Baba Budangiri- One of the best places to trek in Chikkamagaluru
Overview-
Baba Budangiri is a very revered pilgrimage spot in Chikkamagaluru for both Hindu and Muslim communities. It’s popular for its shrine of Hazrat Dada Hayath Mir Khalander who was a Sufi Saint in the 17th Century. This place is also valued for its caves which are believed to be the residence of Sri Dattatreya Swamy. Baba Budangiri is a very beautiful and picturesque place to visit in Chikkamagaluru popular for its trekking and hiking activities that enthrall visitors and thrill seekers from all around the world.
Baba Budangiri is an ideal weekend getaway offering an amazing trek route in the mountains of Chikkamagaluru, located at a distance of 250 km from Bangalore. It starts on a hiking trail from Sarpadhari, you can see the peaks of Mullyanagiri(1380 m) and Baba Buddangiri(1895 m) looming at a distance. Together, these two mountains appear to be like a crescent moon, also known as the Chandra Drona Range.
Trekking enthusiasts look forward to the Buddangiri hiking route as it’s one of the greatest places to trek in Chikkamagaluru. The entire trail passes through the dark forests consisting of shoal trees, moraine-filled rocky stretches, and serene green grasslands that are spread across the rolling hills. You can watch the spectacular view of the enclosing slopes of the Nilgiri Hills, you can also spot some wildlife while you cross the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also check your stamina while you walk past a few steep inclines.
Some of the most exciting portions of the trek involve walking on the Blade Ridge on your way to Mullayanagiri, exploring the ancient caves, camping in the forest’s clearings, and photography of the stunning hills cape from several viewpoints. Kurinji flowers that bloom in the low-lying slopes of the Nilgiri range are a very rare attraction present in these hills. Visitors are fascinated with the beautiful flowers that blossom at an interval of 12 years, spread across camouflaging the entire space with shades of blue, giving Nilgiri hills its name.
Baba Budangiri – Points of Interest-
- Baba Budangiri Temple-
The shrine of Baba Budangiri is important to both the Hindu and Muslim communities. You will find the grave of this Sufi saint- Baba Budan here, once you complete your trek to the flat top of the hill. A stairwell rises from the Durgah of the Islamic saint that leads to the Dattatreya Caves which is believed to be inhabited by the Hindu deity who was known as Dattatreya Swami. Compelling and interesting stories associated with these two mythical figures disseminate among the pilgrims here. It is believed that the Islamic saint was sent by Prophet Mohammad to India and the deity Dattatreya was the embodiment of Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh.
You will be elated to hear that there is a unique connection between the Nilgiri Hills and the Coffee plantations and the Sufi saint who came to India from the faraway Middle-east. The legend speaks about this Sufi Saint who had returned from Hajj to Mecca with seven raw cocoa beans which he brought to India, Chikkamagaluru, and planted on these mountainsides. The stunning view of the Chikkamagaluru valley from this shrine goes down below around 3 km ahead of this beautiful religious site where the Manikyadhara Falls is present and is another very dynamic scenic place that offers a sweeping view for the visitors.
- Baba Budangiri Trek-
The two viable flag-off points, while you trek towards the Hillside, are Sarpadhari and Attigundi. While taking whichever route you will reach the Mullayangiri Mountain first- the highest peak in Karnataka. After which you lead towards Baba Budangiri. While you walk along the path you will come across and pass by moraine-filled ravine and steep uphill stretches that you have to be very careful about. Once you start moving ahead you will cross Sarpadhari which will be surrounded by thick shola trees and soon after that you will come across the block cliffs of Mullayangiri. The fanatic shutterbug in you will simply jump to life once you find the striking contrast of the blazing green forests and the beautiful grasslands against the black-rocked cliffs present on the trail. Once you reach the mountaintop, you will simply be greeted by an enthralling birds-eye view of the rich green valley lying below.
Best time to visit Baba Budangiri-
The best time to visit Baba Budangiri is around March to April since it’s the primary flowering season in these hills. The average minimum temperature around this time is around 24 degrees Celsius. Sporadic showers are also experienced at this time of the year. During the daytime it’s bright and sunny. Every 12 years, kurinji flowers bloom on the slopes of these hills during the summer season. The trek route remains open throughout the year. However, during the monsoon season starting from mid-June to the end of July, trekking is closed as this is the monsoon season and it is not advisable to trek during this time of the year. Also from December to mid-February, the average minimum temperature drops up to 20 degrees Celsius at night. The daytime is cool and sunny. The mist-enveloped mornings are bright and add to the winter charm.
How to reach Baba Budangiri-
- By Air-Mangalore Airport is the closest airport to Budangiri, almost 110 km from Chikkamagaluru. You can hire a taxi or get a bus which moves quite frequently to Chikkamagaluru town. You can also travel from Bangalore airport towards Chikkamagaluru by taking a bus or a hired cab which will be a 5-hour road trip.
- By Shared Jeep– Many times hikers chose to travel by shared jeeps from the Chikkamagaluru bus stand to the base camp of the Budangiri trek located in Attigundi.
- By Bus-Private-run buses play between Chikkamagaluru to Baba Budangiri. The first bus runs at 7 am and the last one runs at 5 pm. These buses are very comfortable to travel and these buses are scheduled at an interval of 3 hours during the day.
Important Information about Baba Budangiri-
- Location– Chikkamagaluru is a treasured spot for nature, tourism, and adventure marked for its blissfulness and beauty situated in the lap of the Mountains of the Western Ghats. This area is administered under the Chikkamagaluru district of the state of Karnataka.
- Places to Eat– you will find some wondrous eateries that are located within a 10-11 km radius on the roadway to Baba Budan. You can try a hot cup of coffee and some relished south Indian breakfast or lunch here.
- Mobile Connectivity– it is suggested that you finish making your calls before you start with your trek from Sarpadhari, which is the base-camp village towards Baba Budan since the mobile connectivity is sporadic all through the trek.
Some Essential Tips while you travel to Baba Budangiri-
- Carry your raincoat, since brief showers are common during the summer season.
- Carry some light warm clothes. Heavy clothes are not required.
- You can travel from Chikkamagaluru towards the base- camp of Baba Budangiri, known as Attigundi. You can take a shared jeep that is going to be very affordable to your pocket.
- Do not plan a journey from Chikkamagaluru towards Baba Budangiri at night, especially if you are willing to travel by public transport. Viable transport by a shared jeep or bus is very hard to find after 5 pm.
- You need to prepare yourself well before you start your trek from Mullayanagiri to Baba Budan, which is located at a fairly high altitude along with a very rough-hewn trail as it could be a very challenging experience.
- Entry Fee- it is free.
- Timings- 8 am to 5 pm.
After Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri is the second-highest peak in Karnataka which stands tall at an altitude of 1895 m. It is a great destination for photography and is a must-visit site and is sacredly worshipped by both Hindu and Muslim communities. You can plan an exciting trip to this place with your friends and family while you are in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka.
