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Baba Budangiri
Overview of the Baba Budangiri, Chikmagalur
In the beautiful Western Ghats lies the famous and picturesque Baba Budangiri mountain. It is located near the Chikkamagalur district in Karnataka. The sanctum of Hazrat Dada Hayat is located here. He was a well-known Sufi Saint with huge number of followers. It is believed that the shrine is related to the Hindu God Guru Dattatreya and hence the mountain is also sometimes called the Dattagiri Hills. Hindus and Muslims from all over India come to worship at this holy place. Baba Budangiri has one of the highest mountain peaks in the country. It is believed that coffee was introduced in India in the 1670 AD when Baba Budan grew coffee in the Baba Budangiri Hills.
The Baba Budangiri Range in olden times was known as the Chandra Drona Parvatha. Mullayanagiri with a height of 1930 meters is the highest peak of Karnataka. Dattagiri or Baba Budangiri, with a height of 1895 meters is the second highest peak of the state. The peaks look like a crescent moon and hence are called the Chandradrona Parvatha Shreni. Once in every 12 years a rare flower called the Kurinji blooms here and people from all around the world come here to have a look at it.
The hills are popular for their forests and trekking and hiking activities. This place is perfect for those who love adventures and don’t mind a little adrenalin rush. The most popular and visited tarck lies between the Mullayanagari peak and Baba Budangiri. The sanctum of Deviramma Betta is also situated here and offers a breathtaking view of the mountains. While visiting here you must trek through the popular trekking paths like Baba Budangiri to Mullayanagri and Budangiri to Manikyadhara Falls.
More on Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri Temple
Baba Budangiri Temple is dedicated to saint Baba Budan who is valued and respected by both Hindus and Muslims. There has been a huge controversy on the issue of the religious standing of the shrine. It is believed that the shrine is a blend of saints like Abdul Azeez Macci, Sufi Baba Budan and Dattatreya who are considered as an embodiment of Lord Shiva or Brahma or Vishnu.
According to history, Abdul Azeez Macci was a pupil and follower of the Prophet. It is believed that he came to India from Saudi Arabia to spread the importance of peace and harmony and also the teachings of Islam. Whereas, it is believed that Dattatreya combined various cultures by bringing the followers of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and those who follow Sufism together. The incarnation of Dattatreya is said to be Baba Budan.
Baba Budangiri Trek
This popular and exciting trek is from Mullayanagiri to the peak of Baba Budangiri. Mullayanagiri is the highest peak and Baba Budangiri is the second highest peak of Karnataka. The trek is about 9 km long and would take about 5-6 hours to complete. The initial point of the trek called the “Sarpadhari” is in shape of a snake. Being the most travelled through trek you can easily find the directions on the internet or even follow the white marks given on the rocks. The Manikhyadhara Waterfall is a beautiful place and a perfect picnic spot surrounded by lush greenery.
Attractions Near Baba Budangiri
There are a number of tourist attractions near the Baba Budangiri Mountain. The place is perfect destination for those who love nature and want to relax and spend quality time with their family. Here are a few of the tourist spots which you must definitely visit –
Caves
Close to the temple, there are 3 caves that are considered to be sacred as they have icons and tombs of 3 Siddhas. Every year a Jatra takes place in the remembrance of the three Siddhas. Seethala is another place which attracts a lot of tourists. It has a Mutt and is a dual sanctum of Seethala and Mallikarjuna.
Waterfalls
Beautiful waterfalls like the Gada Theertha, the Nallikayi Theertha and the Kamana Theertha lie near Attigundi. Gada Theertha is named so because it is believed that it was formed by Bheema with the help of his gada to satiate his mother’s thirst. It is also believed that those who take bath in Nalliyaki Theertha which is formed by the Manikya Dhara Waterfall are sure to leave one item of clothing behind.
One of the most popular tourists spot is the Manikya Dhara Waterfall which is situated in the Chikkamagalur district close to Kemmangundi. Hindus and Muslims from all over India visit this place.
Lake
There is a lake at a distance of only two kilometers from the temple known as the Galikere Lake. The most unique trait of this place is that in every 12 years a rare species of flowers called “Kurinji” blooms here. This last happened in 2018 and was a beautiful sight to watch. It will next happen in 2030.
Best Time to Visit Baba Budangiri
Form September till March the weather is enjoyable and it is the perfect time to come here. The weather is very pleasing and it’s neither too hot nor too cold.
How to Reach Baba Budangiri
To reach Chikamagalur you can book a cab or a bus from Bangalore. Once you reach the temple you can visit the Manikyadhara waterfalls through the same buses. You will have to drive your own car till Kemmanagundi to reach Baba Budangiri as there is no means of public transport or private bus connecting Kemmanagundi and Baba Budangiri.