Savandurga

On a cloudy friday morning (3rd July) we (Team at work) drove out of the city towards Magadi in two tempo travellers, playing chess, cheering to the James Bond movie stunts. The driving distance from Bangalore to Savandurga is about 60Km's.

Savina Durga (Fort of death) composes of two hills - Biligudda (White hill) and Karrigudda (Black hil). We climbed only the Biligudda this time. The view of the rocks from the base is amazing.

After a refreshing tender coconut drink, we started the ascent. Initially, it was very difficult for most of us. There are no steps and one has to follow a vaguely painted direction on rocks. The climb is steep and not an easy hike. But once we got a hang of it, the rest of the climb was fun. When you are in large group of friends, laughing over silly jokes, then nothing seems like a hurdle. On our way, we met some military trainees, running down the hill.

At summit is a small shrine with Nandi idol. The wind at the summit was ferocious, capable of sending one rolling down the rock. But this situation is what made it enjoyable to stay at the top of Biligudda.

We had Chappati’s and Mangalore buns for lunch which had been packed for the trip. I think I have repeated this several times - once you are at the summit, the feeling is unmatchable and one realises how small man is as compared to the vastness of nature. Of course the pain you took to climb this magnificent creation, vanishes out in a second by the magical healing power of the nature.

I spotted this bird at the summit. Anybody to help me identify this?

And of course some sparrows at the base.