Vindhyagiri Hill is one of the two hills in Shravanabelagola in the Indian state of Karnataka. The other one is Chandragiri. The hill is about 3,288 Feet from Mean sea Level and 438 Feet above the ground. The name of the terrain, Vindhyagiri, remained unchanged even after the town was converted to Gomatapura in the late 10th century. Acharya Bhadrabahu and his pupil Chandragupta Maurya are believed to have meditated there.
Vindhyagiri Hill History
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Vindhyagiri was first referred to as “Per kavappu” (Large – Kalbappu) in the 8th Century, but its history begins with that of Gommateshwara in the Late 10th century. A century and a half later, the town is named Gommatapura, after the colossus, but the hill itself is not identified with a distinctive name. The present name “Vindhyagiri” is derived from vim, ‘spirit’, and dhya, ‘meditation’, as the spot consecrated by rishis observed in the meditation on the supreme spirit. The hill, located about 3,288 feet from mean sea level and 438 feet above the ground, holds a Bahubali statue of 58.8 feet in height. A high and heavy granite mass forms its pedestal, making 614 steps to reach the structure erected atop the hill.
Must Read: Shravanabelagola Temples
Vindhyagiri Hill Location And Timings
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Vindhyagiri is located in the Shravanabelagola district in Karnataka. The other is Chandragiri. It is about 3,288 Feet from Mean sea Level and 438 Feet above the ground.
The temple is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, but please arrive at least an hour before.
Vindhyagiri Hill Activities
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While there may not be specific trekking trails in Shravanabelagola, nearby areas like the Western Ghats or the Bisle Ghat offer trekking opportunities. These regions offer scenic trails and lush landscapes for trekkers of varying difficulty levels.
Visit the nearby Bisle Reserve Forest or the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary for a thrilling wildlife safari. These areas are home to diverse flora and fauna, including various species of animals and birds. You can explore the wilderness and experience the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.
Plan a trip to the region around Dandeli, around 400 kilometres from Shravanabelagola, for an exhilarating river rafting experience. The Kali River in Dandeli is popular for its rapids, and you can enjoy rafting through the thrilling stretches of the river.
Places To Visit Near Vindhyagiri Hill
There are several places near Vindhyagiri Hill that are worth exploring. Some of the most popular places to visit near Vindhyagiri Hills are mentioned below:
1. The Ghati Subramanya Temple
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Ghati Subramanya is a Hindu temple situated in the village of Sri Subamanya Ghati near Tubagere, Doddaballapura, Karnataka, India. It is 60 km from the city of Bangalore and is a popular pilgrimage centre. The uniqueness of this temple is that the prime deity, Lord Karthikeya, is found together with Lord Narasimha. According to mythology, both idols are believed to have emerged from the earth. It is also an important South Indian centre for worshipping the Hindu deity Kethu. Special rituals are performed during Brahmarathotsava on the day of Pushya Shudda Shashti. Narasimha Jayanti is the other major festival celebrated here. It is the belief of devotees that childless couples making vows shall be blessed with children by the lord. A related ritual is installing snake idols. One can see thousands of such idols near the temple.
Location: Sri Subamanya Ghati village near Tubagere, Karnataka
Distance: From Vindhyagiri Hill: 152 km
2. Sri Ramadevara Katte Waterfalls
Not too far from Sharvanabelagola are the gorgeous Sri Ramadevara Katte Waterfalls across the Hemavati River, perfect for a dip on a hot summer day. Huge stone boulders on the bank of the waterfall allow you to sit with your feet dipped in the cool water. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green fields as far as the eyes can see.
You will reach the spot in about an hour from Shravanbelagola. It is quite peaceful with not much of a crowd. Pack lunch and beverages and have a perfect picnic with friends and family.
Location: Kattebelaguli, Karnataka
Distance: From Vindhyagiri Hill: 42 km
3. Bandipur Forest Reserve
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Bandipur National Park, an 874 sq.-The km forested reserve in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is known for its small population of tigers. Once the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Mysore, the park also harbours Indian elephants, spotted deer, gaurs (bison), antelopes and numerous other native species. The 14th-century Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple offers views from the park’s highest peak. It was established as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973. It has been part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve since 1986. The National Park is home to an impressive mixture of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. Some of the highly celebrated mammalian residents of Bandipur National Park include the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, gaur, and the chital and sambar deer species.
Location: Bandipur, Karnataka
Distance: From Vindhyagiri Hill: 150 km
4. Nrityagram
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Nrityagram is India’s first modern Gurukul (residential school) for Indian classical dances and an intentional community in the form of a dance village, set up by Odissi dancer Protima Gauri in 1990. The residential school offers training in Indian classical dance forms, Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Manipuri, eight hours a day, six days a week for seven years, following the ancient Guru-shishya tradition. Designed by famous Indian architect Gerard da Cunha, the community is near Hesaraghatta Lake, 30 km from Bengaluru. Today, the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble performs across India and many countries abroad.
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Distance: From Vindhyagiri Hill: 125 km
Further Read: Devaragundi Falls
Vindhyagiri Hill is one of the most popular tourist spots in Shravanabelagola, and now that you know all about it in detail, it is time to go ahead and plan the date! Book your tickets as soon as possible for a wonderful Trip To Karnataka . Don’t forget to add all this information to your bucket list before planning a journey with your loved ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Vindhyagiri Hill
What is the best time to visit Vindhyagiri Hill?
October to April is the best time to visit Shravanabelagola. These are the cooler months, and visiting the temples becomes easier for visitors as they will be out in the sun much more. Summers tend to get quite warm, and this becomes difficult for visitors to go to the temples.
What is the usual weather in Karnataka throughout the year?
Karnataka witnesses three types of climate. The state has dynamic and erratic weather that changes from place to place within its territory. Due to its varying geographic and physio-graphic conditions, Karnataka experiences climatic variations that range from arid to semi-arid in the plateau region, sub-humid to humid tropical in the Western Ghats and humid tropical monsoon in the coastal plains.
What is the local food delicacy of Shravanabelagola?
Mysore Pak, Bisi Bele Bhat and Udupi Sambar are some food delicacies of the state of Karnataka as a whole that tourists can try on their visit.
What is the speciality of Shravanabelagola?
The most famous of such consecrations is the anointment of the Bahubali Gommateshwara Statue located at Shravanabelagola. It is an important Jain festival held once every 12 years. It is an integral part of the ancient and composite Jain tradition.
How many days needed to cover Vindhyagiri Hill?
Tourists can take a good two days to take part in activities like trekking and camping and also visit the nearby temples and sanctuaries.
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