The Gudibande Fort in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka resembles Madhugiri and is said to have been constructed in the 17th century. Situated 91 Km from Bangalore, the fort makes for a pleasant day trip for kids, solo travelers, friends, and family.
The hike is pretty easy, and anyone, including kids, can complete it without much hassle. In this guide, we take you through all the details and information needed to plan and complete the hike to Gudibande Fort, DIY style. Let’s get right to it!
Gudibande Fort Hiking Guide
Table of Contents
How To Reach Gudibande?
By Air
Kempegowda International Airport (Airport code: BLR, 65 Km) is the nearest airport. From there, you can book a taxi or hop on a bus to Chikkaballapur and then board another bus to Gudibande. However, the bus frequency to Gudibande is low. So know the timings before you embark on the journey.
By Train
Chikkaballapur Railway Station (Station code: CBP, 35 Km) is the nearest railway station. From there, walk for a short distance and reach the bus stand. From the bus stand, hop on another bus to reach the Gudibande bus stand. From here, you must walk to the fort.
By Road
From the Kempegowda Bus terminal, board a bus to Chikkaballapura. Catch another bus to Gudibande Town; the fort will be a stone’s throw away.
Above and beyond these, you can reach the destination by your vehicle. It’s the easiest, and the most convenient way of reaching the place.
Best Time To Visit Gudibande Fort
Gudibande Fort can be visited throughout the year. For the best views, visit during the golden hours, during sunrise and sunset. While the Gudibande Fort has relatively less crowd on weekdays, on weekends, several people flock to the Fort.
Network Availability
Gudibande Fort has good connectivity with both Jio and Airtel.
ATM Availability
ATMs are available in Gudibande town. Digital UPI payments are accepted in most shops. However, always carry some cash with you in case of an emergency.
Languages Spoken
Most people in the region speak Kannada. Very few people converse in English.
Parking Availability
There is a small parking space available for two and four-wheelers near the hiking base.
Restroom Facilities
We didn’t find any restrooms. You have to depend on nature. These super helpful public restroom tips come in handy during travels.
Where To Eat?
We did see a coconut seller near the hike starting point. However, we’re not sure if he is present during the weekdays. However, you can find dine-in restaurants in Gudibande town.
Where To Stay?
Gudibande Fort is a short hike, making it a great spot for a day trip from Bangalore. We did not find any accommodations for visitors in Gudibande town. If you are looking for options to stay in the area, there are stays on the highway you can consider.
Things To Do In Gudibande
Hiking to the Gudibande Fort is the most popular activity in the region. Gudibande Kere (Lake), located along the road, is a scenic spot nearby to relax.
Hiking Details
Distance to the base: 91 Km from Bangalore.
Cost: Free entry
Registration: No registration or pre-online booking is required.
Timings: 5:00 AM – 7 PM.
Duration: 1 hour to ascend and 30 mins to descend
Max Altitude: 3085 feet or 940.3 m
Hike Distance: 0.7 Km (one way), 725 + 77 steps approximately
Difficulty Level: Easy – highly subject to your fitness level.
Terrain: Rocky steps, boulders, grasslands
Hiking Route:
Stone steps can be seen right from the start of the hike. Climb around 200 stairs crossing boulders, a couple of fort rooms, and a gate to get the first viewpoint. You get to see a closer view of Gudibande town from a height.
Cross another boulder lying on your path and follow the steps. The green plants on either side seem refreshing, bringing the complete landscape alive.
The fort rooms and the huge boulders touching each other on a height serve as a rest stop for the visitors. Keep climbing up further for about 500+ steps until you reach a temple and two huge boulders blocking your way.
Climb up the carved steps on the boulder carefully as they are not as well-carved as the previous ones. This part of the trek has 77 steps carved out, making it easier for the visitors to reach the top.
At The Gudibande Fort Summit:
From the summit, walk along the fort walls to get 360° views of the surroundings. There is a Shiva temple at the hilltop, from where you can see the aerial view of Gudibande Kere and the town. The Karnataka flag with yellow and red colors near the temple marks the summit. From here, you can also catch a glimpse of numerous peaks around.
The sunset and sunset views are stunning. We went for the sunset, and the above picture says it all.
Important Things To Remember
- A guide is not required to hike the Gudibande Fort.
- The use of plastics and smoking is strictly prohibited. As a hiker, it is incumbent on you to be responsible and not litter. Collect and bring back the waste and dispose of them in dedicated bins.
- There are numerous monkeys all along the path right from the starting point. But don’t worry, you can learn how to deal with monkeys.
- There is no water source en route. So ensure you carry some snacks and water before starting.
- There are rocky formations providing shade for visitors en route. You can utilize them as rest stops and escape the scorching heat.
Essential Things To Carry
- Ensure you carry at least 1 L of water per person.
- Have your first aid kit handy.
- Cap, sunscreen & sunglasses are essential to ward off the summer heat.
- Carry a poncho or raincoat in case of rain.
- A headtorch if you are planning to hike up during the golden hours.
Read the blog to know more about what we usually carry for day hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a guide required for the Gudibande Fort hike?
No, a guide is not required for people visiting the Gudibande Fort. The trail is pretty much linear until the hilltop.
Is camping allowed at the top of Gudibande Fort?
Camping is strictly prohibited at Gudibande Fort.
Can the Gudibande Fort hike be done in a day?
Absolutely. Gudibande Fort is a small hill that can be hiked within half a day.
Places to visit near Gudibande Fort
Avalabetta is located nearby. Adiyogi, Shivagange, and Nandi Hills are places worth checking out.
For more detailed DIY hiking guides, travel tips, itineraries, inspiration, or anything related to travel, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media – Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.