India GO
Savandurga, near Bangalore: permit, entry fee and the trek
Savandurga is a bare granite monolith rising to 1,226 m, about 60 km west of Bengaluru off Magadi Road in Bengaluru South district (formerly Ramanagara). The trek is run by the Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board: ₹250 per person, booked online, reporting time 6:30 am every day, and children under 12 are not allowed. The board lists the route as 4.5 km, about 2.5 hours, graded difficult.
A bare granite dome rising to 1,226 metres about 60 km west, one of the largest monolith hills in Asia, with ruined fort walls and a Nandi shrine on top and the Arkavathi valley opening in every direction. The climb is 5.5 km round trip over steep rock slabs and takes two to three hours, with almost no shade, so early starts matter. A Karnataka Forest Department permit is mandatory, around Rs 250, booked on the state ecotourism portal or at the base checkpost; slots are capped. Not a route for rain.
One enormous rock to climb, and the widest horizon within day-trip range of the city
What Savandurga is
Savandurga is usually called one of the largest monolith hills in Asia. It is really two domes, known locally as Karigudda (black hill) and Biligudda (white hill), made of peninsular gneiss and granite.
The hill has a long military history. It is first recorded in 1340 as "Savandi" under the Hoysala king Ballala III, was held by Mysore from 1638 to 1728, and in 1791, during the Third Anglo-Mysore War, Lord Cornwallis took it from Tipu Sultan's forces. On top are ruined fort walls and a small Nandi shrine, and the Arkavathi valley opens in every direction.
At the foot stand two temples, Sri Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. The surrounding state forest holds sloth bears, leopards and the endangered yellow-throated bulbul.
Permit, fee and timings
The trek is booked through the Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board website. Its listing gives:
- Fee: ₹250 per person.
- Reporting time: 6:30 am, every day.
- Route: 4.5 km, about 2.5 hours, graded difficult. It starts at Bettada Dari and ends at the Kempegowda Fort on top.
- Age limit: listed as not for children; the booking form counts only people above 12.
You register online with name, email, age and gender and pay online. The visit card above, from the India GO guide, gives the climb as 5.5 km round trip and two to three hours and mentions a permit at the base checkpost; the board's own, more recent figures are the ones above, and it takes bookings online.
How to reach Savandurga from Bangalore
Savandurga is about 60 km west of Bengaluru, off the Magadi Road, about 7 miles from the town of Magadi, in Bengaluru South district (formerly Ramanagara). With a 6:30 am reporting time, a taxi or your own car is the practical choice: leave the city well before dawn. The base has the two temples and the start of the trail.
Is Savandurga a difficult trek?
The board grades it difficult, and it is. The trail climbs steep, bare rock slabs with almost no shade, and the board advises starting as the day breaks. In rain the slabs become slippery; do not go up when it is wet. Wear shoes with real grip and carry more water than seems necessary.
Rock climbing
Climbers know Savandurga for its south face, which has around a dozen routes, bolted and traditional, each a half-day to a full-day climb. This is separate from the ticketed trek and needs your own experience and gear.
❓ FAQ
What is Savandurga famous for?
It is one of the largest monolith hills in Asia, with a fort on top, two temples at the base and wide views over the Arkavathi valley.
How far is Savandurga from Bangalore?
About 60 km west of Bengaluru, off the Magadi Road.
What is the entry fee for Savandurga?
The Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board charges ₹250 per person for the trek, booked online.
Is Savandurga a difficult trek?
Yes. The board grades the 4.5 km route as difficult: steep rock slabs, little shade, about 2.5 hours. Children under 12 are not allowed.
What time does the Savandurga trek start?
Reporting time is 6:30 am daily.