At Indiahikes, we are always on the look out for new trekking destinations. And recently, our search for accessible treks around Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary led us to a quaint farm property, called the Calvary Camp. It is situated near the famous Shivanasamudram Waterfalls in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagara District.

There are several hills around Calvary Camp that you can explore on foot. What makes these hikes truly special is that they take you into the heart of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary — a region that’s otherwise closed to trekking.

We’ve documented these routes as three separate day hikes: Pyramid Hills, Valle Malai, and Kulle Malai. Each of them can be comfortably completed in 4–5 hours.

That said, there’s plenty of flexibility in how you approach them. If you’re looking for something lighter, you can break them into smaller sections. If you're up for a challenge, you can even combine two or more into a longer day of trekking.

We recommend going through the detailed trail guides for each route. They’ll give you a clear sense of what to expect and how the trails connect. This will help you make an informed plan for hiking in the region.

A Complete Guide to the Pyramid Hills Trek

You don’t get to trek inside the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary every day. Most of it is off-limits for trekkers. But Calvary Camp in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar is in a unique location. It allows you to hike in the nearby hills, some of which lie inside the sanctuary. This is a rare chance you shouldn’t miss.

Of the many hikes you can do around the place, the Pyramid Hills Trek stands out simply due to the iconic shape of these hills. The twin hills are shaped like perfect, rounded pyramids. They stand beside each other connected by a steep forested ridge.

You see them from far, perfectly triangular shapes, covered in soft green grass. And then you discover the many sides of it once you start the trek. 

The trek starts right from Calvary Camp. You walk through farmlands and scrub forests into the grassy hills of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. You’ll pass several scenic viewpoints as you gradually make your way to the stunning top of Small Pyramid Hill.

From here, the trail gets tougher. The climb to the Big Pyramid is short but steep. Reaching the top, surrounded by huge rocks and Achamaram trees, feels like a big achievement. The adventure of the climb and the gusts of wind at the eerily silent top are unparalleled.

Yet, this wide spectrum of experiences is packed in a 5 km trail, which can be easily completed in 4-5 hrs. What’s better? You can choose to do just one hill or the other, depending on the time you have at hand and the level of challenge you wish to face. There are rarely treks where you have such options.

Trek Snapshots:

• Duration: One day
• Distance from Bengaluru: 140 km
• Highest Altitude: 3000 ft
• Total Trek Distance: 5 km 
• Base:  Calvary Camp, near Shivanasamudram Waterfall
• Permits: Arranged by Calvary Camp Team

Can beginners attempt the Pyramid Hills Trek?  The Pyramid Hill Trek is just 5 km long and can easily be done in half a day. The climb to Small Pyramid Hill is gradual, with plenty of spots to rest. The final stretch to the top is a bit challenging, but it gives a great sense of accomplishment. It’s perfect for beginners and even kids. The climb to Big Pyramid Hill, however, is steep and tricky. The trail disappears towards the top, and you’ll need good balance. If you're a beginner or trekking with kids, we suggest skipping the Big Pyramid Hill.

➤What to Watch out for

1) The Small Pyramid Top

The Small Pyramid Hill offers a wide 360° view from the top. Forested hills of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary stretch endlessly on one side, while a patchwork of green and brown fields lies below. A steady breeze greets you at the top, carrying the sounds and smells of the forest. If you reach during sunrise or sunset, the sky paints the landscape in golden light — it’s a moment worth pausing for.

2) The Beautiful Grassy Hills of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

The trek takes you deep into the grassy hills of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. You don’t just see the landscape from afar — you walk right through it. The hills are covered in a soft blanket of green, with tall grasses that sometimes rise above your head. Scattered forest patches add variety to the trail. If you start early, you’re likely to spot birds and even animals like spotted deer, hares, and foxes along the way.

3) The Climb to Big Pyramid Top

While the views from the Small Pyramid are better, the climb to the Big Pyramid is far more thrilling. It’s a short but tough ascent. A narrow, overgrown trail branches off sharply from the main route. Soon, even that trail fades, and you’ll find yourself navigating steep grassy slopes on your own. Loose rocks make footing tricky, and at times, you’ll need to grab onto tall grass for balance. Reaching the top feels like a real achievement. Hardly anyone comes here, so it’s completely silent. The rocky summit and towering Achamaram trees give the place a wild, magical feel.

