PLACES TO VISIT

Mullayyanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, India. Mullayyanagiri is located in the Chandra Dhrona Hill Ranges of the Western Ghats of Chikkamagaluru Taluk. The peak gets its name from a small temple (gadduge/tomb) at the summit, which is dedicated to a sage “Mulappa swamy” who is believed to have meditated at the caves only a couple of feet below the summit. The caves are accessible and not very deep, they have a direct entrance to the garbagudi of the temple, which is now blocked by the temple priests. Apart from multiple versions of folklore and strong Siddha culture around the belt, the origins or any information about the deity remains ambiguous

Kemmanagundi is located at a height of 1434m above sea level and is famous for its beautifully laid-out ornamental gardens, enchanting mountains and valleys views. The picturesque sunset view from the Raj Bhavan is every photographer’s delight. For those who are adventurous, the place offers many peaks to scale and intricate jungle paths to explore

Kemmangundi trek is famous for its mesmerizing beauty with ornamental gardens, mountains, valleys views and a spectacular sunset view from the Raj Bhavan. Arrive at the Kemmangundi Peak in Chikmagalur, by taking a left to Horticulture Farm from Hebbe Falls

Bhadra wildlife sanctuary is located in Karnataka at a distance of 38 km from Chikmagalur town. It boasts of a substantially large number of tiger populations and was declared in 1998 as the 25th Project Tiger of India. The sanctuary has an elevation point of 750 m to 1875 m above the sea level. The lofty hill range and green vegetation surrounding it from all sides make it look absolutely stunning. The lush green vegetation mainly consists of dry deciduous and moist forests

The mesmerizing Bhadra River passes through this sanctuary whistling soothingly, and hence it has given it the name Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread over the area of 490 sq km, it is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and is home to diverse varieties of flora and fauna. You can spot some of the endangered species over here like Malabar giant squirrel and orangutan

Kudremukh National Park is popular for its scenic beauty. Designated the status of a national park in the year 1987, the 600-kilometre square area is one of the most well preserved national parks in the state

Bababudangiri is an amazing trek in the mountains of Chikmagalur, located at a distance of 250 km from Bangalore, making it ideal for a weekend getaway. Starting on the hiking trail from Sarpadhari (alternatively from Attinagundi), you can see the peaks of Budangiri (1895 m) and Mullayanagiri (1930 m) looming at a distance. Together, the two mountains appear like a crescent moon, therefore known as the Chandra Drona Range

Trekking enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to on the Budangiri hike. Trails snake through dark forests of shola trees, occasional moraine-filled rocky stretches, and miles of serene green grasslands on the rolling hills. Come on this trek to take in all the spectacular vistas of the enclosing slopes of the Nilgiri Hills, try your luck at spotting wildlife when crossing through the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, and test your stamina at negotiating a few steep inclines

Belur-Halebid-Shravenbelgola traingle is a very good weekend outing from Bangalore. The entire to and fro journey from Bangalore is about 500 kms. I did this in a day If you want to relax, you can make it for 2 days with stay in Hassan
Shravenbelgola is a Jain temple with big statue of lord mahavir on hill top. You can climb via stairs or could hire carts to carry you. People interested in trekking can go to hill opposite that

Belur and Halebid are 14th century temples – the best part is the art work on the temple walls. It is extremely beautiful. You would be able to appreciate more if guide is hired to explain the stories

The sanctuary takes its name from the Bhadra River, its lifeline. Popularly known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, after the village on its periphery, it was declared a Project Tiger reserve. But apart from the tiger, it is a great place to sight and observe other mammals, reptiles, and more than 250 species of birds, many of which are endemic to the Western Ghats.  The state-run Jungle Lodges & Resorts runs the River Tern Lodge located on a hillock on the edge of the Bhadra reservoir, near Lakkavali. It is a stone’s throw away from the northern boundary of the Bhadra Tiger Reserve.

Muthodi is the southern part of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and is located in one of the most picturesque forest patches here. The sanctuary is also home to the Jagara Giant, the largest teak tree in the state which has a girth of 5.1 m with a height of 32 m and is said to be around 400 years old.