Chikamangalur: The Hills

Hop along these luxuriant freen slopes, lean into the cool kisses of wispy white clouds, inhale fresh life breath, let the different hues of green bring sparkle and new light to your eyes.

The Baba-Budan Range

To the northern of Chikmagalur town is the Baba - Budan Range or Chandra Drona Parvatha as it was known in ancient times. It has one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. The loftiest point of the range is Mullaiyanagiri which is about 6355 ft. above sea level. The three caves here, are said to have been sanctified by 3 revered siddhas, which contain their icons and 'gaddinges' (tombs), and annual jatras are held here in their honor.

A sacred place called the Seethala Mallappana Kanive to the left side of the caves is said to have been hallowed by Siddha Seethalaya and contains a Mutt and the dual shrine temples of Seethala - Mallikarjuna. The enthralling sight and quiet mysticism makes this place a much frequented location. It is situated 28 kms North of Chikmagalur town. A beacon lighted here can be spotted in Chikmagalur during Deepavali. Baba Budan Giri- The peak, is named after the Muslim saint, Baba Budan, who took up residance in the 17th century.

Legend has it that Baba Budan Peer brought back seven seeds of coffee from his pilgrimage to Yemen and planted these seeds around his shrine, which soon spread to other regions. Short distance from here are the three famous water falls with epic associations to it - Gada Theertha, Kamana Theertha and Nellikayi Theertha. The Baba Budan Shrine is revered by both the Hindus and Muslims and thousands throng here for blessing and miraculous cures.

Dattatreya Peetha:

Situated on the Baba-Budan Giri is the Dattatreya Peetha venerated by Hindus and Muslims alike. A laterite cave here is believed to have been sanctified by the residence of Dattatreya Swamy as well as Hazrat Dada Hayat Mir Khalander. The worship is led by a Fakir annual jatra / Urus is celebrated by both Muslims and Hindus with great aplomb. Datta Jayanti, the birthday of Dattatreya Swamy is celebrated with great fervor.

Kemmannugundi:

Kemmannugundi is one of the exceptionally beautiful Hill stations and one of the best trekking spots amidst lush green forest, 50 kms North from Chikmagalur town on the Baba Budan range. KR Hills as it is popularly known, is named after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV who made the place his most favoured summer camp. Situated at a height of 4732 ft. and surrounded by thick green forests, Kemmannugundi is a perfect getaway, with salubrious climate and panoramic view of wild mountains, birds singing and the blissful cool breeze.

Ballarayana durga:

The ancient ruins of the Hoysala fort located atop a hill (4990 ft.), is where who can see the astounding range of Western Ghats in its most beautiful face. The view of the hills is awesome from the ramparts of the ruined fort. This place is accessible by a village road, 8 km from Sunkasale on Kottigehara- Kalasa road.

Kudremukh:

The navigator's landmark. The horse face. A secluded hill station, situated 106 kms south west of Chikmagalur town, this range stands overlooking the Arabian Sea. 6,250 ft. above sea level, the broad hills changed to one another with deep valleys and steep precipices are retlete with fascinating natural beauty. Kudremukh is rich in iron ore deposits. The mining operations has made this a modern town buzzing with activity.

Gangamoola:

(Samse) A hill station 110 kms south - west of Chikmagalur, Gangamoola lies amidst thick for forests. Three important rivers, the Tunga, Bhadra and Netravathi have their origin here. The Goddess Bhagavathi shrime and a Varaha image of 6 ft.reside within a cave.

Ayyanakere:

Ayyanakere is an ancient tank constructed by Rukmangada Raya a chief of Sakrepatna and renovated later in 1156 A.D. during the Hoysala times. This large tank situated at the eastern base of the Baba- Budan range, 18 km north - east of Chikmagalur town, provides irrigation facility to more than 1,500 hectares of land. On a hillock here is the Prasanna Balleshvara shrine with Hoysala sculptures of Ganapathi, Surya, Krishna, and Ambika.

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