Anthargange is a hill range in the Shathashrunga range of Karnataka, about 70 kilometers from Bangalore. It is a popular trekking destination for its scenic beauty, challenging trails, and rich history. The name "Anthargange" means "innerspring" in Kannada, and the hill is home to a number of natural springs, as well as caves and temples.

The Anthargange trek is a moderate to difficult trek, with a total distance of about 5 kilometers. The trail begins at the Anthargange temple and ascends through a series of rocky boulders and dense forests.

The first part of the trek is relatively easy, but the difficulty level increases as you approach the summit.

Anthargange Trek in Kolar

Starting Point: The trail begins at the Anthargange temple in Kolar District (View in Map)

Trek Route: The ascends through a series of rocky boulders and dense forests. The first part of the trek is relatively easy, but the difficulty level increases as you approach the summit. The final stretch of the trek is a steep climb up a series of steps, which can be challenging for some hikers.

Distance: Approximately 5 kilometers (Going and coming back).

Trek Completion Time:  3-4 hours (Going and coming back).

Difficulty Level: Moderate.

Trek Permit Fee: 400 INR + GST for adults and 200 INR+GST for children. You can get the permit from the official website of Karnatakaecotourism.com.

Somewhere in the middle of the Anthargange Trek

As you ascend, you will encounter fascinating volcanic rock formations, small caves, and crevices. The trek involves some climbing, crawling through narrow gaps, and exploring the caves, which are the highlights of the Anthargange trek.

The trek is of moderate difficulty and takes around 2 to 3 hours to reach the top, depending on your pace and exploration time. The views from the top are breathtaking, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Trekking trails in Anthargange trek

The best time to undertake the Anthargange trek in Kolar district, Karnataka, India, is during the cooler months, which are typically from October to March. During this period, the weather is more pleasant, with milder temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for trekking and outdoor activities.

Winter (October to February):

This is the peak season for trekking Anthargange due to the pleasant weather.
Temperatures are relatively cool, ranging from 15°C to 25°C during the day, and it can get colder during the night.
The clear skies and mild weather provide excellent trekking conditions, making it a popular time for both experienced trekkers and beginners.

Spring (March):

Early March can still offer good trekking weather, similar to the winter months.
Towards the end of March, the temperatures may start to rise, and it can get slightly warmer during the daytime.
Overall, it is still a suitable time for trekking, but the weather may become warmer as the month progresses.

Summer (April to June):

Summer months can be quite hot and uncomfortable for trekking in Anthargange.
Daytime temperatures can soar well above 30°C, and the rocks can become scorching hot.
Trekking during the summer is not recommended due to the harsh conditions.
It is better to plan a trek early in the morning.

Monsoon (July to September):

The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to the region, making the terrain slippery and hazardous for trekking.
The rocks can become slippery,
Trekking during the monsoon is not advisable for safety reasons.

Trails in monsoon

My Trek Experience

I planned this trek along with one of my friends in Bangalore, So I took the trek permit in advance from the Karnataka eco-tourism website as it is mandatory for this trek.

We started from Bangalore early in the morning around 4:30 so that we can reach the base of the Anthargange trek before 6 AM. The road condition is very good from Bangalore to Kolar so we reached on time without any hassle.

After reaching the base point of the Anthargange trek we parked our vehicle at the dedicated parking area by paying 50 INR. Afterward, we started our trek journey, Initially, we need to climb a few stairs and cover a 500-meter distance to reach the actual trek start point where we have shown our trek permit to the forest guard, and from there, we have been assigned a trek guide.

Anthargange Trek starting point

The trek route is easy and we didn't face any difficulty but as we are doing this trek in the month of July due to monsoon season we could see lots of greenery in our trail. After covering some distance we started to see big rocks in our trail which made our trek journey exciting.

After covering more distance reached in front of the caves, that was the best part of this trek. We waited for some time for our trek guide as we were quite ahead of our fellow trekkers. Once the trek guide came we entered the caves and it is one of the most thrilling and adventurous parts I felt in the entire trek journey.

There was no light so we need to use our phone flashlight to see the way ahead, ad the passage is soo narrow that only one person can move at a time. With the help of the trek guide, we were able to come out of that cave and we all felt relieved and happy.

Struggling to climb the rock inside Anthargange caves

For the final viewpoint, we went ahead from the caves to reach a point where we need to climb the rock to reach the top viewpoint and after we reached there it was truly a breathtaking view we experienced. We captured the beauty of the place by taking some photos and videos.

Beautiful views from the top of Anthargange Trek

I tried capturing the views with my drone but it was too windy at the top that I couldn't able to fly for more than a few minutes. We relaxed and had our snacks and started our return journey afterwards.

Somehow managed to capture the Ariel of the Anthargange Trek's final viewpoint

Anthargange trek in Kolar was truly one of a kind trek with mysterious caves which I have experienced near Bangalore. It is a mesmerizing blend of adventure and natural beauty. Its mystical caves, challenging trails, and breathtaking landscapes offer an unforgettable experience for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. 

Tips for Trekkers

Before setting off on the Anthargange trek, here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

Proper Footwear: Wear comfortable trekking shoes with a good grip to navigate the rocky terrain safely.

Carry Sufficient Water: As the trek can be physically demanding, ensure you carry an ample supply of water to stay hydrated throughout the journey.

Pack Light: Keep your backpack light with only essential items like snacks, a first aid kit, and a flashlight for night treks.

Follow the Guide: If you're new to the area, it's advisable to hire a local guide who knows the terrain well. They can help you navigate through tricky spots and provide valuable insights into the history and significance of the place.

Respect Nature: While trekking, ensure you leave no trace behind and respect the natural surroundings. Avoid littering and damaging the rock formations.

Night Trek Precautions: If you opt for a night trek, make sure to carry extra layers of clothing as it can get chilly at higher altitudes during the night.

I have covered a couple more treks near Bangalore which you can explore Best Treks near Bangalore.

Thank you for reading!