We always try to find new locations to explore and to refresh ourselves from the stress we get out of hectic schedules at work and home. It is my pleasure to introduce you regularly with spectacular spots around your city. These spots can be a wonderful weekend getaways for you, your family and friends. Let me introduce you to one of the largest colossal hills in Asia. It is known as Savandurga hills. It is just 50 kilometres to the West of the city of Bangaluru in Karnataka located near Magadi. This place is quite popular among the trekkers. The Savandurga hill is 1226 meters high from the sea level. It makes a part of the famous Deccan Plateau. The hill is made of various forms of rocks like granite, Laterites, basic dykes, etc. There is a fort on the Savanaduraga hill. It is said that this fort was the hiding place for the Ruler Kempe Gowda. You can also explore the temple situated at the foothill with deity Shri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy and Veerbhadraswamy. The environs here doesn’t let you blink the eyes as the green surroundings, cool breeze and the panoramic views from top keep you engaged in the magic of nature. A river known as Arkavathi flows nearby from the Thippagondanahalli Reservoir to Manchanabele dam. Being a part of Ramanagaram hill Ranges Savanadurga is a magnificent one day tour place for nature lovers, trekkers, history lovers, cave explorers and religious people just few miles away from your city.There are actually two hills that form the Savandurga hills. These are called Karigudda which meanes black hill and Biligudda which means white hill. If we search in the history of this place then we come to know that it is mentioned first in the year 1340 by Hoysala Ballala III from Madabalu. At that time it was called Savandi. This place was the secondary capital of Magadi Rulers one of whom is Kempegowda. It has seen several owners from time to time.Magadi Rulers –> Mysore Rulers –> Dalavayi Devaraja –> Tipu Sultan –> Lord Cornwallis (1791)It was called Savinadurga (fort of death) by Robert Homes in the year 1794 because there are no steps to reach on the top of the hill. You can find Bamboos and other such trees that create a barricade. In this area the funeral pitchers have been found by researchers and it may relate it to its name. In Sanskrit language Saavana is meant three times ritual. The temple here sees regular visitors all through the year. The devotees here are offering prayers to the lord for many generations. You can view the magnificent Savanadurga from Manchanabele reservoir. The lake here gives you an opportunity to enjoy the place as a perfect picnic spot with natural surroundings. The white hill provides easier trek with a path covered by overgrown thorny shrubs and thick bamboo bushes. It is adventurous to climb this thickly covered hill.The other hill or the black hill is very difficult to trek and thus it is advised not to trek if you are not an expert in trekking. It is advised to take your drinking water and some snacks along while climbing the hills as it is a bit tiring and you may feel thirsty and need to get energy. The temple at the hill has the though trek but the views on the top are worth the hard work. Here a Nandi statue can be seen at the peak. If you want to know about the flora and fauna of this area then you will be surprised to know that the surrounding areas of hill is covered by rich flora that includes around 59 varieties of trees and 119 shrub species. The yellow throated bulbuls, sloth bears, Leopards are the wildlife found in this dry deciduous forest.Best time to visitFrom November till April, avoid rainy seasonFood & AccommodationAt the foothill temple standard food and accommodation facility are available.How to reach?State transport buses, private vehicle or bikes can be considered to reach here.Bangaluru –> Magadi Road –> Magadi Town –> Ramanagram (towards left) –> Nayakanapalya –> (take left) SavanadurgaIf you find it difficult to track the route then take help from locals.Distance from Bangaluru to SavanadurgaApproximately 50 kilometresApproximate time to cover the distanceIt depends upon the conveyance you are travelling in. The distance can be covered in two hours.Ruchi Mahajan