Mullayanagiri: The Ultimate Guide to the Hidden Gem of Chikmagalur

Are you looking for a thrilling and rewarding trekking experience in Karnataka? Do you want to explore a stunning and secluded peak that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys? If yes, then you should definitely consider visiting Mullayanagiri, the hidden gem of Chikmagalur.

Mullayanagiri is a 2,500-meter high peak that is located in the Mullayanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, about 40 km from Chikmagalur town. It is one of the most popular and accessible treks in Chikmagalur, attracting hikers from all over the world. However, it is also one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in Chikmagalur, as it requires good physical fitness, proper planning, and adequate preparation.

In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about Mullayanagiri trek, including its history, significance, features, itinerary, tips, recommendations, and more. We will also help you plan your trip to Mullayanagiri peak with our reliable and affordable trek package that includes accommodation, transportation, guide, meals, and insurance. Whether you are a beginner or an expert trekker, you will find something useful and interesting in this article. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

What is Mullayanagiri Peak?

Mullayanagiri peak is a small but majestic mountain that rises above the Mullayanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Chikmagalur district. It is part of the Western Ghats mountain range that stretches across India and Sri Lanka. It is also known as the “Queen of Hills” or the “Queen of Chikmagalur” because of its beauty and charm.

Mullayanagiri peak has an elevation of 2,500 meters above sea level and a prominence of 1,000 meters. It is one of the highest peaks in Chikmagalur district and one of the highest peaks in Karnataka state. It is also one of the most difficult peaks to climb in Karnataka state because of its steep slopes and rocky terrain.

Mullayanagiri peak offers a spectacular view of the surrounding hills and valleys that are covered with lush green forests and tea plantations. It also offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea that can be seen from its summit. The best time to visit Mullayanagiri peak is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and clear.

Why Visit Mullayanagiri Peak?

There are many reasons why you should visit Mullayanagiri peak for your next trekking adventure. Here are some of them:

- Mullayanagiri peak is a hidden gem that offers a unique and unforgettable experience to its visitors.

- Mullayanagiri peak is a challenging but rewarding trek that tests your physical fitness and mental strength.

- Mullayanagiri peak is a scenic but serene trek that showcases the beauty and diversity of nature.

- Mullayanagiri peak is a cultural but historical trek that reveals the rich heritage and traditions of Chikmagalur district.

- Mullayanagiri peak is a fun but relaxing trek that allows you to enjoy various activities such as camping, bonfire, music, etc.

Places To Visit Near Mullayanagiri

If you are looking for some places to visit near Mullayanagiri, you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the popular and attractive places that you can explore near Mullayanagiri:

Baba Budangiri

Baba Budangiri is a sacred pilgrimage site in Chikmagalur for both the Hindu and Muslim communities. It is famous for its shrine of Hazrat Dada Hayath Mir Khalander who was a 17th century Sufi saint. The place is also notable for the caves which are believed to be once the residence of Sri Dattatreya Swamy.

Baba Budangiri is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Chikmagalur and also famous among the thrill seekers for its trekking and hiking opportunities. You can enjoy the scenic views of the hills, valleys, forests, and waterfalls from here. You can also visit the nearby attractions such as Manikyadhara Falls, Hirekolale Lake, Jhari Waterfalls, etc.

You can reach Baba Budangiri by road from Mullayanagiri or by trekking from Mullayanagiri peak. The distance from Mullayanagiri peak to Baba Budangiri is about 12 km and takes about 6 hours to complete.

Manikyadhara Falls

Manikyadhara Falls, also known as Nellikayi Theertha, is a beautiful waterfall that is amongst the most picturesque attractions in Chikmagalur. It is located at a height of 30 feet above the ground and has a natural phenomenon where its water falls in droplets shining bright in sunlight. It makes for a serene landscape and a wonderful spot for picnicking and photography.

Manikyadhara Falls is considered as a paradise for bikers, trekkers and die-hard nature lovers. There is a popular legend that says saint Baba Budan came here in search of water and after his prayers the place was blessed with water that flows from this waterfall. This place is a sacred spot for both Hindus and Muslims and it is believed that a bathe in its waters can cure one of ailments.

