Chamundi Hills

Chamundi Hills in Mysore (celebrated across India as Mahabalachala, one of the 18 sacred Maha Shakti Peethas and the crowning spiritual guardian crest of Mysuru rising 1,062 meters above sea level, home to the revered 12th century Sri Chamundeshwari Temple and the colossal 16 foot monolithic Nandi Bull), located directly overlooking the royal city of Mysore in Karnataka, stands as the supreme presiding deity sanctuary of Karnataka.

Consecrated over a millennium ago during the Hoysala dynasty and crowned with a grand 7 tiered, 40 meter Dravidian Rajagopura by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III in 1827, this sacred hill marks the epic mythological battlefield where Goddess Durga in her fierce eight armed manifestation slain the demon buffalo king Mahishasura, bestowing the historic name 'Mahishuru' upon the royal city.

It's the home of the solid gold sanctum idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari seated in divine triumph within the Garbhagriha, the colorful colossal statue of demon Mahishasura holding a sword and cobra at the hilltop entrance gate, the historic 1,008 stone steps pathway carved into the rocky hillside by Maharaja Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar in 1659, the colossal 16 foot tall and 24 foot long monolithic black granite Nandi Bull (the 3rd largest Nandi in India, decorated with exquisitely carved bell garlands and jewelry at the 700th step), the panoramic viewpoint lookouts offering sweeping vistas of the illuminated Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal, and Karanji Lake below, the ancient Mahabaleshwara Shiva Temple dating to 950 AD, and an intensely uplifting, sacred hill atmosphere where cool mountain breezes blend with continuous chants of Sri Lalitha Sahasranama.

It represents a rich 1,000 year-old Shakti pilgrimage tradition, Hoysala Wadiyar temple architecture, and Mysore royal protection where 7 tier Rajagopuras, monolithic Nandi sculptures, 1,008 hill stairs, and Dasara Chamundi processions unite in Chamundi Hills Mysore.

Located 13 km southeast of Mysore city centre, it sits just 11 km from Mysore Junction Railway Station (MYS), 14 km from Mysuru Airport (MYQ), and 150 km from Bengaluru, easily accessible by scenic paved ghat road via KSRTC city bus, auto rickshaw, private car, or on foot via the 1,008 historic stone steps.

12th Century Chamundeshwari Temple & 7 Tiered Gopura

The presiding deity Chamundeshwari is the Kuladevata (guardian goddess) of the Wadiyar royal family and the state of Karnataka, worshipped here in her fierce Mahishasuramardini form.

The 7 tiered Rajagopura is decorated with intricate stucco sculptures of deities, while the sanctum tower is capped with a pure gold Kalasha installed by the royal family.

Truth is, viewing the nighttime panorama of illuminated Mysuru city from the Chamundi Hill viewpoint deck is an impressive spectacle.

1,008 Stone Steps & 16 Ft Monolithic Nandi Bull

1,008 Pilgrim Steps: Devout fitness seekers and pilgrims climb the ancient 1,008 stone steps, constructed in 1659 AD with shaded rest pavilions along the route.

Monolithic Nandi: Sculpted in 1664 from a single giant boulder at the 700th step, this 16 foot high black granite Nandi Bull wears heavy stone bells, chains, and blankets.

Mysuru Dasara Golden Howdah & Regional Circuit

Dasara Jambu Savari: On Vijayadashami, the golden idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed in a 750 kg pure gold howdah atop the royal elephant for the world famous Dasara procession.

Mysore Destination Loop: Chamundi Hills connects smoothly with Mysore Palace (11 km), Mysore Zoo (9 km), Karanji Lake, St. Philomena's Cathedral, and Brindavan Gardens.

After seeking blessings at Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills, visit the monolithic Nandi, explore Mysore Palace, or tour the famous Mysore Zoo.