Savandurga Hill

Savandurga Hill is a massive monolith hill near Magadi in Ramanagara District, about 60 km west of Bengaluru, Karnataka. Rising to 1,226 metres above sea level, it is considered one of the largest monolith hills in Asia. The hill comprises two peaks, Karigudda (black hill) and Billigudda (white hill), and is known for the ruins of Savandurga Fort, trekking routes, temples at its base, and panoramic views of the Arkavathi River and surrounding landscape.

Visitors can expect a large granite monolith hill with two distinct peaks, Karigudda and Billigudda, connected by a saddle. The base has the Savandi Veerabhadraswamy and Narasimha Swamy temples and remnants of fort walls and bastions. The ascent involves a steep, rocky trek with marked trails, boulders and scrub vegetation. From the top, visitors get expansive views of Magadi, Ramanagara countryside, Arkavathi River and Manchanabele Reservoir. The area is used for trekking, rock climbing and photography.

Savandurga Fort was established in 1543 by Kempegowda II, founder of Bengaluru, and later held by various rulers including the Mysore Wodeyars and Tipu Sultan. The fort, built on the twin hills Karigudda and Billigudda, was considered impregnable due to its steep granite walls and strategic location overlooking the Arkavathi River valley. Ruins of fortifications, bastions and gateways remain on the hill.

The foothills house the Savandi Veerabhadraswamy Temple and Narasimha Swamy Temple, important local pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra and Lord Narasimha. The hill is revered locally and associated with traditional worship, and the temples attract devotees especially during festivals.