A magnificent misty morning at Mullayanagiri Peak

About Chikkamagalur and Mullayanagiri

Chikkamagalur

Chikkamagalur is a district in the Malenadu region of Karnataka. It is a hill station in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri peak. It is famous for its scenic lush greens, hill stations, waterfalls, and coffee plantation estates. Coffee was first grown in the Chikkamagalur district of India. It is commonly known as Karnataka’s coffee land.

Mullayanagiri

Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka. It is located in the Western Ghats’ Chandra Drona Hill Ranges of Chikkamagalur Taluk. Mullayanagiri is also the highest peak in the Krishna River basin. It is 1,925 m above sea level (6,316 feet). The summit of Mullayanagiri has a small temple. The temple honors Lord Shiva, as well as a sage known as ‘Mullappa Swamy.’ Mullayanagiri got its name from the name of the sage.

Top Attractions in Mullayanagiri and Bababudangiri

Mullayanagiri

We stopped at Halebidu and Belur on the way before reaching Chikkamagalur in the evening. We took it easy that day, only visiting Mahatma Gandhi Park. It’s a lovely place to spend the day for the locals. There is a small fountain and a park at the top. The main attraction fountain at the park is no longer operational. The toy train ride, another attraction, was also poorly managed. It lacks a queue system as well as an effective ticketing system. Despite the above facts, it is still a pleasant place to walk or sit and relax.

The next morning, we planned to arrive at the Mullayanagiri entry checkpoint by 5.45, based on local advice. On weekends, the entry gate will open at 6.30 am, with only 150 vehicles permitted. We hired a private jeep to take us to Mullayanagiri peak, Seethalayyana Giri, Kavikalgandi viewpoint, Honnammanahalla falls, Bababudangiri, Z point, and Hirekolale Lake. We reached the check-post point by 6.30 am.

Mullayanagiri Route

The road to reach the hill is curvy with hairpin bends. We get to enjoy the mist-covered greeneries of the surrounding hills till we reach the peak point. Once we start to ascend near Seethalayyana Giri, we can feel the cold atmosphere. Few people will park their vehicles at this point and do a trek from here to the peak point which is approximately a distance of 3 km. Vehicles will go to the base of the peak point and we need to climb nearly 400 steps to reach the top. There are a few stalls at the base selling coffee, tea, churmuri, Maggi, sweet corns, and woolen wear.

Mullayanagiri Peak

We arrived at this point around 7.15 am and could see the sun playing hide and seek as we ascended the steps. After ascending a few steps, there is a viewpoint from which we can capture the surrounding hills. Above this point is a large area to view the green slopes and appreciate nature’s beauty. We’ll have to take off our slippers to climb the last ten steps because there’s a temple at the top.

At the top, the temple is on the right side, and our Karnataka flag is on the left. We can pray at the temple and take pictures with the Karnataka Flag. Enjoy the stunning views from the highest point as well. There is another Sarpadhari trek path located on the other side of the temple. Trekkers use this path to reach the summit, but our driver informed us that it is now closed due to a number of people going missing on the trek.

Wear proper woolen clothing because the weather will be windy and cold, especially early morning. Because of the chilly weather, even though the steps are wide and the distance between each step is shorter, we can still consider this a moderate climb. Also ascending the steps becomes too difficult if proper clothing is not worn.

Seethalayyana Giri

After spending some time at the peak, we went to Seethalayyana Giri, which is 3 km below the peak. A temple devoted solely to Seethala Mallikarjuna, Seethalamma, and Veerabhadra is located near the viewpoint and parking area. From the vantage point, we can take pictures of the breathtaking hills. In comparison to the peak point, it was slightly warmer at this point. From here, we can climb the hill’s saddle and enjoy a majestic view of the surrounding slant green carpet. We arrived at the saddle around 8.30 am, and the sun was still shining brightly. The mist and clouds used to cover the hills in front and back completely. It was like a game of ‘hide and seek’ between the sun, clouds, and hills, completely captivating.

Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint

We then went to the Kavikal Gandi viewpoint. Horse Shoe Viewpoint is another name for this viewpoint. According to our driver, this is a popular viewpoint visible from Mullayanagiri along the Baba Budangiri path. It is approximately 11 km from Mullayanagiri and 18 km from Baba Budangiri.

Zip Lining

Our driver took us to Mubarak Homestay if we wanted to do the zip line activity. We decided to give it a try. It hadn’t started yet because we had arrived early and there were only a few people there. We waited by the swing and a small pond until they started the activity. We initially just watched another family leave, and then my mother and I joined in on the fun. It was our first time zip lining, and it was an exciting adventure. We spoke with the fellow families and discovered that it was their first time as well. Zipline activity was above the private coffee plantation, with a view of the beautiful hills and a small waterfall at a distance of 750m. The zip line activity costs Rs. 300 /- per person.

Honnammahalla falls

Then we went to Honnammahalla Falls. This stunning waterfall is split into three sections. The water will be freezing, which will be very soothing in the sun. We also noticed a lot of bead chains hanging from the trees near the falls. Perhaps there is some faith, so people will offer them. It was quite crowded, during our visit.

Buttermilk Falls

Near Honnammahalla falls, there is a path that leads to Buttermilk Falls. Jhari falls, Syed Ahmed falls, and Dabdabe falls are all names for Buttermilk Falls. It is a private waterfall and visiting it would take at least two hours. To visit the falls, there is a private jeep service that costs 400 to 800/- per person (400/- for group sharing and 800/- for individuals). Our driver stated that the falls flow in three sequences. The visit has no time limit, so tourists can spend anywhere from 2 hours to an entire day. We were unable to visit this location due to time constraints.

