Clouded within the Western Ghats of India, Baba Budangiri is a hill and mountain range located in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. The crescent moon-shaped mountain range also has another local name, Chandra Drona, which means the moon guide. If you’re wondering about what’s so special about this mountain range being a popular tourist spot, then hold on. We have a lot of stories to tell about this Baba Budan Giri Parvat. This destination in Karnataka is famous for its pilgrimage spots and hills, and it is also the coffee country of India.
About Baba Budangiri
Image Credit: Dinesh Valke for Wikimedia Commons
Baba Budangiri, the coffee country of India, has a historical context behind its coffee plantation. It all started when the Sudi Saint Baba Budan, during his pilgrimage to Mecca, caught himself eager to grow coffee in his home country. So Baba Budan successfully smuggled seven coffee beans hiding in his beard from the Mocha’s Yemen port. During that time, the Yemenis didn’t allow coffee beans to get out of their country in raw form. They only export roasted coffee beans to the world, so the world is forced to buy coffee only from them. When Baba Budan returned home, he planted those coffee beans on the hilly slopes of Chandra Drona hills. Chandra Drona Hill is popularly known as the Baba Budangiri because of his contribution to the birth of coffee production in India.
This Baba Budangiri is also famous for its unusual and unique diversity of festivals and culture. Also known as the Dattagiri, named after the Sufi saint Baba Budan, he is the only one who has brought Hindus and Muslims together. The mountain range is also famous for its trekking paths. It has snake-patterned trails, rocky patches, meandering hills, rubbles, etc, making it a difficult yet sporty way to the Mullayanagiri, camping grounds, and cave explorations. Baba Budangiri also has beautiful floras, lush green scenery, and a beautiful hilly backdrop, making it a pleasurable sight to the eyes of visitors and the best landscape for photographers. The rare sight of Kurinji flowers blooming at the low-lying slopes of Nilgiring once every 12 years is also a unique attraction for visitors.
Must Read: Mullayanagiri Trek
Baba Budangiri Temple
Baba Budangiri Dargah and Datta Peetha, also known as the Inam Dattatreya Peetha, are named after the Sufi saint Baba Budan. The shrine of Baba Budangiri is respected by both Hindu and Muslim devotees as they believe Baba Budan to be the reincarnation of Dada Hayath and Dattatreya. According to the ancient stories, Dada Hayath was a disciple of Prophet Muhammad, who came to India from Saudi Arabia to spread the message of Islam. His religious preaching’s main intention was to make people aware of the Sufi tradition, and he never directed his teaching to the Hindus. But when he saw the Hindu Landlords being oppressive towards the underprivileged classes, he wanted to show the path of goodness to those landlords, but things went wrong, and he was almost killed.
On the other hand, Dattatreya was a Hindu God believed to be the reincarnation of the three divine Godfathers of Hinduism, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahadev. These beliefs of both Hindus and Muslims led to developing a syncretic culture where both Hindu and Sufi cultures came together. When Baba Budan came to the hills and started meditating in the same spot as Dattatreya, the locals believed he was the reincarnation of both Dattatreya and Dada Hayath. This spot is a popular pilgrimage spot in Karnataka, located at the top of the Baba Budangiri hill. Both Datta Peetha and Dargah are located there, which makes them unique places of spirituality.
Places To Visit Near Baba Budangiri
After learning about the history of Baba Budangiri, you must explore the beautiful places nearby and enjoy the breathtaking views.
1. Hebbe Waterfalls
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One of the most popular waterfalls near Baba Budangiri is the Hebbe Waterfalls. Surrounded by lush green scenery and cascading waters, this waterfall is a pleasant and relaxing tourist spot in the summer. The splashing cold waters from the waterfalls cool down your body when you dip. The lush green backdrop, the rocky mountains and the misty waterfall make it an amazing photogenic landscape for the photographers. The best time to visit the waterfalls is the post-monsoon season, from July to December. The visitors should keep in mind to pack warm clothes and wear suitable clothes for trekking with sporty and sturdy footwear. Also, they are advised to carry refreshments and snacks independently as no shop is nearby. A local guide should be hired to ensure a safe trek and tour of the waterfalls.
