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 Valle Malai 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 all the hikes in the area, Valle Malai stands out for its sheer size. It towers behind Calvary Camp like a massive forested wall. It almost feels like there’s no way to climb it or find out what lies beyond.

Even as you begin the trek from Calvary Camp, the hill feels overwhelmingly large. But as you make your way through scrub forests and farmlands toward its base, faint trails begin to appear. It starts to feel possible. As you get closer to the hill, the summit gradually disappears from view. Your attention shifts from the big picture to what's immediately in front of you.

But then, suddenly the trails disappear. There’s nothing to follow except that you have to climb relentlessly upwards. This cross-country ascent is a sheer adventure and the biggest highlight of this trek. As you push through rocks, bushes, and tall grass, the sky starts to open up above you. The summit isn’t too far off.

When you reach the summit, the effort quickly fades away. It’s hard to believe you climbed a hill that looked so massive in just an hour. 

It is at the top when you actually feel the expanse of Valle Malai. The sense of accomplishment is immense. Unlike the pointed summit of Pyramid Hills, this one is wide and flat— a plateau, covered in tall, swaying grass. 

From down at Calvary Camp or near Pyramid Hills, Valle Malai appears like a huge barrier, hiding everything behind it. But once you're at the top, the landscape finally opens up. You see rolling forested hills and deep valleys, with patches of farmland laid out across the eastern side. It's the perfect place to catch your breath, feel the breeze, and take a quiet moment to absorb your surroundings.

One of the best parts of this trek is the descent — there’s a scenic, gentler route to come down. After reaching the top, you can take your time and return to camp at your own pace.

Yet, this entire adventure takes place over a 4 km trail, which can be easily completed in 3-4 hrs. 

What’s better ? You can even connect the Valle Malai trek with Pyramid Hills and weave them into one long day of hiking around these hills.

The only real challenge here is navigating the cross-country climb to the top. Since locals use different routes to access parts of the hill, there are many intersecting trails. To avoid getting lost, follow the GPX trail recording provided in this documentation or trek with a local guide.

Trek Snapshots:

• Duration: One day
• Distance from Bengaluru: 140 km
• Highest Altitude: 3000 ft
• Total Trek Distance: 4 km 
• Base:  Calvary Camp, near Shivanasamudram Waterfall
• Permits: Arranged by Calvary Camp Team

Can beginners attempt the Valle Malai Trek?  The Valle Malai Hill trek is just 4 km long and can easily be done in 3-4 hrs. The only challenge is the steep climb to the top. It gives a great sense of accomplishment but navigating the climb without marked trails requires a certain degree of experience. You can skip that climb if you want and take the more gradual route (described in this guide as the preferred route for descent). The trek becomes longer by a kilometer in that case but also becomes much easier. This would make Valle Malai accessible for beginners and even kids.

➤What to Watch out for

1) The Cross-Country Climb to Valle Malai Top

The cross-country climb to Valle Malai is short but full of adventure. With no defined trail, you navigate your own path through rocks, tall grass, and thick bushes. The steep ascent adds to the thrill. Reaching the saddle and catching your first glimpse of Valle Malai’s wide, open summit is an unforgettable moment.

What is a Cross-Country Trail ?
A cross-country trail is a route where there’s no clear or marked path. You hike off-trail across natural terrain like rocks, grass, bushes, or uneven ground. It requires navigation skills and careful footing. You can use the attached GPX file to help you with navigation. But be mentally prepared to negotiate a steep and demanding climb.

2) The Wide Open Top of Valle Malai

Reaching the top of Valle Malai is a satisfying experience. Unlike the narrow, pointy summit of the Pyramid Hills, Valle Malai has a broad, flat top. It feels like a plateau, with a long stretch of land covered in tall grass. From Calvary Camp and the Pyramid Hills, Valle Malai looks like a massive wall hiding what’s behind it. But from the top, you finally see what lies beyond Valle Malai. The forested hills and valleys, along with the patchwork of farmland on the eastern side of the hill, spread out before you. It’s a great spot to pause for a while, feel the wind on your face and take in the views.

