Sri Himad Gopalaswamy Betta

This small hill called Gopalaswamy betta (betta means hill in Kannada) is located in Chamarajnagar district of Karnataka in India. This place is adjacent to the western ghats and forest area (hill station) constituting Bandipur and Nagarhole. The name Gopalaswamy has come to this hill because of the installation of Lord Krishna statue in the temple situated on the top. The other name for Lord Krishna is Gopalaswamy. At the Garbha Gruham (Garbha Gudi in Kannada), the snow fall can be seen from the top side of the door frame. So the complete name for this place is, Sri Himada (or, Himad) Gopalaswamy betta. Hima means snow in Kannada. Throughout the year the temperature remains very cool in this place, especially at thelocation of the temple.
This temple was built by the King Chola Ballala during AD 1315. There will be car festival during Phalguna masa - Sravana Nakshatra(during March-April). This is a 7 days celeberation. Unlike in most of other temples in India, here, the car (Ratha) is made during this time and will be dismantled after the celeberations. The temple is small, neat and clean. A rock can be seen at a distance of one Kms from the temple. There is a belief that people not having children, on performing puja here (Santana praapti) , will have kids.
Other than the spiritual importance, this place is an excellent picnic spot for all. There are total 77 lakes situated over a distance of 5-6 kms on this hilly region. These can be seen only by walking through hills and forest areas and the way is naturally made. Among these, one lake is called Hamsa theertha (Swan lake). There is a story behind this lake. Once a crow took bath in this lake and became Hamsa (Hamsa means swan in Kannada). Interestingly, one cannot see any crows surrounding this place. The lines of hill ranges at Madhumalai and Nilgiris can be seen from the temple premesis.

How to reach
This temple is situated 10Kms to the right near Gundlupet on Mysore-Ooty road. Gundlupet is 60Kms from Mysore towards South. After Gundlupet, continue in the same Ooty-Mysore road towards Bandipur. Nearly 8Kms after Gundlupet, a place called Hangala is available. Take right turn at this place to proceed towards Gopalaswamy betta. Just before starting of the hill, there is a check post. The check post is open from morning 7.00am to evening 5.00pm. Carrying liquor and video camera is strictly prohibited. This area is covered under the Project Tiger for Bandipur wildlife sanctuary and is a no plastic zone. Elephants are very commonly seen in the hill area. Entrance fee for vehicles at forest check post is as follows
2 wheeler --> INR 25, jeep and car --> INR 50, LMV --> INR 100 and HMV --> INR 200.
One can see some ancient construction with huge stones like walls while climbing the hill top on both the sides. Parking is available near the temple. Parking fee are to be paid separately and are as follows.
Two wheelers --> INR 2, Four wheelers --> INR 5, LMV and HMV --> INR 10

No food is available at the hill top. Accomodation available at Forest guest house if booked in advance. Tourists can also opt to stay at Gundlupet or cottages in Bandipur which are very nearby. Additional places which can be visited in this area include, Bandipur Wildlife sanctuary, Nugu and kabini reservoirs, Hulugana Maradi, Goddess Sri Chikkamma Devi temple.
Travellers planning Ooty trip from Mysore by private vehicle can include this scenic place in their list. Leaving Mysore early in the morning, one can complete visiting this place and proceed towards Ooty. Buses from KSRTC are available to temple top only on Saturdays and Sundays. Private vehicles are available from Gundlupet on hire and costs INR 250 to 300. Very frequent buses are available from Mysore to Gundlupet.

This article is written by go2india.in team.

Number of User Comments : 5

go2india.in

babu	29-07-2010
best place to hill station

jaison kj	28-11-2010
gopalaswamy is a nice place to visit with family especially with wife, children.It's truly a place to meditate and retreat.

Karthic	02-01-2011
Superb place to visit you can enjoy trip with your family

Sridarane	12-01-2012
This is a wonderful picnic spot situated in an height of about 1500 meters. Nature lovers must never miss this place

madhu p	28-04-2015
gopalswamy hills is very fentastick place and wonderfull place the animals availble and old palace superb .so plz family members all peoples thanks happy jurney