Perched atop the Pandavar Gudda Hill in Sakleshpur, the Betta Byraveshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be over 600 years old and is situated amidst the Western Ghats and is visited not only for its religious significance but also for its panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The temple is associated with the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It is also a great site for hiking or trekking and is located not too far from some other attractions in the region such as the Manjarabad Fort.
About The Betta Byraveshwara Temple
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The Betta Byraveshwara Temple is situated on top of the Pandavar Gudda Hill in Karnataka’s Hassan district, about 35 km from Sakleshpur. This temple is said to be over 600 years old and linked to the Mahabharata; according to this epic, the Pandavas stayed here for a while following their exile. The Betta Byraveshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This Hindu temple, representative of the Kadamba style of architecture, is situated in the Western Ghats and is surrounded by lush greenery. Besides its religious importance, its spectacular views of the mountains, including the Pandavar Betta and Jenkal Gudda peaks, attract large crowds of visitors. Moreover, it is also believed that Lord Byraveshwara guards the valley.
A narrow road leads up to the temple, suitable for a bike. However, you can also hike up to the temple since there are stairs here. What’s more, its elevation, coupled with the undulating terrain around it, makes the temple popular among trekkers. The short trek to the top of the hill is absolutely worth it since you will be met with absolutely breathtaking views.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Sakleshpur
Places To Visit Nearby
The following are five places that you can visit near the Betta Byraveshwara Temple:
1. Manjarabad Fort
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Built under the rule of Tipu Sultan, the Manjarabad Fort is located on the outskirts of Sakleshpur at about 3,240 feet. It was constructed in 1792 as a protective structure against the British and is in the shape of an 8-pointed star, having been inspired by the work of a French military engineer. The fort is also famous for its beautiful Islamic architecture and is accessible via a hike, which is moderately complex. This structure was built to deflect cannon fire and has other features like a deep moat, chambers for the army, a rainwater reservoir, etc.
Location: Sakleshpur, Karnataka 573134, India
Distance from Betta Byraveshwara Temple: 33.4 km
2. Manjehalli Waterfalls
The Manjehalli Waterfalls is situated less than 10 km from Sakleshpur and is a gorgeous waterfall cascading down from about 20 feet. Often called Abbi Falls, it lies amidst green hills and is easy to reach via a trek from the Manjehalli Village; the journey passes by dense forests and green plantations. The natural pool at the foot of the waterfall is perfect for taking a cold dip, but its vicinity also makes it a great hiking place. Furthermore, you can also set up a picnic here or stay overnight at a nearby campsite. The best time to visit is during the monsoon season when the water flows fast.
Location: Devaladakere, Karnataka 573165, India
Distance from Betta Byraveshwara Temple: 42.7 km
Suggested Read: Temples In Karnataka
3. Bisle Reserve Forest
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One of the state’s most popular attractions, the expansive Bisle Reserve Forest, is about 65 km from Sakleshpur. The forest is home to diverse flora and fauna and is known for its unmatched views of the lush green Western Ghats. Owing to its wildlife population, the forest is a protected area and also features trekking trails, making it a great place to visit for trekkers. Some animals and birds you might spot here include Malabar Giant squirrels, Sambar deer, brown foxes, Malabar Pied hornbills, king cobras and more.
Location: Reserve Forest, Karnataka, 573123, India
Distance from Betta Byraveshwara Temple: 85.3 km
4. Sakleshpur Lake Park
Image Credit: Ashwin Kumar for Wikimedia Commons
The Sakleshpur Lake Park is located within Sakleshpur’s Belur region and is a beautiful green park that is a great place to visit if you are travelling with family. The park is generally quiet, which is perfect if you don’t like crowded spaces; there is plenty of space here to walk, sit on a bench, read, or even take photographs. It is also a wonderful place to watch the sunset since the sky’s changing colours are reflected on the tranquil lake. Within the park is a temple called the Ayyappa Swami Temple.
Location: Sakleshpur, Karnataka 573134, India
Distance from Betta Byraveshwara Temple: 34.5 km
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Karnataka
5. Shettihalli Rosary Church
Image Credit: Gaurishukla24 for Wikimedia Commons
If you are visiting Sakleshpur, don’t miss out on the Shettihalli Rosary Church, also known as the “Floating Church” or the “Submerged Church.” This is because the church, which was built in the 1860s, went underwater following the construction of the Hemavati Dam and Reservoir about a century later. Even today, the church is submerged underwater during the monsoon months. It was built by French missionaries and is a testament to impressive Gothic architecture.
Location: Hassan, Shettihalli, Karnataka 573201, India
Distance from Betta Byraveshwara Temple: 75.6 km
Ideal Time To Come To Sakleshpur
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Sakleshpur is a beautiful region to visit throughout the year, but the winter season is generally considered the best time to visit. The months from October to March are the best months to visit Sakleshpur since the weather is cool and pleasant during this time. Since the temperature doesn’t tend to go over 15 degrees Celsius, you would have a nice time sightseeing or even going on hikes or treks. This is also the peak tourist season here.
Visiting during the summer, from May to June, is also an option. While the temperatures can get as high as 35 degrees Celsius, a trip during this time might be pleasant for those who live in cities where it gets even hotter. Lastly, the monsoon months from July to September are generally the worst time to visit. The region’s greenery looks beautiful under the rain, but the heavy rainfall and the occasional fog might make it difficult to be outdoors. Trekking might also become difficult due to the muddy and slippery paths.
Further Read: Karnataka Cuisine
The Betta Byraveshwara Temple is a must-visit attraction near Sakleshpur in Karnataka, not only if you are a devotee of Lord Shiva but also if you love to spend time amidst nature and have a taste for adventure. The temple’s surrounding natural beauty and trekking trails are undoubtedly a treat for nature lovers. There are many such places to visit and discover in the state, so book your trip to Karnataka
now for an incredible experience with your loved ones.
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Cover Image Source : Betta Byraveshwara Temple for Facebook
Frequently Asked Questions About Betta Byraveshwara Temple
What is the best time of day to visit the Betta Byraveshwara Temple?
While the temple is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM throughout the week, the ideal time to visit it is early morning. This is because you would find the temple less crowded. The views of the surrounding Western Ghats are also utterly beautiful.
How long does it take to trek to the hill where the Betta Byraveshwara Temple is located?
If you choose to trek up to the temple instead of taking a bike, it will take you about 30 to 40 minutes to make it. How much time it takes will depend on your speed and how much you stop on the way.
Is the Betta Byraveshwara Temple known for its architecture?
The temple is built in a simple Kadamba style of architecture using black stones. However, it is not very famous for its architecture since it is simplistic. Instead, it is the temple’s location amidst the Western Ghats that draws in visitors.
What is the distance between Sakleshpur and Bangalore?
Sakleshpur is located about 221 km away from Bangalore. It takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes to travel between the two by road.
What are some souvenirs that one can buy in Sakleshpur?
Given how famous Sakleshpur is for its coffee and spice plantations, it would be a good idea to buy coffee powder as well as spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cumin etc.
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