Z-Point

We then moved on to Z-point. From here, we have a beautiful view of the mountains and village. From the vantage point, we can see Ayyanakere and Madagakere. Our driver provided us with as many perspectives as he could. Gaalikere is a small lake below the Z-point where we can relax for a while. The path to the viewpoint is not suitable for cars because it is unpaved. However, we can climb to the viewpoint. Also, if you opted for Jeep drive, they will take us to the viewpoint.

Manikyadhara falls

Manikyadhara Falls is 4 km from the Z-point. During our visit, the road was under construction, and vehicles could not travel more than 1 km from the Z-point. To get to the falls, we had to walk about 2 km one way. We had to skip it due to a lack of time.

Dattapeetha / Baba Budangiri

We then went to Dattapeetha or Baba Budangiri. A cave honors Sri Guru Dattatreya, the incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, as well as Sufi saint Baba Budan. Both Hindus and Muslims regard this as a sacred location. This site depicts a Hindu-Muslim collaboration, with the shrine of Baba Budan performing his Tapasya and Dattatreya Paduka kept in the same location. At the other side of the cave, the coins had become affixed to the peetha. According to the staff, people usually pray and stick these coins in the hopes that their wishes will be granted. We can also find locks along the path leading to the temple. It could have some significance as well. This location will host a grand fair during ‘Datta Jayanti’.

Shooting Point

Our driver then drove us to Shooting Point. This is another fantastic location in the heart of the mountains where we can see a spectacular 360-degree view of the mountains. The film and television industries use this location for filming. As a result, the name Shooting Point was coined.

Hirekolale Lake

Then we decided to visit Hirekolale Lake. This lake primarily serves as a water supply for the town of Chikmagalur. The environment and water are kept clean. This peaceful lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains. There is a lake viewpoint and a small approach footbridge. However, it was not well maintained, and we noticed cracks in it, so proceed with caution when crossing. Because we went at noon, we couldn’t spend much time because of the sun. This lake is located at the foot of the hills. Our driver explained that construction was taking place on the lake’s front side and that a cafe would open there where people could spend hours admiring the stunning surroundings.

Finally, our driver dropped us off at the Lodge. He directed us to the Siri Cafe, which we had requested. He couldn’t bring us because it was on the other side of town. Siri Cafe was supposed to be on our itinerary, but we substituted it with Lake as we intended to visit every location within the mountain range. Later we headed to the cafe, which was only about 2 km away from our lodge.

Siri cafe

We went to the nearby popular Siri cafe to see the lady carved out of grass and mud. We took a few pictures with her because she is quite lovely. At the cafe, you can get coffee and snacks. The shop inside also sells homemade chocolates, spices, and coffee powder. The location is a little crowded, so you may have to wait a while to take your pictures.

How to reach Mullayanagiri

Route (From Bangalore):

Bangalore-Kunigal-Channarayapattana-Hassan-Chikkamagalur-Mullayanagiri

By Road

Car/Bike

• The shortest route from Bangalore to Chikkamagaluru is via NH75 via Kunigal-Bellur Cross-Hassan-Belur-Chikkamagaluru. It will take about 6 hours.
• To get to the peak, you can drive your own vehicle all the way to the top because the roads are good.
• You can also hire a jeep for the day and explore the hills. The cost was around 2800/- per jeep, regardless of the number of passengers, with a maximum capacity of 12 people. You have the option of traveling with others or hiring privately.

Bus

• There are numerous public and private buses that run from Bangalore to Chikkamagalur. If you travel at night, it will take approximately 6 hours to arrive. You can hire a jeep to explore the area around Mullayanagiri.

By Rail

• There is no direct train from Bangalore to Chikkamagalur. You can take the train to Hassan or Kadur and then take a bus or cab from there. The train is not a comfortable mode of transportation.

By Air

• The closest international airport is Mangalore. It is approximately 100 km away and will take approximately 5 hours to reach Chikkamagalur.
• Chikkamagalur is about 200 km from Bangalore International Airport.

Travel Tips for Mullayanagiri

• Chikkamagalur and Mullayanagiri are best visited between September and April. Visit between June and August to see the Western Ghats spring to life.
• It is good to hire a jeep if you do not want to adventure throughout the journey and simply want to relax and enjoy the scenery. For large groups or group sharing, the price is reasonable. Our driver was friendly and informative, and we thoroughly enjoyed the ride. As an added bonus, you will learn a lot more about the location.
• Mullayanagiri, Seethalayyanagiri, and Baba Budangiri all have parking. Vehicles can be parked along the road at other sightseeing spots.
• Take sweaters, woolen caps or hats, sunscreen lotion, lip balm, snacks, and water bottles with you to the peak.
• If you plan to spend the entire day at the location, bring your own food and water because there aren’t many shops on the hill.
• Coffee beans and powder, pepper, cardamom, and other spices can be purchased.
• There are several homestays and resorts available along the coffee plantation at the hill station. There are also lodges in the city. We stayed at Pooja Comforts and had a pleasant stay.
• Chikkamagalur has a great number of vegetarian hotels. We ate at Hotel Aramane, which was right next to our lodge. The food was good.
• Another mesmerizing hill viewpoint can be found in our post on Yercaud.
• If you have more than a day, you can also go to nearby Hebbe falls, Kemmangundi, Amruthapura temple, Bhadra reservoir, and forest.
• Horanadu, Sringeri, and Kudremukh are also within 100 km of Chikkamagalur.