Mountain peaks are alluring because of their majestic heights and the mysteries they conceal. They attract travellers from all directions and whisper stories from bygone eras. Located in the heart of Karnataka, India, Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in the state. Coming under the Western Ghats, this mountain attracts all kinds of tourists every year. Let it be families in search of a special vacation spot or nature lovers. The beauty of Mullayanagiri Hill does not lie in its astounding height but in the experiences, it has to offer its visitors. Every activity promises to render a unique blend of excitement and peace to the visitor.
Majestic Mullayanagiri Hill Peak
At 1,930 meters high, Mullayanagiri Hill is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural symbol in Karnataka. Part of the Baba Budangiri range, which is renowned for its undulating hills and thick forests, is home to the highest peak in this state.
The landscape of Mullayanagiri is one filled with boasts of rocky outcrops, emerald meadows, and twisting trails. These are all whispering secrets about the prehistoric era of the planet. The weather here is just perfect. The foggy mornings give way to bright, sunny afternoons.
There is a lot of folklore and cultural heritage from the area at this summit. The peak is named Mullappa Swamy after the saint who is said to have resided in these caves meditating. This gives the place a mystique that attracts trekkers and spiritually seeking people.
Over the past few years, there has been a considerable rise in the tourism network at Mullayanagiri. Statistics show that thousands of tourists come to visit the peak every year. Besides this, it is one of the major attractions for Chikmagalur’s travel industry. This rise indeed acts as evidence that, as a tourist destination, this peak is getting more popular day by day. This location owes its special blend of adventure with scenic beauty, supported by rich cultural diversity.
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Location
Mullayanagiri forms a part of the Baba Budangiri Hills, which is a range and a part of the Western Ghats. Mullayanagiri is situated in the Karnataka district of Chikmagalur. This peak is one of the most picturesque ones and also the tallest one in Karnataka. It’s full of greenery with a tranquil ambience.
Trekking to Mullayanagiri Peak
Both the ascent and descent at Mullayanagiri Peakare undertaken as exciting activities. Since the trails in Mullayanagiri range from moderate to difficult, hikers need to be a little bit experienced. Starting in Sarpadhari, or “serpent’s route,” its serpentine trail winds up on a hill. This trail is known as Mullayanagiri Trek in Chikmagalur. This trek is approximately 4 km in length. Moreover, the trail offers a view of breathtaking scenery amidst lush surroundings across the Western Ghats.
Descent
Follow the same path back to descend. The about 250 stone stairs that down the hill can also be used to reach the concrete road that connects Chikmagalur and the Mullayanagiri foothills. You’ll need to find a ride back to the town from here, though. On this route, buses don’t come very often.
As an alternative, you can walk from Mullayangiri temple towards Baba Budangiri. From Mullayangiri, there is a moderate 10-kilometre journey that goes through grasslands, hills, and ridges.
Essential Items for the MullayanagiriTrek:
Being prepared will ensure that one enjoys the Mullayanagiri trek to the fullest. Here is a list of essentials:
- Nutrition and Hydration: Try to bring light food to always keep your energy level up. For example, fruits or energy bars. Bring enough water to hydrate yourself.
- Footwear: You should wear sturdy trekking shoes with especially strong traction. This will be ideal for Mullayanagiri trekking.
- Dress appropriately: Dress in layers to adjust as the weather changes. Wear appropriate gear for the conditions you are experiencing. A poncho or raincoat may be your best buddy.
- FirstAid Kit: Generally, it is worth bringing some kind of basic first-aid kit.
- Navigational Aids: Though the paths will be marked, in most cases a decent map and/or a GPS device will be mandatory.
Mullayanagiri to Baba Budangiri Trail
This trek starts from behind the temple at Mullayangiri. You will have dazzling views, shola forests, and grasslands for the company as it drops down rather suddenly to the main road. The trails will be slick, and the whole valley will be shrouded in mist during the rainy season.
On this trail, you will get to a paved road after two hours. Proceeding until you come across the checkpoint in the Gundi Forest. Now get permission to walk onwards in the direction of Baba Budangiri. Once you cross the road, the course begins to climb. This route will take you along the narrow ridges of Baba Budangiri. You find plains on one side and mountains on the other side. Here, the only notable structure is a BSNL phone tower.
Eventually, it becomes steep before it approaches the BSNL tower. This is a very narrow portion, with a drop of about 300 feet on either side. Again, after half an hour, you will reach the tower. From here onwards, the Manikyadhara Waterfalls are 20 minutes drop. There are refreshment-selling shops in this area. Bababudangiri is a further two kilometres away from here. Since this section is on the tarmac, it is simple. From here you will also be picked up by a car to drive you to Bababudangiri.
