Baba Budangiri is one of the highest peaks in Karnataka. This peak can be reached from Chikamagalur, which is around 250 km from Bangalore. Located in the Chikamagalur of Karnataka, Baba Budangiri is famous for its shrine, which is a place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Muslims.
The Sacred Site of Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri is a mountain situated at an altitude of 1,895 m and a sacred place for both Hindus and Muslims. It is famous for the Dattatreya Peeta ‑ a Hindu temple and a Muslim dargah both in the same underground cave. Baba Budan was a 17th-century Sufi whose shrine is at Baba Budangiri, and Dattatreya is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. History has it that coffee was introduced to India through the Chikamagalur district, when the first coffee crop was grown in the Baba Budangiri Hills in 1670 AD by Sufi Baba Budan.
Just 4 km from the shrine, one can find a beautiful waterfall named Manikyadhara. People who are bored of normal and easy trekking can try this place as it is not an easy trek definitely. Trekkers can enjoy scenic beauty such as plains, lush green forests, and rolling hills. Tourists from all around the world come here to see the unique mountain flowers called Kurinji, which bloom in these hill ranges once every 12 years.
Places to See and Things to Do In Baba Budangiri
Hebbe Falls: Ten kilometres away is Hebbe Falls, which is a major tourist attraction. It falls from a height of 550 feet and is located inside a coffee estate. One can see the two stages of water, called ‘Dodda Hebbe’ (Big Falls) and ‘Chikka Hebbe’ (Small Falls), and it is known for its medicinal properties.
Rock Garden: Situated at a peak, the ‘Rock Garden’ in Kemmanagundi is made of rocks. One can find a variety of botanically significant plants here. From this garden, view the setting sun amid green plains and mountains. Tourists can also catch a glimpse of Bhadra Reservoir and its flowing water from Rock Garden.
Z Point: ‘Z’ point, located at a hilltop in Kemmanagundi, is an apt place for trekkers. From the ‘Z’ point, one can view the heavenly sunsets. Also, one can see grasslands and forests from here. From Z Point, you can see the distant ‘Shola grasslands’ on the Western Ghats. If you are looking for a serene destination, head towards the waterfall named ‘Shanti’, which lies on the road to Z Point.
Kalathgiri Falls: It is located near Kemmanagundi, 55 km north of Chikamagalur. This place is famous for a small temple found between rocks and the waterfalls. People looking for adventure can also trek to the top of the hill from where the water drops.
How to Reach Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri is 270 km from Bangalore. The nearest town is Chikamagalur, which is easily reached by KSRTC, and from there you can take private buses to the shrine. From the shrine, there are small taxis to Manikyadhara waterfalls. Tourists will have to drive to Kemmanagundi in their own vehicle because there is no public transport or private buses connecting Kemmanagundi and Bababudangiri.
Bababudangiri is a perfect combination of a religious and adventurous trip. Tourists visiting this place for religious reasons can visit Lord Shiva’s temple and the nearby Nandi statue. Those who are on the lookout for adventure can trek in the Baba Budan Hills.
Also See:
