If
you are looking for a stress busting break from work, adventure is
your best bet. There are quite a few places around Bangalore which
are ideal for adventure activities, and if trekking is your calling,
Savandurga is one of the best destinations to be at. With a height
of more than 1200 meters above sea level, it is one of the largest
monoliths in Asia, and trekking on it is real fun.
Reaching
Savandurga
Savandurga is located just about 50 km from Bangalore. You can either
drive down to the place on your own or opt for public transport. If
you opt for public transport, you will have to take a bus from KR
Market which goes till Magadi. Along the way, get down at Ramanagram
road just before Magadi and then take a bus to Nayaknapalya. Take
an auto from Nayaknapalya to Savandurga, which should take about ten
to fifteen minutes only.
However,
if you are an adventure freak, a bike trip to Savandurga from Bangalore
is really fun. The roads are in decent condition and you will enjoy
the rugged scenery around.
The
adventure that awaits you
Trekking on this large monolith is an adventurous experience indeed.
Savandurga is actually made of two hills, known as Biligudda and Karigudda.
Biligudda has historical significance to it, since it served as a
fort prison during the Hoysala regime. The top of the hill takes you
to the ruins of a fort which was built by Kempegowda.
But that's the only thing to look forward to here. The foothills of
Biligudda have two temples, namely Veerbhadraswamy and Lakshmi Narsimhaswamy
Temple.
In terms of terrain, you will come across a mixed landscape on Biligudda.
The trek to the top of Biligudda is a moderately difficult one, which
means that it leave you a little huffing and puffing, but even if
you are a beginner, you can still complete it. And the view you get
from the top of this hill is simply amazing. There is also a small
shrine dedicated to Nandi atop this hill.
The
best part about a trek to Biligudda is you don't need to have a permit
for it.
If
you are the more adventurous sort, Karigudda is meant for you. Kairgudda
has some really steep rock faces which will get your adrenaline pumping.
It
is also a trek which is less explored, which means you won't find
too many markers guiding you to the top of the hill. That's why, you
should only try this trek if you are an experienced trekker and you
have done something like this before. Of course, since the trek to
Karigudda is much more difficult than Bikigudda, you need permission
to trek on this hill from authorities.
There
is wildlife to spot too
The area surrounding this monolith is blessed with more than 100 different
species of shrubs and about 59 different species of trees, which is
ideal as a wildlife habitat. If you are lucky, you can spot animals
such as sloth bear or leopards in the surroundings areas of Savandurga.
The area is also a good spot for bird watching, which several birds
flocking to it during the migration season. 
Best
time to visit
You would do well to visit Savandurga during the winter months as
the climate here is a lot cooler during that time. However, summers
are not too bad a time either for trekking in Savandurga, although
it can be quite energy sapping. However, the chances of spotting wildlife
here are higher during summer months as animals come to Akravathy
Lake to quench their thirst, which is located close by.
By
all means, avoid the monsoon months for trekking here, since rocks
become slippery during rains, which makes trekking here very dangerous.
