RBI, Bangalore has recently constituted a Trekking Club of which I also happen to be a member. On 6th April (Good Friday) a motley group of members of the staff and their families set off to a place called “Savandurga”. It consists of two hills – ‘Karigudda’ (black hill) and ‘Beligudda’ (white hill) – which are separated by a chasm. This is about 60 km west of Bangalore off the Magadi Road. The hill which rises to 4050 feet above sea level is famous for a temple and is believed to be the largest monolithic hill in Karnataka.
It is believed that the 17th century Magadi chieftains, Kempegowdas, had their second capital over here. The hill is made up of granite and is devoid of any vegetation. The steep climb to the top is daunting and tortuous especially for first-timers and ladies. To make matters worse we did it on a hot sunny day. We left RBI, Bangalore at 7.30 AM and started the climb at 9.30 AM after a bellyful of breakfast (not ideal conditions for rock climbing). It took nearly 3 hours for the whole group to reach the top.
At the summit there is a small temple type structure with a black benign Nandi bull staring into space. The view from the top makes the gruelling climb worth its while. Coming down was also tough owing to the constant need to apply brakes on our legs. We had lunch in a park at the foothill and reached Bangalore at 6.00 PM. It was a good outing for avid trekkers and nature lovers. I enjoyed it but my wife called it a torture (well one man’s meat …etc, etc). Some of the photos of the trip are as follows :
Watching the kids frolic after lunch
Going Downhill - this was no cakewalk !!!
The spectacular view from the summit
Friendly white arrows mark the "Rute" to the top !! 
Start of the trek - A view from the village at the base of the hill
The climb in progress
Breakfast break near the foothills
A group photo at the Bank's premises with the Regional Director
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