Mandaragiri Hill - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 12 km from Tumkur Bus Stand, and 60 km from Bangalore, Mandaragiri Hill or Basadi Betta is a small settlement in the Tumkur district of Karnataka. It is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Bangalore.

Mandaragiri Hill has evolved as a popular Jain pilgrimage center mainly because it houses four ancient Digambar Jain temples built between the 12th & 14th centuries and got restored recently. These small Jain temples belonged to Bhagwan Chandranatha, Bhagwan Parshwanatha, and Bhagwan Suparshwanatha. The first thing to notice at the base of the hill is the Manastambha, a beautifully carved pillar-like structure similar to the ones adorning the thousand pillars temple in Moodabidri.

There is a statue of Chandranatha Tirthankara to the right ahead of Manastambha. Close to it to the right, there is the Guru Mandir, built in the shape of a pinchi, a peacock feather fan carried by the Jain munis. The dome was used as a meditation center. Behind the hill is a beautiful lake known as Mydala Kere. The calm waters along with dense forest and mighty hills make for a perfect spot to sit and enjoy your serene morning.

There are about 450 steps carved on the rock and hardly takes 15 minutes to climb the hillock. While on top, you will be treated with a 360-degree view of the entire surrounding. The best thing about the hill is you can enjoy scenic sunset from the top of this hill.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free