Planning a quick day trip near Bengaluru? Mandaragiri Hills—also known as Basadi Betta—packs a serene trek, a one-of-a-kind Peacock Temple (Guru Mandir), and sweeping views of Mydala (Maidala) Kere. This guide gives you the latest Mandaragiri Hills timings, the best hours for sunrise/sunset, how to reach, fees, dress code, a one-day itinerary, and practical tips. Simple, clear, and skimmable—so you can plan in minutes.
Quick note on accuracy: Most details here are based on recent travel guides and visitor reports. Timings and on-ground rules can change on festival days or due to maintenance. Always check the signboard or with attendants at the gate when you arrive.
Mandaragiri Hills Timings (Quick Answer)
Short answer: Typical visiting hours for Mandaragiri Hill and the Guru Mandir are around sunrise to early evening. The most commonly reported window is 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM; several recent guides also list 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Arrive early for cool weather, soft light, and easy parking. Always follow the “last entry” on the onsite board that day.
“At a glance” timings
| Day | Hill access (steps) | Guru Mandir (Peacock Temple) | Suggested last entry | Best light for photos | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon–Fri | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM* | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM* | ~5:30 PM | 6:15–8:30 AM; 4:30–6:00 PM | *Some visitors report 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Check onsite. |
| Sat–Sun | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM* | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM* | ~5:30 PM | Sunrise and one hour before sunset | Weekend crowds; arrive early. |
| Festival days | Varies | Varies | Varies | — | Expect crowds; timings may shift. |
*Last verified from multiple travel listings and recent guides; onsite boards take precedence on the day.
Best Time to Visit (Season & Time of Day)
Mandaragiri works year-round, but a little timing makes it great.
Sunrise vs. Sunset
| Slot | Why go | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise | Cool weather, softer crowds, golden light on the Guru Mandir façade | Crisp views; easy parking if you arrive before 8:30 AM; great for families |
| Sunset | Warm tones over the lake; 360° views from the top | Popular hour—expect more people; watch your descent in fading light. A popular guide highlights sunset as a top draw. |
By season
| Season | Months | Weather & crowd pattern | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-monsoon / Winter | Oct–Feb | Pleasant, clear skies; peak season for short treks | Aim for early starts on weekends |
| Pre-monsoon (Summer) | Mar–May | Hot mid-day; mornings/evenings are fine | Carry water, cap, sunscreen |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Green and dramatic; steps can be slick | Slow, careful descent after showers |
A popular day-trip guide also suggests planning before 9:00 AM to beat both heat and crowds.
Tickets, Entry Fee & Parking
There is no standard “entry fee” to walk the steps and visit the hilltop basadis; visitors commonly report free entry, with parking charged at the complex. A recent 2025 trip report mentions a small temple entry of ₹10 at the Guru Mandir; treat this as subject to change and verify on arrival.
| Item | Typical situation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hill / basadi access | Free | Donations welcome |
| Guru Mandir entry | Reported ₹10 by a 2025 visitor account | May vary; confirm onsite. |
| Parking | Charged (amount varies) | Pay at the lot by the complex wall; commonplace across accounts. |
| Camera/phone | Allowed in outdoor areas | Inside the Guru Mandir, photography is restricted; follow signs/attendants. |
How Many Steps & Trek Difficulty
Expect a short, family-friendly climb.
| Metric | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Steps | Reported between 430 and 460 steps (most commonly cited ~450). Variation comes from different counts and partial sections. |
| Effort | Easy to easy-moderate; steady gradient, carved steps |
| Time up | 15–20 minutes for most adults; longer with photo stops. |
| Footwear | Remove shoes inside temple areas; decent shoes for the hill steps |
| Hydration | Carry water; shade is limited mid-day |
How to Reach Mandaragiri Hills
Mandaragiri sits near Tumakuru (Tumkur), roughly 60–65 km from Bengaluru depending on your start point.
| Mode | Route & time | How-to |
|---|---|---|
| Self-drive (car/bike) | ~60 km / 1.5–2 hrs via NH 75 (Bengaluru–Tumakuru); turn near Dobbaspet / Pandithanahalli for the complex | Smooth highway; start early on weekends. Multiple guides put Mandaragiri ~60–70 km from Bengaluru. |
| Train + auto | Train to Tumakuru; hire auto/taxi for ~12 km to the temple | Good if you prefer public transport part-way. |
| Bus + auto | KSRTC to Tumakuru, then auto to Madagondanahalli | Budget-friendly |
| Tours | Many Bengaluru operators run half-day/day trips | Check inclusions and start times |
What to See at Mandaragiri
You’ll find three main clusters: the Guru Mandir (base), the Chandraprabha statue and manastambha (base), and the hilltop Jain basadis with the lake views.
1) Guru Mandir (Peacock Temple / Pinchi Temple)
The Guru Mandir is an 81-ft-tall meditation hall shaped like a pinchi—the peacock-feather fan carried by Digambara Jain monks. It’s dedicated to Acharya 108 Shantisagarji and is the complex’s most iconic structure for visitors. The hall opened in 2014. Respect the quiet; it’s a meditation space.
Inside the hall, photography is typically not allowed. You’ll see signboards and attendants enforcing the rule—please comply. Shoes stay outside.
2) Chandraprabha statue & manastambha (base)
Near the Guru Mandir stands a monolithic statue of Tirthankara Chandraprabha and a manastambha (pillar). Many guides note this ensemble at the base before the hill steps begin.
3) Hilltop Jain basadis (12th–14th century)
At the top of the hill, within a stone enclosure, you’ll find four historic Digambara Jain temples (basadis) dated to the 12th–14th centuries; three are dedicated to Chandraprabha, Parshvanatha, and Suparshvanatha.
