Trekking on one of Asia’s largest monoliths!
Just 60 kms away from Bangalore, this trail takes you to the top of one of Asia’s largest monoliths! The hill is located in the Savandurga State Forest and a combination of Karigudda and Biligudda form the Savandurga hill cluster. In a more morbid context, it is also called Savinadurga which means Fort of Death owing to its steep incline and structures of defence.
There are two temples at the base of the hill that date back to 1340 AD and are said to have been built by the Hoysala dynasty. Devotees from all parts of Karnataka come here to offer their prayers. The hill is located just off Magadi Road and is easily accessible. This trek can be completed in a day.
This article lays down all the information pertaining to the Savandurga trek and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The Savandurga Trail
The trail for Savandurga starts from Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy temple, off the Magadi Road, around 60 kms away from Bangalore. This is the Biligudda trail which is accessible to the general public. The trail starts from behind the temple and the path is clearly demarcated.
From here, a muddy trail with some vegetation and slight ascent will take you to the base of the hill. It will take you around 20 minutes to reach the base.
From the base, you step onto the hill and make your way up to the summit. The trail is a little tricky to find so look out for markings and directions on the rock and on the surrounding boulders. It’s a steep ascent for 500 metres from here and will take you around 25 minutes to cover it. The section will test your endurance and warrants trekkers to be in good shape. You will notice more vegetation as you move up and you will get glimpses of Manchanabele reservoir.
At the end of this climb, you will arrive at the fort wall. Take some rest here and enjoy the views of the landscape around you.
From here, the trail becomes steeper and is more challenging. The climb to the second fort wall takes more than an hour. You will find indentations in the rock which will guide you up and also offer more grip on an otherwise slippery surface. This part of the trail is completely on a rock and wearing shoes with good grip and flexibility will aid your climb.
Once you reach the second fort wall, the trail flattens out and takes you into the forest. The trail from here is quite exciting as it takes you through rocky cave structures and muddy paths all the way to the top. However, the trail is a little uneven and you could lose your way so ensure you follow the marking carefully. It also involves climbing over a few boulders so ensure you tread carefully.
Once you are past the boulder section, you have reached the top and can walk towards the Nandi temple. The views from here make the difficult climb worth it. Bird’s eye views of the forests accompanied by Manchanabele and Thippagondanahalli reservoirs are soothing after the climb through dry rocks and boulders. Take some time to admire the views and offer prayers at the Nandi temple if you wish to. Munch on some snacks or any food that you have carried with you, you can even make a nice picnic out of it!
The way back down is the same route to the top. The descent is the most challenging part of the trail given that it is over a steep rock surface and one wrong step can send you tumbling down. Be cautious as you descend the hill and follow the slow and steady approach when in doubt.
If you wish to see the sunrise from the top, start your trek before 5 AM to get spectacular views! This will also help you avoid the harsh heat from the sun later in the day which makes the rock extremely hot.
Highlights: Things to Look Forward to on This Trail
1. Climbing Asia’s Largest Monolith Hill
Savandurga is said to be Asia’s largest monolith hill and climbing this massive structure of rock is exciting to say the least.
2. Views of the Forests and Reservoirs
Once at the top, the views of the lush green forests accompanied by the Manchanabele and Thippagondanahalli reservoirs is captivating with a hint of breeze cooling you off after the difficult climb.
Challenges: Things to be Prepared For on This Trail
1. Steep Ascents on Rock Surfaces
The ascent to the top over the rock surface is a challenging one as it is steep and it is difficult to get proper grip. This section will test your endurance and only a trekker with good fitness can find it enjoyable.
2. Descent to the Base
The descent down is even more difficult than the ascent as it puts pressure on your knees and ankles. Chances of slipping are higher so it is important to be cautious and tread slowly.
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Savandurga is a level 1 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale.
About the BRS: The Bikat Rating Scale rates the difficulty level of all treks and expeditions in our portfolio after taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions.
According to this scale, if you are a beginner who is unsure of your fitness level and don’t know what to expect on a trek, a trek rated one will be a good place to start.
If you liked your very first trekking experience and are looking to test your limits next, the treks rated 2 or 3 will do the job for you.
A beginner who is sure of their fitness level on the other hand is welcome to skip the first two levels and directly start with one of the treks rated 3.
From 4 onwards, the rules change a little. It is mandatory to have trekking experience of the previous level to participate in the next level.
Best Time to do the Savandurga Trek
The best time to do this trek is between October to February. The monsoon months make the rock slippery with the continuous flow of water and it is not advisable to trek during this time. During the summer months, temperatures soar and the rock radiates heat which makes it very difficult to trek. It is not recommended to attempt this trail during peak summer or monsoon months.
How to Reach the Base
Savandurga is located in the town of Magadi which can be reached by a private vehicle or public transport from Bangalore. It is at a distance of 60 kms away from Bangalore.
If you are reaching by public transport you can take a bus from Majestic Bus Station to Magadi. Buses ply every 30 minutes and the ticket costs INR 15-20. It will take you 1-1.5 hours to reach. From Magadi, you can take a shared auto to Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy temple.
Frequently Asked Question about Savandurga
1. Is there network connectivity on this trek?
You will get signals from all major operators at the base. On the trail, signal is patchy and can be found in isolated spots.
2. Are there food stalls on the trail?
There are no hotels or restaurants at the base or the nearby village. You can find a few stalls selling snacks. It is advisable to pack your food from Bangalore before leaving. Also carry sufficient water as there are no reliable water sources on the trail.
3. Do I need a permit for this trek?
Yes. You need to get permission from Karnataka EcoTourism for this trek. You can register and get permissions on the website below:
https://www.karnatakaecotourism.com/treks/LND3
4. Is this trek for beginners?
No. This trek has steep ascents which can be difficult for someone who is a beginner. However, if you follow an active lifestyle and are in good shape, you can attempt this trek without too much difficulty.
5. How long does this trek take?
This is a one day trek and takes 2-3 hours to reach the top from the temple and another 2 hours to come back down. If you account for spending time on the top and rest breaks, the total trek will take 6 hours to complete.
That’s all about the Savandurga trek! Should you wish to know more or need help planning your weekend adventure around Bangalore, please feel free to reach out to our team.
