We’ve all been there. You’re stuck at Kempegowda International Airport with a long layover. You’ve already had three coffees, scrolled through every social media app twice, and you’re starting to wonder if you can just live in the terminal.
But here’s a secret: Bangalore’s airport is actually located on the northern edge of the city, perfectly positioned for a quick escape into nature. If you have 6 to 8 hours to kill, don’t sit in a plastic chair. Head to Makalidurga.
Makalidurga is a stunning hill fort just about 45–50 kilometres from the airport. It’s got ruins, a lake that looks like the map of South America, and views that will make you forget you were ever stuck in a middle seat.
Why Makalidurga for a Layover?
When people think of Bangalore, they usually think of traffic and tech parks. But the area surrounding the airport is actually quite scenic. Makalidurga stands at an altitude of about 1,117 metres and is steeped in history.
Legend has it that Markandeya Rishi performed penance here. Later, it became a strategic fort for the Vijayanagara Empire. Today, it’s a favourite for locals who want a “railway trek” because the trail actually starts near a quaint railway station. It’s quiet, it’s green, and it’s the ultimate way to stretch your legs after a long flight.
And the best way to get there is to book an airport taxi from a reliable cab service provider.
Getting There: Logistics Made Easy
Since you’re on a clock, you don’t want to be messing around with public buses or trying to figure out train schedules. Time is your most precious resource during a layover.
The most stress-free way to do this is to book a Bangalore car rental. Having a dedicated car means you can leave your heavy luggage in the trunk and head straight to the base of the hill. The drive from the airport takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how the Doddaballapur road is behaving that day.
The Trek: What to Expect
The trek itself is “moderately spicy”; it’s not a flat walk, but it’s definitely not Everest either.
The Start
The trail officially begins near the Makalidurga Railway Station. You’ll walk along the tracks for a bit before hitting the forest trail. Keep an eye out for the yellow and red markings on the rocks; they’ll guide you to the top.
Tip: If you have any luggage with you, don’t bring it to the hill! Keep it in the airport lockers or, even better, in the safety of your Bangalore car rental.
The Climb
As you go up, the terrain gets a bit rocky and a little steep in parts. You’ll be surrounded by lemongrass and granite boulders.
About halfway up, stop and turn around. You’ll see Gundamagere Lake.
From this angle, the lake looks remarkably like the continent of South America. It’s a great spot for a photo that will make your friends think you’ve jetted off to Brazil instead of just waiting for a connection.
For the way back, finding reliable airport cabs in Bangalore is easy, but make sure you agree on a “round-trip” or “waiting” fare so you don’t have to worry about finding a ride back to the terminal from a remote railway station.
The Summit
At the top, you’ll find the ruins of the old fort and a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The breeze up there is incredible, and the 360-degree view of the surrounding plains and the winding railway line below is the perfect antidote to “airplane brain.”
If you haven’t pre-booked a cab, you can always look for airport cabs in Bangalore right outside the arrivals terminal. It’s much better than trying to navigate multiple apps with a 10% battery. Just tell the driver you’re heading to the Makalidurga railway station, and you’re good to go.
Best Time to Visit
Now that the weather patterns in Bangalore remain fairly consistent, the best time to visit is from September to February. The air is crisp, the hills are lush from the monsoon, and you won’t be melting under the midday sun.
If your layover happens to be in the summer (March to May), try to head out as early as possible. If you’re lucky enough to have an early morning layover, a sunrise trek at Makalidurga is genuinely a life-changing experience.
For those landing during a layover, you can quickly find an airport taxi to whisk you away before the heat peaks.
Wrapping Up
Makalidurga offers a perfect slice of Karnataka’s natural beauty without requiring you to travel deep into the Western Ghats.
To ensure you arrive at the airport in time for your flight without any “where is my driver?” panic, book a car with a trusted cab service. They are known for their punctuality and clean cars, which is exactly what you need when you’re on a tight schedule. So, next time you land in Bangalore, grab your bag, book a ride, and go explore. The mountains are calling, and they’re much closer than you think!
