Madhugiri Fort Trek

Madhugiri Fort Trek
Madhugiri Fort Trek
Madhugiri Fort Trek
Madhugiri Fort Trek

Starts From

₹ 1599/-
₹ 1399/-

About The Trip

How many times have you felt that your work is like a large rock that you just can't seem to scale?

So many of us have projects to complete or assignments to get through that feel like nothing less than a mountain of immense magnitude. 

Well, chuck all those aside for a weekend and consider a Madhugiri trek booking, which will help whisk your mind away from the chaos and confusion of the week and refresh and rejuvenate your mind and body. 

Just 100 km away from Bangalore, located in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, Madhugiri literally translates to honey hill – a name it earned from the multiple honeybee colonies that once existed at the top. 

Today, a monolith stands alone with what remains of the Madhugiri fort atop and offers an interesting, challenging and unique trekking experience to all those who undertake it. 

So, come along! Our Plan The Unplanned trek leaders and others just like you are all set for an adventure, away from the monotony and mayhem of city life. 

 

Trek highlights

If you are looking for a day trip, a trek that doesn’t take up too much of your time, then the Madhugiri trek from Bangalore would be a great choice, as this will take less than 24 hours. All you need to do is start your day a little early, but we assure you that it will be worth your while! 

  • Leave Bangalore early in the morning and after breakfast, reach the trek base
  • Start your climb, which should take around 2 to 2.5 hours and enjoy the vistas 
  • Explore the bastions, gateways, water tanks and intricate architecture on your way up or down 
  • At the peak, you can take a breather or capture memories and pics 
  • By afternoon, you will have completed your descent and be back at the base
  • After a lunch enroute, you can be back in town by evening

The Madhugiri trek goes beyond being a trip to the second largest monolith in Asia after Savandurga; it is a tale of our history that goes back all the way to the late 1600s. 

If you are willing to take the challenge, who knows what stories you might discover!

 

Price

Tickets
With Travel - Bangalore ₹ 1399/-
cover pic

Starting From : INR 1599/-

INR 1399/-

per person

*Prices will vary for Long Weekend/Christmas/NY Trips ( From 20th Dec 2025 to 2nd Jan 2026 )
Tickets
With Travel - Bangalore ₹ 1399/-
... Download PDF

Brief Itinerary

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Exclusions

Pickup Points

Udupi Grand, Teacher's Colony, HSR Layout

Show Directions

Arrival time: 5 a.m.

Departure time: 5:05 a.m.

Yamaha Showroom Domlur

Show Directions

Arrival time: 5:30 a.m.

Departure time: 5:35 a.m.

KTM Mekhri Circle

Show Directions

Arrival time: 6 a.m.

Departure time: 6:10 a.m.

Yeshwanthpur Metro

Show Directions

Arrival time: 6:25 a.m.

Departure time: 6:30 a.m.

Detail Itinerary


Breakfast, Lunch


Details

Madhugiri Fort trek is only a 5.99-kilometre long trek; however, it is a trip of determination, magnificence, and never-before-seen beauty, which is split into four unique stages characterised by carefully carved stone archways.

The path starts by a scale of stairs, an easy scenic walk with far reaching views. The first thing you see is stone gateways, a magnificent bastion, erected on granite pillar. Sitting next to it, a centuries old water tank used to hold water to be used by soldiers. To reach the bastion is a short and hard climb over a slippery rocky landscape, well worth the scenery, though.

Then, there are carved stairs out of the rock. The slope becomes steeper, however, there are rails to hold the climb. Look behind you the bastion in sight and the Madhugiri town waving into the distance.

This is the hardest section and the slopes are 60-70 degrees. Majority of trekkers crawl on all fours. It is intimidating particularly to the people who are afraid of heights. However, wearing proper shoes and having a level head is not too bad, and it is very rewarding.

An indication of the final stretch comes in the form of a small stone tunnel that leads to a more gradual trail towards the summit. It is an endurance test more than a test of skill. You can go to the top to see old buildings such as the Gopalakrishna Temple, stone granaries and spooky multi-chambered rooms with light coming through the ceiling. Their significance is still a mystery but their existence is strong.

