Mullayanagiri Hill & Baba Budangiri Hill
For trekkers and adventure seekers, there is no other better option than Chikmagalur. At 6300 feet above sea level as the highest peak in Karnataka, Mullayanagiri hills is highlighted for its serene ambience, nature's raw beauty, verdant grassland, rugged rocks, and a comparatively easy trek path for all. Known for coffee plantations, it can be recognized from an hour drive from Chikmagalur town. The hill is a godown for those looking for solitude as well as visitors with an adventurous streak. The trek is different from the others, which usually end up coming back to the origin point.
But here, it leads to the other peak Baba Budangiri, which is considered to be the second highest peak of the state. The trek starts from โSarpadhariโ meaning snake way. The name itself denotes the meandering nature of the trek route. The point is around 15 km from Chikmagalur. The total track length from Mullayanagiri to Baba Budangiri will be around 10 km in an average 60 degree inclination. The lush green surroundings and the soothing environments excites the trekkers to reach the peak at the earliest. As the trek passes through the forest, sighting of wild elephants and bears is fairly commonplace. The biggest reward for the trekkers awaits at the summit.
The sight of the beauty surrounding them often leaves them floored. The hill is prone to strong gusts of wind, which adds to the chill factor. Trekkers are advised to carry adequate bottles of water, beverages, and ready-to-eat food. Though there is a proper road connectivity with these hills, heavy vehicles (like tempo, minibus, bus) could not find a way easily to access. Permission from the forest officials is a must before the trek which can be obtained through the organisers (hotels / resorts) or in person directly. The trek can be done vice-versa (Baba Budangiri to Mullayanagiri) but it is the least chosen choice. September to March is the best time to do the trek.