12.916077.2978Bangalore, Karnataka

ADVENTURE

Savandurga Hill - Trekking Asia's Largest Monolith Near Bangalore

One of Asia's largest monolith hills near Bangalore, offering a challenging trek with panoramic views and temples at its base.

Bangalore, KarnatakaHalf day (3-4 hours)6:00 AM – 6:00 PMFree EntryNo Photography

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Best Season:The best period to visit Savandurga is from October to February. During these post-monsoon and winter months, the weather is pleasant and cool, making the strenuous trek more manageable. The summer months, from March to May, are extremely hot, and the direct sun on the rock can be unbearable. It's crucial to avoid the monsoon season, from June to September, as the rain makes the steep granite slopes dangerously slippery and unsafe for trekking.

Duration:Half day (3-4 hours)

Entry (Indian):Free

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Savandurga, Karnataka?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Savandurga is a massive hill located about 60 km west of Bangalore. It's famous for being one of the largest monolith hills in Asia. The hill is composed of two main peaks, Karigudda (black hill) and Biligudda (white hill), which offer distinct trekking experiences. The trek, especially up Biligudda, is the primary draw for visitors. The trail is marked by painted arrows on the rock surface and follows a path alongside electric poles, guiding trekkers up the steep incline. The climb is challenging and requires a good level of fitness, as much of it involves walking on a bare, inclined rock face.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

Jan

Winter

Feb

Winter

Mar

Spring

Apr

Spring

May

Summer

Jun

Summer

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Monsoon

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Monsoon

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Oct

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Winter

BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

October-February, especially on weekends and public holidays, due to pleasant trekking weather.

Moderate

Weekdays between October and February.

Low Season

March-June because of extreme heat, and July-September due to monsoon rains making the trek unsafe.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

Free

No entry fee

Opening Hours

6:00 AM — 6:00 PM

Trekking is permitted only during daylight hours for safety. It is advisable to start descending by 3:00 PM to reach the base before sunset. The temples at the base have their own operating hours, generally from morning to evening.

There is no entry fee for trekking. A nominal parking fee of around ₹30 for cars and ₹20 for two-wheelers is collected at the base.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Savandurga State Forest, Magadi Road, Ramanagara District, Karnataka 562120

Coordinates

12.9160, 77.2978

Nearest City

Bangalore

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) is the nearest airport, approximately 80 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi which takes about 2-3 h...

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Bangalore City Junction (SBC), about 60 km away. Kengeri (KGI) is a closer station, around 50 km away. From the station, yo...

By Road

Savandurga is about 60 km from Bangalore via Magadi Road. Driving is the most popular way to get there. The route is scenic, and road conditions are generally g...

Local Transport

From Bangalore, it's best to hire a cab or drive your own vehicle. If using public transport, take a bus to Magadi town. From Magadi, auto-rickshaws are the pri...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

Savandurga has a long history, first mentioned in records from 1340 AD by the Hoysala rulers. It later served as a significant fort under various dynasties. During the 16th century, the local ruler Kempe Gowda fortified it. The fort was later controlled by the Mysore kingdom and was considered almost impregnable. Its name, 'Savina Durga,' which translates to 'Fort of Death,' reflects its difficult terrain and formidable defenses. Lord Cornwallis, leading the British forces, eventually captured the fort from Tipu Sultan's army in 1791 during the Third Anglo-Mysore War. Today, only remnants of the fort walls can be seen along the trekking path.

Significance

Geologically, Savandurga is significant as one of the largest single rock formations in Asia. This monolith, made of granite, gneiss, and other rock types, is a point of interest for geology enthusiasts. For adventure seekers, it is one of the most popular and challenging trekking destinations near Bangalore. The steep, bare rock face provides a unique climbing experience. Culturally, the temples of Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy and Savandi Veerabhadraswamy at the base hold religious importance for the local communities, making it a site for both pilgrimage and recreation.

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