Absorb the wide sights, the hills in the backdrop and Madhugiri town in the depths like a grain of scattered puzzle. Have a good rest and go down, some sections are more difficult to go down.

Take back with you the excitement of a climb teaming with history, adventure and unsurpassed beauty as you head back to Bengaluru.


Things To Carry

✅ Warm layers and down or fleece jackets to stay warm

✅ Sun caps and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun and heat

✅ Small backpack to carry your essentials during the trek

✅ Extra cash for any meals not covered in your itinerary

✅ Power bank and charging cable for your phone

✅ Portable chargers for other electronics

✅ Compact raincoat or backpack cover to stay dry

✅ A comfortable pair of trekking shoes with good grip

✅ Energy bars to refuel during the trek

✅ 2x one-litre water bottles

Policy and Terms

Refund/Cancellation Policy – Weekend Trips from Bangalore

In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow:

Intimation Period*

Cancellation Fee**

7 days or more

10% of the total invoice value

Between 3-6 days

50% of the total invoice value

Between 0-2 days

100% of the total invoice value

  • *Intimation Period means the number of days before the tour is scheduled to start
  • **Cancellation Fee is the amount of money that will be deducted from the total billing amount before offering the refund.
  • Refund/Cancellation requests are accepted only by email at [email protected] and not via call or Whatsapp.

NOTE:

  • Cancellations on the day of departure or a day prior due to work/family emergencies, health issues, etc. would not be entertained, and no refund or transfer to further dates shall be allowed for the same. 

  • If you are wanting to cancel out on the day of departure and move the trek to a future date an additional charge of RS 1500 would have to be incurred to make the movement to a future date. This can be availed only within 3 months from the date of the actual trip departure.

  • Additional charges would be deducted (based on from where you booked) if you cancel the trek at any given date (along with the scenario described above), as payment gateway/event listing charges.

Transfer of Dates Policy

  • If you wish to shift your date of booking due to any unforeseen circumstances, the same should be intimated to us not less than 72 hours before the date of the event. (Not valid for group or corporate bookings)

  • Only one transfer per booking shall be permitted. Your booking shall stand canceled if you fail to join the event on the transferred dates.

  • Once the option of data transfer is made, the booking amount shall be held as credits with us, and in no case will a refund be made further on.

  • For Skandagiri Trek, Makalidurga Trek, Chinaga Betta Trek, Madhugiri - Permit Fees will be dedcuted. The charges per person being Rs 600 for Skandagiri, 500 for Makalidurga and Rs 310 for Chinaga Betta Trek, Madhugiri -250.The balance amount will be deducted as per the cancellation policy stated above.

  • Transfer of dates on the day of departure shall be possible at an additional charge of 1500/- per person  (applicable for few events).

 

 

How to Reach

 

FAQ's

Well, most of our treks are usually confirmed by Thursday and you would receive a BON VOYAGE mail that would contain details as regards Pickup Points ( Location and Timings ), Outdoor Leader ( Point of Contact ), Do’s and Don’ts. You’ll be added to Whatsapp Group for all further updates.

Yes, the Bon Voyage mail would contain a link for Whatsapp Group through which one can join and interact with fellow travellers and outdoor leaders.

The interesting thing about travelling alone is that you get to meet new people from diverse backgrounds, and towards the end, you are no longer strangers. Hence solo travellers are always welcome to join us on our trips. Read more about solo travelling here and get inspired! https://www.plantheunplanned.com/solo-yet-accompanied/

Safety and security are our priority at all times. Hence it is safe for women/girls to join us on our treks and travels. Our trek leaders accompany the team at all times, and our campsites are secured and safe for accommodation. We also have female trek leaders who accompany us on most of our treks.

Not at all. You could keep all the extra luggage back at the campsite/homestay and carry only the necessary stuff for the trek (Raincoats, Torchlight, Waterbottle, lunchbox, and your valuable)

Well, you are in the mountains and none of our trails has a washroom facility during the trek.

