Behind a curtain of mist, lies the majestic Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta in Chamrajnagar district, Gundlupet Taluk. Located at a height of 140 m and one of the highest peaks in Bandipur National Park, this hill is home to animals who come to graze on the lush green lands.
On the hill stands tall the Gopalaswamy Temple built by the Hoysala King Ballala during AD 1315. Thick fog covers the hills through the year and this lends the astute prefix of Himavad (Kannada for fog) to the temple. This place is adjacent to the Western Ghats and forest area constituting Bandipur and Nagarhole.
Cradled in the heart of nature, the temple brings wandering minds to a halt. After visiting the temple, a walk around the area is recommended. It is on top of these hills that one can experience a closer brush with divinity than the closed walls of a religious structure.
The light drizzle through the mist clears every few minutes to display a vision of ecological harmony that leads to the temple. The wetness that hangs in the air and clings to your clothes and body soothes the nerves while the lushness of the meadows calms the eyes as the soul focuses on the spiritual experience.
Carpet after carpet of green fields unroll in front of your eyes, you are engulfed in the serene combination of divinity and nature.
The picture is so bewitching that an occasional trumpet from elephants grazing in the rolling green expanse will not startle you.
A seven-day car festival is held here during the Phalguna masa - Sravana Nakshatra during March-April. Another unique feature here is that throughout the year just above the door leading to the Sanctum Sanctorum, cold-water drips constantly. The priest sprinkles this water on the devotees.
There is a lake near the temple called Hamsa Thirtha (Swan Lake). Legend has it that once a crow took a dip in this lake and transformed into a Hamsa (swan). Interestingly, one cannot see any crows around this area any more lending credence to the fable.
The place is also known for its picturesque views of the surrounding hills, valleys and visitors may also see the spectacular sunrise and sunset from the top.
Packed picnic baskets are recommended as there are no food stalls on the hill. Additional places which can be visited in this area include Bandipur Wildlife sanctuary and Kabini reservoirs.
So if you are planning your next trip, don’t forget to add this misty magical destination to your itinerary.
