Himwad Gopala Swamy Betta

Since Hima will be always collected at the top of Garbha Gudi,Thus named as Himawad Gopala Swamy Betta

The Krishna temple at the top of the hill covered by thick forest, landscapes. Dense fog, clouds covers the whole mountains which reduces gap between Heaven and Earth. Panoramic view of Bandipura forest range from the peak is real treat to eyes. It is one of the highest crest about 1450 m in Bandipura forest range.

How to reach: Bengalooru-Mysore-Nanjangud-Gundlupet-Himawad gopalaswamy Betta

Distance: 229 KM from Bengalooru and 81 KM from Mysore city on way to ooty.

Timings: Check post will be open from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Restrictions: Trekking, entering forest, Plastic, Eatables, Hot and Cold Drinks

It was just a discussion between me and Deepa turned out to be the best and memorable trip where we covered around 1000 kms in 36 Hours. I Love my BLACK BEAUTY.

Srikanth,Sandeep,Mithun who just missed the trip due to some unavoidable reasons, probably  they would really feel now after reading this travelogue J. Finally Charles Angles Deepa, Yamuna, Chaitra who joined hands. It was early morning 4.30; my black beauty was ready after wash and started our journey picking up Charles Angles at different spots. First time in my life I noticed that girls were on time, first miracle of the trip. As per the schedule we left around 5 am listening to RJ Sowjanya’s  Shubhodaya in 91.1 FM. Chaitra “The English chatter box “ was so thrilled to travel  as she was about to catch some other car if we wouldn’t have noticed it hehehe..!!! Mean time Deepa was busy in talking with her RJ friend and listening to her showJ.Yamuna was constantly talking to me as she was scared that I may fall asleep during driving J.Kudos to u allJ.

All three were not aware of my driving skills, bit confused, sort of tensed but couldn’t express it. He He He..!!! We reached Mysore nearly 150 km in 90 mins. It was nail biting when wagonR was at 155-165 Km/hr, but Deepa noticed when it was at 145.Good ObservationJ. Now Introducing ARUN my cousin bro who has passion in wildlife photography who guided us all the way to betta and rest of trip. 

We left Mysore at 7 and traveled towards Betta. Road is in good condition. After 7 km from gundlupet need to take right turn to reach Gopalaswamy betta which is 11 km inside, this stretch is bit bad from main road.  Around 8.15 am, reached check post which was yet to open for the day, many cars, tempo were parked after paying 50 bugs as entry fees and checking we started to ascend the hill. Road is narrow but as soon as u climb one can view amazing beauty of the Bandipura Forest. One can notice many lakes around hill, two major hairpin curves apart from that it’s safe to drive but be cautious.

GOPALASWAMY BETTA: It’s known for its picturesque vision of adjoining thick virgin forest. Near by hills, just tip can be seen and rests are covered by thick fog, creates an illusion that clouds are carrying those mountains for procession. Surprisingly we can’t notice any birds around that hill.

A best destination to find peace and enjoy the nature. Landscapes which are covered by grass are mainly gazing fields for elephants. If you are lucky some animals like elephants, deer can also be cited. All age group people can surely enjoy the every moment at that place.

Temple which has very was spacious Prakara built during the time of chola dynasty. Meditation in such a calm place will surely gives us a sigh of relief out of our tensions.

Sri Krishna Idol is 6 feet tall, holding flute standing under a HONNE tree carved in single rock including panel “Prabhawali”. Makranda ,Rukmini ,Satyabhama also seen in the either side of the panel which looks so attractive. One can believe the sanity of that place by seeing the idol.

Hima will be always collected at the top Garbha Gudi 

 Every year Ratotsava will be held during the time of ugadi. Specialty of this Ratotsava is chariot will be pulled by bannu( herbs and shrubs which are grown in that forest only ) will be used. Neither the chains nor any coconut threads are used. Every Saturday special pooja will be performed. Prasada will be served and it will be tasty thoughJ. We got some special treatment in temple and enjoyed tasty unlimited Prasada.

It’s a Plastic free zone. Keep the place clean and protect the sanity and precious wildlife.

Save and Enjoy the Nature…..!!!!!!

PART 2 of this trip Muthunga, Nagarahole wildlife forest experiences will be shared shortly…………………!!!!!!