I find conquering rocks and mountain peaks very interesting. In this lookout for peaks and towering rocks, we landed up at beautiful Savanadurga which is around 80 Kms from Bangalore on Mysore road.
This sleeping giant of a rock looks very easy to climb and we were bit sceptic about coming to this place after getting the first glimpse on the way. Seems easy doesn't it.
The road leading to this peaceful and calm area is equally serene, with lots of twists and turns and greenery around. The only bad part is the poor roads which are non existent in some parts.
A beautiful view of Manchanabele dam awaits you en-route and you have easy access to water from the road which will be very useful on your way back after sweating out climbing the monster awaiting your arrival.
We in the excitement had reached the foothills by 7:30 without food or having our breakfasts, trusting internet reviews about food available at the base of the hills. Yes, the food is available, but our misfortune that we took Idly with the plans to have it on our way. The food was horrible and stale and it ended up landing in thrash can.It is strongly advised to take food from city limits as you will feel very hungry atop the hill.
This was all I could venture out to see how steep it is.
View of Machinable dam back waters from the top.
We spent lot of time at the top. Slept for a while in the shade, snapped funny pics, and then when we had our heart full, we started our descent which was uneventful apart from tired climbers asking if we had any water left. Went down, gulped down tender coconut water, and we headed back with a heavy to Bangalore wondering about the next destination we are heading out to while waiting eagerly to see the bed for that much needed nap.
This sleeping giant of a rock looks very easy to climb and we were bit sceptic about coming to this place after getting the first glimpse on the way. Seems easy doesn't it.
The road leading to this peaceful and calm area is equally serene, with lots of twists and turns and greenery around. The only bad part is the poor roads which are non existent in some parts.
A beautiful view of Manchanabele dam awaits you en-route and you have easy access to water from the road which will be very useful on your way back after sweating out climbing the monster awaiting your arrival.
We in the excitement had reached the foothills by 7:30 without food or having our breakfasts, trusting internet reviews about food available at the base of the hills. Yes, the food is available, but our misfortune that we took Idly with the plans to have it on our way. The food was horrible and stale and it ended up landing in thrash can.It is strongly advised to take food from city limits as you will feel very hungry atop the hill.
This is what you see at the base of this majestic rock monolith. The small Nandi statue at extreme left marks the end of trek. Seems slanty enough and easy isn't it, well you need to reach the base of the towering monolith to realize that this is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Till we reached the base, it was all fun and laughter even thinking of taking the bike to the top, but fate had it otherwise.
See how steep it is?
This is one of the most deceptive rocks that I have climbed. Now, once you reach the base, you see the usual trek path but you also see a easy, slanted path which you will think will take you to the top, more easier than the trek path. My adventurous instincts took over my brains screams to stop and take the tried and tested route and we started taking the other path. Slipping, gripping on what ever we could, we made it half way only to find that the slope gradient had changed abruptly to a steeper angle and we could no longer climb on that path. We had to stop and reconsider and decided that we will go back and take the normal path. Seems easy? It was not to be. Climbing a slope is relatively easier than descending the same slope. Resting our bums on the rock, sliding and slowly climbing our way down, slipping and sometimes having heart in mouth moments, we made it safely to the bottom. Causalities? torn back pocket of my Jean and a torn shoe sole. All good, lets take the trek path then.
We had taken idly thinking of having it mid way. Stopped to eat it and it was stale. Now what worse luck can you have than to wake up at 4 in the morning, travel 80kms, dare to take a short cut to top only to get your bums burnt, to climb a monster of monolith, and have no food to eat! Anyway, we continued to climb sipping gulps of 2 litres of water what we had. Even this route was steep and tiring.
Chugging along huffing and puffing, taking rest where ever we could find shade of what few Cactus plants had to offer.It was very hot till we reached the top and it cooled down a lot once we reached the top. I must admit, the scenic views from the top will make you forget all what you went through to conquer this monster and you will revel in the cool and beautiful view, screaming and shouting with joy like a kid who got his favourite candy.
This is the Nandi that marks the top most point of the monolith.
This was all I could venture out to see how steep it is.
View of Machinable dam back waters from the top.
We spent lot of time at the top. Slept for a while in the shade, snapped funny pics, and then when we had our heart full, we started our descent which was uneventful apart from tired climbers asking if we had any water left. Went down, gulped down tender coconut water, and we headed back with a heavy to Bangalore wondering about the next destination we are heading out to while waiting eagerly to see the bed for that much needed nap.
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