➤ Suggested Itinerary

• Arrive at Calvary camp the previous afternoon/night. You can stay over and enjoy the rest of the time in the camp before starting your trek early the next day
• Once you plan your stay with the Calvary Camp, they will take care of the forest permits. If you are not staying at the camp, you can get in touch with them and request them to arrange permits. They can also help you with a packed breakfast/lunch if you need.
  Contact: +91 93425 88322 (Rahul)
• Leave the camp early by 4:30 am to experience sunrise from the small pyramid top
• The trek can take around 4-5 hours. We recommend carrying breakfast and at least 2 litres of water.
• Your first milestone will be sunrise at Small Pyramid Top. This will take 1.5 hours (approx). The sunrise is beautiful from the Small Pyramid, and the views are also better than what you will see from the obstructed top of the Big Pyramid.
• After sunrise, make your way towards the base of the Big Pyramid and climb to its top
• From Small Pyramid Top to Big Pyramid Top will take around 1 hr. Have your breakfast at the top of the Big Pyramid.
• If you are trekking in the Summer, it is good to set a turnaround time of 8.30 am. Beyond that, the sun can get very harsh. Having a cut-off time ensures that you manage your time better, even if there are unforeseen delays in starting the trek.
• Return to the camp by 10 am. Freshen up and start your journey back to Bangalore.

➤ Detailed Trail Information

The Pyramid Hills Trek takes you to two summits— first to the smaller Pyramid Hill, followed by a climb to the larger one. The total trek distance, starting and ending at Calvary Camp, is around 5 km.

However, you don’t necessarily have to do the full trek. You can choose to hike only the small pyramid or only the big one. It depends on how much time you have and the level of challenge you’re looking for.

The entire trek can be divided into the following 6 sections :

1. Calvary Camp to the Start of Forest Section: 1.25 km | 30 mins
2. Gradual Ascent to Base of Small Pyramid Hill: 700 m | 30 mins
3. Steep Climb to the Top of Small Pyramid: 250 m | 15 mins
4. Top of Small Pyramid to Big Pyramid Base: 400 m | 20 mins
5. Steep Climb to Big Pyramid Top: 350 m | 30 mins
6. Back to Calvary Camp from the Top of the Big Pyramid: 2 km | 1 hr

Section I: Calvary Camp to the Start of Forest Section

Trek Distance: 1.25 km
Trek Duration: 30 mins

• Start at Calvary Camp and follow the paved road, turn right, then take a left at the fork onto the trail
• In 300 m, leave the paved road and take the trail that descends rightwards
• Take a sharp left. Scrub forests begin to replace the farmed landscape
• The trail begins to ascend gradually, and you enter a section full of tall grass
• Continue for another 200 m through tall grass until you see a pink farmhouse
• Cross the Farmhouse
• 200 m ahead of this farmhouse, you will be at a crossroads
• At this crossroad, a tarred road descends to your left and a foot trail ascends to your right
• You need to take the right turn. This is where you leave the farmlands fully behind and a scrub forest section begins. The trail ascent also gets slightly steeper.

Section II: Gradual Ascent to Base of Small Pyramid Hill

Trek Distance: 700 m
Trek Duration: 30 mins

• Ascend along the clearly marked trail through tall grass and scrub forests
• As you climb up, views of the surrounding hills and valleys gradually open up
• In 250 metres, you reach an open viewpoint with a clear view of the forested hills and farms below
• Keep climbing past this viewpoint
• In the next 200 m, you will pass by a dead white tree (ghost tree) standing tall amidst the grass
• From hereon, the climb gets steeper. You pass another great viewpoint that offers great views of the entire region. You have now officially entered the boundaries of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
• Negotiate the ascent for another 200 m and you reach a flattish saddle area
• There is a natural chair-shaped boulder placed centrally in the clearing
• This is the base of the small pyramid hill
• SIt for a while and rest before taking on the final climb to the top

Section III: Steep Climb to the Top of Small Pyramid

Trek Distance: 250 m
Trek Duration: 15 mins

• Take the trail on the left side of the clearing, just past a thin, white tree
• Climb straight along the trail
• The ascent is steep and in some sections, you climb on loose stones
• Take care to not slip
• In next 15-20 mins you will reach the top of Small Pyramid Hill
• From the top of the hill, you get sweeping views of the surrounding hills and forested valleys of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. The Big Pyramid Hill stands tall right ahead.
• While there is a direct route along the same ridge, it’s very steep and the trail is overgrown. We recommend taking the alternate route to the Big Pyramid, which is marked in our recorded trail and described in the next sections.

