Gopalaswamy Betta: A quick getaway from Wayanad

Do you love the exhilaration of the high ranges - here is one quick getaway that you can hitch to, from Wayanad.

Gopalaswamy Betta of Gopalaswamy Hills is in Gundlupete Taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. It is just 80 km from Kalpetta. The lush green hillstation nestled in the Western Ghats is a place worth exploring.

The journey to Gopalaswamy Hills is in itself an experience – the road courses through the Wayanad Wildlife Reserve and the Bandipur Tiger reserve.

The lucky ones could see elephants, deer, mountain squirrel, Indian gaur, and even a tiger. The forest trail extends to 12 km and the journey enters Gundulpet where the jungle merges on a blurring contour with the green farmlands. During Onam season in Kerala, Gundulpet farmers take up vegetable cultivation to cash in on the high demand. Rest of the year, the fields of Gundulpet becomes a floral carpet with farmers growing a variety of flowers.

One has to take a right turn from Gundulpet town, on Ooty road. After driving down for 8 km, there is a deviation to Gopalaswamy Hills. From here, the destination is just 12 km.

Gopalaswamy Hills is at an elevation of 1454 feet. Private vehicles are not allowed on to the hill road. Visitors need to rely on Karnataka State Transport Corporation buses to reach the place. The ticket rate is Rs 50 and the bus journey is worth the amount. As the vehicle climbs up, the beauty of the valley below unfolds in all splendor from as veils of mist play a little hide-and-seek.

Gopalaswamy Hills also has a temple atop and many visit the place on pilgrimage too. It said the temple was constructed in memory of Chola King Bellala Srikrishnan. The temple and the precincts are a bit windy. There is complete ban on taking food and plastics to the spot.