This trail leads to the Kaali Temple peak from the Tamil Nadu side. The hill has two prominent summits: Kaali Mala, home to the temple, and Kurusu Mala, marked by a large cross. Once you reach Kaali Mala, a short ridge walk connects the two peaks, allowing you to visit both in a single trip. There is also an alternate route from the Kerala side that reaches Kurusu Mala first before continuing to Kaali Mala.
This trail is known for its sustained and demanding climb, making it one of the more physically challenging hikes near Bengaluru. The approach passes through mango orchards before entering forest at the base of the hill. After crossing a solar-powered elephant fence, the trail climbs steeply over exposed rock using carved steps and metal railings. On sunny days, the exposed rock absorbs heat and radiates it back, while the metal railings can become hot to the touch. The gradient eases onto a broad rocky plateau where natural potholes retain rainwater after the monsoon. The route then passes the remains of fort walls before a final climb through a short stretch of vegetation leads to the summit. A small temple occupies the highest rock, while the surviving fortifications indicate the hill's historical significance.
The trail passes through dense forest that remains green even during the peak of summer, unlike many trails around Bengaluru that become dry during this season. Wildlife activity is evident throughout the route, with elephant dung, wild boar diggings, and signs of gaurs commonly observed. Several shortcuts branch off the main trail, passing through dense undergrowth that gives parts of the hike a more enclosed forest character. The trail ends at the Ayyapaswamy Temple on the summit, where the surrounding landscape is covered by uninterrupted forest in every direction, reinforcing the area's remote setting despite the well-defined trail.
The trail climbs the eastern side of the hill to the Perumal temple before continuing across the rocky summits beyond. The section up to the temple is straightforward and can be completed by most hikers, but the terrain becomes more exposed and requires greater care after the temple.
The trail leads to the remains of a hill fort that formed part of the Baramahal fortification system. The climb begins with rock-cut steps before continuing on a marked trail to the Anjaneya Temple. Beyond the temple, the route becomes unmarked, requiring a short cross-country traverse through bushes to reach the summit. The final ascent leads to the fort ruins, where gateways, sections of fortification walls, and rock-cut water storage tanks are still visible. Although the hike is relatively short, it combines historical remains with open views across the surrounding plains, including the Chennai–Bengaluru Highway winding through coconut groves below.
Machakal is a rewarding hill trek featuring a scenic ridge walk and expansive views of the surrounding countryside. The trail gradually climbs through rocky terrain before reaching the summit, where the Machakal Thimmaraya Samy Temple sits atop the hill. Along the way, hikers can spot remnants of old fortifications, hinting at the historical significance of the peak. During mango season, the orchards around the hill are laden with fruit, adding vibrant shades of green and yellow to the landscape. The combination of a beautiful ridgeline, seasonal mango orchards, historic ruins, and a hilltop temple makes Machakal a memorable hike for those exploring the lesser-known hills around Bengaluru.
The trail climbs a prominent hill visible from the Bengaluru–Dharmapuri highway and leads to a cave temple near the summit. Although the temple is the hill's main landmark, it is visited primarily during an annual festival and remains quiet for most of the year. The route follows a direct ascent with few navigation challenges before reaching the cave. A viewpoint beside the temple overlooks the surrounding plains, making it the principal viewpoint on the hill. The combination of a cave shrine and its limited annual pilgrimage distinguishes this trail from many of the more frequently visited temple hills in the region.
Udedurgam is a lesser-known hill fort near Hosur and is believed to be one of the historic Baramahal forts. The trail passes through the remains of the old fort, including gateways, fort walls, and ruined structures. A Hanuman temple is located midway, while the summit has Hanuman and Shiva temples along with expansive views of the surrounding hills. Seasonal streams may be seen near the base after good rains.
The Periyamalai trek is one of the most demanding day hikes within driving distance of Bengaluru, combining long forested climbs with steep granite monolith sections. The route begins behind the foothill temple on a flight of stone steps before entering a shaded forest trail that passes smaller shrines, including one with a perennial spring. As the climb progresses, the vegetation gradually gives way to exposed rock, culminating in a steep monolith ascent equipped with railings and a short ladder. Remnants of old fort walls near the summit indicate the hill's historical use as a hill fort. The trek ends at the Perumal Temple, which occupies the summit and overlooks the surrounding Krishnagiri hill ranges.