Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, India. Mullayanagiri is located in the Chandra Dhrona Hill Ranges of the Western Ghats of Chikkamagaluru Taluk. It is a part of Baba Budangiri Hills.

Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka with a height of 1930 meters (6330 feet). The summit of Mullayanagiri has a police radio relay station and a small Shiva temple. The name Chikkamagaluru is derived from the tomb of Saint Mulappa Swamy which is located at the peak of the hill. The saint is believed to have mediated in the caves surrounding the hill. The name Mullayanagirir is derived from this holy man’s name Mulappa. You can view the entire Western Ghat from the hilltop.

Trekking Information

Time duration: 3 hours

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Maximum altitude: 6,330 feet (1930m)

Mullayanagiri Trek distance: 3-4 kilometers

How to reach Mullayanagiri

By Bus

20 km from Chikmagalur Bus Stand is Mullayanagari. You can choose your from the bus services provided to reach your destination spot. Your destination is supposed to be the foothills of Mullayanagari. Then you can hire a jeep to reach the top of the summit.

Cost – 2000 to 2500 INR per head

Traveling time – 4 hours and 17 minutes

Also bus services are available from Bangalore to Shimoga. From there you can hire a taxi to the foothills of Mullayanagari.

Cost – 4000 to 5000 INR per head

Traveling time – 8 hours and 06 minutes

By Road

You can either opt for a self-drive or book a direct taxi to transfer you between Bangalore and Mullayangiri. Both the places are situated at a distance of 256.6 km from each other.

Cost for a taxi ride – 7000 to 8500 INR

Cost for self-drive – 2000 to 3000 INR

Traveling time – 3 hours and 51 minutes

By Train

You can opt for a train from KSR Bangalore to drop you at Birur Junction. From there, you will have to choose for a hired taxi ride to take you to Mullayanagiri.

Cost – 2000 to 2500 INR per head

Traveling time – 4 hours and 17 minutes

By Flight

First, take a flight to Mangalore Airport from Kempegowda International Airport. After that, you need to opt for a hired taxi ride to drop you at Mullayanagiri.

Cost – 8000 to 15000 INR per head.

Traveling time – 5 hours and 42 minutes

Best time to visit Mullayanagiri

The best time to visit Mullayanagiri is during the spring period of the year. This period is between September to April. The lust greenery of the hills flaunt itself as a green bed of beautiful trees and plants with fresh blooming flowers. At this time, the hills are a treat for the eyes to experience and attain a feeling of love for the greenery of this part of the world.

It is advised to not visit Mullayanagiri during the monsoon period of the year. This period is between June and September. The monsoon rain can be a drawback for you if you visit the place during this time. The rain can be a big problem as water clogged in the roads turn the steep roads of the hills slippery and muddy. Also the roads are foggy and there is a risk of landslides on the road to the hilltop.

Mullayanagiri Trek Itinerary

The Mullayanagiri Trek starts from the Sarpadhari bus stop, which is connected to Chikmagalur by road. Hence, it is one of the easily accessible places to visit in Chikmagalur. The 3km-long steep trek takes around 1.5 hours to be completed one way. Aside from a few steep ascents, the Mullayanagiri Trek is fairly easy to do and will allow you a close encounter with wildlife as it goes through serpentine forest trails.

As a genuine respite for every drained soul, the Mullayanagiri Trek will have you thinking about it long after you’ve completed it. The high point of the trek is walking across the Blade Ridge; this is a cliff on one side and a precarious slope on the other, which makes it feel like you’re walking along a blade’s edge. The Mullayanagiri trek derives its name from the tomb of Saint Mulappa Swamy, which is located at the peak – another element that makes the Mullayanagiri peak one of the most favoured places to visit in Chikmagalur. The saint is believed to have meditated in the caves surrounding this hill.

Camping in Mullayanagiri

Camping is also provided for tourists who visit the Mullayanagiri Trekking Route. It gets breezy and cool at night. So carry proper gear if you plan to go for camping during your trip. Essentials like a sleeping bag, tent for camping, keeping fleas away cream or spray. One more important part of you trekking trip in your mobile network. You will not get any network at the top of the hills. So may as well make your calls before or after the trip to convey your survival to your loved ones.

Packing for Mullayanagiri Trek

Backpack : A backpack to contain all your belongings and trekking gears into one pack. A comfortable padded mountaineering bag would be the perfect choice.

Shoes : You can get hiking shoes or trekking boots to climb up the mountains. A good pair of shoes is a must as your entire hiking will depend on your two feet to walk along the route.

Comfortable clothes : Carry sufficient luggage but not too much for your trek. Don’t overburden your backpack with too many clothes. Instead act smart and carry along only the essentials and also which are comfortable.

Light Sweater : At times, it might get cold as you will be going up to a certain altitude. You may express symptoms like problems in breathing or difference in body pressure. So it is advised for you to carry along a good warm sweater in case you suffer from such a problem.

Raincoat : Carry a raincoat in case it rains in the hills. So to avoid drenching in the rain take along a raincoat.

Water : Some water for the trek is an essential you ought to keep  in hand. Trekking does make you thirsty when climbing up and down the terrain.

Other essential information

The trek to the peak from Sarpadhari is a half day trek. The peak is at a distance of 3-4 km from the starting point and takes about 3 hours to ascend. The initial part of the trek is steep, vertically inclined at 60 degrees or more.

From Chikmagalur proceed towards Bababudangiri, near Kaimara you have to take a left turn (8 kms from Chikmagalur). You will hit the Y intersection, Your left side road goes to Mullayanagiri peak(direct road till peak ).

Baba Budangiri is situated at a distance of 270 km from Bangalore, and you can easily reach Chikmagalur by taking a private bus which can further take you to the shrine. From the shrine, these buses can further drop you off to Manikyadhara waterfalls.

Chikmagalur is around 280 km from Bangalore by road. The base for the trek, Sarpadhari, is further 15 km away. The entire trek is around 5 km and should take about 4 hours. Chikmagalur is well connected to Bangalore by road.