Mullayanagiri
The highest point in Karnataka, wrapped in cloud
At 1,930 metres Mullayanagiri is the tallest peak in Karnataka and the roof of the district. A narrow road climbs most of the way up the Chandra Drona range; the last stretch to the small Shanmukha temple at the summit is a flight of steep steps. On a clear winter morning the peaks stand above a sea of cloud — in the monsoon you may see nothing but drifting mist a few feet away.
What to do here
- Climb the summit steps at sunrise
- Photograph the cloud line from the ridge
- Ride or drive the switchback road up
- Visit the Shanmukha cave shrine
The signature sunrise climb of Chikmagalur and the natural starting point for understanding the Baba Budangiri range.
History
The hill takes its name from a cave where the sage Mullappa Swamy is believed to have meditated; a shrine still marks the spot near the summit. The range is called Chandra Drona after the crescent shape it makes on the horizon.
Travel tips
Drive to the base and climb roughly 500 steps to the summit shrine — allow 30–40 minutes up. Go for sunrise; by 9am on a weekend the single-lane road is a queue. There is a forest checkpost with a vehicle fee on the ridge road. No food, no water and no fuel past Sarpadhari.
Please note
Do: start early and be down before the afternoon cloud. Do: hold the handrail on the steps — they are worn smooth and slick in mist. Do: carry your rubbish back down. Don't: attempt the summit in a thunderstorm; the ridge is the highest ground in Karnataka and it is completely exposed. Don't: fly drones — this is forest land. Don't: park on the road bends; use the marked area.
Stay nearby
Places to stay around Mullayanagiri
PremiumTC Resort TRV, Chikmagalur
Mullayanagiri · 12.5 km from town
PremiumTC Resort SLV, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 9.9 km from town
PremiumTC Resort GLV, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 4.4 km from town
PremiumTC Resort BND, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 11.2 km from town
Combine your trip
Places near Mullayanagiri
Seethalayyanagiri
The green shoulder below Mullayanagiri, with a Shiva shrine and a view over both valleys.
LakeHirekolale Lake
A mirror for the Mullayanagiri range
Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint
The horseshoe gorge on the Mullayanagiri–Baba Budangiri road — fifty steps up, and the whole range in front of you.
WaterfallJhari Falls (Buttermilk Falls)
A white sheet of water off a granite face