Are you looking for a unique and thrilling destination for your next adventure? Do you want to explore one of the largest single rock formations in Asia and witness its stunning beauty and history? If yes, then you should definitely visit Savandurga, a massive monolith located in Karnataka, India.
Savandurga is not only a natural wonder, but also a cultural and historical landmark that offers a variety of attractions and activities for tourists. Whether you are interested in trekking, camping, rock climbing, bird watching, or simply enjoying the scenic views, Savandurga has something for everyone.
In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to Savandurga tourism and trekking, and help you plan your trip to this amazing place.
Savandurga Trek: An Adventure of a Lifetime
One of the main reasons why people visit Savandurga is to experience the thrill of trekking on its gigantic hills. Savandurga consists of two hills, Billigudda (the white hill) and Karigudda (the black hill), which rise up to 1226 meters and 1227 meters above sea level respectively. The hills are composed of granite rocks that are eroded by wind and water over millions of years. The hills are also home to various flora and fauna, such as neem trees, eucalyptus trees, cacti, lizards, snakes, eagles, kites, etc.
The Savandurga trek is one of the most popular and challenging treks in Karnataka, as it involves climbing steep slopes, navigating narrow paths, and overcoming slippery rocks. The trek can be done in one day or two days, depending on your preference and fitness level. The trek can also be done during the day or at night, depending on the season and weather conditions.
The trek offers a unique opportunity to witness the sunrise and sunset from the summit of the hills, as well as the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Savandurga Tourism: A Complete Travel Guide
Apart from trekking, Savandurga also offers a lot of other attractions and activities for tourists who want to explore its natural, cultural, and historical aspects. Savandurga is not just a monolith, but also a heritage site that has witnessed many events and legends over the centuries.
Savandurga is also a place of worship for many devotees who visit the temple at the foothill of the hills. Savandurga is also a place of relaxation and recreation for many visitors who enjoy the pond nearby, Arkavathi river, and the Manchanabele dam.
Location
Savandurga is located in the Magadi taluk of Ramanagara district in Karnataka, India. It is about 60 km west of Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. It is situated on the Deccan Plateau, which is part of the Western Ghats mountain range.
History
Savandurga has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. According to some sources, Savandurga was originally called Savandi by the locals, which means “the fort of death”. This name was given because of the many battles and wars that took place on its hills over the years.
Some of the historical events and legends associated with Savandurga are:
- Savandurga was part of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century CE.
- Savandurga was captured by Kempe Gowda II, the founder of Bangalore, in the 16th century CE.
- Savandurga was conquered by Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore, in the 18th century CE.
- Savandurga was used as a prison by Tipu Sultan, the son of Hyder Ali, in the 18th century CE.
- Savandurga was seized by the British forces after the death of Tipu Sultan in 1799 CE.
- Savandurga was visited by Sir Mark Cubbon, the commissioner of Mysore, in 1832 CE.
- Savandurga was explored by Francis Buchanan-Hamilton, a Scottish physician and botanist, in 1800 CE.
- Savandurga was surveyed by Robert Bruce Foote, an English geologist and archaeologist, in 1876 CE.
Geography
Savandurga is one of the largest monoliths in Asia and one of the highest hills in Karnataka. A monolith is a single piece of rock that forms a hill or a mountain. Savandurga is composed of granite rocks that are eroded by wind and water over millions of years. The rocks have different colors and textures depending on their mineral composition and exposure to sunlight.
Savandurga consists of two hills, Billigudda (the white hill) and Karigudda (the black hill), which are separated by a valley. Billigudda is called the white hill because its rocks are lighter in color due to more exposure to sunlight. Karigudda is called the black hill because its rocks are darker in color due to less exposure to sunlight.
The hills have an average elevation of about 1200 meters above sea level. The highest point on Billigudda is 1226 meters above sea level, while the highest point on Karigudda is 1227 meters above sea level.
Significance
Savandurga is not only a geological marvel, but also a cultural and historical landmark that has a lot of significance for the people of Karnataka and India. Savandurga is a place of worship for many devotees who visit the temple at the foothill of the hills. The temple is dedicated to Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The temple is believed to be very ancient and has a legend associated with it. According to the legend, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Narasimha to protect his devotee Prahlada from his evil father Hiranyakashipu. Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu on the hill of Savandurga and then rested in the temple. The temple also has idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Goddess Lakshmi.
Savandurga is also a place of heritage for many historians and archaeologists who study its past and present. Savandurga has witnessed many events and legends over the centuries that have shaped its history and culture. Savandurga has been part of various kingdoms and empires that have ruled over Karnataka and India, such as the Hoysala Empire, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Mysore Kingdom, the British Raj, etc.
Attractions
Savandurga has a lot of attractions that can appeal to different types of tourists who have different interests and preferences. Some of the main attractions of Savandurga are:
The two hills (Billigudda and Karigudda): The hills are the main attraction of Savandurga as they offer a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape and a thrilling experience of trekking on their slopes.
The temple at the foothill: The temple is a sacred place for many devotees who visit it to seek blessings from Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and other deities.
The pond nearby: The pond is a serene place for many visitors who enjoy its calmness and freshness.
The Arkavathi river: The river is a lively place for many visitors who enjoy its flow and sound.
The Manchanabele dam: The dam is a scenic place for many visitors who enjoy its water and greenery.
