Being the highest peak in the Bandipur National Park, Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta attracts a large number of trekkers, pilgrims and nature lovers throughout the year. The months of November and December are ideal to experience the different facets of morning glory on Gopalaswamy Hills as this is the time when mist covers the entire hill till midday, and sometimes the entire day. When the Sun is out, you can see the effect of light and shade playing on the hills. On brighter days, this place offers the most breathtaking view of the Western Ghats.

One Sunday morning, we left Mysore early and reached Hangala village at about 7 am on Gundalpet-Ooty road. After sipping on steaming cups of tea in Hangala village, we started climbing the Gopalaswamy Betta which is 11 km from the village.

Lush green forest, undulating hills matted with dense vegetation, steep forested slopes and muddy trails delighted our senses. Even as thick fog descended on the hill, ghost images of trees invited us to shoot them with our camera. At this juncture, a group of wild dogs that were resting on a rock saw us and ran inside the deep forest. We managed to reach the top of the hill by 9.30 am. The hill, crowned by Venugopalaswamy temple, offered an enchanting view as morning mist settled over the eucalyptus trees near the temple. The hills surrounding the place literally merged in the mist. Hazy trees, misty mountains, grass and flowers crowned by pearls of dew... the sight was breathtaking.

In fact, the prefix ‘Himavad’ to the Gopalaswamy Betta comes from the thick fog that covers the entire hill during winter and rainy seasons.

We even spotted an elephant herd grazing on the slopes of a hill closeby. In fact, the forest around is a treasure trove of a variety of bird, animal and plant species. Elephants, wild dogs, wild boars, gaurs, Malabar squirrels, jungle cats, peafowl, grey jungle fowls, hornbills, woodpeckers, thrush, drongo, cuckoo, oriole, minivet, kingfisher... they are all there.

The Himavad Gopalaswamy Hill also provides a view of the Mysore plateau and its adjoining hills from an elevated ridge. Though the Himavad Gopalaswamy Hill comes under the Bandipur National Park range, visitors are allowed to visit the place without prior permission from the Forest Department. The Venugopalaswamy Temple on top of the hill dates back to 12th century. Devotees of Venugopala visit the place frequently, especially so on Saturdays.

However, visitors are not allowed to enter the forest. Further, no visitor is allowed to stay overnight on the hill as wild animals are believed to roam around the temple in the night. Polythene bags, liquor, smoking, videography and the like are also strictly prohibited on the hill.

Despite the long journey and the numerous restrictions in place, the serenity and beauty of the hill and the breathtaking views it offers, makes your visit worthwhile.

Travel Tips

* Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is 210 km from Bangalore and 80 km from Mysore.
* On reaching Hangala village on Gundalpet-Ooty Road, take a deviation to the right.
* Nearest tourist places are Bandipur and Ooty.
* Carry adequate food and water.
* Bus facilities are available on Saturdays and Sundays only.