Trek to Skandagiri, Savandurga legally from Jan

Trekkers need not travel all the way to Chikkamangaluru to walk the green path as the government is all set to legalise Skandagiri, Makalidurga and Savandurga trekking routes from January 1.

Ranked medium in toughness category, they are nearest for Bengalureans and can be explored round the year. They are best suited for those who want to explore nature in a short span of time without having to spend and travel much. Skandagiri and Makalidurga are about 70 km from the City towards Chikkaballapur, and Savandurga is about 50 km towards Magadi.

The Forest Department and the State government had closed these routes following accidents and mishaps about five years ago. Another reason was lack of facilities.

Despite this, many, especially youth, ventured into forest patches to trek without permission. There was no count of footfall.

In the wake of increasing demand, the Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board (KETDB), which comes under the State Forest Department, has decided to open the routes and regulate them while providing infrastructure and keeping vigil.

Vijay Mohan Raj, Additional CEO, KETDB, said 30 trained naturalists will be deployed as guides. Two new trek routes in Coorg will also be opened in January, he said.

These routes will be part of the 15 eco-trails which the department started a year ago across the Western Ghats in Castle Rock, Dandeli, Bheemgad, Bhagwati and Bramhagiri. They were not explored earlier as importance was more on Western Ghats.

The department wants to start eco-trails in every district so that locals are employed and the pressure on Western Ghats is eased, said Deputy Conservator of Forests V R Naik.

Along with recognised trekking and natural adventure clubs, the Forest Department is preparing a detailed project report on the regulated route, infrastructure, entry and exit points and check posts.



The department and local police are ensuring night vigil for safety of tourists.

This is important to curtail the increasing illegal night treks, rave parties and crimes which take place in and around the forest patches, said Naik.

Unlike the Western Ghats trails where base camps are at Jungle Lodges and Resorts, in the case of Savandurga, Makalidurga and Skandagiri, the management will be controlled through the Forest Department head office and accommodation will be provided on site, Vijay Mohan Raj said.