Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is located in Chamarajanagar District and lies in the core area of Bandipur National Park. It is about 220 km from Bangalore and 82 km from Mysore. It is at 4,801 ft (1454 m) above sea level and is extensively wooded. After reaching Gundlupet from Mysore, a 10-km drive further down would lead to Hangala village. Turn to the right and drive for 4 km amidst golden yellow sunflower gardens dotted with tall coconut trees to teach the Gopalaswamy Betta Forest check post. The entire area is ‘protected forest’ and is controlled by the Forest Department. After paying the toll fee, the drive up the hill for the next 7 km is an adventure as the roads are steep and narrow. If lucky, you can even spot herds of deer and elephants moving around without a care in the world in the green canvas spread across a vast territory. According to locals, tigers, leopards and bison are also spotted regularly in the early morning hours.
On your onward journey further up, the air becomes unbelievably cool and dense fog hits you, signifying your arrival at the temple doors atop the hill. Perumal Dandanayak, a chola viceroy, built the Gopalaswamy temple in 1315. Later, the maharajas of Mysore, who were ardent devotees of Lord Venugopala, displayed keen interest in maintaining the hill.
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