A trip from Bangalore to Shravanabelagola is one of the best short pilgrimages you can plan for a single day or a relaxed weekend. Whether you are riding solo on a motorbike or travelling with your family in a car, this travel plan will help you cover Vindhyagiri, the Bahubali statue, and Chandragiri Hill smoothly and without any rush.

Shravanabelagola is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites in India. It is home to the world-famous monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali (Gomateshwara), which stands 57 feet tall on top of Vindhyagiri Hill. This is also an ancient historic town with over 1,000 years of Jain heritage preserved in inscriptions, basadis, mantapas and caves.

Unlike many long pilgrimages, this is a simple and peaceful trip with a beautiful hill climb, scenic roads, and a calm spiritual atmosphere that makes it perfect for families, elders, bike riders, and history lovers.

Route Overview

Bangalore → Nelamangala → Kunigal → Channarayapatna → Hirisave → Shravanabelagola → Hirisave → Bangalore

Total Distance: Around 145 km
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Suitable for: One-day trip or half-day trip

Bangalore → Kunigal → Channarayapatna → Shravanabelagola

Bangalore → Kunigal (70 km)
Start from Bangalore around 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM. This timing helps you avoid morning city traffic while ensuring you reach Shravanabelagola before the sun becomes too strong.
Take NH75 towards Hassan. The highway is wide, smooth, and ideal for cars and bikes.
Food options on this stretch include multiple restaurants every 20–30 km:

• Kamat Upachar
• Swathi Delicacy
• Vishnu Bhavan
• Sri Durga Upahar

You can either stop for breakfast near Nelamangala or Kunigal.

Kunigal → Channarayapatna → Hirisave (55 km)
Continue on NH75. The road becomes scenic with open fields and farmlands on both sides.
You will cross:

• Yadiyur
• Bellur Cross
• Channarayapatna

From Channarayapatna to Hirisave, the road remains smooth. At Hirisave, take a right turn towards Shravanabelagola. The direction boards are clearly visible.

Hirisave → Shravanabelagola (18 km)
This is a beautiful countryside road with less traffic. You will pass small villages, coconut farms, and local Jain communities.
You will reach the town by 8:00–8:30 AM if you start early.
Park your vehicle near the base of Vindhyagiri Hill. There are dedicated parking spaces for tourists and pilgrims.

Shravanabelagola Pilgrimage Plan

Once you reach, start with the main attraction: the Bahubali statue on Vindhyagiri Hill.

Vindhyagiri Hill Climb (650–700 steps)

The climb takes around:

• 45 minutes for average visitors
• 1.5 hour for elders or slow-paced pilgrims

Footwear must be removed before starting the climb. Early morning is the best time, as the hill can get hot during afternoons.

During the climb, you will find:

• Resting platforms
• Small mantapas
• Carvings and inscriptions
• Scenic viewpoints

Once you reach the top, you will see the magnificent statue of Lord Bahubali standing peacefully, symbolizing meditation, renunciation, and victory over ego.

Things to See on Top:

• Bahubali Statue
• Chamundaraya Mantapa
• Tyagada Kamba
• Pillars with ancient Kannada inscriptions
• Full panoramic view of the town

Spend at least 30–45 minutes at the top to explore everything peacefully.

Next: Visit Chandragiri Hill

After descending Vindhyagiri, take a break, hydrate yourself, and then walk towards Chandragiri Hill, which is located opposite Vindhyagiri.

Chandragiri Hill is less steep and has a shorter climb.

This hill contains:

• More than 10 Jain basadis (temples)
• Memorials of Jain monks
• Historical inscriptions dating back to 9th–12th century
• The place where Chandragupta Maurya spent his final years

Spend around 45 minutes to 1 hour exploring the basadis. This hill is peaceful and perfect for devotees who like quiet meditation spots.

Lunch and Rest

After completing both hills, you should finish by 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.

Food options in Shravanabelagola include:

• Jain bhojanalayas
• Local vegetarian restaurants
• Andhra and Karnataka-style meals

Most restaurants are simple, clean, and affordable.

If needed, you can rest for an hour or two, especially if you are travelling with elders or children.

Optional Nearby Places

If you have extra time, you can consider visiting:

1. Bahubali Talab (Kalyani)

A historic pond that gives the town its name. Good for photography and a peaceful walk.

2. Belagola Lake

A clean, scenic lake where you can relax before heading back.

3. Shravanabelagola Museum

Small museum with sculptures, Jain artifacts, and ancient documents.

Return Journey: Shravanabelagola → Hirisave → Bangalore

Start your return journey anytime between 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

This helps you avoid nighttime highway traffic.

Shravanabelagola → Hirisave (18 km)
The countryside drive is relaxing and easy.

Hirisave → Channarayapatna → Kunigal → Bangalore (145 km)
Once you join NH75 again, the drive is smooth and straightforward.
Ideal break points:

• Channarayapatna for tea
• Kunigal for early dinner
• Nelamangala before entering Bangalore city

You should reach Bangalore by 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM, depending on your start time and breaks.

Helpful Tips for Travellers

1. Climbing Tips

• Start early to avoid heat
• Carry water bottles
• Wear light clothing
• The climb is doable even for elders with small breaks

2. Best Time

• October to February is pleasant
• Avoid afternoons in summer

3. Footwear Rules

• Must remove slippers before the climb
• You can carry them in hand if needed

4. Health Tips

• People with knee issues can hire doli services
• Stay hydrated throughout

5. Photography

• Photography is allowed in most places except inside some basadis.
• The top of Vindhyagiri is excellent for panoramic photos.

6. Accommodation

Even though it’s a one-day trip, stays are available:

• Jain dharmashalas
• Small lodges
• Budget hotels

You can stay if you want to explore the place slowly.

Why This Trip Is Perfect for Bangaloreans

Shravanabelagola is ideal because:

• Short distance
• Perfect for one-day spiritual travel
• Good roads and easy navigation
• Safe for families and solo riders
• Rich in heritage and culture

It gives a refreshing break from city life and offers a peaceful spiritual experience.

Conclusion

This travel plan gives you a clear understanding of how to visit Shravanabelagola from Bangalore, the ideal timings, the hill climb process, and the important places you can explore in a single day. Shravanabelagola is a peaceful Jain pilgrimage site with deep historical roots and stunning hilltop views. The journey is simple, scenic, and spiritually enriching.

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