You can reach Manikyadhara Falls by road from Mullayanagiri or by trekking from Mullayanagiri peak. The distance from Mullayanagiri peak to Manikyadhara Falls is about 8 km and takes about 4 hours to complete.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India that covers an area of 1,200 sq km. It is home to various animals such as leopards, sloth bears, elephants, tigers, deer, monkeys, etc. It also has various birds such as eagles, parrots, peacocks, etc.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 40 km from Mullayanagiri town and can be reached by road or by trekking from Mullayanagiri peak. The distance from Mullayanagiri peak to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is about 12 km and takes about 6 hours to complete.

Hirekolale Lake

Hirekolale Lake is a serene lake that is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by lush green hills and forests that offer a stunning view of nature. It also has a small island in the middle of the lake where you can relax and enjoy the fresh air and greenery.

Hirekolale Lake is located about 8 km from Mullayanagiri town and can be reached by road or by trekking from Mullayanagiri peak. The distance from Mullayanagiri peak to Hirekolale Lake is about 6 km and takes about 4 hours to complete.

Jhari Waterfalls

Jhari Waterfalls or Dabdabe Falls are two cascading waterfalls that are located at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level. They are formed by two streams that flow through two different terrains: one rocky and one smooth. They create a spectacular sight when they meet at the bottom. Jhari Waterfalls is located about 9 km from Mullayanagiri town.

Also read: Chikmagalur – Mullayanagiri & Baba Budangiri

Best Places To Stay Near Mullayanagiri

If you are looking for some homestays near Mullayanagiri, you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best and popular homestays that you can stay at near Mullayanagiri:

Photo of Mullayanagiri 3/3 by — The Spectrum Resort

The Spectrum Resort

The Spectrum Resort is a family-friendly and budget-friendly homestay that is located 27 km from Mullayanagiri peak. It is surrounded by trees and coffee plantations and offers a relaxing and comfortable stay. The resort has a large play area for kids, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a garden. The resort also provides complimentary drinks and access to all the facilities.

The Spectrum Resort is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want to enjoy the nature and the amenities of the resort. The resort has non-smoking rooms that are spacious and clean. The resort also has Wi-Fi, parking, laundry, airport shuttle, etc.

Click here to book your stay at The Spectrum Resort online.

Vamoose Clover Leaf

Vamoose Clover Leaf is a private homestay that is located 4.9 km from Mullayanagiri peak. It is a cozy and charming homestay that offers a serene and peaceful stay. The homestay does not have Wi-Fi but it has other facilities such as parking, garden, walking tours, bike tours, etc.

The homestay has one bedroom that can accommodate four guests. The homestay also has an Asian or vegetarian breakfast option every morning. The homestay is ideal for travelers who want to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature.

Click here to book your stay at Vamoose Clover Leaf online.

Chirooss Resort

Chirooss Resort is a budget-friendly and comfortable homestay that is located 5 km from Mullayanagiri peak. It is a simple and elegant homestay that offers a basic but cozy stay. The resort has Wi-Fi, parking, laundry, airport shuttle, etc.

The resort has two rooms that can accommodate two guests each. The rooms are clean and neat with attached bathrooms. The resort also has a restaurant where you can enjoy local cuisine. The resort is ideal for travelers who want to save money and enjoy the hospitality of the locals.

Click here to book your stay at Chirooss Resort online.

Silver Shadow Homestay

Silver Shadow Homestay is a budget-friendly and comfortable homestay that is located 6 km from Mullayanagiri peak. It is a modern and stylish homestay that offers a comfortable and convenient stay. The homestay has Wi-Fi, parking, laundry, airport shuttle, etc.

The homestay has two rooms that can accommodate two guests each. The rooms are spacious and well-furnished with attached bathrooms. The homestay also has a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food. The homestay is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the amenities of the hotel without paying too much.

Click here to book your stay at Silver Shadow Homestay.

The Inchara Hill View HomeStay

The Inchara Hill View HomeStay is a budget-friendly and comfortable homestay that is located 7 km from Mullayanagiri peak. It is a traditional and rustic homestay that offers a natural and scenic stay. The homestay does not have Wi-Fi but it has other facilities such as parking, garden

Click here to book a stay at Inchara Hillview Homestay.

What to Expect from Your Trek to Mullayanagiri Peak?

