MULLAYANAGIRI

   

Mullayangiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, India. It is located in the Baba Budan Giri Range. With a height of 1930 m (6317 ft.), it is the highest peak between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. Mullayanagiri is located in the Chikkamagalur district of Karnataka.

We started our Journey to Mullayangiri by jeep which we hired from Kemmangundi. Its around 55 Km from Kemmangundi. Road is pathetic..!! If u have car with low ground clearance better park it and hire a 4 x4 jeep.  J. The way was really beautiful except road. The driver was very young he droved his jeep like bike. We got scared but enjoyed it too, he took us for some roller coaster ride along the dangerous curvy path.

It passes through many coffee Estates, small streams, small mountains covered with full of grass again a pleasant view, and u can also call it as wonderland for photographers and nature lovers. Just a single rain which turns brown grass to green. After few kilometers we stopped for some break and to enjoy the viewpoint. The view was just awesome..!!!The road passes through many dangerous curves, one should be expert in driving on such roads , Miss judge/extra turn would land you at not less than 3000 ft ….Be cautious..!!!! We entered Bababudangiri Forest Rangewhich is widely spread covering an area of 4102 sq km. Once you join the Chikmaglur Road u can see black color TAR ;),  Yup the road is good now towards Mullayangiri deviation ,road further continues towards kalasa. Ghat sections with some hairpin curves are very common.

. The route is full of greenery and there are number of coffee estates, small falls  on the way. Then after few kms there is a junction with two routes, one towards Mullayangiri and other towards Bababudangiri  We took deviation towards Mullayangiri. Going further one can visit seetahala temple which is located on right side of the road on the way to Mullayangiri.

Karnataka Govt has improved some of the roads in that area not too many but some major roads.

The deviation to Mullayangiri from  main road is about 1 0 kms again it has some sharp curves, covered with trees, shrubs and different kind of plantations .Its a Single Road with no barricades in some places ,During Rainy season it might slide ,precautions is being taken by Government but still we have to be careful at all time J . One thing that catches your eyes all the way is the liveliness, lush and partial greenery since it was may end. Giant tranquil mountains which stands so calmly as if  it welcoming us . It’s a wonderful sight.

We reached top of the hill ,till this point vehicles can reach, At top there is a temple of Mullaya or God Shiva.It took us approximately 20 minutes from down to the top through zigzag steps. From wherever we see it looked like a viewpoint to us. 
On the hilltop there is a small temple and there are some water taps. Freshened up with chilled water from tap.

 Imagine…… we are at 6317 ft above from the sea level……uuffff!!! Amazing..!!!!

 

Mullayangiri literally means 'Mountain of Mullaya'.there are some small hilltop points, which you have to climb yourself to view better view of the valley. The vantage point welcomes us with breath taking views all around of the landscape below. We spent sometime walking around the temple.  The priest's family alone lives atop. He described us about the place and how it is famous .The tar road that leads to the top is clearly visible from the tip . Also one could clearly spot the trekking route that goes to Bababudangiri can also view Chikmaglur city from the top.

We had some photo sessions ,Gopal who is very thin among us easily climbed big rocks for photo pose. Which made us to start climb with difficulty finally myself; Phani Naren and Varuni managed to take snaps which were heartbreaking poses heheheh..!!!

After a perfect sunset we left that peak, as I said the driver was very young he droved the jeep like bike , all of us was very scared since it was totally dark except those jeep headlights. He used to zip the vehicle at 60kmph in ghat section which was really a terrible experience since we had seen that route during day time…..!! We could imagine what would be the result…if he miss judge but we are helpless..!!! We faced even that situation too ,while turning at a curve jeep climbed one of the small rock ,there was ditch of 3000 ft after it ….uff my god..!!!  some how he managed to come back on the road  but he never reduced his speed below 60 kmph…. .Finally by god’s grace we returned back to Kemmangundi by night 9.