Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta
Date: 9-Nov-14
This was my first visit to Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, although Thilak had already been there twice before. This time, it was a family outing with my sister-in-law’s family. Their four-month-old little prince was joining us as well, making the trip even more special. Thilak had told me beforehand that the hilltop is usually quite cold and windy. We were curious about how the little one would react to the weather, but my sister-in-law and her husband were confident that he would enjoy the outing.
Setting off towards Gopalswamy betta
Gopalaswamy Hills is located about 75 km from my sister-in-law’s home in Vijayanagar, Mysore. We started our journey at 7:30 AM, but not before squeezing in a fun family photo session. The roads leading to Gopalaswamy Hills were broad, smooth, and well maintained, making the drive very comfortable. As always, the journey was filled with laughter, playful teasing, and endless conversations. Ayush’s innocent and amusing remarks kept everyone entertained throughout the drive. Meanwhile, the baby peacefully drifted off to sleep almost as soon as we got into the car.
We stopped for breakfast at a hotel in Gundlupet. After breakfast, we came across a picturesque stretch of road flanked by lush green fields on both sides. Unable to resist the scenery, we paused for a few photographs before continuing our journey towards the hills.
The ascent to Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta
Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is the highest peak in the Bandipur forest range. At the base of the hill, we encountered a security checkpoint where the guards strictly enforced the rules. Visitors were not allowed to carry food items or plastic materials beyond the checkpoint. We had to surrender the snacks and juice bottles we had brought along. Thilak collected the entry pass, which cost ₹50 per car, and we began the ascent. There was also a notice stating that visitors were required to return within one and a half hours. Since the temple is located deep within the Bandipur forest region, authorities restrict the duration of visits due to wildlife activity in the area.
The road beyond the checkpoint was narrow, steep in several sections, and in very poor condition. My brother-in-law drove cautiously through the challenging stretch, and we finally reached the hilltop at around 10:45 AM. From a distance, we could already see the temple standing atop the hill, and it looked beautiful against the backdrop of the surrounding landscape.
First impressions at the hilltop
Contrary to what we had expected, the weather was surprisingly hot. There was hardly any wind, and the cool conditions we had heard about were nowhere to be found that day. However, the panoramic views from the top more than made up for it.
The temple itself is not particularly elaborate in terms of architecture or sculpture. Nevertheless, its religious significance attracts a steady stream of devotees. The temple complex is relatively small, and the sanctum houses a beautiful idol of Lord Krishna holding a flute. We entered the prayer hall located outside the sanctum, where the priest conducted the pooja and distributed prasada. During the ceremony, he narrated the history of the temple, although his voice was not clearly audible to most of us.
One interesting fact that surprised me was what Thilak told me about the temple’s name. According to him, icicles are often seen hanging from the lintel of the sanctum doorway during colder months. This is believed to be the reason behind the name Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, as “Hima” means ice.
The breathtaking views of Bandipur
Since there was not much else to explore within the temple premises, we stepped outside after the pooja. The views that greeted us were absolutely spectacular. The hilltop was surrounded on all sides by the vast mountain ranges of the Bandipur forest. The endless stretches of greenery reminded us of the beautiful landscapes we had seen in Chikmagalur. Layers of rolling hills extended into the distance, creating a mesmerizing sight.
We spent some time admiring the scenery, taking photographs, and simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The combination of the temple’s spiritual ambience and the surrounding natural beauty made the experience truly memorable.
The journey back
At around 11:45 AM, we decided to begin our return journey. A few kilometres into the drive, both Ayush and I fell asleep, while the rest of the family continued chatting and enjoying the ride back. After a relaxed journey, we reached Mysore at around 2:30 PM.
Before heading home, we stopped at Green Leaf Hotel for lunch. The meal was excellent and served as the perfect ending to a wonderful family outing. With happy memories, beautiful photographs, and plenty of laughter to look back on, we returned home after yet another enjoyable trip.
Travel snapshot
Although we did not experience the cold weather that Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is famous for, the trip was memorable in many other ways.
The scenic drive through the countryside, the family bonding during the journey, the peaceful temple visit, and the magnificent views of the Bandipur hills made it a delightful day trip. Sharing the experience with family, especially with the youngest member of our group joining us, made the outing even more special.
- Route Travelled: Mysore Home > Nanjanagoodu > Gundlupet > Gopala Swamy Hills.
- Total Distance (To & Fro): 150 km