The Story:
Savandurga is a large monolithic rock which is located 60 km west of Bangalore (Karnataka, India) off the Magadi road.The hill rises to 1226 m above mean sea level.
Savandurga is formed by two hills known locally as Karigudda (black hill) and Biligudda (white hill). The earliest record of the name of the hill is from 1340 AD by Hoysala Ballala III from Madabalu where it is called Savandi. Another view is that the name is originated from Samantadurga attributed to a Samantharaya, a governor under Ahchutaraya at Magadi, although there is no inscription confirming this. This was the secondary capital of the Magadi rulers such as Kempegowda. from 1638 to 1728, Mysore took over this place and Dalavayi Devaraja occupied this place with the palace at Nelapattana. In 1792 Lord Cornwallis captured it from Tippu Sultan and this was described by Colonel Wilks. Robert Home in his Select views in Mysore (1794) shows distant views of the hill from Bangalore. He called it Savinadurga or the fort of death. There were no steps to reach the hill.
Savanadurga also called as Savinadurga(death of fort) We got to know the truth behind that name when we climbing the rock,one false step could have meant a downward plunge,
huge rock,first fort
Our Journey:
We left bangalore at sharp 6.00am and reached the rock around 7:45am. The climate was cool that time. We couldn't have morning breakfast and decided to finish our trek in empty stomach..We started at a brisk pace climbing the monstrous rock, but had to slow down in few places. At some places, the rock slants upwards at an angle of 70 degrees and the ascent is difficult. If you are scared of heights, then do not look down! You might not continue upwards and may feel like descending immediately.
View of reservoir,Temple located at the peak,scenic view from the top
To simplfy the way, somebody has been marked by arrows on the rocks using white paint..The other way is to follow the foot holds carved on the ground and the electric lines overhead. It took us right to the top, in few hours..We had to watch carefully where we treaded. Savandurga is pretty steep in some places, so be prepared to push your physical fitness. To inspire us three dogs accompanied us from the base of the rock. Some how one stopped in middle but remaining two were there till we finish ascending...One dog was so loyal to us,even it was with us till we reach the base of the rock. It was stopping if we had to stop in between. We were calling it as fandu ;)
According to the villagers one could finish climbing by three hours but we finished within 1:30hours.The way down would be a lot faster, but be careful that you don't slip. Also try as much as possible to climb on two feet rather than go down on all fours.
Fandu is resting,we sat for a while in another fort
How to reach:
Bangalore-->Magadi-->towards Ramanagaram-->Savandurga
Distance:Nearly 70kms
