Mandaragiri Hills – For an impromptu day trip from Bangalore
It was a regular Friday night in January and as usual we were up late binge-watching a tv series while savouring some pizza. This is when Sush casually suggested to visit Mandaragiri the next day. It seemed like a good idea as it was something offbeat and not frequented by many. So cab was booked for Saturday afternoon and just like that an impromptu trip was planned to Mandaragiri Hills.
About Mandaragiri Hills
Mandaragiri Betta or Mandargiri Hills is a small hillock in the Tumkur district of Karnataka. This place is gradually gaining popularity due to its uniquely shaped Jain temple. Apart from the Jain temple, Mandaragiri also has a smaller version of the Bahubali statue and offers gorgeous views of sunset from the hill top.
How to reach Mandaragiri
Mandaragiri is around 60-65 kilometers from Bangalore and the road conditions are pretty good till the end. The best way to reach there is by car or bike and the drive takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.
Best time to visit Mandaragiri Hills
Winter months – November to February
We recommend visiting in the late afternoon and sticking around to enjoy the stunning sunset from the hill top.
Things to see at Mandaragiri
Jain temple at the base of the hill
This Jain temple (also known as the Guru Mandir) at the base of the hill is the main attraction at Mandaragiri and has played a significant role in making this place popular. The temple shaped as a typical peacock feather broom used by Jain saints looks very colourful and is one of its kind. The 81 feet tall temple spread across an area of 2400 sq feet holds the Unique World Record for being the most unique Jain structure. Inside the temple, there is a statue of the Jain saint with the side walls depicting his life in the form of colourful 3D paintings. It is so peaceful inside that you can simply sit there and meditate for a while without any distractions.
Mukha Mantapa
As you enter the gates of the temple complex at the base of the hill, the first things that comes into view is the Mukha mantapa. The mantapa has a big statue of Chandranatha Tirthankara with a small temple below it.
Mandaragiri hill top
The round hillock has oddly 450 well carved steps and is a moderate climb. On top of the hill, there is a group of few other Jain temples. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the village and Mydala lake from the top of the hill. But nothing beats the view of the sun sliding down behind the mountain painting everything in a glowing orange hue. Stay a little longer after sunset and the place looks even dreamier with the after sunset colours spread across the horizon.
If you are going in the winter months, try to reach the hill top by 5:30 pm. You can thank us later for the stunning sunset views 🙂
Mydala Lake
You can reach the shore of Mydala lake by taking right at the base of the hill. I am not sure about the road conditions as we did not go there. Otherwise, you can always check out the stunning views of the lake from Mandaragiri hill top.
Additional Pointers
- The temple at the base of the hill stays open from 6:30am – 10am and then 3:30 pm – 6 pm from Monday to Friday. On weekends it stays open from 6:30 am to 6pm. So plan your visit accordingly.
- In order to access the temples at the hill top, you need to take the keys from the caretaker.
- No shops or restaurants near the hill. But you can find many restaurants on the highway just 20 minute drive from the temple.
- Free parking is available in the area.
- Restrooms are available near the temple.
So if you are in Bangalore and thinking about a day trip, go ahead and give Mandaragiri a try. I am sure you would love the place. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments.
Check out our Mandaragiri vlog on our YouTube channel.
For other weekend getaways from Bangalore, check our other blog posts here.
Just wanted to make sure that restrooms are there near the Mandragiri temple
Hi Pratibha. Yes, restroom is there near the peacock temple. We did not use it, but as far as we know you may need to take the keys from the caretaker.