Baba Budangiri - Chikmagalur's Sacred Hills and Coffee Origin

Chikmagalur, KarnatakaHILL STATION

A mountain range in Chikmagalur, known for a unique Hindu-Muslim shrine, India's first coffee plantations, and popular trekking routes.

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HILL STATION

Info

2-3 hours

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

No Parking

Photography

No Photography

About the Destination

Overview

Baba Budangiri is a mountain range in the Western Ghats, located north of Chikmagalur town. The range is known for its distinct geography, featuring rolling hills, green grasslands, and dense shola forests. Visitors experience a winding, scenic drive to reach the top, with views that become more expansive with altitude. The main point of interest is a cave shrine, revered by both Hindus and Muslims, known as Sri Guru Dattatreya Baba Budan Swamy Dargah. This site embodies a long history of syncretic worship.

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Location & Address

Baba Budangiri Hills, Chikmagalur Taluk, Baba Budangiri Range, Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from September to March. During these months, the monsoons have subsided, leaving the hills lush and green. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for trekking and sightseeing. Winter months from December to February can be quite cold. Avoid the peak monsoon season from July to August, as heavy rainfall can cause slippery roads, leeches on trails, and limited visibility due to fog.
Peak Crowd: October to January, especially during long weekends, Christmas, and New Year holidays. The Datta Jayanti festival also sees very large crowds.
Moderate Crowd: September, February, and March, particularly on weekends.
Low Crowd: April to June due to warmer weather, and July to August during the heavy monsoon season.

How to Reach

Air

Mangalore International Airport (IXE) is the nearest airport, located about 160 km away. The drive from the airport takes around 4-5 hours. Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is another option, approximately 280 km away (5-6 hours drive).

Train

The closest major railway station is Kadur Junction (DRU), about 60 km from Baba Budangiri. Chikmagalur has a smaller station (CMGR) with limited connectivity. From Kadur, you can hire a taxi to reach Chikmagalur and then proceed to the hills.

Road

Chikmagalur is well-connected by road to major cities like Bengaluru (245 km) and Mangaluru (150 km). From Chikmagalur town, Baba Budangiri is a 33 km drive on a steep, winding road. It is advisable to hire a local taxi or jeep for the final ascent.

Local Transport

Within Chikmagalur, hiring a jeep is the most popular way to explore Baba Budangiri and nearby spots, costing ₹1500-₹2500 for a day trip. State-run buses are infrequent and not ideal for tourists. Auto-rickshaws are not suitable for the steep incline.