Makalidurga Fort Trekking

Unlike any other day treks around Bangalore, Makalidurga is a special trek which has a Railway Station as its base. Although the temple devoted to Muthurayaswamy is the actual starting point, it is a thrilling walk from the Railway Station to the temple for two kilometres.

Makalidurga has got its name from two sources, according to legend. Firstly, Makalidurga is named after a woody climber called “Makali Beru” or Makali Root, the juice of which is used to prepare a health drink. Some medicines also include juice because it purifies the blood.

Secondly, the ‘Palegar’ or ruler named Makaliraya used the fort as his granary during the late 1800’s and that is how Makalidurga got its name.

Makalidurga is full of legend and history, because it is believed that Markandeya Rishi performed penance here.

Makalidurga has seen a lot of change of hands. In the beginning, rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire held the fort. But, as a result of their decline, the Nayakas ruled the fort. Later, Shahaji Bhosle, the father of Chhatrapati Shivaji, controlled the fort when he was ruling the Doddaballapur region during the 1600’s.

Makalidurga is about 60 kilometres from Bangalore, and just 15 kilometres from Doddaballapur and is easily accessible by road and railways. It is an all-season trek for beginners as well as experienced trekkers and for people looking for a quick weekend getaway.