Activities
Savandurga offers a variety of activities that can suit different levels of adventure and excitement. Some of the main activities that Savandurga offers are:
Trekking:
Trekking is the most popular activity at Savandurga as it involves climbing up and down the hills on different routes and difficulty levels. Trekking can be done during the day or at night depending on the season and weather conditions.
Camping:
Camping is another popular activity at Savandurga as it involves staying overnight in tents or dormitories at the base camp or on top of the hills. Camping can be done along with trekking or separately depending on your preference.
Rock climbing:
Rock climbing is another challenging activity at Savandurga as it involves scaling up or down the rocks on different heights and angles. Rock climbing can be done with or without ropes depending on your skill level.
Bird watching:
Bird watching is another relaxing activity at Savandurga as it involves observing and identifying various species of birds that inhabit or visit the hills and the forest. Bird watching can be done with or without binoculars depending on your interest level.
Photography:
Photography is another enjoyable activity at Savandurga as it involves capturing and sharing the beauty and diversity of the hills and the forest. Photography can be done with or without a camera depending on your equipment level.
Places to Stay Nearby
Savandurga has a number of hotels that can cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the best hotels near Savandurga are:
Savandurga Adventure Camp:
This is a budget-friendly hotel that offers basic amenities and facilities, such as tents, dormitories, bathrooms, food, etc. The hotel is located at the base camp of Savandurga and is ideal for trekkers and campers who want to stay close to the hills.
Ramanashree California Resort:
This is a mid-range hotel that offers comfortable amenities and facilities, such as rooms, cottages, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, etc. The hotel is located about 15 km from Savandurga and is ideal for families and couples who want to enjoy a peaceful and pleasant stay.
Wonderla Resort:
This is a luxury hotel that offers premium amenities and facilities, such as suites, villas, spa, gym, amusement park, etc. The hotel is located about 25 km from Savandurga and is ideal for groups and individuals who want to enjoy a fun and lavish stay.
Travel Tips
Savandurga is a wonderful place to visit, but it also requires some planning and preparation to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Here are some travel tips that you should keep in mind before and during your visit to Savandurga:
Plan your trip in advance:
You should plan your trip to Savandurga in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles or disappointments. You should book your transportation, accommodation, trekking package, etc. well in advance to ensure availability and affordability. You should also check the weather forecast, season, and timings of Savandurga before you visit.
Pack your essentials:
You should pack your essentials according to your itinerary and activities at Savandurga. You should carry comfortable clothes, shoes, socks, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, medicines, first aid kit, torches, batteries, cameras, binoculars, etc. You should also carry some cash or cards for emergency or personal expenses.
Follow the rules and regulations:
You should follow the rules and regulations of Savandurga to respect its environment and culture. You should not litter or damage the hills or the forest. You should not disturb or harm the wildlife or the plants. You should not trespass or enter restricted areas. You should not consume alcohol or drugs on the hills or the forest. You should follow the instructions and guidance of your guides and support staff.
Be careful and cautious:
You should be careful and cautious while visiting Savandurga to avoid any accidents or injuries. You should not venture alone or stray away from your group. You should not climb or descend the hills without proper equipment or supervision. You should not touch or approach any unfamiliar objects or animals. You should not take any unnecessary risks or challenges.
You may also like to check out: Day trek to Savandurga Hill -"Fort of Death"
FAQs About Savandurga
Savandurga is a fascinating place that can raise your curiosity and interest with its facts and features. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Savandurga tourism and trekking that can answer some of your queries:
Q. What is famous about Savandurga?
A: Savandurga is famous for being one of the largest monoliths in Asia and one of the highest hills in Karnataka. It is also famous for being a natural, cultural, and historical landmark that offers a variety of attractions and activities for tourists.
Q: What is not so good about Savandurga?
A: Savandurga is not so good for people who are afraid of heights, have health issues, or are not comfortable with rough terrain. It is also not so good for people who are looking for luxury, convenience, or entertainment facilities. It is also not so good for people who are sensitive to heat, cold, or rain, as the weather can be unpredictable and harsh at times.
Q. Who should visit Savandurga?
A: Savandurga is suitable for anyone who loves nature, adventure, culture, and history. It is ideal for trekkers, campers, rock climbers, bird watchers, photographers, and explorers. It is also suitable for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers who want to experience something different and exciting.
Q. What are the safety precautions to take at Savandurga?
A: Some of the safety precautions to take at Savandurga are:
1. Wear comfortable clothes, shoes, socks, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. according to the season and weather conditions.
2. Carry enough water bottles, snacks, medicines, first aid kit, torches, batteries, cameras, binoculars, etc. according to your itinerary and activities.
3. Follow the rules and regulations of Savandurga and respect its environment and culture.
4. Follow the instructions and guidance of your guides and support staff.
5. Be careful and cautious while climbing or descending the hills and avoid any accidents or injuries.
6. Do not venture alone or stray away from your group.
7. Do not touch or approach any unfamiliar objects or animals.
8. Do not take any unnecessary risks or challenges.
Q. What are the things to carry for Savandurga trekking or camping?
A: Some of the things to carry for Savandurga trekking or camping are:
1. Comfortable clothes, shoes, socks, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. according to the season and weather conditions.
2. Water bottles, snacks, medicines, first aid kit, torches, batteries, cameras, binoculars, etc. according to your itinerary and activities.
3. Trekking equipment, such as ropes, carabiners, harnesses, helmets, gloves, etc. if you are doing rock climbing or rappelling.
4. Camping equipment, such as tents, sleeping bags, mats, pillows, blankets, etc. if you are staying overnight on the hills or at the base camp.