Your trek to Mullayanagiri peak will be an unforgettable experience that will challenge you physically and mentally. Here are some things that you can expect from your trek:

- You will see a stunning view of the Mullayanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary that is home to various animals such as leopards, sloth bears, elephants, etc.

- You will see a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea that can be seen from the summit of Mullayanagiri peak.

- You will see a variety of flora and fauna that are endemic to this region such as orchids, ferns, butterflies, etc.

- You will see a variety of rocks and minerals that are unique to this region such as quartzite, granite, marble, etc.

- You will see a variety of birds and insects that are common in this region such as eagles, parrots, peacocks, butterflies, etc.

- You will feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction when you reach the summit of Mullayanagiri peak after overcoming the challenges and difficulties along the way.

- You will feel a sense of joy and happiness when you enjoy the activities and amenities provided by our homestay during your stay.

- You will feel a sense of gratitude and respect when you interact with our homestay owner who will welcome you warmly and share his stories and culture with you.

You may also like to check out: Mullayanagiri Trek: Here Is The Highest Peak In Karnataka You Must Visit!

Mullayanagiri is a hidden gem that offers a unique and unforgettable experience to its visitors. It is a challenging but rewarding trek that tests your physical fitness and mental strength. It is a scenic but serene trek that showcases the beauty and diversity of nature. It is a cultural but historical trek that reveals the rich heritage and traditions of Chikmagalur district.

If you are looking for a thrilling and rewarding trekking experience in Karnataka, then Mullayanagiri is the perfect destination for you.

Mullayanagiri Reviews

Bhargav Mg

89 Followers

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Hey guys its been just a week since ive published my frst trip and now im here to explain my second trip which is also in chikmagalur district. Every biker in south india would have heard of the name Mullayanagiri-the highest peak in karnataka and goin on a road trip to that place was definitely my dream though ladakh stands first😋. So a months plan finally was about to get executed and 4 of us on 2 bikes were ready with the bikes serviced and all set. Our plan was to start at 6 in the morning and as u know one guy usually tries to break the schedule and this happened in our group too😓. We finally managed to leave bangalore at 7.45 and met my cuzin at nelamangala toll gate.Me on my classic 350 and my cuzin on my pulsar 220 with pillions on both the bikes started off towards hassan highway. So the route which we took was bangalore-nelamangala-kunigal-yadiyur-hassan-belur-chikmagalur-mullayanagiri. Our first break was at yadiyur for having breakfast-though the food was not dat tasty we did not bother much and we proceeded further. After a lot of drinks break we finally managed to reach chikmagalur by 2. The weather was really cool and an urge to ride to the bike increased much more. As we headed our ride towards mullayanagiri... the roads narrowed and the thick dense forests increased on both the sides... the curvy roads are a treat for bikers though not mine... bullets are meant to cruise and not corner😂. The gud stretch continues uptill seethalayyanagiri and then comes the thrilling part 😍 the difficult stretch of the ride.... though its not dat difficult it seems to be bdcoz of the steepness in that area. After riding through the rough terrain we managed to reach the peak....and boy was it a worthy ride with nature sorrounding all the sides and u know u cant explain nature it needs to be experienced by our own eyes. At the peak is a temple and many view points for enjoying the view from the peak... i mean its the highest point in karnataka ryt so it needs to be awesome😃. After spending some tym in the peak we headed towards our rooms. So thats it for a day's ride to mullayanagiri guys the trip wic we did was a really long one ill try to post the full trip details shortly until then please read and share.... and if u hav not been there ...just get ue bikes ready pack the bags and leave now... u can thank me later for showing me the place and if u hav seen the place try sharing with others. Thank you.

Wandering Bong

4 Followers

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Mullayanagiri is the highest peak of Karnataka, at 1,930 m, and can be seen towering above from anywhere in the Chikmagalur town. The road leading to the hills has a checkpoint where they charge you a nominal entry fee. The way up the hills is pretty steep and in bad condition for the initial stretch, though they were repairing it. But the drive up is worth it, with breathtaking views of the western ghats. At some places, you are driving so close to the edge, that it may seem that one slip and you are gone. Last time I was here on my motorcycle, scared as shit that time, as the roads were almost non-existent and with no railings on the edges. The car can go right to the top, and after that, you need to climb 500 steps to reach the topmost viewpoint. We were just in time to catch to the sun setting down and rains approaching the top. It was a great experience to watch the clouds approaching the mountains across the plains below and thunders spread across the landscape. After chilling out for a while and watching the sun go down, we headed down and drove back to the cafe again; I loved their coffee after all. It was already dark, and we still had to find our way to the homestay, which was just a bit outside the Chikmagalur city. The homestay we had booked was located inside a coffee plantation, one of the buildings converted to a room, with a balcony overseeing the estate. It was pitch dark by the time we were approaching the place, and we got lost for a while as the area didn't have any signboards on the road. The homestay was really calm, and we chilled out for the night.

