Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s highest peak, is located 20 kilometres and 23 kilometres from Chikmagalur and Baba Budangiri, respectively.


On the topmost summit of this Mullayanagiri peak, there is a small temple with a small statue of Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy. Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy, according to regional mythology, meditated for years at the cave on top of Mullayanagiri peak.

This is how the peak came to have its current name. The term ‘Mullai’, on the other hand, is associated with the forests in old Kannada literature. The caves at the top of the Mullayanagiri hills are not particularly deep. They have an entrance that leads directly to the temple’s garbhagudi.

Adventure seekers will find plenty to do here. The location serves as a hub for trekking, mountain biking, and road biking.

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Mullayanagiri’s panoramic beauty is breathtaking, nestled between the Nilgiris and the mighty Himalayas. It makes the Mullayanagiri peaks one of the most appealing intermediate trekking destinations.

The trail to Mullayanagiri’s highest peak begins in Sarpadhari and extends for 3 kilometres. Although it is relatively steep, you can easily cover the distance in 1.5 hours. You can admire a Nandi statue, small streams, and a cave with a small water source.

Places to see nearby Mullayanagiri.

Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy Temple

 It is a holy Hindu shrine dedicated to Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy, who meditated atop the Mullayanagiri Hills.

Jhari Waterfalls

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Jhari Waterfalls is located near Attigundi and is one of Chikmagalur’s most beautiful waterfalls. The presence of dense forest cover and lush green coffee plantations adds to the natural beauty of these waterfalls. At its base, you can see a small pool where you can swim or relax along its side.

12.4 kilometres from Mullayanagiri

Karnataka Horticulture Department

The Karnataka Horticulture Department has created a rock garden. It is similar to an orchid house, with many exotic plant species and elegantly laid out gardens. This location is popular among city dwellers as a weekend getaway.

0.2 kilometres from Mullayanagiri

Jayanthi Coffee, Chikmagalur

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It is a great place to get some authentic flavours of high-quality South Indian filter coffee. Filter coffee, spices, pure coffee, coffee makers, honey and other accessories.

0.6 kilometres from Mullanyangiri

Hirekolale Lake

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Nestled in the Western Ghats’ dense forest cover, Hirekolale Lake is a beautiful sightseeing adventure to plan your visit to. This breathtaking man-made lake is an ideal location for sunset enthusiasts and photographers.

8.3 kilometres from Mullayanagiri

Also Read, Halebidu: The Ancient Beauty of Karnataka

Bababudangiri

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Bababudangiri is a popular tourist destination in the Baba Budan range of the vast Western Ghats. Aside from being a trekker’s paradise, the area is also known for housing the Hindu Dattatreya Peetha and the Muslim Baba Budangiri dargah.

12.8 kilometres from Mulllayangiri

Bhadra National Tiger Reserve

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 This protected tiger reserve spans 490 kilometres of land. The Bhadra National Tiger Reserve is surrounded by tanning brown forest cover. The sparkling white Bhadra River encroaches on this plot of land. During your visit to the Bhadra National Tiger Reserve, you can go trekking, bird watching, rock climbing, and island camping.

Location and connectivity 

Mullayanagiri is located in Karnataka’s Chikmagalur district, part of the Baba Budangiri Range of the Western Ghats. 

Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, standing at 1950 metres above sea level. You won’t be able to access your mobile connectivity at such a high altitude. So, before ascending or descending the hills, make sure to dial or attend to all of your calls.

Best time to visit Mullayanagiri

It is always best to visit Mullayanagiri during the spring season. Summer heat can be exasperating, while winter snowfall can cause trails to become flooded. Mullayanagiri experiences heavy rains, so visiting during the rainy season is not good. The thick sheets of rain received here may cause you to become blind for the rest of your ascension.

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How to reach Mullayanagiri

Mullayanagiri is located 20 kilometres from Chikmagalur Bus Stand. You can take a state-run bus that will take you to the foothills of Mullayangiri. Later, you can take a hired jeep to the top summit.

  • By Air: Mangalore Airport is 170 kilometres away, and Chikmagalur Railway Station is 2.4 kilometres away. First, fly from Kempegowda International Airport to Mangalore Airport. Following that, you must take a hired taxi ride to Mullayanagiri. Time spent travelling – 5 hours and 42 minutes.
  • By Train: You can take a train from KSR Bangalore to Birur Junction by train. From there, you’ll have to take a hired taxi to Mullayanagiri. Time spent travelling – 4 hours and 17 minutes.
  • By bus: Take a bus from Bangalore to Shimoga. Hire a taxi from there to take you to the foothills of Mullayangiri. Travel time is 8 hours and 06 minutes.
  • By Road: You can drive yourself or book a direct taxi from Bangalore to Mullayangiri. The distance between the two locations is 256.6 kilometres, and 3 hours and 51 minutes is the travel time.