Savandurga Hills - Trekking - Bangalore weekend destinations

In this post , we share our trekking experience to Savandurga Hills , near Magadi town about 60 kms from Bangalore.

About Savandurga

• One of the largest monolith hill in Asia
• Raises upto 1200m from sea level. Formed by 2 hills known locally as Karigudda (Black Hill) and BilliGudda (White hill )
• Consists of peninsular gneiss , granites
• Hill area ruled by many dynasties since the period of Hoysalas of 12th century
• Was considered as second capital during the period of Naada prabhu Sri.Kempegowda
• Also known as SavinaDurga ( Death Fort ) as during the rule of Kempegowda , prisoners / sinners used to be dragged to the top of hill and dropped to death - similar to Tippu drop in Nandi Hills
• Fort remains on the hill are still visible
• Surrounded by serene green & state owned forest - makes the spot more adventurous for Trekking , Rock climbing , Nature walks etc
• On the hill foots are ancient temples deities worshipped - SriVeeraBhadra Swamy ( a form of Lord Shiva) , Kaali ( form of goddess Parvathi) and Narasimha ( form of Lord Vishnu )
• Has a Nandi idol on top of the hill - Peak point

It was a bright sunny day when our team visited this spot. The temperatures were shooting up to 35 degrees making us further sweat . We had come through Magadi over the state highway 85 from Bengaluru and then took the diversion on SH94 of 13kms journey from Magadi .After passing through SH94 for about 10 kms , there was a diversion which led to this hill for about 3 kms which was fulfilling surrounded with state forest serene on both sides of the road which are well maintained. We visited the temples took darshan and headed towards climbing the hill. 

We took the passage which was just opposite to Narasimhaswamy temple and started slowly stepping up . It was around mid noon and the temperatures were shooting up , the rocks were getting hotter & hotter, thanks to the clouds which were just on time reducing our tiredness. 

There are no foot steps / ropes available to climb the hill . Hence we took along extra precautions of getting the required food stuffs , lot of drinks . Remember , this spot have very few hotels - we recommend to get parcels of your food stuffs. 

We were greeted by circling hawks , hill chameleon lizards of different colors all along the path. People say at night times this spot attracts animals such as Leopards , Bears etc - luckily we did not notice them on our path !!

After covering half of the hills , we noticed the remains of the fort which is believed to be existing since 15th century during the period of Kempegowda. The spot where prisoners were dropped to death is still present reminding the history.

Fort - Drop spot

We almost took 2 hours to reach on top of hill. The views from hill top was awesome , as we gradually stepped up , cool breeze flowing in relaxed our nerves with sense of completing this challenging  journey. Full stretch of Manchanbele reservoir could be noticed from this spot.

There were less visitors on the day around 20-30 when we visited this spot. People say spot is always safe and away from crimes. We still recommend to always explore in a group. 

We could not visit the Nandi Idol on top of the hill due to our schedule constraint and started descending back , reached the hill foot within an hours time.

Overall an awesome spot to explore with family and friends. Best time to explore would be during weekends in the early morning and evening.

Do visit here and share your experience.

Savandurga - Veerabhadra Swamy , NarasimhaSwamy temples - Bangalore Weekend destinations

In this post , we share our visit experience to Sri  Veerabhadra Swamy and NarasimhaSwamy temples in Savandurga Hill area near Magadi which is about 60 kms from Bangalore and about 10 kms from Magadi town.  

This area is famous for its monolith hill Savandurga which is considered to be one among the largest monolith hills in Asia raising upto 1200m above sea level and attracts trekking aspirants.

At the hill foot are two ancient temples believed to be existing for many generations since 15th century. These temples attract many pilgrims from surrounding districts,

Savandi VeeraBhadra Swamy Temple

• This temple is about 3 kms from Magadi - Big Banayan tree main road 
• This 3 km drive provides an awesome breezy view of Savandurga forest trees
• Temple has 2 sanctums. The main sanctum have idols of Veerabhadra Swamy , Ganesha and Goddess Kaali.
• Surrounded by this temple is a mantap and many stay rooms donated by devotees. We noticed around 30 such rooms all of which were empty. If you are planning to stay back at this spot / arranging any functions - these may be hired.
•  Free lunch is organized by the temple trust as Prasadam. 
• Temple is open from morning between 7 AM to 1 PM and in evening between 5.30 PM to 7 PM

From this temple , awesome views of Savandurga Hill may be snapped.

Narasimha Swamy Temple

• This temple is about less than 1 kms from VeeraBhadra Swamy temple
• Main sanctum has the idol of Narasimha Swamy ( form of Lord Vishnu ) . This unique idol seem to formed of a rock and is about 3-4 feet showing only the face of the idol - which reminded us Muthathi temple.
• Other sanctums include idols of Lakshmi & Navagraha. 
• Visitors trekking the hill pass through this temple
• There is a park opposite to this temple where medical herbs , plants , trees are cultivated.
• Temple is open from morning between 7 AM to 1 PM and in evening between 5.30 PM to 7 PM

There are only few shops selling cool drinks , snacks near this spot. We recommend you to carry good food supplies while visiting this spot. Don't miss the tender coconut sweetness at this spot. Few monkeys may be noticed , so take care while having your party !!

Overall a very nice spot to visit with family and friends - enjoy over a weekend. Do visit this spot and share your experience.

Magadi Tour - Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple - Bangalore weekend destinations

In this post , we cover our recent visit to the historic town  "Magadi" , in Ramanagar district about 40 kms from Bangalore . This town is infamously known after the birth place of Nada prabhu Sri.Kempegowda - founder of Bendakaalooru , the current Bengaluru who ruled this region for many years.

This spot houses few ancient temples , attracting visitors & introducing them back to the history days displaying the wonderful art and sculptures of our ancestors . One of such infamous spots is the Ranganatha Swamy temple , near Thirumale village in Magadi.

Few Highlights of this temple

• Believed to be existing since 12th century since the formation of Magadi during Cholas period
• Idols of main deities - Lord Vishnu , BhooDevi . Other idols accompanied include Ganesha , Hanuman , Alwar saints surrounding the main sanctum
• The Gopuram was opened during 1959 by Sri Jaya chamaraja Wadeyar - the governor of Mysore during that period.
• Temple has a small Kalyani - water pond.

It was a bright sunny day when we reached this spot . We took the state highway SH85 which was initially busy till Thavarekere town , later we could shift gears and reach the spot within an hour. Karnataka Tourism Signboards and entry arch along the roadside make this place easily accessible without much fuss. 

There was a special pooja conducted on the day we visited and we had to wait till 9.30 AM for the first darshan. Surrounded by the dwarapalakas , the decorated ornate idol of Ranganatha  was totally mesmerizing to the eyes which filled us with lot of satisfaction of our visit.  Sanctums supported with all stone pillars with carvings of  different forms of Vishnu were among other attractions.

Special poojas are conducted here during annual fests , procession idol is taken all over the village over the temple's wood chariot. Kalyan Mantaps are available where marriage functions  are conducted .  Temple is open on all days between 6.30 AM to 11.00 AM and in evening between 5.30 PM to 7.30 PM.

Overall a very nice spot to visit and spend time with family and friends. Do visit this spot and share your experience.