3) 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.

➤ 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 next day
• Once you book your stay with the Calvary Camp, they will take care of forest permits. If you are not staying at the camp, you can get in touch with them and request to arrange permits. They can also help you with packed breakfast / lunch if you need.
  Contact: +91 93425 88322 (Rahul)
• Leave the camp early, around 6 AM. We don’t recommend starting the Valle Malai trek in the dark before sunrise.
• The trek can take around 3 hours. Carry breakfast and at least 2 liters of water.
• There are two ways to reach Valle Malai. One is a direct climb—short but very steep. It's tough on the way up and trickier on the way down. The other route is longer but gentler. It goes around the base of Small Pyramid Hill. In this guide, we’ve taken the steeper route to climb up and the easier one to descend. This way, you get the best of both trails.
• You will reach the top of Valle Malai in 1 hr if you are taking the direct cross-country ascent. If you don’t want to negotiate the steep ascent, you can also take the more gradual route which will take a maximum of 1.5 hrs.
• Spend some time at the top, have breakfast and start your descent.
• In the next 1 hr, you should be back at Calvary Camp.
• Return to the camp latest by 10 am. Freshen up and start your journey back to Bangalore.
  

Pro-Tip: Since the way down from Valle Malai is past the base of the Small Pyramid, you can combine this trek with the Pyramid Hills Trek. In that case, it will be a long 4-5 hour hike involving multiple steep ascents and descents. Prepare accordingly and go for it if you are looking to challenge yourself.

➤ Detailed Trail Information

Valle Malai is the biggest hill you see around Calvary Camp. Unlike the pointed Pyramid Hills, Valle Malai has a flat top. From below, it looks like a giant green table. Starting and ending at Calvary Camp, the trek is about 4.5 km long.

There are two ways to reach Valle Malai. One is a direct climb—short but very steep. It's tough on the way up and trickier on the way down.

The other route is longer but gentler. It goes around the base of Small Pyramid Hill.

In this guide, we’ve taken the steeper route to climb up and the easier one to descend. This way, you get the best of both trails.

The entire trek can be divided into the following 4 sections :

1. Calvary Camp to Start of Cross-Country Ascent: 900 m | 20 mins
2. Steep Climb to Valle Malai Top: 600 m | 30 mins
3. Valle Malai Top to Base of Small Pyramid: 500 m | 15 mins
4. Small Pyramid Base to Calvary Camp: 2 km | 45 mins

Section I: Calvary Camp to the Start of Cross Country Ascent

Trek Distance: 900 m
Trek Duration: 20 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. You also start seeing the Pyramid Hills right in front of you.
• Keep an eye out for a right turn through the tall grass — this is the trail that leads to the base of Valle Malai. If you miss it and continue straight, you’ll end up heading towards Pyramid Hills instead.
• In the next 100 m, you will reach a fork in the trail. Take a right again
• You've now reached the base of Valle Malai hill. There’s no defined trail from here — you’ll need to find your own path to the top. The is a cross-country ascent through rocky terrain and bushy vegetation.
  

What is a Cross-Country Trail ?
A cross-country trail is a route where there’s no clear or marked path. You hike off-trail across natural terrain like rocks, grass, bushes, or uneven ground. It requires navigation skills and careful footing. You can use the attached GPX file to help you with navigation. But be mentally prepared to negotiate a steep and demanding climb.

Section II: Steep Climb to Top of Valle Malai

Trek Distance: 600 m
Trek Duration: 30 mins

• Negotiate 200 m of gradual ascent from the base
• At the end of this short stretch, the ascent suddenly gets steeper. This where you step inside the official boundaries of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
• There is no marked trail and you just climb continuously through tall grass.
• In the next 200 m, you will reach a slightly flattish patch. This is a small saddle-like region.
• From this saddle-like region, you begin to see the flat top of Valle Malai for the first time
• The next 10-15 minutes of climbing, brings you to the top of Valle Malai
• The trail is spread out like a table with tall grass everywhere. You get beautiful views of the Pyramid Hills and the valley below.
• You’ll see some black boulder jutting out amidst the grass. They mark the highest point of Valle Malai.
• Take some time and explore the surroundings. Or just sit quietly and feel the wind before starting your descent back to Calvary Camp.

