🏞️ Kondarangi Hills One Day Trek from Bangalore – Complete Budget Guide 2025
Hidden Gem of Tamil Nadu
By VIJAY BASKAR
In a fast-paced world where travel often feels like a luxury, some journeys remind us that adventure, spirituality, and peace can all be experienced in just one day — and on a budget.
After completing one-day escapes like my Coimbatore trip from Bangalore, Kolli Hills adventure, and even a solo trek to Bheeman Falls, this time I found myself heading to an underrated treasure — Kondarangi Hills, tucked away in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district.
📍 What is Kondarangi Hills and Why Should You Visit?
Kondarangi Hills, also known locally as Mallikarjuna Malai, is a sacred hill near Ottanchathiram, about 80 km from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu.
At the summit rests the ancient Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The hill is shaped like a Shiva Lingam, visible from surrounding plains.
Despite its religious significance and breathtaking views, it remains largely unexplored compared to popular trekking destinations like Sathuragiri Malai, Velliangiri Hills, and Parvathamalai.
👉 If you're seeking a quiet, spiritual trek far from tourist crowds, Kondarangi Hills is your place.
✨ Highlights of This One-Day Trip
🚆 Overnight sleeper train from Bangalore to Dindigul
🚌 Multiple scenic bus rides through rural Tamil Nadu
🧗♂️ 3800 feet hill trek with panoramic 360° views
🛕 Visit to Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple at the summit
📸 Sunrise photography and spiritual ambience
💰 Total budget under ₹1000
🧭 My Travel Route from Bangalore to Kondarangi Hills
🕔 Saturday Evening: Departure from Bangalore
Train: Nagercoil Express from SMVT Bengaluru at 5:15 PM
Coach: Sleeper Class
Fare: ₹250
Arrival: Dindigul Junction at 2:00 AM
I had a peaceful nap on the train and rested an extra two hours at the station with a platform ticket — simple travel, no rush.
🚍 Early Morning: Dindigul to Kondarangi Hill Base
At Ottanchathiram, I met a friend who came from Madurai via a direct bus. After a quick tea at a local stall near the bus stand, we boarded the Kodumudi-bound bus, which dropped us right at the foothill of Kondarangi Hills.
🧗♂️ Trekking Kondarangi Hills – Spiritual Journey with Scenic Beauty
We started the trek at 7:30 AM, just as the sun peeked over the horizon. The climb began moderately but became quite steep after halfway.
There’s a special spot where powerful winds blow across the ridge – creating a unique, thrilling moment. Don’t miss it.
Things to carry:
2 litres of water
Light snacks (no shops on the hill)
A cap, sunglasses, and strong trekking shoes
The final stretch leads to the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, where we offered simple prayers. Then, just a short walk further brought us to the summit with stunning 360-degree views of villages, hills, and plains. It felt like standing on top of the world, with winds of faith and freedom brushing past my face.
🕘 Descent and Return
Descent time: ~1 hour
Reached the base by 10:00 AM
Frequent buses from the foothill allowed me to return to Dindigul Bus Stand easily.
By 12:00 PM, I was back at Dindigul Bus Stand and caught a TNSTC bus to Bangalore for ₹490. I reached home by 8:00 PM, completing an inspiring, fulfilling, and budget-friendly journey in a single day.
💰 Detailed Budget Breakdown
Total: ₹920 ✅
🔗 Related One-Day Trips from Bangalore
If you enjoyed this travel story, explore more budget getaways :
Each of these is planned for budget travellers, solo adventurers, and spiritual seekers who want more from their weekends than just rest.
📌 Why Kondarangi Hills Should Be on Your Bucket List
✅ Offbeat and peaceful
✅ Perfect for a one-day trip
✅ Rich spiritual heritage
✅ Budget-friendly travel
✅ Suitable for all age groups
Compared to crowded spots like Velliangiri and Parvathamalai, Kondarangi offers a serene experience with easier access and fewer people.
📢 Final Words
Travelling doesn’t always need a long plan or big budget. Sometimes, all you need is a willing heart, a good friend, and a little faith in the road ahead.
If you're sitting in Bangalore wondering how to escape the city’s chaos for just one day — Kondarangi Hills is waiting.
If you enjoyed this trip plan, you might also like my previous adventure to
One Day Coimbatore Trip from Bangalore | Budget Travel Itinerary Under ₹1,500
It’s another easy and affordable day trip with stunning views and peaceful trekking trails..
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“In the end, we travel not to escape life, but so that life doesn’t escape us.”
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