Family Treks at Southern Campus

A Weekend Trek From Indiahikes Southern Campus

Indiahikes Southern Campus, Channarayana Durga

We are thrilled to let you know that Indiahikes has opened a Southern Campus, just 100 km from Bangalore. 

“For a long time, we have wanted to open a Southern Campus, where parents in and around Bangalore can take their children trekking. We have seen the deep impact that our Himalayan treks have had on families. We wanted to facilitate meaningful experiences for families around Bangalore as well. I’m elated that we’re finally making it come true,” says Izzat Yaganagi, the head of Experiential Learning at Indiahikes.

To be honest, we fell in love with this location the moment we saw it.

Situated at the base of the Channarayanadurga hill, it is a sprawling land with tamarind trees, big boulders and a multitude of birds. The climb to the top of Channarayanadurga is hardly an hour from the campus. It makes for a perfect weekend trek out of Bangalore.

Who is it suitable for?

We have room for around 6 families in every group. Children should be at least 6 years old to join the program. Children between the ages of 12 and 17 can also join the program unaccompanied by their parents.

It’s suitable for anyone in Bengaluru, and surrounding cities, as our Southern Campus is about 100 km from there. 

Even if you don’t live around Bengaluru, you can opt to do this program. Any outdoor lover will love the campus and the program we have. 

What happens after you sign up?

Once you register for the program (you can do this by clicking on the date in the calendar and proceeding with the online process), our Experience Coordinator will get in touch with you over email. He/she will guide you on how to prepare for the trek and give you an idea of what to expect.

We will also create a WhatsApp group so that the team that’s going on the trek gets familiar with each other before going. Use this group to coordinate with each other in case you’d like to carpool as well.

We are thrilled to let you know that Indiahikes has opened a Southern Campus, just 100 km from Bangalore. 

“For a long time, we have wanted to open a Southern Campus, where parents in and around Bangalore can take their children trekking. We have seen the deep impact that our Himalayan treks have had on families. We wanted to facilitate meaningful experiences for families around Bangalore as well. I’m elated that we’re finally making it come true,” says Izzat Yaganagi, the head of Experiential Learning at Indiahikes.

Indiahikes Southern Campus Videos

Watch these videos to prepare well for your trek

Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder

Trekking transforms lives. It has completely changed my life. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been impacted greatly. The transformations have been profound and irreversible. 

I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships, and create new projects. These are life-changing experiences. 

I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.

New professions, new economies, and businesses have opened up in the mountains. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.  

Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine. 

Trek Focus

Highlights from Channarayana Durga Trek

What are the highlights from Channarayana Durga Trek

1. Design and Levels of Fort 

The entire charm of the trek lies through the beautifully designed fort of Channarayana Durga. You have three distinct layers to go around and explore. The fort is a constant companion daunting at you right from the start until you finish the trek.

Watch out and explore the unique fortification of bastions, galleries, garrison, and storage units. The different structures of the fort take your mind to the ancient times when the fort was actually in use.

As you move through the various sections, notice the carvings of tortoise, snakes on the stone walls.

2. View from the top of Channarayana Durga

The top level of the fort is very unique compared to other hillocks surrounding Bangalore. The top is surrounded by fortification on all sides.

It almost feels like you are entering into a playing cauldron. Walk along the edges of the fort to get the entire view of the region. You get to spot the famous monolith of Madhugiri towards the North, Siddarabetta towards the South West, and other hillocks.

For families, this is a great place to spend some time after the exhilarating climb.

3. Exploring and the Thrill of Climbing the Granite Rock

The trek of Channarayana Durga is most suited for trekkers who are keen on exploring the different aspects of the fort, the physical features of the rock, and getting transported back to the ancient times when this fort was actually in use.

The false routes add to the excitement of getting lost from the main trail and still not having to worry about safety.

Channarayana Durga Fort at dusk, with a panoramic view in the background.

Picture by: Bharath Ramesh

Know Your Trek

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a surficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Indiahikes Southern Campus trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Don’t miss the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section at the end. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

We are India’s safest trekking organisation

When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are pioneers of treks in India

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow.

Our treks are transformative

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.

We are India's most sustainable trekking organisation

Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.

Indiahikes Features

You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy

If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.

Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude

Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.

Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.

Request Jain/Vegan-friendly food

Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas. 

Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets

We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.

Fresh, nutritious food at every camp

We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!