Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple — Attraction in Karnataka

ஆங்கிலத்தில் எழுதுவதற்கு மன்னிக்கவும்.

After having a wonderful darshan in Nanjangud Temple, we decided to visit this temple. Read about this temple on the net and we decided to visit on this trip. We didn't know what was in store for us.

We came out Nanjangud temple parking lot and instead of taking the left, so as to go and connect NH 766 which was a straight road passing through Begur - Gundlupete - Sri Hangala - Himavad, but we took the right and joined the NH 150A. (Looking back still don't know why i didn't that, may be mentally tired and exhausted).

As i was driving, my wife was showing me that google was saying it was a longer route. Mentally was confused and asking myself as to how it can be, because when i checked earlier, google said it was one hour to Himvad, now how can it one hour 20 mins.

We were near the place called Badanavalu, then i realized the mistake that we were on the wrong highway. Should have continued on that road, but instead, did the most stupidest thing, of taking the right turn at Badanavalu, assuming it would be a easy cross over from NH150A to NH766.

But, it was not, it was a total disaster. We were like Abhimanyu entering the Chakra vyuha without knowing how to get out of it. As we drove inside the roads got smaller and narrower and worst at one point we would turn around, there was a village temple and it was in full festival mode due to karthika somawara. We were trapped in that traffic jam, with no other way but to drive forward.

As we kept driving deeper and deeper, we were not insight of any highway, but only small village road.

We were handicapped because we didn't know the language, and the locals whom we met didn't know English or Hindi, but the best part was even in that remote far flung area GOOGLE MAP WAS WORKING, telling us turn right, turn left. We were laughing and laughing.

Stressed, tensed, tired, exhausted, and after wasting so much time finally we somehow managed to enter NH 766 just before Begur town. uffffff.... (look at the google route photo you will understand). We stopped in Begur town, and had our afternoon lunch, which was kind of quick too.

We refilled the car, started again, road was beautiful to drive, but with traffic. As we neared Sri Hangala kind of pure panic set in, as to whether we would be able to drive back to MM hills since it would be after 6.pm.

Called the JSS guest house who confirmed that they Ghat section in MM hills will be kept open 24 hrs and not to worry.

We took the right and drove towards Himavad, once we reached the foot hills, another surprise, which was, they don't allow private vehicles to climb the hill. (Looking back, it is a very very good decision by the authorities).

Government / Forest officials provide the bus service, and they charge Rs.50/- (up and down). Took the bus, to go upto the temple.

The bus we took, only driver was there, no helper, no conducter, no one with him, and my god, and saw one of the best drivers in the world. Literally this guy was amazing with his driving skills. (Remember this is not plains, this is very narrow Ghat section).

At few places buses came from opposite side and they didn't have space, and our bus was made to go down to a better spot for the other bus to pass through. ufffffffff this guy was driving in backward with precise control, just bending out looking at his wheel, in reverse and a bus full of people.

He was pushing the bus where he wanted it to go, that too in reverse and in just one single shot (no going forward or backward etc), and he was so cool, my god, it was amazing driving skill. Though we thanked him etc when we got down, it is a shame we didn't take a picture with him. One of the best things in our trip this time i think, which will stay etched in our mind for a very very long time.

Reached the top around 3.15 pm. Small temple. Neat, clean and very very picturesque location. Lord Krishna standing alone in the Sanctum Sanctorum. Wonderful. Another best part was they were food for everyone. Wonderful small beautiful temple....

Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple sits atop a misty hill, perpetually wrapped in clouds. As you ascend, the cool breeze and quiet forest hush set a meditative tone. The mist (“Himavad” in Kannada) gives the place an ethereal, otherworldly charm. It’s a serene escape from noise, making you feel as if you’re in another realm. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his Gopalaswamy form—hammered out in stone and spirit. Dravidian architecture shines through its simple gopuram and sturdy walls. The golden shikhara towers against white-pillared fronts—an elegant, humble design. Inside, a lifelike Krishna idol holding a flute draws you into devotion. You’ll feel drawn toward a ritual drip of cold water above the sanctum—cool and symbolic. Legends whisper about crows turning into swans here, adding to its mystic aura. Wildlife sightings—elephants, deer—are a bonus, not a distraction. Through gaps in the mist, forests of Bandipur roll out like a green sea. A regulated 90-minute stay keeps the atmosphere calm and the wildlife safe. Only forest-run buses are allowed, preserving the temple’s pristine vibe. Wear sturdy shoes—steps and paths can be mossy and slick with moisture. Early morning visits are magical, with pastel clouds weaving through the trees. No shops or street vendors—just forest, fog, and spiritual calm. Toilets and water are available at the base; best to pack light snacks. Carry a jacket or shawl—temperatures at 1,450 m dip even in summer. The journey itself—through Bandipur’s dense green—feels like stepping into a fantasy. Families and solo travelers alike find peace here, in silence and temple chants. The priests maintain ancient rituals with gentle care. No network on top—embrace the digital detox under soft cloud blankets. The view stretches over forest canopies to distant hill silhouettes. Monsoon and winter visits offer the fullest mist and alpine-like coolness. The temple’s small scale brings a warmth often missing in grander sites. You learn legends here: mystical waters, divine transformations—a child’s story come alive. Seating around the temple lets you just sit and stare—at clouds, cows, and calm. You really feel “on top of the world” when sunrise lights up the fog. The lack of commercialism enhances the spiritual ambiance. A lesson in living simply—nature, devotion, and stories intertwined. We spent 3 hours—bus ride included—and it felt like much longer, in a good way. Vegetation here is lush: ferns, orchids, moss—everything thrives in the mist. No plastics, no loud tourists—just respectful visitors and clean embrace. Join a Saturday pooja in Sravana month for traditional fervor. You’re surrounded by living forest—not just greenery, but moving wildlife. Photographers, meditators, families—everyone finds solace here. It’s an ideal addition to a Mysore or Bandipur trip. We’ll return with sketchpads—because this place begs contemplation. Himavad Gopalaswamy is where nature, legend, and divinity converge—highly recommended. Follow my page on instagram...

#Karnataka's_Ooty #Tourists are impressed by the beauty of Himavad Gopalaswamy hills If you move 12 kilometers ahead from Gundlupete, you will find Hangala village. If you turn to the right side from Hangal and travel 3 kilometers, you will find the entrance of the hill. Vehicles will be parked there and from there government buses have to travel 7 kilometers to Gopalaswamy hill. It's common to snow in winter. But the only tourist destination in the state where snow pours all the season of the year is Himavad Gopalaswamy Hill in Chamarajanagar district. The beauty of nature in this snowy mountain is unexplainable. Nature's beauty shining with pure greenery. Hills covered with thick snow. Cool atmosphere that soothes the mind. Amidst these, Gopalaswamy temple built during Chola era. Snow that falls all season of the year. Himavad Gopalaswamy hills of Chamarajnagar district is a witness to the beauty of nature which does not compare words. The Himavad Gopal Swamy hill, which comes into the Bandipura tiger protected area is 4800 feet above sea level. Here is the Himavad Gopalaswamy temple built in 1315. Effect of dense fog, water flowing on Gopalaswamy statue 365 days of the year. Spacious grasslands, beautiful Shola forest, fog-covered hills-hills, no one is impressed with the spectacular scenery of this spectacular and green nature's clean walk of wildlife makes the mind feel soothing. As the morning is covered with dense fog into the afternoon, the true form of the green hill is unveiled. After noon it starts to slowly snow again. The atmosphere here changes every moment. Tourists are impressed by this diverse beauty of nature. Himavad Gopalaswamy hill linked to eastern and western ghats is called Ooty in Karnataka. Gopalaswamy hills between Gundlupete and Bandipura route in Chamarajnagar district, tourists' favorite spot If you move 12 kilometers ahead from Gundlupete, you will find Hangala village. If you turn to the right side from Hangal and travel 3 kilometers, you will find the entrance of the hill. Vehicles will be parked there and from there government buses have to travel 7 kilometers to Gopalaswamy hill. The spectacular views of the asupasu while climbing the hills are captivating. On the other hand cooler breeze soothes the bodies. Pleasant trees, changing atmosphere every second. The hills that are visible as the eye blinks, the digging cold leaves the tourists mute. Himavad Gopalaswamy is a favorite place for hill lovers. Nature is a place of devotion for the believers and for the rest of the nature is a mine of beauty. Himavad Gopalaswamy hill, which is made for weekend trip, is waving and calling tourists...