Section IV: Top of Small Pyramid to Big Pyramid Base

Trek Distance: 400 m
Trek Duration: 20 mins

• Begin your descent from the top of the Small Pyramid by retracing the same route you took to climb up
• The descent can be trickier than the ascent. Mind your steps while you climb down the steep section to the saddle region
• Keep retracing your path for 250 metres until you reach the dead white tree (ghost tree), that you had passed by while negotiating Section-2 of this trek
•  You are now at the base of the Big Pyramid Hill

Section V: Steep Climb to Big Pyramid Top

Trek Distance: 350 m
Trek Duration: 30 mins

• From the base of the hill, find the diversion to the right that climbs steeply upwards
• It is a narrow, overgrown trail. As you climb higher, the trail gets fainter and fainter
• Just keep moving in the general direction upwards
• The climb is steep and you won’t see what’s below your feet due to tall grass
• This is a challenging climb and covering the next 350 m can take anywhere between 30-40 mins
• The big pyramid hill has very little space at the top
• Wander about until you reach a huge Achamaram tree surrounded by boulders
• This is the summit point and through gap in tall grass, you get 180-degree views of the region below
• Feel the wind and take in the silence. Spend some time at the top before starting your descent

Section VI:  Back to Calvary Camp from Top of Big Pyramid:

Trek Distance: 2 km
Trek Duration: 1 hr

• Negotiate the steep climb down to the base of big pyramid from its top
• Hold on to the tall grass for balance. They are strongly rooted and don’t come off easily
• The descent can take anywhere between 15-20 minutes
• Once you reach the base, just retrace your way back to Calvary Camp
• This 2 km return leg to Camp can take anywhere between 50 mins to 1 hr

➤ Best Time to do the Pyramid Hills Trek

The Pyramid Hills Trek is accessible year‑round. But we recommend September to February as the best time to do the trek.

In peak monsoon season, trails are overgrown. The trails beneath long grass can also be slushy. The steep climb and subsequent descent from Big Pyramid Hill can get extremely tricky. It is not a great time to do the trek. 

By September, the rains retreat, but the vegetation remains lush. It is also the best time to see vibrant greenery. In winter, the weather is pleasant, and the clear blue skies are a treat. Winters are the best time for birdwatching as well. 

Since the trek involves walking through open landscapes, without dense canopies, harsh summer sun can take a toll on you. If you're planning to do the Pyramid Hills Trek in summer, it's best to reach the camp a day before, start early and aim for a sunrise hike. This way, you can finish the entire trek before the daytime heat sets in.

➤ How to reach the Pyramid Hills Trek

The Pyramid Hills Trek starts from Calvary Camp, located right at the edge of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagara District. The camp is situated around 7 km from Sathegala Handpost Bus Stand, which lies on the bus route to Kollegala from Bangalore.

How to Reach Pyramid Hills from Bangalore by Car

• The trek starts from Calvary Camp, which is accessible by road. The drive from Bangalore to the starting point is around 138 km via Bangalore–Mysore Expressway, Malavalli-Madduru Road and Barachukki Falls Road. The road is tarred and smooth until the Kempegowda Circle on the Barachukki Falls Road.
• The last 6-7 km of drive from Kempegowda Circle to Calvary Camp is along a rough mud track. Please be prepared accordingly. This mud track can get slushy and difficult to navigate in peak monsoons.

The entire journey from Bangalore can take anywhere between 3 to 4 hours. You can use this Google Map Link for easy navigation. There are designated parking spaces at Calvary Camp, where you can park.

How to Reach Pyramid Hills from Bengaluru by Public Transport

• To get to Calvary Camp by Public Transport, you first need to reach the Sathegala Handpost Bus Stand. It is on the way to Kollegala from Bangalore. Take any KSRTC or Private Bus to Kollegala and request the conductor to drop you at Sathegala Handpost.
• From Sathegala Handpost Bus Stand bus stop or railway station– Calvary Camp is about 8 km away. You can take an auto. Autos charge anything between Rs.300-500, which can be shared between 3-4 members.

➤ Frequently Asked Questions about the Pyramid Hills Trek

1. Is there any permission required to do the Pyramid Hills Trek ?

Yes. Once you plan your stay with the Calvary Camp, they will take care of the forest permits. If you are not staying at the camp, you can get in touch with them and request them to arrange permits. They can also help you with a packed breakfast/lunch if you need. Contact: +91 93425 88322 (Rahul)

2. How difficult is the Pyramid Hills Trek Trek ?

The Pyramid Hill Trek is just 5 km long and can easily be done in half a day. The climb to Small Pyramid Hill is gradual, with plenty of spots to rest. The final stretch to the top is a bit challenging, but it gives a great sense of accomplishment. It’s perfect for beginners and even kids. The climb to Big Pyramid Hill, however, is steep and tricky. The trail disappears towards the top, and you’ll need good balance. If you're a beginner or trekking with kids, we suggest skipping the Big Pyramid Hill.

