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Savandurga, commonly hailed as the largest monolith in Asia is just 60 Km from Bangalore. This trail is one of the popular day treks from Bangalore. Unlike the other hiking trails, Savandurga is a steep rocky uphill climb.

Savandurga is formed by two hills, Karigudda (black hill) and Biligudda (white hill) thereby making two routes to the top. The Biligudda route is tougher and more challenging. Karigudda, which starts close to the Narasimha Swamy temple, is the only permitted route for visitors to the top.

The Savanadurga or Savandurga hills are frequented by pilgrims who come to visit the Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy (hence the name Savandurga) and Narasimha Swamy Temple located at the foothills. 

It is also known as “Savinadurga” or “Fort of Death” due to its inclination and steep climb. It is also one of the Navadurga, found around 100 km from Bangalore.

Network Availability

Airtel, Jio, and BSNL offer good cellular reception throughout the trial.

ATM Availability

We didn’t find any ATMs in the village. As the place has good signal strength, you can use online payments. Cash is not required for this trek but it is good to have some.

Languages Spoken

The regional language, Kannada, is the only language spoken by the people of this region.

Parking Availability

Parking space is available at the base of the trek.

Restroom Facilities

A public restroom is available near the mandapa at the base of the trek. However, you are dependent on nature once you start the hike.

Best Time To Visit

You can do the Savandurga hike all year round, except for the peak monsoon months of July and August as the terrain becomes extremely slippery due to the rains. During summer, we advise you to start the trek early as it becomes increasingly hot and humid as the day goes by.

How To Reach Savandurga From Bangalore?

By Train

The place is not well connected to the railway station. It is better to skip this option.

By Road

From the Majestic bus stand, you have to take 2 buses to reach Savandurga. From the KR Market (Kalasipalya), direct BMTC buses 241-M (not frequent) are available.

The best way to reach Savandurga is by road using your transport.

Search for the Savandurga trek starting point on the map. This will lead you straight to the starting point of the hike.

Where To Eat?

There are snack shops and restaurants at the base of the hike. On all days, 3 guys can be found selling cool drinks, water bottles, and Bhel Puris (Indian chaat) at different sections of the trail, including one at the summit. But, the prices are double + additional charges if you want the drinks to be cold. They accept online payments as well.

It’s worth bringing some food, snacks, and enough water for the hike to save some money.

Things To Do In Savandurga

The pilgrimage visit is a popular activity. This is also a great place for trekking enthusiasts to hike to the top. Savandurga is also popular for rock climbing.

Hiking Details

Distance from Bangalore: 60 Km.

Entry fee: Rs. 250 + GST for adults and Rs. 125 + GST for children between 6 and 12 years

Booking: A maximum of 100 people are allowed per slot and online booking is required.

Permission: It is mandatory to register for the Savandurga trek on the Karnataka Eco Tourism website.

Camping: Not allowed

Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM

Duration: 1- 2 hours for the ascend, 30 mins – 1 hour to descend.

Summit Height: 1226 m

Hike Distance: Approx 2 Km one way

Difficulty Level: Easy-moderate, and it is highly subject to your fitness & experience level.

Terrain: Grasslands, rocks, and boulders.

Water Resources: No drinking water was found along the hiking route. Bring your reusable water bottles. You can buy from the vendors along the hiking route for double the cost.

Hiking Route:

The trek starts near the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple situated in the village. Near the trek starting, a government official will verify your online registration.

There are direction arrows marked in White along the trail for navigation. When in doubt, just follow the electric poles to reach the top. It is not required that you download an offline map or .gpx file as the hike is well-marked and the probability of getting lost is very limited.

The steep climb and the absence of a side railing for support make this hike a challenging one, particularly if you are afraid of heights. Nevertheless, the view gets progressively better as you ascend to the top.

Before the last push, Savandurga fort ruins can be found followed by the caves which are formed by large boulders. You will also be crossing rocky steps and grasslands as you progress.

At The Savandurga Summit:

A flag and the Nandi (bull, the ‘Vaahan’ (vehicle) of Lord Shiva) is found at the summit of the trail.

From the hilltop, you can see the base village, the Manchanabele dam, vegetation, surrounding hills, and other boulders of Savandurga.

Breeze on the summit catalyzes the relaxing mode in you and makes you stay there for longer.

Important Points To Remember

• The use of plastics and smoking is prohibited. 
• As a hiker, it is incumbent on you to be responsible and not litter. Leave better than you found it.
• No trek guide is required for the Savandurga hike. You can do this trek by yourselves as the arrow marks and electric poles guide you straight to the top. The chances of getting lost are little to none.
• The terrain is very steep with no support. Please be very careful and sure of your steps while hiking the hill of Savandurga. One wrong step would cost your life.

Essential Things To Carry

• Ensure you carry at least 1L of water per person.
• Cap, sunscreen & sunglasses are essential to ward off the summer heat.
• Carry a poncho or raincoat in case of rain. It is better to avoid Savandurga during the rains.
• Above all, wear reliable shoes that have a good grip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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