What is there in Savandurga ?
Savandurga is one of the largest monolith of Asia. A small medium level trek can be done on this monolith both during day and at night. Though the total trek is about 2 kms but due to the steep climbing this trek takes around 2 hrs to reach to the top (including small photo stops in between). It is a must do activity. Apart from the trek, there is a small temple at the base which is flocked by people all year round.
To do this trek follow the electric poles and signs made on the monlith. If you are not a professional climber don’t try other routes.
When to do Savandurga Trek ?
Well, as this monolith is steep, trekking during rainy season is out of question. Apart from monsoon months, any season is good for this trek. But selecting right time for the trek is important.
Savandurga is famous for its night trek, but I would recommend night trek only with some organised group mainly because at night it is difficult to judge the right route.
You should start the trek 1 hr before the sunrise (early morning) so that it is not pitch dark to start the climb and also you won’t miss the sunrise from the top (depending on the season – in winter start around 530 am or 6am ).
Avoid day time for this trek as it gets hot and also vendors and local people start coming to the place.
How to reach Savandurga ?
Savandurga is about 60km from Bangalore, and the best way to reach here is by private vehicle. GPS as usual would be best guide. Road of last 10km is not in good shape so add some extra time for that.
What are must carry items to Savandurga Trek ?
If you are planning to do a early morning trek on your own, then better have flashlights, water, some energy food and most importantly GOOD SHOES.
Do you need a guide for Savandurga trek ?
Well, only if you are doing the night trek, then you might may want to go with organised groups ( such as Thrillophillia )as they would provide sleeping bags for camping on the monolith, breakfast and most importantly they will be there to keep the group safe.
But if you want to do this trek alone, start very early in the morning. If you have the right pair of shoes and like some level of morning adventure then go for it, you won’t need any guide.
Tips for doing Savandurga Trek.
- Wear a good pair of shoes for this trek ( very important)
- Try to reach the top by sunrise
- Follow the electric poles and yellow direction marks – if not a professional climber.
- For night trek do go with organised groups
- Do carry your own water, though after 930am local vendors start selling food and beverages
- Beware of monkeys and dogs
- If you are doing early morning trek, please make sure you know the location from where to start. When to reach the Savandurga temple, to the right there is a small gate in which there is a small house cum shop, follow the small LEFT path behind this shop to reach the base of the monolith.( we wasted half an hour finding the right path)
Our Experience of Savandurga Trek.
We wanted to see sunrise from the top of the monolith so we left around 3:30 am from Bangalore and reached Savandurga around 5 am. Unluckily we couldn’t find the starting location of trek and also we were followed by gang of dogs. We wasted about half an hour looking for the right path (and shooing the dogs away) but fortunately, a group of people came with a guide and we just followed their voice to reach the starting point. The climb was pretty steep but fun too. We just followed the electric poles ( and yellow signs after the sun was up) to reach the top. We started around 6 am and by 10 am we came back. We took many breaks to enjoy the view & the weather from the top of the monolith. And later we had heavy breakfast at Rasta cafe which is very near to Savandurga( maybe a small detour)
Savandurga trek is amazing in all aspects, less people, beautiful landscape and exciting climb. We would definitely recommend this place to everyone.
Fledgling Travelers 