Gopalaswamy Betta is the highest point in the Bandipur range, a 1,454-metre hill topped by a 14th-century Venugopalaswamy temple built by the Hoysala kings. The hill is perpetually cloaked in mist. The local name 'Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta' translates to 'misty Gopalaswamy hill'. The narrow forest road up passes through prime tiger and elephant country. Considered one of the best places to visit in Bandipur National Park, private vehicles drive as far as a checkpoint, where state-run shuttles ferry visitors the last stretch to the summit.

What makes this place special

The 14th-century Hoysala-era temple at the summit has original stone carvings of Krishna, musicians, and forest animals, restored but still atmospheric.

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From the temple platform, on clear days, you can see across Bandipur all the way to Nilgiri ridges 50 kilometers south.

The narrow winding road from the Gundlupet plains to the summit passes through deep Bandipur forest. This offers one of the area's best chances for a roadside elephant or tiger encounter.