Section III: Valle Malai Top to the Base of Small Pyramid

Trek Distance: 500 m
Trek Duration: 15 mins

• You can technically descend using the same cross-country route, but it's much trickier than the ascent. We don’t recommend taking that path down.
• Instead, proceed Southwards along the flattish hilltop. You’ll soon find a trail cutting through tall grass.
• For about 300 m, the trail just cuts straight across the flat hill top and offers beautiful views of the Pyramid Hills through tall grass and small forest patches
• Then, the trail takes a left turn and descends steeply. Climb down the steps cut into a red-soil trail
• This bend also offers a stunning view beyond the eastern slopes of the hills. You’ll see small settlements tucked among endless layers of forested ridges.
• Beyond the bend, you enter a dense forested section but the trail is still clearly marked

In the next 200 m, you arrive at the clearing at the base of a small pyramid. The climb to the small pyramid starts from the North Western side of it while the Valle Malai trail goes Eastwards.

Pro-Tip: If you stand at the center of the clearing, with your back facing the main trail leading up to it, the following are directions to access Small Pyramid and Valle Malai. For the Small Pyramid Hill, take the leftward exit crossing a small white tree. Instead if you take the exit to the right, diametrically opposite to small white tree, you would walk past a big white tree onto a trail leading to Valle Malai

Section IV: Top of Small Pyramid to Big Pyramid Base

Trek Distance: 2 km
Trek Duration: 45 mins

• The trail is straightforward and well-marked from here onwards.
• Just beyond this flattish clearing, the trail suddenly drops steeply.
• Walk down about 250 metres through a steep section of trail.
• You’ll cross a beautiful viewpoint with sweeping views of forested hills and farmlands.
• Soon, you’ll see a dead white tree standing out amidst the grassy slopes
• The trail takes a sharp left turn from there and the gradient eases out
• In next 100 m, you exit the official boundary of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
• Descend gently until you reach a crossroad.
• At the crossroad, ignore the tarred road on your right and take the left trail that descends.
• Walk 200 metres and you’ll reach a pink farmhouse.
• Cross the farmhouse and continue for another 200 metres through tall grass.
• The trail gradually descends and the scrub forest gives way to farmed land.
• Take a sharp right turn here. The trail is now almost level with only slight ascents and descents.
• Walk for 300 metres and turn right onto the paved road.
• Follow the paved road until you reach Calvary Camp.

➤ Best Time to do the Valle Malai Trek

The Valle Malai 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 cross-country route to the top 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 go hiking in Valle Malai Trek during summer, it's best to reach Calvary 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 Valle Malai Trek

The Valle Malai 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 Valle Malai 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 Valle Malai 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 Valle Malai Trek

1. Is there any permission required to do the Valle Malai 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 Valle Malai Trek ?

The Valle Malai Trek is just 4 km long and can easily be done in half a day. The climb is challenging, but it gives a great sense of accomplishment. However, you can skip the cross-country climb and choose to use the route that has been described as the descent in this guide. This makes your trek a little longer but also much easier.

3. Are there any food stalls and water sources on the Valle Malai 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 Valle Malai Trek from Bangalore?

The Valle Malai Trek, about 140 km from Bangalore main city, is accessible by both private and public transportation means.

6. Can I do the Valle Malai Trek alone?

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

What to Pack for the Valle Malai Trek

➤ Places to Visit After Completing the Valle Malai 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. Pyramid Hills Trek: Another trek in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary that can be easily accessed from Calvary Camp. In fact, you can even combine Valle Malai and Pyramid Hills into a more challenging day-long hike.
2. 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

Trek written by Upayan Chatterjee and Indiahikes Trekking Club Members (Preeti, Krishna Chaitanya, Mythri and Anil)

Banner Image by Upayan Chatterjee