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How to Reach The Base of The Trek Mullayanagiri Chikmagalur
The trip begins in Chikmagalur at a location known as Sarpadari. Chikmagalur is about 280 km away from Bangalore. Plenty of buses link Chikmagalur with big cities.
Sarpadari is fifteen km away from Chikmagalur.
If you drive yourself, come onto the road going to Baba Budangiri the moment you reach Chikmagalur. At a village named Kaimara, about eight kilometres from the town of Chikmagalur, turn left. There will be a Y-intersection encountered. Here, the left will go to the peak of Mullayanagiri Chikmagalur. On this path, after about 0.5 km, keep an eye out for a little arch on the left. This is Sarpadari, the starting point of this trek. In Kannada, “dari” refers to a path and “sarpa” means snake.
Places to Visit Around Mullayanagiri
The Mullayanagiri area, apart from its famous peak, has a lot of other places too, which have their charm and things to do. Places around Mullayanagiri Chikmagalur cater to various interests.
- Baba Budangiri: It is a mountainous range, very famous for its beauty and religious importance. Baba Budangiri is located about 25 kilometres away from Mullayanagiri. At the place, people usually trek and explore the famous Dattatreya Peetha, a holy shrine.
- Jhari Waterfalls: Jhari Falls forms a wonderful waterfall that is located around 15 kilometres from Mullayanagiri. It goes by the name Buttermilk Falls, too. Lovers of nature and photography will love this location.
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: It is 50 kilometres away and a dream come true for animal lovers. Many species of plants and animals are housed here, including several bird species, tigers, and leopards. Here you can see animals on safari rides.
- Coffee Plantation Tours: Chikmagalur is famous for its coffee. So visiting a plantation will be on the top of the traveller’s checklist. Such visits, which are often included in the homestay program package, give a detailed insight into how coffee goes from bean to cup.
- Adventure Activities: For extreme sports, mountain biking, zip-lining, and kayaking are some of the exciting activities in the Mullayanagiri area. These are for those who yearn for something more adventurous.
- Cultural Experiences: Take local food, mix with people in the society, and also make visits to other temples for more enlightenment on the way of life. Each of these experiences brings about a deeper understanding and closer affinity with the local history.
How To Get Fit for The Trek
Cardiovascular Endurance
Conditioning your cardiovascular system is the key to climbing any path. A good place to start would be daily jogging. At the beginning of the walk, you should ideally be able to jog 4 km in 20 minutes. To reach this distance within the given time is all about practice and time. You start with a slow walk, but while you start practising, your speed will be increased. You might also be asked to swim, cycle, and even climb stairs without taking too much rest. Strength: This is something you must work on too. Your muscles and, most importantly the core body need to gain strength. You can do a few squats to give strength to the leg muscles. Do eight squats in each of about three sets. You also can do crunches or planks apart from those.
Flexibility
Another feature to make your travel more comfortable is flexibility. You will be able to improve this by regular stretching of hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, lower back, and shoulders. You will be in better shape for the walk if you perform these workouts.
Mullayanagiri Resorts
Mullayanagiri Resorts is the ultimate place for travellers who want to feel at ease in the mountains. Lying amidst the panoramic beauty, the resorts offer a tranquil view of the valleys and peaks. From luxury stays to an eco-friendly abode, Mullayanagiri resorts cater to every preference. Furthermore, it allows one to come out with comfortable memories. Be it to find peace after a trek of adventure or simply unwind in nature’s lap, Mullayanagiri resorts strike a perfect balance between comfort and tranquillity.
Conclusion:
With breathtaking landscapes and a richly woven cultural tapestry, Mullayanagiri is far more than a sightseeing destination. It’s a place that invites travellers to experience nature closely, to feel adventurous, and to create a bond with local traditions. This is a journey to the highest peak of Karnataka for a rise in physical height. In addition, it’s for culminating in an overwhelming appreciation of nature and culture.
FAQs:
Q. Where is Mullayanagiri Located?
Mullayanagiri is located within the Chikmagalur district in Karnataka and is part of the Baba Budangiri range within the Western Ghats.
Q. What are The options for Trekking at Mullayanagiri?
The trail begins from Sarpadari, with trails being moderate to difficult. The fairly well-known options include the Mullayanagiri to Baba Budangiri Trail. The trek offers a stunning view of the Western Ghats and surrounding lush views.
Q. Are There Good Resorts Around Mullayanagiri?
Yes, there are several Mullayanagiri Resorts that offer comfortable and scenic stays, from luxury to eco-friendly ones
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