Location: Kesavinamane, Karnataka, 577131
Distance: From Baba Budangiri 82.7 km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Karnataka In Winter
2. Mullayanagiri Peak
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The highest peak in Chikmagalur is the Mullayangiri peak. An excellent trekking location in the winter, suitable for both couples and friends. Upon reaching the top of the peak, you will find a mesmerising and stunning view of the valley. The peak’s name Mullyanagiri has been named after the sage Mullappa Swami who is believed to have meditated in a cave near the mountain peak. The peak also has a temple called the Mullayanagiri temple dedicated to lord Shiva, where devotees can pray and make offerings to Shiva. Something about this peak is so calming and soothing that every visitor seems to relax there.
Location: Chikmagalur taluk, Chikmagaluru district, Karnataka
Distance: From Baba Budangiri 100 meter
3. Kudremukh
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Kudremuk, a mountain peak and mountain ranges, is also a small hill station and iron ore mining town located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. The name Kudremukh is derived from a Kannada word meaning “horse’s face”, and the locals believe that the peak resembles a horse’s face. Popular for its beautiful landscapes, natural biodiversity, and abundant mineral wealth, Kundremukh is a popular tourist spot among travellers in Karnataka. It is a paradise for nature lovers and travel enthusiasts as the Kundremukh trek takes you through the grassy landscapes, pristine slopes and deep forests. With adventurous trekking, you also get to enjoy sightseeing in the place, where you will see a variety of rich flora and fauna. The Kundremuk trek area is also home to various wildlife, such as tigers, panthers, bison, sambar etc.
Location: Kalasa Taluk, Chikmagaluru district, Karnataka.
Distance: From Baba Budangiri 140 km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Summer In Karnataka
4. Shingeri Sri Sharadambe Devi Ammanavara Temple
Image Credit: Naveenbm for Wikipedia Commons
Located in the holy town of Sringeri of Karnataka, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Sharadamba is the Shingeri Shree Sharadambe Devi Ammanavara Temple. Adi Shankaracharya found this temple in the 8th century BCE. Adi Shankaracharya, being a great devotee, installed a Sandalwood idol of devi Shingeri Shree Sharadambe, which was later replaced by a gold statue devoted by the Vijayanagara rulers in the 14th century BCE. The famous Kappe Shankara sculpture at the temple has its ancient legend. According to local legends, a snake hooded itself as an umbrella to cover a pregnant frog from the scorching sun during its labour. To commemorate this act of kindness, the locals installed a sculpture there.
Location: Harihara, Mesnase, Karnataka.
Distance: From Baba Budangiri 119 km
Further Read: Devaragundi Falls
Now that you have a detailed tour guide to Baba Budangiri and the nearby tourist places to visit make sure to visit these shrines and waterfalls that await your visit at Baba Budangiri. Enjoy a calm and serene vacation amidst nature’s lap while rejuvenating yourself from your hectic work life. Plan your trip to Karnataka now and get exciting discounts and offers with the best tour packages you will ever find.
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Cover Image Credit: Dinesh Valke for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Baba Budangiri
What is Baba Budangiri famous for?
Baba Budangiri is famous for its scenic beauty, coffee plantations, and the shrine of Sufi saint Baba Budan which is a unique and unusual pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Muslim devotees. Other than that Baba Budangiri has many other tourist places that you can visit nearby.
How can I reach Baba Budangiri?
You can reach Baba Budangiri by road from Chikmagalur, which is about 35n kilometres away. The nearest railway station is in Chikmagalur, and the nearest airport is in Mangalore, about 170 kilometres away from Baba Budangiri.
What are the main attractions near Baba Budangiri?
The main attractions near Baba Budangiri include the Baba Budangiri shrine, Mullayanagiri Peak, which is the highest peak in Karnataka, Manikyadhara Falls, and the beautiful coffee plantations at Baba Budangiri, which is also said to be the first coffee plantations to be produced in India.
What should I pack for a trip to Baba Budangiri?
It is advisable to pack comfortable trekking shoes and warm clothing, especially if you are visiting during the winter months. You can also pack rain gear and other essentials such as sunscreen and insect repellent. Also, make sure to pack and wear modest clothes when visiting the shrines to maintain respect.
Are there any festivals celebrated at Baba Budangiri?
Yes, the annual Urs festival is celebrated at Baba Budangiri shrine, which attracts devotees from different parts of the country. It is a very unique festival that brings both Hindu and Muslim devotees together. Baba Budan is a symbol of cultural diversity and brotherhood.
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