Gopalaswamy Betta
About Gopalaswamy Betta
Far From City: 8 kms from city center
Cost:
About Gopalaswamy Betta
Weather:
Time Required:3-4 hrs
Open Time:8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost:Cars: INR 50,Bike: INR 25
History of Gopalaswamy Betta
According to famous legends, the sage Agastya performed intense penance at this place; and consequently, Lord Vishnu blessed this spot and promised to reside here. Since this was a place of worship and penance, it was known by the name of 'Hamsatheertha', which means the 'lake of swans' in the Sanskrit language. The name of this place is associated with that of swans since swans have a mythological significance in Hinduism and are symbolic of knowledge, salvation and tranquillity.
The temple located on the hill was built by the Chola King Ballala during AD 1315. Later the Wodeyars of Mysore, who were enthusiastic devotees of Lord Venugopala, displayed a keen interest in maintaining this hill temple.
Elephant Safaris at Gopalaswamy Betta
The Gopalaswamy Betta is especially known for attracting scores of elephants throughout the year. Hence, an elephant safari is offered at the place under the administrative regulations which still allows the visitors to experience the serene beauty of the hill. This fantastic experience ensures that the tourists enjoy the scenic views of the mountains as well as get a look at the wildlife that thrives here.
The Gopalaswamy Betta is home to a variety of wild animals like tiger, leopards, wild dogs and other species such as the Indian Gaur, Chital, Sambar, etc. Places on top of the hill also offer a bird's eye view of the forest below, and it is indeed a treat from the eye to watch the elephants move along with their young ones and wander throughout the forest. So, do not forget to carry along a good camera and binoculars to click amazing pictures and screen the woods respectively.
Gopalaswamy Temple at Gopalaswamy Betta
The Gopalaswamy Temple is also located on the same hill and is a famous temple that is built in dedication to Lord Venugopala Swamy, one of the incarnations of Lord Krishna. The temple is built in the traditional style of the Chola dynasty. The single-tiered 'gopuram' of the temple is supported by the compound wall of the enclosure. The inner porch, or the Mukha mandapa, houses the sacrificial altar (Bali-peetam) and the flag-pillar (dhwajastambha). The facade of the Mukha mandapa has a beautiful sculpture that depicts the 'dashavatara', the ten avatars of the Hindu Lord Vishnu, along with the Krishnavatara.
The temple houses numerous portraits, along with a garbha griha, which consists of a panel with an idol of Lord Krishna. In this icon, Lord Krishna can be seen holding a flute and performing raasleela under a tree. The same panel also displays some scenes of milk sellers and cows.
How to Reach Gopalaswamy Betta
KSRTC runs various state buses to Bandipur, hence if one has to travel by road, one can take prepaid taxis or state buses to reach the hill. This place is also connected to the highway which will lead you directly to the park. Coimbatore (167km), Bangalore (235km), Mangalore (310km) and Kochi (326km) are the nearest cities connected by road.
Since private vehicles are not allowed up the hill, the government has made arrangements for KSRTC buses to take passengers from the bottom of the mountain to the hilltop.Private vehicles need to be parked below the hill entrance, and there is no parking fee for the same. The ticket fare for the government bus for one way is INR 20 per person.
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Tips
1. To maintain the peaceful habitat for the residing animals, venturing beyond the temple premises has been declared an offence as per the Wildlife Act of 1972. Under the same, trekking, picnicking, partying, etc. are also considered to be punishable offences.2. Overnight stay at the hilltop is not permitted.3. No food items are allowed to be carried to the temple. You can only take pooja items such as flowers, fruits and incense sticks and that too in non-plastic bags.4. You can enjoy tea and a light snack at the shops that are located nearby, so do not worry about carrying food along.
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