January 6, 2014

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta...!!

I had to enquire with a couple of villagers before taking the right detour to Himavad Gopalswamy betta, the highest point in Bandipur national park. At a height of more than 1450 m  above sea level, this tiny hill temple in Chamrajnagar district attracts numerous devotees and tourists. After some proper guidance, I got on to the long, narrow winding road aligned with greenery on either sides that led to the temple. The roads aren't in that great shape but the magnificent greenery all around makes for a lovely drive to the base of the hill. At the base is a gate with an entry fee. The hill is a plastic free zone and all plastic materials have to be handed over at the gate which can be collected on the way back. The roads turn twisty from there and you gain height with wonderful vistas opening up way below. It is a nice little drive up to the misty temple on Gopalswamy hills, which are quite frequented by wild elephants.



Built in 14th century by  the Hoysalas and later taken care by the Wodeyars, the temple enshrines Lord Krishna. The temple and its surroundings are quite well known to be wrapped in mist during most part of the year. However, I did not encounter heavy mist, but it was quite cold. There was a local minstrel who was blowing the conch as I walked up the steps. Painted in hues of red and white, along with golden tops, the temple looked gorgeous.





It was a clear sky and with rolling green hills in the background, the place seemed so serene and beautiful. There were very few visitors at the temple, most of them either on their way to Bandipur or returning from the wildlife park. It felt so blissful to circumambulate the temple, taking in the picturesque vistas. I found many visitors gazing at the natural beauty of the place in oblivion. The mist covered hills behind the temple and the wonderful vistas way below are a delight for any visitor and would spellbind them for long.



When on a holiday in Bandipur national park, if you have half a day to spare, Himavad Gopalswamy betta is an ideal place to enjoy some scenic vistas and before you realize you would be covered in a blanket of mist.

Signing Note- A serene getaway inside Bandipur...!!

Route- Bandipur- Sri Hangala (left turn)- Himavad Gopalswamy betta

Distance- 21 Kms from Bandipur
                11 Kms from Sri Hangala
                20 Kms from Gundlupet

47 comments:

  1. lovely images of a beautiful destination!!!

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  2. Lovely pictures. Bandipur is on my agenda.

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  3. The temple is charming and the hill top views are breathtaking and captivating.

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  4. This is such a beautiful place. The temple looks so pretty too.

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  5. Beautiful. On my bucket list now, thanks so much for inspiring.

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    Replies
    1. Glad that it could inspire you. Head there soon.

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  6. Good one and a place I love visiting repeatedly!
    If possible add a list of do's and dont's, no littering, no wandering, no plastic etc..

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  7. Nice place and beautiful photographs!!

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  8. Such a serene place!!! Have passed Bandipur so many times, yet never ventured up to Himavad Gopalswamy betta. So next time it is. Thank you Niranjan.

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  9. Hmm... now there's an entry fee and all? Nice to know that they are serious about making it a plastic free area. I remember going for a little hike behind the temple and getting to this place where there is a broken wall. We sat on it all afternoon and gazed at the quiet rolling hills on the other side. We even saw some elephants on a hill on the other side.

    That was a great ride, right?
    Thank you for bringing back the memories. :)

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    1. Glad you liked it, Divya. Yeah, quite a few good initiatives by the concerned authorities. Also wandering around is prohibited. I wish it was a ride, but was a drive. :)

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  10. I visited this place.. Nostalgic.. Great shot.. Thanks for sharing

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  11. Very Nice Post . . Have a Nice Day. . . :)

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  12. Beautiful and scenic place. I am yet to visit the place.

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  13. must visit place. Loved it everytime we visited there

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  14. Thanks Niranjan. This is a lovely place which should not be missed if you are travelling to Ooty or Bandipur. The best time to go there is early morning when the place is quiet with some gorgeous views of Nilgiris on a clear day.

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    1. Yeah, early morning is the apt time to visit the place. I could reach only by noon.

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  15. You know Niranjan- there is a nice trek route from Bhandipur National Park up to the summit of HGS Betta? It is really very nice, trekkers sure will see herds of elephants on the trail, sometimes they may charge the trekkers too :) And earlier the temple-staff allowed trekkers to spend the night in the temple premises which usually gets covered with clouds in the night- hence the name. Well, your trip sounds fantastic!

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    1. Wow, that sounds like one awesome trek. Is it an organized one? Am not quite sure about permissions to trek inside the park.

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  16. Replies
    1. :), You would definitely find a lot of photography opportunities up there.

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  17. Thank you very much for offering such a wonderful information.
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  18. Beautiful. Each pic is wow & thanks for giving all the info!

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