Picturesque

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta - is the highest peak in Bandipur National Park.It attracts a large number of trekkers, pilgrims and nature lovers throughout the year.The hill is about 75 Km from Mysore and is located in Chamarajnagar district.

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is a small hill, in the core zone that can be accessed by a small road through the village of Hangala - north of the national park. Gopalaswamy Betta (betta is hill in Kannada) located inside the forest is a popular trekking spot. Atop the hill is a temple of Lord Venugopala Swamy built seven centuries ago and a travellers’ bungalow which remains locked now and belonged to the Ruler of Mysore.

The temple was built in Chola regime and there are 25 tirthas called the chakra tirtha.The area is also frequented by herds of wild elephants. The sobriquet Himavad (fog in Kannada) is because most of the year, there is a veil of mist covering the whole area , and winds blowing through the trees are like a song in praise of the lord. Staying beyond 5:30 PM is not allowed and entry is restricted until 6 AM on all days. These hills are covered with grass and classified as shola forests.The forest is also a treasure trove of a variety of birds, animals and plant species. One may visit this place en-route Mysore.

Wild Elephant herds are frequent visitors to this hill, and one needs to be very cautious to not engage them in order to avoid getting mangled by the jumbo herd(s). Personally, this is my all time favorite places to visit, and I never get tired of the beauty surrounding this hill. I have lot of memories that I credit to this place.

More here:
http://www.karnataka.com/mysore/gopalswamy-betta/