Long Slab Summit
Kanakapura
Overview
A mostly-mellow uphill on long rock slabs to a summit with a colonial-era survey marker, a viewpoint boulder for the brave, and a shaded shelter to rest in on the way back.
Photos
⛅️ Season
Any. Be careful on rock in the wet months. And carry a lot of water in the dry season!
🎟️ Permit
A permit is not required to hike here.
🐾 Wildlife
Near the temple, there are quite a few monkeys, so keep your belongings close. During the wet season be careful as there might be snakes and scorpions on the trail. Snakes will usually move away when they sense footsteps, but keep an eye out. In the dry season, you will be less likely to encounter them.
Please don't hike here at night.
Trail description
The hill is named after the temple. The trail goes due east from the temple tank. You might encounter locals praying at the temple or offering prasad, usually on Sundays. I have had the cooked prasad from the temple once.
Turn off the main trail
About 500 m from the start, you deviate from the lower trail and start hiking upwards to your left (north). This is a steep but short section after which the whole hike is a mellow uphill to the hilltop.
GTS Mound
This is a 3-by-3 meter stone structure with a hole in the center, built during the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India.
Rock for a good view (⚠️ not for everyone)
As you follow the trail map to the east, you will spot a large boulder to your right (south). You can hop on to this for a better view. But be careful when doing so and avoid going on it if you're in doubt.
Cave-like shelter next to a tree
While heading back, you can rest here for a bit in the shade. Either the rock shelter or under the tree nearby. (Marked on the trail map.)
