Savandurga Hill

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

---

Savandurga is a prominent hill located about 60 kilometers west of Bengaluru, Karnataka, and is considered one of the largest monolith hills in Asia, rising to an altitude of 1,226 meters above sea level.

It consists of two hills locally known as Karigudda (black hill) and Biligudda (white hill), which are part of the Deccan plateau and feature rocky, steep terrain popular for trekking and rock climbing. The area has a rich history dating back to at least 1340 AD, with the fort on the hill built in 1543 by Samanta Raya under the Vijayanagara Empire.

It later came under the control of Kempegowda, the Mysore rulers including Haider Ali, and was captured by British forces from Tipu Sultan in 1791 during the Third Anglo-Mysore War. Archaeological findings include megalithic burial urns, pointing to ancient human settlement.

The hills are also significant for their temples, including the Savandi Veerabhadraswamy Swamy temple and the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at the base, attracting devotees from across Karnataka. Known locally as the "Fort of Death" due to its steep slopes and defensive features, Savandurga combines natural beauty, spiritual significance, historical depth, and adventure, making it a favorite destination for trekkers, pilgrims, and nature enthusiasts.