Sravanabelagola — home to the magnificent 58-foot Gommateshwara (Lord Bahubali) statue, carved from a single block of granite around 981 AD — is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites in the world and an extraordinary day trip from Bangalore. Located about 158 km west via NH75 in Hassan district, Karnataka, this sacred hilltop town draws pilgrims, historians, and travellers alike. The colossal statue of Lord Bahubali stands at the summit of Vindhyagiri hill and is visible from kilometres away — a sight that leaves a lasting impression regardless of your faith.
Sravanabelagola has been a Jain pilgrimage site for over two millennia. The current Gommateshwara statue was commissioned by the Ganga kingdom general Chavundaraya around 981 AD and is considered one of the largest monolithic statues in the world. Every 12 years, the site hosts the Mahamastakabhisheka — a grand anointing ceremony where the statue is bathed in milk, saffron, gold coins, and flowers by hundreds of thousands of devotees. It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world when it takes place.
This guide covers everything for your Bangalore–Sravanabelagola trip: per-km cab fares, the best route, the 614-step climb, temple timings, what to see, practical tips, and nearby Hoysala temples you can combine on the same day.
About Sravanabelagola — Gommateshwara (Bahubali) Temple
🕉️ Sravanabelagola — Where the Colossus Stands
The name Sravanabelagola is derived from Kannada and Sanskrit, meaning roughly "the monk in the pond of white" — reflecting its ancient identity as a Jain meditation site. The 58-foot (17.7 m) Gommateshwara statue of Lord Bahubali towers over Vindhyagiri hill. Carved by craftsmen of the Ganga dynasty around 981 AD, it depicts Bahubali in the kayotsarga posture of deep meditation, with vines growing up his legs — symbolising his years of immovable penance. The site also includes the smaller Chandragiri hill opposite, with a cluster of Jain temples, bastis, and a beautiful pond between the two hills.
Cab Fare from Bangalore to Sravanabelagola — 2026
Fares are charged per km for the approximately 158 km route. Driver charges, toll and parking charges are extra at actuals. Sravanabelagola is within Karnataka — no interstate permit charge applies.
| Vehicle | Seats | Rate per km | Min. km/Day | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Dzire / Swift) | 4 | ₹12/km | 300 km | 💬 Book |
| Ertiga | 6 | ₹16/km | 300 km | 💬 Book |
| Innova Crysta | 7 | ₹19/km | 300 km | 💬 Book |
⚠️ Minimum 300 km billed per day regardless of actual km travelled. Driver charges, toll and parking charges extra at actuals. WhatsApp us for a custom quote →
✅ No Interstate Permit Required: Sravanabelagola is in Hassan district, Karnataka — entirely within the same state as Bangalore. No interstate permit or road tax charge applies to this trip. Your fare is simply per km plus driver charges, toll and parking at actuals.
Choose Your Vehicle
All three vehicles are AC, GPS-tracked, and regularly serviced. Your driver stays with you throughout the trip and will wait at the Sravanabelagola parking area while you climb and explore. Rates below are per km; driver charges, toll and parking charges are extra.
Best Route: Bangalore to Sravanabelagola
The recommended route is via NH75 (Bangalore–Mangalore highway) — smooth, well-maintained, and about 158 km from central Bangalore.
💡 Pro Tip: Leave Bangalore by 6:00–6:30 AM to reach Sravanabelagola by 9:30 AM. This lets you climb Vindhyagiri hill in cooler morning air, complete your visit, and still have time to add Belur or Halebidu on the way back.
Sravanabelagola — Timings & Key Details
📋 Quick Reference — Timings & Facts
⚠️ Footwear Rule: All visitors must remove footwear at the base of Vindhyagiri hill before beginning the climb. The 614 granite steps can be smooth and uneven. Socks are recommended in summer when the stone gets hot. Carry your footwear in a bag — it is not stored at the base.
What to See and Do at Sravanabelagola
🗿 Gommateshwara Statue (Vindhyagiri Hill)
The 58-foot monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali at the summit of Vindhyagiri hill is the centrepiece of the visit. Carved around 981 AD from a single granite rock, it depicts Bahubali in deep meditation with creepers winding up his legs — a breathtaking sight from up close and visible for kilometres from the plains below.
🪜 The 614-Step Climb
The ascent of Vindhyagiri hill covers 614 carved granite steps. The climb takes 20–30 minutes at a steady pace. All footwear must be removed at the base — take it slowly, especially in summer. The panoramic views of the plains from the top make the effort worthwhile.
🏯 Chandragiri Hill
Opposite Vindhyagiri, the smaller Chandragiri hill holds a cluster of ancient Jain bastis (temples) and shrines, including the Chamundaraya Basti and the Akkana Basti, dating from the 10th–12th centuries. Far fewer visitors climb this hill, making it a quieter complement to the main statue visit.
⛲ The Kalyani (Temple Pond)
Between the two hills lies a beautiful stepped tank — the Kalyani — flanked by Jain temples and rest houses used by pilgrims. A peaceful spot to rest after the climb, often bustling with devotees in the morning hours.
🛕 Jain Bastis in Town
Sravanabelagola town itself contains over 50 ancient Jain temples and inscriptions, including the Bhandari Basti, Akkana Basti, and various mandapas. The town is a living Jain pilgrimage centre, not just a monument complex.