3. Are there any food stalls and water sources on the Pyramid Hills Trek ?

There are no food stalls or water sources on this Trek. So, we strongly recommend you to fill enough water (2 litres) while starting from Calvary Camp.

5. What is the distance of the Pyramid Hills Trek from Bangalore?

Pyramid Hills Trek, about 140 km from Bangalore main city, is accessible by both private and public transportation means.

6. Can I do the Pyramid Hills Trek alone?

Yes. However, you may lose your way or end up on more difficult routes, especially during the Big Pyramid approach. Use the GPX Recording attached in this documentation or trek with a local guide.

What to Pack for the Pyramid Hills Trek

➤ Places to Visit After Completing the Pyramid Hills Trek

1. Gaganachukki Viewpoint: The Gaganachukki Watchtower, a 15 km drive from Calvary Camp, gives an excellent head-on view of the thundering Gaganachukki segment of the famous Shivanasamudram Waterfalls. It’s the best spot for photography, especially at sunset when the mist lights up with golden hues.
2. Bharachukki Viewpoint: This short, lesser-known viewpoint, about 12 km drive from Calvary Camp, is located on a high ridge that offers panoramic views of the Barachukki falls. It is especially stunning during the monsoon. The walk to the viewpoint is easy but rewarding, perfect for those wanting to skip the crowd and see the Shivanasamudram Waterfalls from a different perspective.
3. Shivanasamudra Hanging Bridge (Darga Viewpoint): Just 12 km from Calvary Camp, this hanging bridge offers a quiet and less touristy view of the Gaganachukki waterfalls. It's a short walk from the nearby Dargah Hazrath Margane Gaib. It is much less frequented than the better-known viewpoints of Gaganachukki and Bharachukki.
4. Pataleshwara Temple:  Just 30 km from the Calvary Camp, the Pataleshwara Temple in Talakadu is an ancient temple town known for Panchalinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, with great archaeological and mythological significance. Walking through the sand-covered ruins feels like stepping into a time capsule. The Kaveri River flows serenely by, making it a peaceful picnic spot as well. You can also take a boat ride on the Kaveri River at Talakadu. Locals often guide you through the backwaters and tell tales of the submerged city.
5. Somnathpur: Around 40 km from Calvary Camp, Somnathpur is home to the Chennakesava Temple, a stellar example of Hoysala architecture. The temple, built in the 13th century, is exquisitely carved and remarkably well-preserved. The temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary (Muthathi Side): About 55 km from your camp, the sanctuary is a must-visit for those who enjoy raw, forested landscapes. The Muthathi area along the Cauvery River offers opportunities for birdwatching, trekking, and spotting wildlife like elephants, leopards, and river otters. It's a quiet alternative to more commercial destinations.
   Note: Access to the sanctuary is only possible through the Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp, managed by Karnataka Jungle Lodges. The camp offers short forest trails, riverside walks, and light treks along the banks of the Cauvery. You can also spot wildlife like deer and langurs, or indulge in kayaking and zip-lining. The Camp also has an attached Nature Education Forest Camp facility. Book in advance if you plan to stay at the camp or use their adventure facilities.
7. Mekedatu and Sangama: The Mekdatu Sangama is a famous viewpoint, about 20 km ahead of the Bheemeshawari Adventure and Nature Camp. It’s a little far from Calvary Camp but if you’re staying at Bheemeshawri, Mekedatu is definitely worth a shot. This is where the Arkavathi River meets the Kaveri at a point called Sangama.
   From there, a short trek takes you to Mekedatu. “Mekedatu” means “goat’s leap” which relates to a folk story about a goat that leaped across the gorge to escape from a lion. Here, the Cauvery River enters a thrilling course through a narrow valley with steep rocky cliffs. You see a deep gorge where the river flows through narrow rocky channels. It's a scenic spot with unique rock formations and a dramatic river flow.
   Note: Swimming is not advised due to strong currents.

➤ Other Treks in the Region

1. Kabbala Durga Trek: Around 60 km from Calvary Camp, on the way back to Bangalore, Kabbaladurga is a well-known trek. It is a huge granite hill known for its moderate-level trek and panoramic views from the summit. The trail winds through scrub forests and boulders, leading up to the ruins of a fort and a small temple dedicated to Goddess Kabbalamma. It’s a great trek, especially if you enjoy early morning climbs.
   
   

➤ Trek Contribution

Trek documented by Upayan Chatterjee, Mrudula Joshi and Saquib Sherief

Trek written by Upayan Chatterjee and Indiahikes Trekking Club Members (Isha, John, Naksha, Nagavishnu, Sai, Shreya, Subramanyam and Surendra)

Banner Image by Upayan Chatterjee