Shravanabelagola tour: 600-step climb to Bahubali

Climb 600 steps to Bahubali’s towering statue without the crowds or hassle

A private day trip from Bangalore to Shravanabelagola with a guide, private car or motorcycle option, and vegetarian lunch included. You climb 600 steps to the monolithic statue of Bahubali (Gomateswara), carved between 982 and 983 CE, surrounded by inscriptions and memorials spanning a thousand years. The tour departs around 6:30am, includes a breakfast break on the way, and returns to Bangalore by 7pm. Minimum age is 18. Moderate fitness is required for the step climb.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bangalore to Shravanabelagola tour

• Meet in Bangalore at 6:30am
• Choose motorcycle or private car
• Motorcycle orientation and safety briefing
• Travel to Shravanabelagola
• Take breakfast break en route
• Arrive at statue base around 10am
• Climb 600 steps to statue
• Explore figurines and inscriptions
• Visit Chandragiri hill memorials
• Enjoy traditional Jain Thali lunch
• Return to Bangalore by 7pm

The experience

You meet your guide in Bangalore at 6:30am and choose your transport: a private car or a Royal Enfield Classic motorcycle for the 90-mile journey. If you pick the motorcycle, you get a safety briefing and orientation before setting out. The drive takes roughly three hours with a breakfast stop along the way, arriving at the base of the statue around 10am.

The 600 steps climb takes about an hour. At the top stands the 58-foot monolith of Bahubali (Gomateswara), carved during the reign of the Ganga King Rajamalla by his minister Chamundaraya. Around the statue are figurines of all 24 Jain Tirthankaras and inscriptions dating from 800 to 1800 CE. Nearby Chandragiri hill marks where the Mauryan King Chandragupta Maurya came seeking peace, and it holds memorials to monks, nuns and common folk. Every 12 years a ceremony anoints the statue with turmeric, water, rice, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, and gold and silver flowers.

Lunch is served in a traditional house: a fresh, hot Jain thali made without onions or garlic, purely vegetarian and prepared in the Jain tradition. You return to your original meeting point in Bangalore around 7pm. Footwear must be removed before climbing the steps. Carry an extra pair of socks if you prefer not to climb barefoot. Knees and shoulders must be covered: no shorts or sleeveless tops.

What’s included

• Private guide in English.
• private car or Royal Enfield Classic motorcycle with safety briefing.
• breakfast and vegetarian Jain lunch.
• access to the Bahubali monolith and surrounding sites with 600-step climb included.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English07:00

Guide in English07:00

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by 5 Senses Walks

Is this one for you?Pick the motorcycle if you want active engagement with the landscape during transit. Choose the car if you prefer to conserve energy for the 600-step climb to the statue.

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Top questions

What's the difference between taking the motorcycle or the car to Shravanabelagola?

The motorcycle is a Royal Enfield Classic. You get a safety briefing and orientation before departure. The car is private and may suit travelers who prefer not to ride. Both include your guide and take roughly three hours each way with a breakfast break.

How difficult is the 600-step climb to the Bahubali statue?

The climb takes roughly an hour and requires moderate physical fitness. Footwear must be removed. You can climb barefoot or wear socks. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. Carry a hat or cap as it gets hot, and bring extra socks if you prefer them to climbing barefoot.

What does lunch include on this tour?

Lunch is a vegetarian Jain thali served in a traditional house, made without onions or garlic and prepared in the Jain tradition. Beverages are not included. You can order them separately at checkout if you wish.

What should I wear to visit the Bahubali statue?

Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women: no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. This is a dress code requirement to enter the place of worship. Failure to comply risks refused entry. Wear comfortable footwear for the drive, as you'll remove it before climbing the steps.

When does the tour start and end?

Pickup is around 6:30am from your hotel in the city or from Whitefield and Airport locations, depending on which option you choose. The tour returns to your original meeting point around 7pm, making it a full day of roughly eight hours.