Savandurga: Rustic Sunday Motorcycling Day Trip from Bangalore
It is considered to be one of the largest monolith hills in Asia. It is one of the more serious slab climbing routes in the world. It is a hot favourite with rock climbers, cave explorers, trekkers and temple lovers. The fort on the top of this hill is referred to as the ‘fort of death’. I am talking about Savanadurga hill that stands at 1226 m above MSL and that is just 60 kms from Bangalore city.
Savanadurga is a hot day trip destination from Bangalore as it offers easy access from the city, a rustic route for a short drive or ride, a beautiful tract of forest, a couple of temples (one a village temple and the other a hill temple) and a short trek. And then there is rock climbing for the more adventurous.
Formed by two hills, Karigudda (black hill) and Biligudda (white hill), Savanadurga was once the secondary capital of the Magadi kingdom and it is believed that the fort on top of the hill was built by them and may be fortified by the Mysore kingdom, Tipu Sultan and the Britishers thereafter. It’s steep slippery rock surface was its safety hallmark and which gave it strategic importance to the then kings. Today, the fort is mostly in ruins, but in its place lies a Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple and stunning views of the Magadi-Ramanagara-Mandya-Bangalore landscape. And then there is the main Veerabhadra swamy temple at the foot of the hill that holds religious significance for the people living in this region.
More than just the Savanadurga hill, I like the entire day trip package of going past pretty little villages with beautiful farm land, the gorgeous Dodda Alada Mara tree just off Mysore road, the Manchinebele dam on the Arkavathy river, the small, yet pretty green highways through the Savanadurga state forest, the Veerabhadra swamy temple, the megalithic burial sites and of course the climb to the top of the hill. Add to it a rustic atmosphere, clean air and quiet environment, you have a great way to unwind on a Sunday. I think it is the perfect rustic day trip getaway from Bangalore. Doesn’t matter whether you are on a bicycle, motorcycle or in a car, you are bound to have a good day out!
How to reach here:
The best and the most scenic route to Savanadurga is Bangalore –> Nice road Mysore road exit –> Dodda Alada Mara –> Manchanebele Dam –> Savanadurga State Forest –> Savanadurga.
The total distance would be close to 50 kms and it should take you about 2 hours if you drive non stop and a bit more if you stop at the many beautiful pit stops enroute. This route takes you through beautiful villages, a stunning lake and a gorgeous tract of green in Savanadurga state forest.
To reach the top of the rock, add at least 2 hours of trekking (more for slightly slower individuals) from the Veerabhadra temple at the base of the Savanadurga hill.
Things to keep in mind:
1) Savanadurga rock gets hot during the day. Either you should plan your trek early in the morning or prepare yourself for the heat by carrying sun protection and water, etc in case you are planning to hike a bit later in the day.
2) Opt for a reliable rock climbing operator in case you wish to do some rock climbing.
3) During the rains, the trail gets very slippery. Do plan accordingly.
4) It is best to wear a good pair of walking shoes or boots to climb this rock.
Where to find food to eat:
The villages in the vicinity may offer you something to eat, but if you want something of a menu with decent washrooms, I would recommend hitting any of the decent joints on Mysore road. It is carry some water and quick bites from home in case of any emergencies.
Nearby tourist attractions:
1) Manchanabele Dam, a scenic, green and rustic location near Bangalore
2) Adventure Sports at Dabbaguli, Manchanbele Dam – a great weekend getaway from Bangalore
3) Dodda Alada Mara – Bangalore’s 400 year old banyan wonder
4) Rock climbing at Ramanagara, amongst the rocks where the iconic movie ‘Sholay’ was shot
5) The world of toys at Channapatna, one of India’s traditional handicrafts
