Shravanabelagola is a small town in Hassan district, built around a central pond and two granite hills. On Vindhyagiri stands the Gommateshwara statue, about 17 metres high and carved from a single block of granite, commissioned by the Ganga commander Chavundaraya around 981 CE. Opposite, the smaller Chandragiri holds a walled group of Jain temples, and the name of the town is usually explained as the 'white pond' (belgola) at its heart.
It is first of all a place of worship. Digambara Jains come from across India, and every twelve years the statue is anointed in the Mahamastakabhisheka, last held in February 2018 and next expected in 2030. For a visitor it is also an unusually compact heritage site: a hill climb, a second hill with a walled temple enclosure, Hoysala-period temples and a monastery with murals, all within a walkable town.
Plan it around one thing: the climb. Vindhyagiri is a long staircase of rock-cut steps in the open, so start at first light and avoid the afternoon sun. Chandragiri is lower and gentler, and the town temples are level, so travellers who cannot manage Vindhyagiri still have plenty to see. Most people do it as a day trip from Hassan, Mysuru or Bengaluru, or as a stop between the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu and Mysuru; staying a night lets you do the hills in the cool of the morning.
Before you plan
Shravanabelagola at a glance
- Best months
- November to FebruaryNovember to February; mornings are comfortable and rain is light. March to May is warmer, and June to October is the monsoon, when the open steps can be slippery.
- Ideal trip length
- 1 long day for the statue and a few…1 long day for the statue and a few temples; 2 days if you want Chandragiri, the town temples and a nearby day trip at an easy pace
- Airport
- MysuruMysuru (MYQ), about 83 km, has limited flights; Kempegowda International, Bengaluru (BLR), is the main gateway, roughly 150 km by road. Check current flights.
- Railway station
- Shravanabelagola has a small stationShravanabelagola has a small station (SBGA) on the Hassan-Bengaluru line with limited services; Hassan Junction (HAS), about 51 km away, is the usual railhead. Check current train timings.
- Getting around
- The town is compact and walkableThe town is compact and walkable; a car and driver helps for the road in and for day trips. Chairs (dolis) are commonly offered at the foot of Vindhyagiri.
- Daily budget
- Low by city standards: the main…Low by city standards: the main costs are transport, any hired chair and meals. Confirm entry fees and chair rates locally.
- Senior comfort
- Mixed: Vindhyagiri is a demanding…Mixed: Vindhyagiri is a demanding open staircase, Chandragiri is moderate, and the town temples are level. Chairs, early starts and rest breaks make a big difference.
- Language
- Kannada locallyKannada locally; Hindi and English are commonly understood in pilgrim and tourist services
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Shravanabelagola: January, February, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Shravanabelagola itinerary
One good day
1 day in Shravanabelagola
Arrive early and climb Vindhyagiri at opening time, stopping at the Kushmandini shrine and the small resting points on the way. Spend time at the statue and walk the enclosure, then look at the Odegal Basadi and the Tyagada Brahmadeva Pillar on the way down. Have an early lunch and rest. In the late afternoon, walk to the Bhandari Basadi and the Akkana Basadi, then visit the Jain Math if it is open. If energy allows, finish with the view of the town from the pond.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Shravanabelagola
Climb Vindhyagiri in the first hours of the morning, see the statue, the Odegal Basadi and the pillar, and come down before the sun is high. Rest through midday. In the afternoon, visit the Bhandari Basadi and Akkana Basadi, both level and in town, and end at the Jain Math to see its murals.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Shravanabelagola
Climb at first light, spend time at the statue and walk the enclosure. Visit the Odegal Basadi and the pillar on the way down. Rest in the afternoon, then take a gentle evening walk around the pond area.
Day-by-day plan →
