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Shravanabelagola is one of the oldest and most important Jain pilgrimage sites in the world. The 57-foot Gomateshwara (Bahubali) statue, carved from a single granite outcrop in 981 CE, stands atop Vindhyagiri hill and is reached by roughly 600 rock-cut steps, many pilgrims climbing barefoot. This is a working religious site rather than a museum piece, and the calm of the climb and the view from the top are the real reasons to come, whatever your own faith.
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When to go
October to February is most comfortable for the climb. The Mahamastakabhisheka anointing ceremony happens roughly every 12 years — an extraordinary but extremely crowded event; check if one falls within your travel window.
Shravanabelagola right now and the next 7 days
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Shravanabelagola, planned for you
A satellite map for every day with each stop pinned in order, photos of the places, timings, what each part costs, where to sleep and eat, and a checklist. One PDF that works offline: print it, or send it to everyone going.
- Day 1 Arrive in Shravanabelagola · Climb to the Gomateshwara statue
- TravelFrom Mysuru: Bus via Channarayapatna₹180
- 08:00Climb to the Gomateshwara statueFree
- 10:30Chandragupta Basadi & smaller shrinesFree
- 12:00Bhandari BasadiFree
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Shravanabelagola on the map
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The area
Getting there
Places to see
Shravanabelagola · Open in Google Maps ↗
Map by Google. Places are found by name, so check the exact spot in Google Maps before you go.
Step 3 of 11Next: Cost↓What your trip costs
Change anything and the numbers update. Every price is what the bus, room or ticket itself costs. We take no commission and sell no packages, so this is what you pay booking each piece yourself.
Ballpark ranges, not live quotes. Prices last updated 6 October 2026. Prices move with season and demand, so check live fares before you book. Spot a wrong price? Tell us and we fix it.
On the ground: stay, food, local travel and tickets. Pick a route above to add the journey.
Shravanabelagola in 1 day: a day-by-day plan
Our suggested plan, in a sensible order with times. Move things between days, remove them or add more. It saves on this device, and you can share it.
- 08:00Climb to the Gomateshwara statue2 h · free · About 600 rock-cut steps, barefoot by custom — start early to avoid the hottest, most crowded hours.
- 10:30Chandragupta Basadi & smaller shrines1 h · free · On the smaller Chandragiri hill nearby, with older Jain temples and inscriptions.
- 12:00Bhandari Basadi30 min · free · A significant temple complex in the town itself, at the base of the hills.
- 13:00Lunch break
- 14:00Inscriptions and epigraphy1 h · free · The hill carries some of the earliest and most important Kannada-language inscriptions — worth reading up on before you visit.
How to get to Shravanabelagola
One-way prices per person. The cheapest sensible option is marked. Each button opens live times and fares for the date you picked above.
Bus
₹200Direct and connecting buses from Bengaluru's Majestic bus stand.
Train + bus
₹250Hassan is the nearest railhead, with onward buses or taxis.
From Mysuru Cheapest
₹180An easy add-on if travelling between Mysuru and Hassan/Belur.
Getting around once you're there
On foot (barefoot for the climb)
FreeAround 600 steps up Vindhyagiri — footwear is left at the base as per temple custom; check current rules on this.
Palanquin service
₹800Available at the base for those unable to make the climb.
Where to stay in Shravanabelagola
Price per night for the room. The buttons open live availability for your dates.
Budget
₹600/nightSimple, functional lodges catering to pilgrims.
Day trip
₹0/nightClose enough to both that many visitors don't stay overnight.
What to eat, and what it costs
Simple vegetarian meals
₹70Basic eateries near the temple complex — this is a strictly vegetarian pilgrim town.
Places to visit and things to do in Shravanabelagola
Tap “Add to my plan” and it goes into your day-by-day plan above.
Climb to the Gomateshwara statue
FreeAbout 600 rock-cut steps, barefoot by custom — start early to avoid the hottest, most crowded hours.
Chandragupta Basadi & smaller shrines
FreeOn the smaller Chandragiri hill nearby, with older Jain temples and inscriptions.
Bhandari Basadi
FreeA significant temple complex in the town itself, at the base of the hills.
Inscriptions and epigraphy
FreeThe hill carries some of the earliest and most important Kannada-language inscriptions — worth reading up on before you visit.
Day trips and next stops
Step 9 of 11Next: Tips↓Know before you go
Mistakes to avoid
- The climb is barefoot by long-standing temple custom on the main steps — check the current position and bring a cloth or socks for the hot granite if needed.
- The granite steps get very hot by midday in summer — climb early morning.
- If your visit coincides with the Mahamastakabhisheka anointing (roughly every 12 years), expect very large crowds and plan well ahead.
Ways to spend less
- Climb at dawn — cooler stone, fewer people, and a genuinely serene view from the top.
- Pair it naturally with Belur and Halebidu for a single Hassan-district heritage day.
- This is one of the least commercialised major pilgrimage sites in South India — treat it with the quiet it's kept.
Say it in Kannada
A few words go a long way, especially when you ask a price.
Hindi and English work in most towns and with drivers.
The pronunciation is a simple guide, not a native recording. Spot a mistake? Tell us.
Before-you-go checklist
Shravanabelagola in pictures
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Step 11 of 11Next: FAQ↓Questions people ask
When is the best time to visit Shravanabelagola?
On our month-by-month scores, the best months are Jan–Feb, Oct–Dec. October to February is most comfortable for the climb. The Mahamastakabhisheka anointing ceremony happens roughly every 12 years — an extraordinary but extremely crowded event; check if one falls within your travel window.
How do I reach Shravanabelagola?
Bus: Bengaluru → Shravanabelagola (via Channarayapatna), 3 h 30 m, about ₹200 one way. Train + bus: → Hassan, then 1 h, varies + 1 h, about ₹250 one way. From Mysuru: Bus via Channarayapatna, 2 h 30 m, about ₹180 one way.
How much does a 1-day trip to Shravanabelagola cost?
On the ground (stay, food, local travel and tickets), one person spends about ₹700 on a shoestring, ₹1,400 mid-range or ₹2,800 in comfort over 1 day. Add the journey: the cheapest sensible option is from mysuru (Bus via Channarayapatna) at about ₹180 each way.
How many days do you need in Shravanabelagola?
1 day is right for most people. That covers Climb to the Gomateshwara statue, Chandragupta Basadi & smaller shrines, Bhandari Basadi, Inscriptions and epigraphy without rushing.
Is Shravanabelagola good for families or solo travellers?
Out of 5 on our scores: solo 5, couples 4, families 4, groups 4. It works well for families. It is easy to do on your own.
Is vegetarian food easy to find in Shravanabelagola?
Universal — Shravanabelagola is an entirely vegetarian town given its religious significance.
Will my phone and cards work in Shravanabelagola?
Phone signal: Good. Cards and UPI: Rarely accepted. Cash: Essential for most local transactions.
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Make the plan yours
Set your dates and group at the top, shape the days, then book each piece directly.
Back to the planner ↑Costs are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we don't sell packages or bookings, we take no commission, and we link to maps and official sites, never to booking sites. Every guide is free; our only paid products are optional downloadable trip plans and itineraries. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.
By Gokul · Updated 6 October 2026 · Photo: Vinayaraj · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Rohit14400 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Pradam · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source · Photo: Dineshkannambadi ( talk ) 01:06, 21 May 2008 (UTC) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source · Photo: HoysalaPhotos · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
