Good things are worth waiting for...
Yes, there are plenty of treks to choose from at Plan The Unplanned – so why should you consider a Makalidurga trek booking? An evident and genuine question and here are just some reasons why:
And then of course there is the fact that we plan the unplanned, we. Our enthusiastic trek leaders will be there for you, every step of the way (literally and figuratively). From solo female travellers to fitness fanatics, this trek is designed for anyone who wants to disconnect from the chaos of daily life and reconnect with their inner self.
Our adventure starts well before the sun is up, with a group of sleepy-eyed faces gradually brightening with anticipation in Bengaluru. After getting everybody on board the ride starts off with light conversations and some ice-breaking games. Soon strangers begin to feel like a team.
A brief halt on the way with the familiar South Indian breakfast - crispy dosas, fluffy idlis and the most important, a rejuvenating cup of filter coffee. Stomachs satisfied and hearts content, we head on down the base of Makalidurga Hill, where the REAL magic starts.
The path meets us with rocky terrain and some scattered bushes and climbs up through dry forests and open meadows. The higher we go, the better the view, the fresher the breeze and the feeling of being out of the noise. Be sure to watch (and listen) to the birds and long lake vistas - there are peaceful surprises along this trail.
On the summit is the wreck of a lost fort - old weather-stained walls, upon which the story of the past is written in stone. Beyond this point the scenery extends forever, with hills melting away in the distance and a quiet lake sparkling in the foreground. Here we have a rest, well-deserved rest. Soaking it all in, and of course, clicking those well-earned summit photos.
The climb down is easy while we are retracing our steps down the hill. At the base, we board the bus and head to a local joint nearby to have a self-sponsored lunch - an ideal place to relive the day over hot meals.
As the city skyline is coming back into sight, a kind of silent satisfaction is in the air. One really good day, some memories and your body just waiting for you to hit your pillow.
Treks, backpacking trips & international tours with Plan The Unplanned
Fellow travellers! Take a meaningful break from life to soak up raw, real & unforgettable moments in nature. With unfiltered experiences, a team of trained outdoor leaders, and a like-minded community.
Experience your firsts. Conquer your fears. Step out of your comfort zone. All of this and more with your new strangers-turned-tribe on every trip.
Here is all that you will carry on this trek:
All refund or cancellation requests must be submitted exclusively via email to [email protected]. Requests made by call or WhatsApp will not be accepted.
In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy:
Cancellation Fee
10% of the total invoice
Cancellation Fee
50% of the total invoice
Cancellation Fee
100% of the total invoice
30 days or more before scheduled date
Cancellation Fee
10% of the total invoice
15–29 days before scheduled date
Cancellation Fee
50% of the total invoice
0–15 days before scheduled date
Cancellation Fee
100% of the total invoice
Last-minute cancellations made on the day of trek departure or the day before are not eligible for a refund or rescheduling, regardless of the reason (such as work commitments, family emergencies, or health).
Should you choose to postpone your booking to a future date, an additional fee of ₹1500 per person will be incurred. This postponement option is valid for a period of 3 months from your original trek departure date.
Permit fees for treks obtained under Aranya Vihara are non-refundable in the event of customer cancellation.
In the event that WE postpone or cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy:
In the event of severe weather or other safety concerns, we may shorten a trek day or abandon the trek entirely. No refunds will be issued in such circumstances, as your safety is our top priority.
If we cancel a trek due to natural disasters (such as rainstorm, flood, landslide, earthquake) or unanticipated political disturbances (such as curfews, local riots, government orders, forest department directives), Plan The Unplanned will issue a voucher for the full value of your ticket. Please note that payment gateway charges will be deducted from this refund.
If we cancel a trek due to insufficient reservations or lack of participants for a specific batch, a refund of 96% of the trek money will be issued. Please note that payment gateway charges will be deducted from this refund.
To ensure everyone has a great time and knows what to expect, please read these important points:
For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please don’t consume alcohol, intoxicants, or smoke at any point during the journey or trek.
Kindly complete your dinner before you board the bus.
We’ll arrange transportation based on our group size. If there are 12 or fewer of us, we’ll use a tempo traveler. For groups of 13 or more, it’ll be a mini-bus. Both options are non-AC and have push-back seats for your comfort. We appreciate your understanding regarding our travel logistics.
If you prefer to arrange your own transportation to the destination (the homestay), be sure to book the “Without Travel” option when you sign up. Please note: If you select this, you’ll need a private car for your entire trip. Public transport won’t work, as our Day 2 activities begin directly from the homestay and require continuous private car access to ensure you can fully participate in all planned activities.
Our trips are about getting out into nature, often in remote locations. Please don’t expect luxury accommodations; we focus on providing comfortable basic facilities.
We’ll provide basic, vegetarian meals. We do not serve non-vegetarian food.
Please help us keep our beautiful outdoors clean by disposing of all litter properly.
You are responsible for your personal belongings, valuables, and jewelry. Plan The Unplanned is not liable for any lost items.
While we strive to be on schedule, please be aware that traffic delays or vehicle breakdowns can sometimes occur, leading to slight delays in reaching our destination.
You’ll get an event heads-up email by Thursday of the trip week. It includes:
With Travel - Bangalore
₹ 1,599/-
Without Travel - Arrange Your Own Transport
₹ 899/-
Solo travellers
First timers
Students
Female travellers
Families
Friends
Seasoned travellers
Fitness buffs
Coworkers
+91 77607 10005
History, legends and breathtaking views are what await you when you reach the Makalidurga trek starting point. Unlike traditional hikes or treks, this one starts at a railway station!
Just 60 km away from Bangalore is Makalidurga. Legend has it that this was where Rishi Markandeya performed penance and king Makaliraya had his fort and granary. The disintegrated walls of that fort still stand atop the hill, and within those ruins, a quaint temple dedicated to Makali Malleshwara is frequented by locals and explorers alike.
Although anyone is welcome on the trek, there are some stretches that might seem rigorous, so we at Plan The Unplanned suggest you come prepped!