Plan Ahead and Prepare
A great hike begins before you even reach the trailhead. Research your chosen route, be it the rocky slopes of Skandagiri or the forested paths of Savandurga. Know the regulations; since 2026, the Karnataka Forest Department mandates online registration
and the use of a local guide for many official trails. Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Avoid peak times to reduce strain on the trail and its resources. Repackage food into reusable containers to minimise plastic waste. This simple planning step not only ensures your safety but is also the first and most crucial part of responsible hiking.
Travel on Durable Surfaces
The trails around Bengaluru, often a mix of hard rock and compact earth, are considered durable surfaces. Stick to these established paths. Cutting corners or creating new trails, even to avoid a muddy patch, causes erosion and damages fragile vegetation. When you stop for a break, find a spot on rock or dry grass away from the main path so others can pass easily. In areas without a clear trail, spread out to avoid creating a new one. The goal is to make it seem as though you were never there.
Dispose of Waste Properly
This is the most visible principle of Leave No Trace: pack it in, pack it out. This includes everything from food wrappers and plastic bottles to biodegradable waste like fruit peels and nut shells. While organic, these items are not native to the ecosystem and can take a surprisingly long time to decompose, attracting animals and altering the natural environment. Carry a dedicated bag for your trash and, if you can, pick up any other litter you see. Many local hiking groups now organise clean-up drives, a testament to the growing awareness around keeping our trails clean. When nature calls, walk at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) away from trails and water sources before digging a small 'cathole' for human waste.
Leave What You Find
The natural beauty of a trail lies in its details—the unique wildflowers, interesting rocks, and weathered branches. Leave them as they are for everyone to enjoy. Taking 'souvenirs' from nature disrupts the ecosystem. Even something as simple as a fallen leaf has a role to play in the forest floor's life cycle. Preserve the past by not touching or altering historical structures you might find on fort-based treks. The best way to capture a memory is with a photograph, leaving the object itself untouched.
Minimise Campfire Impacts
Many forest areas around Bengaluru have strict regulations banning campfires to prevent forest fires, especially in the dry season. Always check local rules before even considering one. If a fire is permitted and absolutely necessary, use a lightweight stove for cooking instead, as it has a much lower impact. If you must build a fire, use existing fire rings, keep it small, and only use dead and fallen wood. Never cut down branches or trees. Before you leave, ensure the fire is completely out by dousing it with water until the ashes are cool to the touch.
Respect Wildlife
Observing wildlife in its natural habitat is a privilege. Do so from a distance and never approach, follow, or feed wild animals. Feeding animals makes them dependent on humans and can make them sick or aggressive. The trails around Bengaluru are home to monkeys, various birds, and smaller reptiles. Store your food securely and be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid hiking during sensitive times like nesting or mating seasons when animals are more vulnerable and potentially more defensive. Remember, you are a visitor in their home.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The trails are a shared space. Let nature's sounds prevail by avoiding loud conversations and music on Bluetooth speakers; use earphones if you want to listen to music. When taking a break, step off the trail to let others pass. A simple 'hello' or a nod is a friendly gesture. On narrow paths, hikers going uphill have the right of way, as they are expending more energy. If hiking in a group, walk in a single file on narrow sections to avoid blocking the path. This shared courtesy ensures a positive experience for everyone on the trail.
