This trail is open to the public without a permit only once a year.
Part of the route overlaps Bidarakatte.
Biligudda (Savandurga) Ganesh Temple Hike
Since this trail is closed for the whole year, it gets covered in dense vegetation & the locals clear the trail in the morning. They start cleaning the trail around 9-10 am & it’s open for people to go at around 11:30 am
The trail is tricky in spots. The steep sections have small steps cut into the rock & there’s a spot where one has to cross over a wooden plank with a drop on each side. There will be locals, guides & folks from the hiking group to help in the challenging spots.
There will be quite a few locals going up & the top/temple is likely to get crowded around 2 pm (that’s when the Pooja will be done & Prasadam will be distributed.) But there’s a lot of open space at the top, great views & several natural pools of water.
Given these timings. One might realistically be able to head back only after 3 pm (so 5-6 pm in the city). But of course those of you coming in your own vehicles can leave as convenient.
Transport
- I am planning to catch a bus from Prasanna Theatre around 9 am. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/tpn6oY8hZpeE3DpbA) [Buses: 240M, 240MA, 240MB, 240N, 243M, 241M, V-240M(Volvo)]
- 👆Magadi Road Metro station is about 400 m from Prasanna Theatre
- At Hospete Circle hop onto a bus going towards Ramangara.
- Get off at Nayakana Palya Gate around 11 am. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EBUxUDXDr6MEQsY8A)
- Hoping to get a shared auto to Bidarakatte start point. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/4k4uk9g3gaxQHFW49)
Checklist
- What to wear
- Grippy shoes
- Full-length (hiking) trousers
- Comfortable t-shirt
- What to carry
- Sunhat / sunglasses
- Rainwear
- Water (2-3 liters)
- Electrolyte salts (salt+lemon, Fast&Up, ORS)
- Food (snacks, fruits, nuts or chips)
- Tissue paper
- Rainwear
- Small plastic bag to store electronics if it rains