All Karnataka hikes

Near Bangalore · Ramanagara

Savandurga

A massive monolith near the city — bare rock, steep slabs, big views

Moderate~6 km round trip3–4 hrs

From ₹1,249 per person

Permit needed

Compare operators
From Bangalore
50 km · ~1.5 h
Difficulty
Moderate
Best months
Oct–Feb
Altitude
1,226 m
Distance
~6 km round trip
Time on trail
3–4 hrs

One of the largest monolith hills in Asia. The climb is mostly on bare granite with painted arrows and a few steep slab sections, so grip and a calm head matter more than fitness.

  • Monolithic granite hill
  • Savandurga fort remains
  • Arkavathi river valley
  • Makalidurga nearby
See this on the interactive map →

Permit & rules

Permit needed?
Yes – book in advance
Issued by
Karnataka Forest Dept – Savandurga State Forest
How to book
Check-post at the base collects a small entry fee; stay on marked routes. Closed in some conditions (rain/fire).
Fee
Small per-person fee at the base.
Guide
Not mandatory
Night trek
Not allowed
Aranya Vihaara official portal

Best time to visit

Go

Oct–Feb

Avoid

Hot afternoons Mar–May; rainy days (the rock is slippery)

Wildlife

  • Langurs
  • Birds of prey
  • Snakes – stay on the marked route

What to wear

  • Shoes with real grip
  • Sun protection
  • Long pants for scrambles

What to carry

  • 2 L water
  • Snacks
  • Gloves for steep slabs (optional)

Typical itinerary

  1. Start by 6:30 am, summit by 9:30, descend before the rock gets hot.

Operators compared

Listed starting prices per person from Bangalore. They change by batch – confirm inclusions with the operator.

Do it yourself

Fuel + entry; the best prep trek for harder ones.

~₹350

Namma TripLowest listed

Sunrise day trek · Day and weekend batches, transport optional on some treks, forest permit sometimes excluded

₹1,249

Included
Transport from Bangalore (about Rs 729 without transport)
Trip experience
Page lists about 5 km round trip and 4-5 hours.
Price source: listing seen Nov 2026View on Namma Trip

Thrillophilia

1 day · Marketplace – operator varies by batch, tent/homestay options

₹1,299

Included
Varies by operator
Trip experience
Marketplace listing page; the Savandurga batch is under Trekking in Bangalore.
Price source: listing seen Nov 2026View on Thrillophilia

Backpackers United

Day trek · Friday-night bus/tempo-traveller, homestay or dorm, guide + permits usually bundled

₹1,499

Included
Forest entry fee reportedly included
Trip experience
Listed at Rs 1,499, shown as a discount from Rs 1,999.
Price source: listing seen Nov 2026View on Backpackers United

BMC Adventures

Day trek · Multiple departure days, published cancellation tiers

₹1,400

Included
Per listing; check inclusions
Trip experience
Day batch from Bangalore.
Price source: listing seen Nov 2026View on BMC Adventures

Local tips

  • Do not climb in rain or after rain.
  • Stay on the arrows – there have been accidents on off-route slabs.

Savandurga FAQ

Do I need a permit for Savandurga?+

Yes. Check-post at the base collects a small entry fee; stay on marked routes. Closed in some conditions (rain/fire). Small per-person fee at the base.

What is the best time to trek Savandurga?+

Oct–Feb. Avoid: Hot afternoons Mar–May; rainy days (the rock is slippery).

How far is Savandurga from Bangalore?+

About 50 km by road, roughly 1.5 hours' drive. Round-trip fuel is about ₹572 at current prices for a car-level mileage estimate.

How difficult is Savandurga?+

Moderate, about 6 km round trip. 3–4 hrs.

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Information compiled from public operator listings and forest department guidance, last reviewed 2026-11-01. Fees, quotas and closures change – verify on the official portal and with the operator before you travel. Operator links are provided for comparison; we do not sell treks.