INTRODUCTION
Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, is a hill located in the Chamarajanagar district of the state of Karnataka. It lies in the core area of the Bandipur National Park. At the top of of the hill is a temple which belongs to the diety Krishna (Gopalaswamy) as the name indicates. The temple was built in 14th century. Around the temple there are 77 small ponds scattered in the forest (1 or 2 are visible) which are known as Hamsatheertha. The place is also known for its scenic beauty. This place is frequented by Elephants and other small herbivores like deer. Most importantly it lies in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
Location
Himavad gopalaswamy hills belongs to Gundlupet Taluk of Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka
How to Reach
KSRTC buses are available from Bangalore, Mysore, Gundlupet. Those coming by their own vehicles can take the following routes.
From Bangalore
Bangalore > Ramanagara > Maddur > Mandya > Srirangapattana > Mysore > Nanjangud > Gundlupet > GOPALASWAMY BETTA VIA MYSORE OOTY ROAD
From Mangalore
Mangalore > Bantwal > Puttur > Sulya > Madikeri > Kushalnagar > Periyapatna > Hunsur > H D Kote > Sargur > Begur > Gundlupet > GOPALASWAMY BETTA VIA SH88.
From OOTY
OOTY > Bandipur > Hangala > GOPALASWAMY BETTA VIA SH66.
From Chamarajanagar
Chamarajanagar > Terakanambi > Gundlupet > GOPALASWAMY BETTA.
BUS TIMINGS
From Bangalore : 5 40 AM at Mysore road satellite Bus stand
From Mysore : 9 10 AM from Sub urban Bus stand
From Gundlupet :11 00 AM, 3 PM
( Bus from Bangalore comes to mysore and gundlupet)
FROM GOPALASWAMY BETTA
TO BANGALORE : 4 45 PM
TO GUNDLUPET : 1 PM, 4 45 PM
TO MYSORE : 4 45 PM.
Forest Checkpost Timings
For those coming on their own vehicles the permit timings are between 8 30 AM and 4 30 PM. The vehicles are allowed to stay only for 90 minutes on the top of the hill.
Pemit fees for vehicles: Bikes (Rs 25), Cars/Jeeps (Rs 50), LMV (Rs 100) Buses (Rs 200)
Distances from Major points
From Bangalore : 218 km
From Mysore : 78 km
From Gundlupet: 20 km
From Mangalore : 325 km
From OOTY : 69 km
From Bandipur : 21 km
ACCOMODATION
No accomodation facility is available at the top of the Hill. One will either have to stay at Gundlupet which is a Taluk or Mysore which is preferable.
FOOD
No food is available at the top of the hill. Better to carry them either from Gundlupet or Mysore. Even Pooja items are also not available.
WARNING!!!!!!! DONT CARRY PLASTIC BAGS. THIS AREA IS A PLASTIC FREE ZONE. PLASTIC BAGS WILL BE CHECKED NEAR THE FOREST DEPT CHECKPOST.
A MUST WATCH FOR NATURE LOVERS