4) Mydala (Maidala) Kere view
Behind the hill is Mydala/Maidala Kere, a lake that makes the sunset view feel extra special; it’s one reason many people stay for the evening light.
Highlights table
| Place | Why it’s special | Quick tips |
|---|---|---|
| Guru Mandir | One-of-a-kind pinchi/peacock-themed hall; 81-ft structure | Keep silence; no photography inside; shoes off. |
| Chandraprabha statue & manastambha | Striking sculptures at the base | Good photo stop before the climb. |
| Basadis on top | 12th–14th-century temples; serene courtyard | Carry water; respect temple etiquette. |
| Lake viewpoint | Panoramas over Mydala/Maidala Kere | Great at golden hour/sunset. |
Dress Code, Etiquette & Photography
Mandaragiri is a pilgrimage site. A little etiquette goes a long way.
| Topic | Simple guidance |
|---|---|
| Dress | Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is best for temple areas |
| Footwear | Remove shoes in the Guru Mandir and any shrine enclosures |
| Silence | Guru Mandir is a meditation hall—please keep voices low |
| Photography | Allowed outdoors; restricted inside Guru Mandir—follow signage |
| Drones | Avoid flying; respect privacy and local rules |
| Waste | Carry litter out; keep the hill and lake area clean |
The no-photography rule inside the hall is noted by recent visitors.
1-Day Itinerary from Bengaluru (Sample)
Goal: catch sunrise or early morning light, explore peacefully, and be back by evening.
| Time | Plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Depart Bengaluru | Beat traffic and the heat |
| 7:00 AM | Reach Mandaragiri; park | Cooler temps; empty frames |
| 7:10–8:00 AM | Explore the Guru Mandir & base sculptures | Quieter hall; good photo light outside |
| 8:00–8:25 AM | Climb the steps to the top | Easy gradient; ~15–20 minutes |
| 8:25–9:30 AM | Visit the basadis; relax by the viewpoint | Calm before day crowds |
| 9:30–10:00 AM | Descent; water break | Avoid harsh sun |
| 10:00–11:00 AM | Mydala Kere side walk / photos | Breezy views over the lake |
| 11:00 AM–12:30 PM | Brunch near Tumakuru or highway | Plenty of eateries along NH 75 |
| Optional add-ons | Devarayanadurga or Shivaganga on the way back if energy allows | Popular day-trip combos from Bengaluru. |
How Many Kilometres from Bengaluru? (And Nearby Combos)
Mandaragiri sits about 60 km from Bengaluru and ~12 km from Tumakuru Bus Stand. This is a half-day detour if you’re short on time, and an easy full day if you add a second stop.
| Place to combine | Distance from Mandaragiri | Why add it |
|---|---|---|
| Devarayanadurga | ~30–35 km | Hill temples, viewpoints; classic Tumakuru circuit |
| Shivaganga | ~45–50 km | Iconic hill with steps and shrines; harder climb |
| Madhugiri Fort | ~50–55 km | A bigger trek for seasoned hikers |
| Siddara Betta | ~60–70 km | Caves and hill walk |
(Driving times change with traffic; start early.)
Practical Planning: What to Pack & Expect
Pack light: water (1–2 L), cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, a small snack, and basic first aid. The steps are carved into a monolith—shade is limited mid-day. Families with kids and seniors often do the climb; take your time and rest where needed.
Facilities: Expect parking adjacent to the complex wall, a small gardened campus around the Guru Mandir, and basic stalls for water or snacks. Card/UPI acceptance varies—carry some cash.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the Mandaragiri Hills timings today?
Most listings and recent guides show 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Some travelers report 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. The onsite board is final for the day.
Is there an entry fee?
Walking the hill is generally free. Expect paid parking; one 2025 account mentioned ₹10 inside the Guru Mandir. Treat fees as subject to change.
How many steps are there?
Expect ~430–460 steps; most guides say about 450. Allow 15–20 minutes up.
Can I take photos inside the Peacock Temple?
No—photography is restricted inside the hall. You can shoot the exterior, statue, and views outside.
How far is Mandaragiri from Bengaluru?
Around 60 km (1.5–2 hours) by road, depending on where you start.
Is sunrise entry allowed?
Arriving around 6:00–7:00 AM is common on normal days; check the board and be respectful of any restricted areas before posted opening time.
Is camping allowed? Can I fly a drone?
Camping is not allowed; avoid drones and follow local rules and etiquette.
SEO-friendly Quick Facts (for skimmers)
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Alternate names | Basadi Betta, Guru Mandir, Peacock Temple |
| District & state | Tumakuru, Karnataka |
| Main deities (hilltop basadis) | Chandraprabha, Parshvanatha, Suparshvanatha (Digambara) |
| Guru Mandir height & dedication | 81 ft, dedicated to Acharya 108 Shantisagarji; hall inaugurated in 2014 ( |
| Lake behind the hill | Mydala/Maidala Kere—great viewpoints at golden hour |
| Distance from Bengaluru | ~60 km; easy half-day trip |
| Steps & difficulty | ~450 steps, easy to easy-moderate, 15–20 minutes up |
Pro Tips for a Better Experience
- Start early (before 8:30 AM) for cool weather, parking, and uncluttered photos.
- Carry water and a cap; shade is limited mid-day on the monolith.
- Weekdays are quieter; festival days are busier—plan buffer time.
- Respect no-photography signs in the hall; it’s a meditation space.
Conclusion
Mandaragiri is small but special: a short climb, a distinctive peacock-feather-themed meditation hall, and calm views over Mydala Kere. If you pick the right hours—early morning or late afternoon—you’ll get soft light, fewer crowds, and a gentle half-day that blends nature with heritage. Keep it simple: arrive early, carry water, and be mindful in sacred spaces. That’s the Mandaragiri way.