Gunjan Upreti

20.4k Followers

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Mullayanagiri Hills at a glance: Surrounded by the picture-perfect scenery of lush green hillocks and mountains, Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka located in the Chandra Dhrona hill ranges of the Western Ghats. About 22km from Chikmagalur, a great way of accessing the peak is through the Mullayanagiri Trek, which shows you astounding vistas and scenes to feast your eyes on.The Mullayanagiri Trek: The Mullayanagiri Trek starts from the Sarpadhari bus stop, which is connected to Chikmagalur by road. Hence, it is one of the easily accessible places to visit in Chikmagalur. The 3km-long steep trek takes around 1.5 hours to be completed. Aside from a few steep ascents, the Mullayanagiri Trek is fairly easy to do and will allow you a close encounter with wildlife as it goes through serpentine forest trails. As a genuine respite for every drained soul, the Mullayanagiri Trek will have you thinking about it long after you've completed it. Highlight of the trek:The high point of the trek is walking across the Blade Ridge; this is a cliff on one side and a precarious slope on the other, which makes it feel like you're walking along a blade's edge. #FunFact:The Mullayanagiri trek derives its name from the tomb of Saint Mulappa Swamy, which is located at the peak – another element that makes the Mullayanagiri peak one of the most favoured places to visit in Chikmagalur. The saint is believed to have meditated in the caves surrounding this hill. Other trekking trails from Mullayanagiri that are popular places to visit in Chikmagalur:Baba Budangiri (12 km), Manikyadhara Falls (9 km) and Deviramma Temple (13 km).

Vikram Mn

18 Followers

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After a short rest we saw one more Tamil group who were huffing and puffing to reach the top. They gave us confidence. We reached the top where we somewhat explored the cave and took a couple of photos. Then rested and had bread jam lunch at the top. Two were descending while we were ascending who had inquired about Baba Budangiri. I asked them to inquire about it from the priest. They did and started on their own. After half an hour we too followed. The initial few minutes were scary. One guy who didn't know either Tamil or Hindi tried to guide us. We were so skeptical. What I read was in front of us and we didn't have a clue where this guy was guiding. I was contemplating whether to go forward or return. Finally I thought we'll go to a point from where we could return in broad daylight. It was 12.11 then so may be for two more hours but within minutes we found out the route and started travelling. From then it was a cakewalk. We were flawless after that in spite of cramps which Balaji developed. We walked straight for next four hours and cleared good ground. We had to shell out 200 rupees to walk from the road we hit after 1.5 hours to waterfalls. That 1.5 hours was the best. Prasanna started to gain his energy and Karthik got back normal.

Gunjan Bharadwaj

27 Followers

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Tucked in the foothills of Mullyangiri range, lies the charming city of Chikmagalur. The land of coffee, verdant valleys, and green vistas. If you are in Bangalore, Chikmagalur is a must to visit place. A 5-hour drive from Bangalore, windmills, rain, villages, perfect roads to explore. We reached our home stay Shanthi Kunnj, one of the best homestays in south India. Here in Karnataka homestays are quite a famous concept and alot more indulging experience. Hospitality will be top class but the food is homely what else one could ask for a home away home. Shanthi Kunnj Homestay is not just a place to stay, it’s an experience. They have three options available like a cool glasshouse, or a rustic log house, or a humble mud house, you will enjoy the stay anyways. Their glass room is probably the best room to stay, situated above the Bhadra river, one can embrace the river flow from the balcony. And the owner of the homestay, worth to mention Carol, is incredibly friendly and takes care of guests very well. This trip, I will always remember until my memory faints, all shades of green painted across the road on spiral trees of coffee, mountains, vast stretches of stunning natural beauty. Mullayangiri, the highest peak in Karnataka with an altitude of 1930mts.