Place: Baba Budangiri Hills
Distance: 85 Kms from Mekanagadde
District: Chikmagalur
Type: Sightseeing & Trekking
Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri (also known as Dattagiri & Chandra Drona Parvatha) is a mountain in the Baba Budan range in Chikmagalur District of Karnataka. At an altitude of 1895 m, this is one of the top places for trekking in Karnataka and among the best places to visit as part of 2 day trip from Bangalore. It is also one of the prime place to visit during Chikmagalur Trip.
Baba Budangiri is named after the Muslim saint, Baba Budan who used to reside here. Baba Budan was a 17th century Sufi saint who came to India in from Saudi to spread the message of Islam and peace. According to legend, he introduced coffee to India by bringing beans from the port of Mocha, Yemen in 1670 AD. This place is also important for Hindus as Dattatreya Peetha. A cave here is believed to have been the residence of Sri Dattatreya Swamy. An annual Jatra or Urs, which is held for three days after the Holi Festival according to Hindu calendar, is attended by both Hindus and Muslims.
The main peaks in this range are the Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri. Collectively, these peaks are known as Chandra Drona Mountain Range as they naturally form the shape of a crescent moon. Mullayanagiri (20 km from Chikmagalur, on the way to Baba Budangiri) is the highest peak in Baba Budangiri Range with an altitude of 1950 meters (the tallest peak in Karnataka).
Baba Budangiri Hills are known for its distinct forest range and also popular for hiking and trekking. There is a famous trekking trail between Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri. Adventure seekers can hike through the forest to visit the historic shrine of Deviramma Betta. In addition to this, the hills such as Sitalayanna Giri provide scenic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Unique mountain flowers called kurinji blooms in these hill ranges once every 12 years.
At a short distance from Budangiri hill are three popular waterfalls – Gada Theertha, Kamana Theertha and Nellikayi Theertha. According to mythology, Gada Theertha was created by the Pandava prince Bhima with his gada, to quench the thirst of his mother during their exile. Nellikayi Theertha is formed by famous Manikya Dhara Waterfalls.
Popular trekking trails from here include to Baba Budangiri to Mullayanagiri (12 km), Budangiri to Gaalikere (4 km), Budangiri to Manikyadhara Falls (7 km), Attigudi Junction to Baba Budangiri (6 km).
The best time to visit Baba Budhangiri is from September to Early March. Road access is also available till Budangiri peak.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM