Gopalswamy Betta

On our trip to ooty we visited gopalswamy betta.It is 20 Kms from Gundulpet. There are no buses to Gopalswamy betta, so it would be better to take your own vehicle. As you proceed towards Bandipur, take a right turn at Hangala village. (There should be a big Karnataka Tourism board). From this point, the hill top should be 15 km. After traveling 4 km you will find a forest department check post at the base of the hill. WE reached the check post around 4.00am and waited till the gate was opened around 6.30. It is a 10 kms winding, steep road, with a few hairpin bends that take you to the hill top.

Popularly known as himavada gopalswamy betta which literally means "misty gopalswamy Hill".IT truly does live up to its name, it is shrouded in thick fog or mist all throughout the year. There is a temple at the top, dedicated to Krishna. There is mythological story behind the temple which I don't remember.The temple is built in Hoyasala style is known to be renovated by Wadiyars of Mysore.

Temple was cleaned and we attended the first aarthi of the day, when poojariji explained us about the temple history.

Gopalswamy hill is among those super scenic hills which has a could cover all through the year. During the monsoons, the locals grow sunflower among their other plantations. This makes Gopalswamy Betta one of the most scenic places in Karnataka.. cloud covered hills, with calm lakes and endless fields of sunflower.

We were greeted by cool breeze Spent some time atop the mountain. We used hand pump to fetch some water and it was damn cold. Clouds passing by and the fragrance of the flora with every passing wind..Unforgettable……..

Poojari told us that elephants visit the place frequently but We were not lucky to spot elephants or tigers.
We never wanted to leave, but then had to start to ooty so took few snaps and started our journey.