Things To Do Near Savandurga

Savandurga is a hill 60 km west of Bengaluru, Karnataka, off the Magadi road in India. It is the largest monolith hill in Asia. The mountain rises to 1226 m above mean sea level and forms a part of the Deccan plateau. It consists of peninsular gneiss, granites, basic dykes, and laterites. The Arkavathi River passes nearby through the Thippagondanahalli reservoir and towards the Manchanabele dam.

The Savandurga hills are frequented by pilgrims who visit the Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy and Narasimha Swamy temples, which are situated at the foothills. Rock climbers, cave explorers, and adventurers are among others who frequent the locale. Water sports enthusiasts often visit the nearby Manchanabele Dam.

Also, this is one of the notable trekking places near bangalore, which can be visited during the day and at night. Undertaking a trek on the trail up the hill on a night of full moon is one of the adventurous things that you can do at Savandurga. At the top of the mountain, the display of natural beauty around you will be an enchantment to cherish!

Savandurga is formed by two hills locally known as Karigudda (black hill) and Biligudda (white hill). The earliest record of the hill's name is from 1340 AD by Hoysala Ballala III from Madabalu, where it is called Savandi. Another view is that the name originates from Samantadurga, attributed to a Samantharaya, a governor under Ahchutaraya at Magadi, although no inscription confirms this. This was the secondary capital of the Magadi rulers, such as Kempegowda. From 1638 to 1728, Mysore took over Savandurga, with the Dalavayi Devaraja controlling it from the palace at Nelapattana. 1791 Lord Cornwallis captured it from Tipu Sultan's forces during the Third Anglo-Mysore War. In his Select Views in Mysore (1794), Robert Home shows distant views of the hill from Bangalore. He called it Savinadurga, or the fort of death. There were no steps to reach the hilltop, and it was covered by bamboo and other trees, forming a barricade.

Megalithic burial urns have been found in the area. Savana in Sanskrit also means three-time rituals. The principal local deity is Sri Savandi Veerabhadraswamy Virabhadra, a temple that is situated at the foot of the Savandurga hill. The lord Veerabhadraswamy has followers across the south Karnataka districts like Bangalore, Ramanagara, Tumkur, and Mysore.

There is a Temple of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, where the Idol of Lord Narasimha has been worshiped for many generations.There are a dozen routes, bolted or otherwise, on the south face of the monolith. Depending on various factors, most of these routes can be completed in half a day to a day. Some of the routes have long runouts, and most face south or are exposed to the southeast, so the rock becomes quite hot when the sun comes up.

SAVANDURGA HIGHLIGHTS:

• A short while into the trek, one encounters the first of the many remains of the fort walls. This spot is well-suited for enjoying some rest in the shade the trees here offer; the next shaded patch comes along only after a long distance.

• If you observe birds that hop around, the chances of finding a Blue Rock Thrush, White-browed Bulbul, or Rock Agamas are high around this area.

• The steepest climb of the trek lies beyond this stop and takes one to the next fort wall, which is a gradual incline. The rock has some depression here, and the water wall may have collected here during the good old days.

• Closer to the top, one comes across some trees and dilapidated old structures currently used as a place to camp or cook. This is also where one will likely find Oriental Honey Buzzards perched on tree tops. At the slightest disturbance, they take to the air.

• The last leg of the trek breaks the monotony of walking on the rock with the sun blazing down; one now needs to walk under gigantic boulders.

• Stretches along this leg are strewn with Plumeria, and the air has the whiff of wildflowers and resonates with bird calls. It is also a spot where one can see the Elusive Yellow Throated Bulbul.

• Also, this is one of the notable trekking places near bangalore, which can be visited during the day and at night. Undertaking a trek on the trail up the hill on a night of full moon is one of the adventurous things that you can do at Skandagiri. At the top of the mountain, the display of natural beauty around you will be an enchantment to cherish!

Check Out: One Day Trip From Bangalore & Trekking Near Bangalore & Two Day Trip From Bangalore

BEST TIME TO VISIT :

The best time to visit Savandurga is between April and June and between November and March. During this time, the weather is quite pleasant, and the atmosphere turns into a lovely display of ambient colours. From July to October, the hilltop witnesses the rainy season, which must be avoided when visiting Savandurga.

TIPS FOR VISITING SAVANDURGA:

1. The monsoon season is not one of the best times to visit Savandurga. The wet roads and slippery trails make it very tiresome and difficult to stay afoot, and the terrain can be a major problem to traverse.

2. Always carry enough water with you to avoid incidents of dehydration.

3. Ensure you wear comfortable clothes and footwear to avoid unease.

4. Since the trail is long, ensure you are physically fit to undertake the trek. Exercising and stretching activities a few days before the trek might be helpful.

5. For a night trek, make sure that you are equipped with adequate torches and batteries, which will be very useful.

HOW TO REACH:

Savandurga doesn't have an airport of its own. So, Bengaluru International Airport is the closest airport to Savandurga. Savandurga is connected to other cities via roadways. Taxis are readily available to reach Savandurga from nearby towns. Buses up to Magadi are also available. There is no railway station available in Savandurga.

Savandurga has a good roadway system connecting it to various other cities. There are two options to travel to Savandurga, i.e., private vehicle or Bus. (The bus frequency is lower, so owning a car is the best choice). There are two routes from Bangalore. First is the Magadi Road. Take a left from Ramnagar Road towards Magadi, and after about 7 km, you'll find a signboard directing you to Savandurga. The second route is Mysore Road, which is slightly longer but better. On reaching Ramnagar Road, follow the same instructions as on Magadi Road.

Savandurga has a good roadway system connecting it to various other cities. There are two options to travel to Savandurga, i.e., private vehicle or Bus. (The bus frequency is lower, so owning a car is the best choice). There are two routes from Bangalore. First is the Magadi Road. Take a left from Ramnagar Road towards Magadi, and after about 7 km, you'll find a signboard directing you to Savandurga.  

Trending Packages: Uttari Betta Trek | Nandi Hills Trek | Bheemana Kindi Trek | Siddara Betta Trek | Gudibande Fort Trek

...