Gopalaswamy Betta Overview

An Comparison with Himalayas in South India, Certainly not in Size but Comparing the Snow clad Mountains Where Similarities Strike When you visit the Place.It's amazing Place, Travellers:) ...As the name suggest this temple has it's peak bathed by snow throughout year. Hard to believe but TRUE to it's name. The temperature will always remain so as to snow on this temple peak throughout the yearTemple gets it's name because the Lord Goplaswamy is always covered by the snow throughout the year. HIMA means in Kannada Language SNOW.It is just divine and mystique surroundings; a heavenly abode for the Lord who resides here amidst the clouds and makes it a worthwhile visit for every devotee.Himad Gopalaswamy (Lord Krishna), is a House-God for many a folks here and often entire families make their pilgrimage to this temple for the Lord's darshan.The weather here is so unpredictable that in just a minute you can have icy winds and lashing cold rain, while in the very next minute the sun breaks and everything is blissful and comfortable.The temple is situated atop a hill and since it is still part of Bandipur forest range, you cannot trek or beyond a certain point due to restrictions from the Forest department.In fact you will find deep trenches dug up all around the temple to ward off wild elephants and other animals.The Government has made arrangements to ferry the devotees and visitors to and from the hill top in state transport buses, so it is not possible to go to the top on your own vehicle. The visitors have to alight at the security checkpost at the foothills of the mountain and then take the buses.It is an amazing experience, so don't miss it if you are touring Mysuru or Bandipur area.

As a part of Cochin Adventure Foundation's Green Ride 2015, we a pack of 20 bike riders visited this sacred place situated near Bandipur National Park, Karnataka on 12th September.There are many route directions and sign boards are placed by the authorities which will give you accurate awareness regarding the location. The road towards the temple is stunning. Panoramic views of the Hills and Fields.No private vehicles, Plastic carry bags and Liquor are allowed onto the hilltop. Park your vehicle near the parking area at the valley and get into KSRTC (public transport) bus. Rupees 20/- is the bus fare to the hilltop.Temple Timing : 10. AM to 5. 00 PM. Must get in to the temple, see the deity and taste the 'Prasadam' distributed therein in leaf.It is recommended to be at the check post close to the parking area at around 9. 00 AM so as to enable the visitor to get the First Bus to the Hilltop.

A heaven on earth for nature lovers. You will have to pay a entry fee for forest officials and time limit for to and fro journey is only 3 hrs. Bad roads welcomes you from beginning till end and the road is too narrow.Stay away if you are a beginner as far as driving is concerned. Some times you might have sightings of Wild Elephant. Strictly obey the rules else you will have to pay for that...!!Save nature, save wildlife...!!

Folk Travellers- A comparison with Himalayas in South India, certainly not in size but comparing the snow clad mountains where similarities strike when you visit the place. It's amazing place, as the name suggest this temple has its peak bathed by snow throughout year. Hard to believe but TRUE to it's name. The temperature will always remain so as to snow on this temple peak throughout the year. Temple gets its name because the Lord Gopalaswamy is always covered by the snow throughout the year. HIMA means in Kannada Language SNOW.You will find how the temperature changes as you traverse towards the mountain. The road is bit not in good condition, careful drive is recommended. But however you can enjoy the drive as the stretch is covered by greenery. Once you reach temple, I'm sure you will be left speechless by the nature's beauty. The place will make you shiver with cold, teeth chattering making you feel light as if wind might carry you any moment.Do visit the temple and seek the divine blessings of Lord Gopalaswamy. The temple authorities are friendly, parking place is ample. It is recommended to go in the morning, where you can enjoy the mist and the splendid view of sunrise. You will feel as if you are standing on the top of the clouds, you can see clouds below you. Club this visit with the Bandipur visit and the surrounding.Few things to note: There's an entrance fee at the foothill before you start ascending the hill. Food materials will not be allowed on the top, officials will check the vehicle, so make sure not to carry any food items or liquid items. The stay on the top is very time limited, you need to return within half an hour as directed by the officials. If you are lucky, you can see Elephants, Deers on this route early morning as this place is very close to Bandipur Forest. Do carry windcheater/rain jacket/ Hat as it will be tooooooo cold on the top. If required do carry ear plugs especially during Windy season. In winter, rainy season visibility may drop to Zero. An picturesque location, you can view greenery till your eyes can stretch till horizon & beyond.An interesting fact- You can never see Crow in this place, due to historical reason of lake which is present here, legend says so. You can hear this story by the Priest himself who will tell the importance of this place while distributing the prasadam. Last word, must visit place, get snowed & mystified in the nature's lap. I'm sure you will leave this place with a heavy heart wanting to return back. Enjoy Travelling.