Himavad GopalaSwamy Hills: An Ideal Pilgrimage Spot And Hill Station

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Most of the year, this hill is covered with mist and snow and hence this name of Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape in this area. Unanimously proclaimed as Karnatakas Kashmir by the tourists, it is situated 2800 feet above the sea level.

Most probably Kalidasas nature description in his poems was inspired from places like these or that the natural beauty in the ancient times was or more or less equally alluring as this place.

It is not surprising that this hill is called Kanakachala or the Golden Mountain. It is basically a pilgrimage centre but it is mostly in the public gaze because of its incomparable beauty.

People visit this place for a darshan of Krishna in the temple or they come here to get carried away and soaked in the loveliness of this part of the universe.

As you walk along, you are drenched in the mist, and can literally feel the snow and mist on your limbs, and the weather is so calm and untouched by the Sun.

Mystical Signficance Of This Place: Apart from the natural beauty, it is a place of mystical significance. The entire extent of this hill in Chamarajanagar, is enveloped by a thick green vegetation.

Sage Agasthya, with his Tapasya and the power of his penance, had received blessings from Vishnu who blessed this place with his presence.

This place where Agasthya did his tapasya came to called Hamsatheertha or the lake of Swans. Vishnu promised Agastya that he will stay as Krishna here in the Kanakachala hills along with his consorts.

Interiors Of The Temple: The Lord Krishna idol is seen in a resting position under a tree Mandhara (also known as Suravanya) in three different postures. Even today, it is believed that all the saptarshis daily worship the Lord Krishna, at this temple, on this snow-capped mountained of southern Govardhanagiri.

Although a temple for this was built by Chola kings, later, wodeyars showed interest in renovating this place. Garbha Griha shows the idol of Lord Krishna playing flute under a tree, flanked by his gopa friends.

Cows and cowherds are shown surrounding the divine couple at the right side. You can drive your way up to the hill after paying the entry fee at the foothills. Visitors are allowed only till 5 pm and trekking and taking videos are allowed only on prior permission.

Lodging And Other Facilities: You can also book a room in the forest department guest house on the hilltop. Guest house provides all the basic facilities but food should be brought by the visitors themselves.

There is a dense fog that hardly allows you to see things around you. But it is a tremendously pleasing experience.

You can sometimes spot wild elephants, Sambar, Gaur, and a tiger cave there. These hills are covered with grass.This hill is home to a rich varieity of flora and fauna.

Also this was the favourite hunting spot of Mysore Wodeyars and their British guests. You can see the photos of Maharajas of yesteryears there but this guest hose is permanently closed now.

Hamsateertha is a lake that also flows here and this is where Agastya performed his penance to please Lord Krishna. There are no crows in this area, and you just cant spot them here. This is backed by a belief that any crow which steps into Hamsateertha will change into a swan and fly away.