<p>The serene Baba Budangiri range in Chikkamagaluru district stretches for 80 km, rising majestically to an average height of 1,900 metres. Numerous streams, the most significant being the Bhadra river, originate from this hill range. Trekking through these hills is a sheer delight as one can experience various landscapes — dense forest, shola and grassland — found along the range. <br /><br /></p>.<p>As one drives from Chikkamagaluru to Kemmannagundi, one can find a trail leading to the Mullayanagiri peak, just after the Sarpanadari arch. There is a motorable road till a certain point after which one has to trek towards the peak. The trail, that narrows down uphill, provides a captivating view of the plains, Chikkamagaluru town and the enchanting hamlets below. Around 250 bird species, 300 rare herbs, orchids, flowers, bamboo, timber and butterflies make the place a reserve of rich flora and fauna. One can also visit the beautiful Shiva Temple at the hilltop by climbing stone steps.<br /><br />One has to descend about 1,000 metres to the north-east of the Mullayanagiri peak and then walk to the junction of two trails that run almost parallel to each other, to reach the Inam Dattatreya Bababudan Swamy Dargah which is located 18 km away. Of these two trails, one is used by herdsmen who bring their cattle for grazing on the grassy slopes and the other is used by pilgrims and trekkers. The dargah is a cave shrine in the lower hills of the Baba Budangiri range. Legend has it that a Sufi saint arrived here in 17th century. The saint was a teacher and a healer who lived in a humble home in one of the laterite caves in these hills. <br /></p>
<p>The serene Baba Budangiri range in Chikkamagaluru district stretches for 80 km, rising majestically to an average height of 1,900 metres. Numerous streams, the most significant being the Bhadra river, originate from this hill range. Trekking through these hills is a sheer delight as one can experience various landscapes — dense forest, shola and grassland — found along the range. <br /><br /></p>.<p>As one drives from Chikkamagaluru to Kemmannagundi, one can find a trail leading to the Mullayanagiri peak, just after the Sarpanadari arch. There is a motorable road till a certain point after which one has to trek towards the peak. The trail, that narrows down uphill, provides a captivating view of the plains, Chikkamagaluru town and the enchanting hamlets below. Around 250 bird species, 300 rare herbs, orchids, flowers, bamboo, timber and butterflies make the place a reserve of rich flora and fauna. One can also visit the beautiful Shiva Temple at the hilltop by climbing stone steps.<br /><br />One has to descend about 1,000 metres to the north-east of the Mullayanagiri peak and then walk to the junction of two trails that run almost parallel to each other, to reach the Inam Dattatreya Bababudan Swamy Dargah which is located 18 km away. Of these two trails, one is used by herdsmen who bring their cattle for grazing on the grassy slopes and the other is used by pilgrims and trekkers. The dargah is a cave shrine in the lower hills of the Baba Budangiri range. Legend has it that a Sufi saint arrived here in 17th century. The saint was a teacher and a healer who lived in a humble home in one of the laterite caves in these hills. <br /></p>
