Karnataka · 6 destinations & hidden spots
Chikmagalur & Bababudangiri Range
Mullayanagiri is the crown of the Chandra Drona hill range in the Western Ghats. Named after sage Mullappa Swamy whose shrine sits atop the summit, the peak is reachable via a scenic winding mountain road followed by an ascent of around 400 stone steps through sweeping grasslands and swirling clouds.
Chikmagalur & Bababudangiri Range
Rising to 6,217 feet, this crescent-shaped mountain ridge is revered by both Hindus and Muslims as the shrine of Guru Dattatreya and Sufi saint Baba Budan. The saint famously smuggled seven raw coffee beans from the Yemeni port of Mocha tucked in his belt, giving birth to India's vast coffee heritage.
Hidden Gem
Chikmagalur & Bababudangiri Range
Plunging in two distinct tiers known as Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls), this remote waterfall is reached via a bumpy 4x4 Jeep ride through steep forest estate tracks followed by a river-crossing trek. The natural pool is mineral-rich and refreshing for swimmers.
Chikmagalur & Bababudangiri Range
Kemmangundi was the summer retreat of Mysore King Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV. From the hill gardens, a dramatic 3-km cliffside trail hugs steep emerald slopes to reach Z Point, a sharp precipice offering breathtaking vertical drops and sweeping views across the Bhadra valley.
Chikmagalur & Bababudangiri Range
Named for its distinctive silhouette resembling a horse's face ('Kudre-mukh' in Kannada), this 600-sq-km national park is one of the world's 34 biodiversity hotspots. A regulated 22-km round-trip trek traverses crystal streams, rolling green velvet hills, and rainforest valleys where lion-tailed macaques reside.
Hidden Gem
Chikmagalur & Bababudangiri Range
Spread over 490 square kilometres in the Western Ghats, Bhadra is home to over 30 Bengal tigers, leopards, Indian elephants, king cobras, and 250 species of birds. Jeep safaris operate through the Muthodi range, while boat safaris skim across the blue waters of the Bhadra reservoir amidst misty hill backdrops.