📜 Mahamastakabhisheka
Every 12 years, Sravanabelagola hosts the Mahamastakabhisheka — the grand anointing of the Gommateshwara statue with milk, saffron, flowers, gold coins, and jewels. One of the world's largest religious gatherings. The next one is expected around 2030–2031.
Best Time to Visit Sravanabelagola from Bangalore
Sravanabelagola can be visited year-round, but October to February is the most comfortable season — cooler temperatures make the 614-step climb significantly more pleasant.
The best time of day is early morning, from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM — the stone steps and open summit are far cooler, the light is better for photography, and crowds are thinner on weekdays. Avoid weekend afternoons and public holidays when queues on the steps can be long.
If the Mahamastakabhisheka falls within your travel window, plan well in advance — the town fills with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and accommodation within 50 km gets booked months ahead.
Practical Tips for Your Sravanabelagola Trip
- Leave Bangalore early: Depart by 6:00–6:30 AM to reach by 9:30 AM and climb in cooler conditions.
- Remove footwear at the base of Vindhyagiri hill — carry a bag to hold your shoes during the climb. Socks help on hot granite in summer.
- Carry water and a cap — the summit and steps have limited shade and can be very hot from 10 AM onwards.
- The steps are smooth granite — go slowly, especially on the way down, which is steeper-feeling than the ascent.
- Dress modestly — Sravanabelagola is an active pilgrimage site. Light, comfortable, easily removable footwear works best.
- Photography of the statue is allowed from the viewing areas at the summit.
- Small eateries and refreshment stalls are available at the base of the hill. Carry cash for these.
- Your Saraswathi driver waits at the parking area while you complete the visit.
Nearby Places to Combine with Sravanabelagola
Sravanabelagola sits at the heart of Karnataka's Hoysala heritage belt. These destinations are all within a 40–80 km radius and can be combined for a full heritage day trip.
Where to Eat Near Sravanabelagola
Sravanabelagola is a Jain pilgrimage town — all eateries in the immediate area are strictly vegetarian, and many are sattvic (no onion or garlic). Options are simple and filling rather than elaborate. Most visitors eat a light breakfast before the climb and a proper meal in Channarayapatna or Hassan on the way back.
🍽️ Prasad & Temple Canteens
Small canteens and prasad counters near the base of Vindhyagiri hill serve idli, vada, pongal, and light South Indian breakfast from around 7 AM. Good for a quick bite before or after the climb. Carry cash — UPI may not be accepted everywhere.
🌿 KSTDC Mayura Hotel, Sravanabelagola
The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation's Mayura property near the site offers basic South Indian vegetarian meals — rice, sambar, rasam, and curries. Reliable, clean, and reasonably priced. Suitable for a sit-down meal after your visit.
🍱 Restaurants in Channarayapatna
Channarayapatna town, about 18 km from Sravanabelagola on NH75, has several mid-range restaurants serving full South Indian and North Karnataka thali meals. A popular lunch stop for travellers on the Bangalore–Hassan corridor heading back. Darshinis here are clean and quick.
🍛 Hassan City Restaurants
Hassan city, around 40 km from Sravanabelagola, has the widest dining options in the region — from South Indian darshinis and hotel buffets to North Indian and Chinese restaurants. If you are combining Sravanabelagola with Belur and Halebidu, Hassan makes an ideal lunch stop between the two legs.
💡 Food Tip: Sravanabelagola town has no non-vegetarian restaurants — this is a strict Jain pilgrimage zone. If you have non-vegetarian preferences in your group, plan your meal stop at Channarayapatna (18 km) or Hassan (40 km) where regular restaurants are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
The road distance from Bangalore to Sravanabelagola is approximately 158 km via NH75 and SH17. The cab journey takes 3 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic.
Fares are charged per km: ₹12/km for a Sedan, ₹16/km for an Ertiga, and ₹19/km for an Innova Crysta, with a minimum of 300 km billed per day. Driver charges, toll and parking charges are extra. WhatsApp for instant confirmation →
Yes, Sravanabelagola is in Hassan district, Karnataka — the same state as Bangalore. No interstate permit or road tax charge applies. This is a fully within-Karnataka trip.
Entry is free. There is no ticket to visit Sravanabelagola, climb Vindhyagiri hill, or see the Gommateshwara statue. All footwear must be removed at the base of the hill.
Vindhyagiri hill has 614 granite steps leading to the Gommateshwara statue at the summit. The climb takes 20–30 minutes at a steady pace. The steps are smooth and can be slippery — go slowly, especially on the descent.
The site is open 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the morning and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the afternoon. Morning visits are strongly recommended to avoid the midday heat on the exposed granite steps.
October to February offers the most comfortable weather. The best time of day is early morning from 6:30 AM for cooler conditions on the steps and fewer crowds.
Yes. Sravanabelagola, Belur, and Halebidu form a classic Hoysala heritage circuit, all within Hassan district. Belur and Halebidu are about 40 km from Sravanabelagola. Depart Bangalore by 6:00 AM for a comfortable full-day itinerary. WhatsApp for a combined quote →
Sravanabelagola is famous for the 58-foot monolithic Gommateshwara (Lord Bahubali) statue, carved around 981 AD from a single granite rock — one of the largest monolithic statues in the world. It is one of the most sacred Jain pilgrimage sites in India and the venue for the Mahamastakabhisheka, a grand anointing ceremony held every 12 years.
The best route is NH75 via Nelamangala → Kunigal → Channarayapatna → Sravanabelagola on SH17. Approximately 158 km on smooth highways, taking 3 to 3.5 hours.
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