Mandaragiri Hill
A serene Jain pilgrimage site near Bangalore, featuring a unique peacock-shaped temple and panoramic hilltop views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, cool breeze
Mandaragiri Hill
Best Time
Magical light, cool breeze
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Jain pilgrimage site near Bangalore, featuring a unique peacock-shaped temple and panoramic hilltop views.
"A perfect mix of spirituality, adventure, and nature with breathtaking panoramic views."
🎯 Dress Modestly
It's a religious site, so wear respectful clothing.
👟 Footwear Storage
There's a counter at the top to keep your footwear before entering the temple.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Peacock-Shaped Guru Mandir
Base of the hill
A unique, world-record-holding Jain temple shaped like a peacock feather. A must-see architectural marvel.
Hilltop Jain Temple & Views
Summit
Climb 435 steps for serene Jain temples, panoramic views, and a refreshing hilltop breeze.
Mydala Lake
Near the summit
Enjoy scenic views of the tranquil Mydala lake from the hilltop, especially beautiful during sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Respectful Attire and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dress Modestly
It's a religious site, so wear respectful clothing.
👟 Footwear Storage
There's a counter at the top to keep your footwear before entering the temple.
🚗 Drive or Climb
You can drive to the top or climb the 435 steps.
💰 Small Fees Apply
Expect small charges for parking and entry.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dress Modestly
It's a religious site, so wear respectful clothing.
👟 Footwear Storage
There's a counter at the top to keep your footwear before entering the temple.
🚗 Drive or Climb
You can drive to the top or climb the 435 steps.
💰 Small Fees Apply
Expect small charges for parking and entry.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Great scenic spots for photography, especially at sunrise/sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mandaragiri Hill is a highly recommended day trip from Bangalore, praised for its spiritual ambiance, unique architecture like the peacock-shaped Guru Mandir, and beautiful hilltop views. Visitors appreciate the calm, clean environment and the option to either climb or drive to the summit. While generally positive, some note the lack of shade and the need for modest attire. +1
"The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, as there is minimal shade on the hill.
As its calm, clean, and spiritual environment, with the hilltop breeze and views providing a sense of escape from city life.
Overall, Mandaragiri Hill is highly recommended for those seeking a day trip from Bangalore that offers spiritual solace, architectural beauty, and a refreshing connection with nature."
Giridhar Harmalkar
"🛕 A small trek leads to a serene Jain temple with a beautiful viewpoint and a nearby lake. Ideal for a short day trip from Bangalore—peaceful and refreshing."
Vigneshwaran Muniasamy
"Beautiful hill with Jain temple complex. We reached here in evening. There was ample parking space. Many small shops were around serving snacks and tender coconut. At the foot of the hill is the famous peacock feather shaped Guru mandir. This is so beautiful. Next complex there is a monolithic statue. From bottom of the hill there are around 450 stair to the top.
Climb is relaxed one and we can stop in between for enjoying the views around. At the top there is small counter to the keep the footwear. And then we can enter the temple which is serene and beautiful. We can see the Mydala lake from one side. There was always cool evening breeze. After exiting from temple we sat down sometime on the hillside to soak in the amazing views and crimson skies. Some people were selling ground nuts. Overall had a great evening and will recommend to visit this place."
Aneesh Chandran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mandaragiri Hill, also known as Basadi Betta, is located in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, approximately 50-70 km from Bengaluru. You can drive there, with the journey taking around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
While direct public transport options might be limited, you can take a bus from Bangalore to Tumkur and then hire a local auto-rickshaw or taxi to Mandaragiri Hill.
There is ample parking space available at the foot of the hill. A parking fee of Rs. 40 is typically charged.
Yes, you can drive up to the top of Mandaragiri Hill, which is a convenient option if you prefer not to climb the steps.
Mandaragiri Hill is about 50-70 km from Bengaluru, making it a popular day trip destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small entry fee, typically around Rs. 10, in addition to parking charges.
The temple complex is generally open until 6 PM. It's recommended to reach by 4 PM to enjoy the atmosphere fully, or even earlier for sunrise.
Yes, as it is a religious site, visitors are advised to dress modestly and respectfully.
While the Guru Mandir itself is a significant attraction, there might be a nominal entry fee for the overall complex, but specific charges for the Guru Mandir are not usually highlighted.
To avoid crowds and the midday heat, visiting early in the morning (around 5:30 AM) or late in the afternoon (after 4 PM) is recommended. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
There are approximately 430-450 steps leading up to the Jain temple at the summit of Mandaragiri Hill. The climb is considered relaxed and takes about 10-15 minutes.
The main attractions include the unique peacock-shaped Guru Mandir at the base, the ancient Jain temples at the summit, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the Mydala Lake.
Yes, the climb up the steps is a pleasant short trek, offering scenic views along the way. It's ideal for a refreshing outdoor activity. +1
Clean toilet facilities are available at the top of the hill for visitors.
From the hilltop, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Mydala Lake. The views are particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are small shops around the foot of the hill serving snacks and tender coconut water. You can also find tea shops.
While there are snack vendors on-site, for a full meal, you might need to head back towards Tumkur town or find options on your way from Bangalore.
Visitors can find snacks like roasted groundnuts and tender coconut water sold by local vendors.
📸 📸 Photography
The peacock-shaped Guru Mandir, the Jain temples at the summit, the panoramic views of the landscape, and the Mydala Lake offer excellent photography opportunities. The golden hours of sunrise and sunset are particularly magical.
Absolutely. The elevated position provides sweeping views of the surrounding hills and plains, making it a prime spot for landscape photographers.
Information regarding drone usage is not readily available. It's advisable to check local regulations or inquire on-site before flying a drone.
The early morning hours (sunrise) and late afternoon (sunset) offer the best light for photography, creating dramatic skies and soft shadows. +1
Many visitors recommend capturing the unique architecture of the Guru Mandir and the expansive views from the hilltop, especially with the lake in the frame.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The unique peacock-shaped Guru Mandir is visually engaging for kids, and the short, 'relaxed' climb up the steps can be an adventure. Pack snacks and water, as food options are limited to small vendors. 🚶 Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
The relatively short climb and the option to drive to the top make it a flexible outing. You can enjoy the peaceful ambiance, explore the ancient Jain temples, and capture stunning photographs, especially during sunrise or sunset. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Mandaragiri Hill
+1 The presence of these sacred sites draws devotees seeking spiritual solace and a connection to their faith. The serene atmosphere atop the hill further enhances this spiritual experience, making it a peaceful retreat for contemplation and prayer. The most striking spiritual landmark is the Guru Mandir, uniquely shaped like a peacock feather and recognized with a Guinness World Record for its distinct design.
+1 This architectural marvel at the base of the hill is a testament to Jain artistry and devotion. Beyond the Guru Mandir, the climb up the hill leads to other Jain temples, offering visitors a journey through both physical ascent and spiritual exploration. The calm environment and the hilltop breeze contribute to a sense of escape and tranquility, deeply appreciated by visitors. Navigating the Climb and Views
Along the way, you can pause to enjoy the evolving views of the surrounding landscape. For those who prefer to skip the climb, there's an option to drive directly to the top, making the experience accessible to a wider range of visitors. Once at the summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. The Mydala Lake shimmers below, offering a picturesque scene, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit