.
First walk is somewhat steep but on a rocky surface, walk on the left and upward till you start reaching on a level plane, with a mandapa-like structure at one end. The Tumkur district looms behind, and a fresh breeze nudges the air. It is the ideal place to get rested and take pictures.
As you proceed to the right, the trail looks quite barren - until you see wildflowers waving in the breeze. In 15-20 minutes, you come to the first stone entrance, which is the second level of the fort - commonly referred to as the Lost Paradise. The ruins are an opening into the inside where you see a calm lake stretched between crumbled fort walls. The reflection of the fort on the water is breathtaking so this is just the right place to relax, run your feet in the waters or even visit the ruins of the temples around. Look out for inquisitive monkeys and be careful especially in monsoon seasons since rocks are prone to become slippery.
The last stretch starts after a peaceful break. Round along the edge of the lake in trees and bushes, then left of the massive wall and right into a stone doorway (by-pass the right trail which is confusing and rough).
When you finally start climbing to the very top, breathtaking scenery of small dots that equate to villages and adjacent hills comes into sight. and perhaps with a bit of luck you will see a rabbit scurry across the grassy crest. The last peak is an easy climb with clearly defined steps that will take you through the primary fort entrance providing an extensive 360 view.
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Exclusions
Pickup points
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Experience your firsts. Conquer your fears. Step out of your comfort zone. All of this and more with your new strangers-turned-tribe on every trip.
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No pressure, no rush
Unplanned magic
Leave no trace policy
Responsible travel
Things to carry
Here is all that you will carry on this trek:
Policy and terms
All refund or cancellation requests must be submitted exclusively via email to [email protected]. Requests made by call or WhatsApp will not be accepted.
If you cancel your booking
In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy:
Cancellation Fee
20% of the total invoice
Cancellation Fee
65% of the total invoice
Cancellation Fee
100% of the total invoice
30 days or more before scheduled date
Cancellation Fee
20% of the total invoice
15–29 days before scheduled date
Cancellation Fee
65% of the total invoice
0–15 days before scheduled date
Cancellation Fee
100% of the total invoice
Last-minute cancellations on the day of or the day before trek departure
Last-minute cancellations made on the day of trek departure or the day before are not eligible for a refund or rescheduling, regardless of the reason (such as work commitments, family emergencies, or health).
Reschedule your booking on the day of trek departure
Should you choose to postpone your booking to a future date, an additional fee of ₹1500 per person will be incurred. This postponement option is valid for a period of 3 months from your original trek departure date.
Aranya Vihara treks and permits
Permit fees for treks obtained under Aranya Vihara are non-refundable in the event of customer cancellation.
If plan the unplanned cancel your booking
In the event that WE postpone or cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy:
During or after the trek
In the event of severe weather or other safety concerns, we may shorten a trek day or abandon the trek entirely. No refunds will be issued in such circumstances, as your safety is our top priority.
Prior to the trek
If we cancel a trek due to natural disasters (such as rainstorm, flood, landslide, earthquake) or unanticipated political disturbances (such as curfews, local riots, government orders, forest department directives), Plan The Unplanned will issue a voucher for the full value of your ticket. Please note that payment gateway charges will be deducted from this refund.
Insufficient reservations
If we cancel a trek due to insufficient reservations or lack of participants for a specific batch, a refund of 96% of the trek money will be issued. Please note that payment gateway charges will be deducted from this refund.
Trek guidelines
To ensure everyone has a great time and knows what to expect, please read these important points:
No alcohol or smoking
For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please don’t consume alcohol, intoxicants, or smoke at any point during the journey or trek.
Dinner before boarding
Kindly complete your dinner before you board the bus.
Travel arrangements
We’ll arrange transportation based on our group size. If there are 12 or fewer of us, we’ll use a tempo traveler. For groups of 13 or more, it’ll be a mini-bus. Both options are non-AC and have push-back seats for your comfort. We appreciate your understanding regarding our travel logistics.
"Without Travel" option
If you prefer to arrange your own transportation to the destination (the homestay), be sure to book the “Without Travel” option when you sign up. Please note: If you select this, you’ll need a private car for your entire trip. Public transport won’t work, as our Day 2 activities begin directly from the homestay and require continuous private car access to ensure you can fully participate in all planned activities.
Embrace the outdoors
Our trips are about getting out into nature, often in remote locations. Please don’t expect luxury accommodations; we focus on providing comfortable basic facilities.
Food provided
We’ll provide basic, vegetarian meals. We do not serve non-vegetarian food.
Leave no trace policy
Please help us keep our beautiful outdoors clean by disposing of all litter properly.
Personal belongings
You are responsible for your personal belongings, valuables, and jewelry. Plan The Unplanned is not liable for any lost items.
Potential delays
While we strive to be on schedule, please be aware that traffic delays or vehicle breakdowns can sometimes occur, leading to slight delays in reaching our destination.
FAQs
You’ll get an event heads-up email by Thursday of the trip week. It includes:
- Exact pickup points with timings
- Your Outdoor Leader’s name and phone number
- A quick list of do’s & don’ts
Tickets
With Travel - Bangalore
₹ 1,299/-
Without Travel - Arrange Your Own Transport
₹ 649/-
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