Savandurga Trek
Some enthusiasts wanted to have a trekking and a break from the regular hum drum of routine activities. We planned for a trek on the rocky mountain of Savandurga . In Kannada Durga means Fort (also Goddess Amba). This being one of the nine such forts around Bangalore, is situated at a distance of around 73kms west of Bangalore near Magadi.
Records indicate that Tippu Sultan used this rocky mountains as his fort and this fort was captured by Lord Cornwallis in 1872. The place is also referred as Savina Durga or the fort of death. [Savina – Death]. It is said, there were no steps to reach the hill top and it was covered by Bamboos and other trees forming a barricade. Even now it is almost same.
I love this place so much that this is my 6th visit and climb to the top.
A View of Savandurga hills
On the foothills of Savandurga there are 2 temples Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy and Narasimha Swamy temple . Veerabhadraswany temple is very ancient and one can still see Stone wheels of the temple chariot, in perfect condition
On Saturdays and Sundays there are lot of pilgrims who frequent these temples and enthusiasts who enjoy trek.On top of the hill there is statue of Nandi
Narasimha swamy temple at the foot hills of Savandurga
More than trek, one can say this is a low level rock climbing. The trek is very exciting and also physically challenging. (You need to sweat a lot !!!). In between many of the team members had doubts on completing the climb and wanted to drop off mid way. We kept encouraging each other and reached the top :-)
The pond adjacent to the camping site
The ruins of the fort wall can be seen as we pass through them to reach the top. In between there is small stone structure and a Pond (which doubles up as camping site as well in the Nights - by Out bound learning guides and campers).
Our adventurous trekking team
A view of the Nandi Temple atop the hills
Our team infront of the Nandi Statue
I'm including a picture from my previous visit as well :-)
These days one can see lot of littering around with plastic water bottles, broken bottles and lot of plastic trash. I earnestly request enthusiasts to refrain from such practices and maintain the sanctity of the environment.
While coming down, we saw some enthusiasts climbing the fort from a direction which has got a 75 degree slope like lizards. We were amazed, as they were doing it without any safety equipments and their speed was amazing. A small mistake, from them and there is nothing to look back.
Details:
1.It takes approximately 1hr and 30 mins from the foot of hills to reach the statue of Nandi.
2.Start the trek early in the morning (By 8:00 AM), so that you do not get Sun burns, and be very light with your back-packs.
3.Have proper shoes with very good grip.
4.It is not advisable to climb during nights or after sunset.
5.Do not climb under the influence of alcohol, as there are enough things for you to trip over.
6.From Bangalore the route is follows
a.On Blr to Mysore Highway, reach Ramnagaram [Ramnagaram is the place where most parts of the film ‘Sholay’ was shot ] and take a right.
b. Proceed on the road towards Magadi and after 21 kms take a right and shortly you will reach the foot hills of Savandurga.
c.There are Adequate Road signs written in English.
d.There is another route via Big Banyan tree ( Dodda alamara) and this route will be good for bike journey with lots of ups and downs
7.You can park your car/bike in-front of the temple and it is absolutely safe
Enjoy yourself , Happy and safe trekking, if you are climbing this place !!!
Some enthusiasts wanted to have a trekking and a break from the regular hum drum of routine activities. We planned for a trek on the rocky mountain of Savandurga . In Kannada Durga means Fort (also Goddess Amba). This being one of the nine such forts around Bangalore, is situated at a distance of around 73kms west of Bangalore near Magadi.
Records indicate that Tippu Sultan used this rocky mountains as his fort and this fort was captured by Lord Cornwallis in 1872. The place is also referred as Savina Durga or the fort of death. [Savina – Death]. It is said, there were no steps to reach the hill top and it was covered by Bamboos and other trees forming a barricade. Even now it is almost same.
I love this place so much that this is my 6th visit and climb to the top.
A View of Savandurga hills
On the foothills of Savandurga there are 2 temples Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy and Narasimha Swamy temple . Veerabhadraswany temple is very ancient and one can still see Stone wheels of the temple chariot, in perfect condition
On Saturdays and Sundays there are lot of pilgrims who frequent these temples and enthusiasts who enjoy trek.On top of the hill there is statue of Nandi
Narasimha swamy temple at the foot hills of Savandurga
More than trek, one can say this is a low level rock climbing. The trek is very exciting and also physically challenging. (You need to sweat a lot !!!). In between many of the team members had doubts on completing the climb and wanted to drop off mid way. We kept encouraging each other and reached the top :-)
The pond adjacent to the camping site
The ruins of the fort wall can be seen as we pass through them to reach the top. In between there is small stone structure and a Pond (which doubles up as camping site as well in the Nights - by Out bound learning guides and campers).
Our adventurous trekking team
A view of the Nandi Temple atop the hills
Our team infront of the Nandi Statue
I'm including a picture from my previous visit as well :-)
These days one can see lot of littering around with plastic water bottles, broken bottles and lot of plastic trash. I earnestly request enthusiasts to refrain from such practices and maintain the sanctity of the environment.
While coming down, we saw some enthusiasts climbing the fort from a direction which has got a 75 degree slope like lizards. We were amazed, as they were doing it without any safety equipments and their speed was amazing. A small mistake, from them and there is nothing to look back.
Details:
1.It takes approximately 1hr and 30 mins from the foot of hills to reach the statue of Nandi.
2.Start the trek early in the morning (By 8:00 AM), so that you do not get Sun burns, and be very light with your back-packs.
3.Have proper shoes with very good grip.
4.It is not advisable to climb during nights or after sunset.
5.Do not climb under the influence of alcohol, as there are enough things for you to trip over.
6.From Bangalore the route is follows
a.On Blr to Mysore Highway, reach Ramnagaram [Ramnagaram is the place where most parts of the film ‘Sholay’ was shot ] and take a right.
b. Proceed on the road towards Magadi and after 21 kms take a right and shortly you will reach the foot hills of Savandurga.
c.There are Adequate Road signs written in English.
d.There is another route via Big Banyan tree ( Dodda alamara) and this route will be good for bike journey with lots of ups and downs
7.You can park your car/bike in-front of the temple and it is absolutely safe
Enjoy yourself , Happy and safe trekking, if you are climbing this place !!!
