Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is the highest peak in Bandipur National Park.The hill is about 75 Km from Mysore and is located in Chamarajnagar district.
Atop the hill is a temple of Lord Venugopala Swamy built seven centuries ago and a travellers' bungalow which remains locked now and belonged to the Ruler of Mysore.
The temple was built in Chola regime and there are 25 tirthas called the chakra tirtha.The area is also frequented by herds of wild elephants. The sobriquet Himavad (fog in Kannada) is because most of the year, there is a veil of mist covering the whole area , and winds blowing through the trees are like a song in praise of the lord.
This place is adjacent to the western ghats and forest area (hill station) constituting Bandipur and Nagarhole. Hima means snow in Kannada. Throughout the year the temperature remains very cool in this place, especially at thelocation of the temple.
Cattle rearing from the hill top
How to reach :This temple is situated 10Kms to the right near Gundlupet on Mysore-Ooty road. Gundlupet is 60Kms from Mysore towards South. After Gundlupet, continue in the same Ooty-Mysore road towards Bandipur. Nearly 8Kms after Gundlupet, a place called Hangala is available. Take right turn at this place to proceed towards Gopalaswamy betta. Just before starting of the hill, there is a check post. The check post is open from morning 7.00am to evening 5.00pm. Carrying liquor and video camera is strictly prohibited. This area is covered under the Project Tiger for Bandipur wildlife sanctuary and is a no plastic zone. Elephants are very commonly seen in the hill area.
Note:No food is available at the hill top.
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