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 into India through the Chikamagalur district when the first coffee crop was grown in the Baba Bababudangiri Hills during 1670 AD by this 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 like plain, lush green, forests and rolling hills. Tourists from all around the world come here to see the unique mountain flowers called Kurinji, which blooms in these hill ranges once in every 12 years.
Baba Budangiri Hills by S N Barid
Places to See and Things to Do
Hebbe Falls: Ten kilometers 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 is known for its medicinal properties.
Rock Garden: Situated at a peak is the ‘Rock Garden’ in Kemmanagundi, which is made out of rocks. One can find 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 hill top in Kemmanagundi is an apt place for trekkers. From the ‘Z’ point one can view the heavenly sunsets. Also, one can get a view of grasslands and forests from here. From Z Point you can see the distant ‘Shola grasslands’ on Western Ghats. If you 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 can be easily reached in KSRTC and from there you can get private buses, which can take you to the shrine. From the shrine, there are small taxis to Manikyadhara waterfalls. Tourists will have to drive in their own vehicle to Kemmanagundi because there is no public transport or private buses connecting Kemmanagundi and Bababudangiri.
Bababudangiri is a perfect combination of religious and adventurous trip. Tourists, who visit this place from religious point of view, can pay visit at Lord Shiva’s temple and the nearby Nandi statue. Those who are in lookout for some adventure can trek in Baba Budan hill range.
Also See:
- About Chikmagalur
- Kemmanagundi
- Trekking in Mullayanagiri
- Trekking in Karnataka
- Adventure Sports in Karnataka
- Topography of Karnataka