Yes, we do have options for picking a traveller on board with a few locations provided they are on the route to our destination. The following are the same: - Croma Store, Sony World Signal - Trinity Circle Metro Station - Yeshwanthpur Metro Station - Goraguntepalya Metro Station

Details for availing discounts are mentioned in the following link, https://www.plantheunplanned.com/membership/

Well, if you select this option, all the travel arrangements for your entire itinerary must be managed by yourself, and Plan the Unplanned crew will not be managing anything related to your travel. We recommend you come via car for a smooth travel experience to, from and within the destination.

We are extremely sorry, you cannot postpone to any future date in case you fail to attend the trek on the mentioned date for any reasons whatsoever (family/health/work emergencies). You can write to us at [email protected] as regards and our team will get in touch with you on the same.

The Madhugiri Fort Trek is an easy-moderate trek and one can easily do this trek with a moderate fitness

This trek can be covered by any kind of person. Moreover, it is an easy trek. Although the route is not well-marked, the trek leaders would guide you through. Along with this, you will cover most of the course by walking and jumping on obstacles.

This is a one-day trek. So it won’t be possible to leave the luggage at the homestay. You can leave it on the bus and carry the necessary for the trek

All networks had solid reception the entire way, all the way to the summit.

No, it is not filled with leeches

The months of September through February are ideal for the Madhugiri fort trip. The best times to go on the Madhugiri Trek are after the monsoon or during the winter. You can see the lush vegetation of the Thimmalapura Forest in all its splendour after the rain.

No, you cannot camp anywhere along the trail.

The monsoon season brings a lot of rain to the area. Because it becomes extremely challenging to navigate the steep areas during the rains, we advise you to avoid it.

Additional Information

In order to make this a smooth and enjoyable process for all involved we ask that you read and follow the below guidelines: 

  • Prohibited items: For the safety and comfort of all, the use of alcohol, intoxicants, or smoking is not allowed at any point during the journey and trek.
  • Meals before departure: If you have opted for the “With Travel” option, we request you to complete your dinner before boarding the bus, as no dinner will be provided en route.  
  • Travel arrangements: Transport is arranged based on the group size but both options have push-back seats for your comfort. Non-AC tempo traveller for groups of up to 12 trekkers. And a non-AC minibus for groups of 13 and more. 
  • Pre-departure meals: In case you have chosen the “With Travel” option, we ask you to please complete your dinner before getting on the bus as no dinner will be served during the bus journey.
  • Independent travel: If you prefer to arrange your own private transportation to the destination, be sure to choose the "Without Travel" option in the booking page. Important: In this case, please ensure you have access to a private car for the entire duration of the trip. Public transport is limited and unreliable given the remote locations. You will need your own mode of private transport to move around and participate in all of the planned activities. 
  • Accommodation standards: Our trips are nature-focused and often in remote locations. The accommodations provided are basic, clean and comfortable. We do not promise or organise luxury amenities. 
  • Meals provided: We offer simple vegetarian meals throughout the trip. Non-vegetarian food will not be provided.  
  • Environmental responsibility: We follow a strict Leave No Trace policy in accordance with the rules of the Forest Department. While plastic is not allowed, everyone is expected to carry any and all waste back to the base and carefully dispose of it. Together, let’s leave the hills better than we found them. 
  • Your personal belongings: You are solely responsible for your personal belongings, valuables, and jewelry. Plan The Unplanned is not liable for any lost or damaged items. 
  • Delays and unforeseen events: While we aim to be on schedule, delays may occur due to traffic or vehicular issues beyond our control. We request your cooperation in case of slight delays in reaching our destination.
cover pic

Starting From : INR 1599/-

INR 1399/-

per person

*Prices will vary for Long Weekend/Christmas/NY Trips
( From 20th Dec 2025 to 2nd Jan 2026)
Tickets
With Travel - Bangalore ₹ 1399/-
... Download PDF

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Madhugiri Fort Trek
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