Tulsi Shyam Anti-Gravity Hill: Myth, Magic, and Real Science

Imagine parking a car at the bottom of a hill, switching off the engine, shifting to neutral, and watching it roll uphill on its own. It sounds like a scene from science fiction, but it's a daily occurrence on a stretch of road near Tulsi Shyam in Gujarat. Located on the border of Amreli and Gir Somnath districts, right on the edge of Gir National Park, this small pilgrimage town has become known worldwide for its anti-gravity hill, a 400 metre stretch that has puzzled travellers and skeptics alike.  

Where Is Tulsi Shyam?

Tulsi Shyam sits about 30 km from Una town, roughly 45 km from Dhari in Amreli district, 75 km southwest of Amreli city, 110 km southeast of Junagadh, and 166 km south of Rajkot. The gravity hill itself is 400 metres north of the Tulsi Shyam temple. Since the route runs through Gir forest territory, night driving in the area is typically restricted for wildlife safety.

The Legend Behind the Name

According to local legend, Lord Krishna defeated a demon named Tul at this site, and the name Tulsi Shyam combines this story with "Shyam," another name for Krishna. The temple structure itself is estimated to be around 700 years old, while the black stone idol enshrined within is believed to be nearly 3,000 years old. Reaching the shrine requires climbing about 100 steep steps.

The Hill That Defies Gravity

Just outside the temple lies the real curiosity. Vehicles left without their brakes applied on this stretch of road appear to roll uphill on their own. Even with the engine off and the car in neutral, it seems to creep upward against the slope, a sensation many visitors describe as genuinely unsettling to witness firsthand.

The Science: Optical Illusion, Not Anti-Gravity

Despite its dramatic name, the explanation is grounded in geography rather than physics defying forces. Travel writers and researchers note that the phenomenon is an optical illusion caused by the surrounding terrain, where the road actually slopes downhill but a hidden horizon line tricks observers into perceiving it as sloping uphill. Trees and hills on either side of the road obscure the true horizon, so when a vehicle is parked on the gentle slope, it appears to roll uphill even though gravity is simply pulling it downward as usual. In short, the landscape is the illusionist, not any unseen force.

The Healing Hot Sulphur Springs

Beyond the gravity hill, Tulsi Shyam is home to three natural hot water springs known locally as Taptodak. The first spring is hot, the second hotter, and the third reaches near boiling temperatures, with all three rich in natural sulphur. Scientific measurements record discharge temperatures between 39°C and 42°C, with a near neutral pH between 7.1 and 7.4. The waters are said locally to have curative properties, particularly for skin ailments, and pilgrims frequently take a dip believing in their medicinal value.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Tulsi Shyam is between November and March, when the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures between 10°C and 35°C. Summer months from April to June get considerably hotter, often exceeding 40°C, making them less comfortable for travel.