Huliyurdurga Trek

The trek will take you through Huliyurdurga Village to the ancient Huliyurdurga Fort. It’s about 3 km and has an elevation gain of approximately 460 feet. It is estimated that you will spend about a half-hour walking the trail.

Starting in Huliyurdurga Village

• Begin at the Village:
• Your journey begins at Huliyurdurga Village, which spans 11 square kilometers. It also has an impressive Police Station accessible from the bus stop in town. You can start your trek along the asphalt road, which passes by the small cemetery on the left.
• Initial Route:
• Continue the route until you reach an intersection close to the water tank. Pick your left route (suitable for bicyclists), and begin your upward trek. Within five minutes, you’ll come across the ruins of a temple that was once in use. This is a great place to park your bike and signify the beginning of your hiking trail.

Trekking Through Changing Landscapes

Transition to Lush Forest: As you continue uphill, the area transforms into a verdant forest filled with thriving plant life, especially after rainfall. Continue for seven to ten minutes until you arrive at the intersection at which a temple dedicated to Ganesha is located to your left. From there, you can follow the main trail to explore further.

Navigational Cautions:

• • Look out for the small blue directional arrows with blue lines; if you’re not familiar with the region, you might miss them.
  • Do not take a left-ward trail that leads straight towards a cliff edge and an impasse.
  • For those seeking a more adventurous trek, a left-to-right route could lead you to rugged terrain where you may come across a tiny water body and an idol of Nandi. Be aware that the dense undergrowth, as well as the thorny vegetation, can hinder navigation.

The Critical Ascent: In about 8 minutes, you’ll face the most challenging section of the climb- soaring rocks and seemingly inaccessible routes. This part requires the basics of rock climbing:

Climbing Tips:

• • • Seek out natural handholds, crevices, and even a tree embedded into the rocks for extra assistance.
    • Beware of flows of water that can cause surfaces to become slippery.
    • Step by step, climb steadily for about 12 feet. If you are in summer, less slipperiness can ease the climb.

Final Stretch to the Summit: In the next section, after which you’ll come across the narrow, slippery Sand stretch with only a few feet. Make use of all the energy and strength to get through this obstacle. After completing this tough segment, relax and take a 10-minute trek towards the top.

Reaching the Summit

• At the Top: Once you have reached the hill’s summit, look at the ruins of an old fortification and temple that evoke Bangalore hills forts. Keep an eye out for an old ancient ragi stone and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the Huliyurdurga scenery. Consider the rich and varied history, which dates back to the 16th-century fort, which once was a strong defensive base.
• Descent: You can retrace your steps following the exact route for a return trip to the starting place. The descent will take about 20 minutes, but caution is required for those traversing rocky terrain sections. Utilize both feet and hands for an uninvolved descent.

Additional Information

• Improved Routes: If you have information about alternative or improved trekking routes within the Huliyurdurga region, please share your experiences to improve the experience for future trekkers.
• Optional Extension: Consider taking a short side trek to nearby Hemagiri Hill if available. It’s easily accessible from an adjacent roadhead and requires only a brief walk.

Take a trip through Huliyurdurga, a trek that combines the best of nature, historical fascination, and the excitement of physical exertion!