One-day Trip to Mandaragiri Betta and Peacock Temple Tumkur (2024)

I saw a picture of the peacock temple on Instagram a couple of years ago. I was instantly drawn and mesmerised by its beauty, and at that immediate moment, the place had made it to my bucket list. So, when I visited Bangalore, I visited Mandaragiri Betta to see the peacock temple in Tumkur. I spoke to my friend, and we made a plan. We decided to take an outstation Ola cab and visit this place as a day trip from Bangalore.

The outstation cab for the entire day cost us about Rupees 2000, and booking it was straightforward on the Ola app.

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Where is Mandaragiri betta?

The Basada or Mandaragiri betta (hill) is about 65 kilometres from Bangalore in Tumkur. It is in a quiet village called Pandithanahalli.

Two things can be done here – one is to hike the Mandaragiri betta, and the other is to visit the Peacock temple. These places are combined to make a perfect one-day trip from Bangalore. You need at least 4 hours to cover both these places.

The best time to visit Mandaragiri betta is during the spring and winter (November to February), as it is not hot. The hill can get very hot during the summer season.

The Peacock Temple is an awesome place for photographers, and the best time to take amazing pictures is either during sunrise or sunset.

How to Reach Mandaragiri betta?

By Road

The best way to get there is by driving. As mentioned, the Mandaragiri betta is around 65 kilometres (approximately 1.5 hours) from Bangalore. The roads are in good condition, and it is a pleasant drive to the place.

There is plenty of parking space and it is absolutely free.

By Public Transport

There are frequent trains between Bangalore city and Tumkur. The train journey takes about 50 minutes and costs only Rupees 25. The train journey can be booked on the IRCTC website.

State transport buses also leave from Majestic, which takes around 1- 2 hours to reach Tumkur. The bus stop to get down is either Pandithanahalli Cross or Basadi Betta Cross. The bus journey cost on a state transport bus is only Rupees 85, and the tickets can be booked on the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) website.

Note: For such short journeys on the trains and buses, one need not book the tickets well in advance. They can be purchased at the counters near the stations. For buses, one can purchase tickets after boarding the bus.

Part 1 – Mandaragiri Betta

The Mandaragiri Betta is a small hill with 434 steps (~ 500 meters one way) to reach the peak. The trek is straightforward and suitable for beginners and kids. Bangalore has been blessed with plenty of one-day treks around the city, and Mandaragiri Betta is one of them.

On top of the hill, there are four Jain temples. The temples are said to have been constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries. There is also a small pond behind the temples where one can get spectacular views of the villages.

Unfortunately, the temples were all closed when I visited. I was also told that the temples can be seen only by those who follow Jainism; I am unsure if this is true. Nevertheless, the views of the Mydala Lake from the top are spectacular.

Logistics for Mandaragiri Betta Trek

• Distance: approx. 2 kilometres one way.
• Steps: 434 steps (~ 500 metres one way).
• Grade: Easy.
• Time taken: 15 to 20 minutes one way.
• Cost: FREE.

Part 2 – Peacock Jain Temple

The place also has a famous pilgrim temple called Peacock Jain Temple for Jainism. At the foothills of the Mandaragiri betta is the Peacock Jain temple. It is a nicely constructed Jain temple resembling peacock feathers called Pinchi. The temple also hosts a giant statue of Mahavir Jain. The temple is a very famous Instagram spot, especially during sunsets.

The temple also hosts a massive statue of Chandranatha Thirthankara, a smaller version of the Gomateshwara statue in Shravanabelagola.

Important Information

• Ensure that you wear sturdy shoes to climb the Mandaragiri betta. Carry an extra pair of socks just in case of blisters.
• Carry sufficient water and snacks as there are no restaurants or shops nearby. And one needs a good amount of water during a hot day.
• The closest darshini/dhaba (restaurant) is 5 kilometres from the betta (hill) on the highway. Enjoy a good filter coffee in one of these darshinis.
• There is a toilet facility for ladies near the Peacock Jain temple. The keys to the toilet can be taken from the security guard.
• There are no monkeys on the hill, which was a relief for me as the only animals I stay away from are primarily monkeys.
• DO NOT LITTER OR THROW GARBAGE. Take your garbage with you and do not dirty the place.

You can also visit Mydala Lake along with Mandaragiri betta and Peacock temple. However, the road to the lake is a mud road.

Safety for Solo Travelers

The place is safe. The hill has no bushes or hidden areas, and this hike can be attempted solo. These are some of the few places where I felt safe, and the best thing is that the hill has no monkeys. However, I would not recommend visiting this place during the dark as it can get very isolated quickly. Also, be vigilant about your surroundings and always be cautious when traveling alone.

Closing notes

The Mandaragiri betta and the Peacock Jain temple are a must-visit getaway from Bangalore. They are beautiful, and spending a day with family and friends is great. I recommend visiting this magical place and taking some awesome pictures.

Also, read

• Karnataka Travel Diaries
• Tripoto website

PIN for later reference – Mandaragiri Betta and Peacock Temple Tumkur