Mullayanagiri Peak: Distance, Timings and Tips

Mullayanagiri is the highest point in Karnataka, standing at roughly 1,930 metres in the Chandra Drona range. On a clear morning you can see ridge after ridge of the Western Ghats, the coffee estates below and sometimes the plains towards Kadur. On a misty one you see nothing at all, which is its own kind of magic.

It is one of the closest big sights to Tranquil Terrain. We are on the same side of Chikkamagaluru, so you skip the town traffic and reach the base in about half an hour.

Getting there from Tranquil Terrain

Drive towards Kaimara on the Mullayanagiri road. The check-post at Kaimara is where your online vehicle booking is checked. From there the road climbs steadily with tight bends to the parking area below the summit. A flight of stone steps (around 450 to 500, depending on who is counting) leads to the Mullappa Swamy temple at the top.

What to expect at the top

• A small temple dedicated to Mullappa Swamy, a saint said to have meditated in the caves here.
• Strong, cold wind almost all year. Carry a jacket even if it is warm in the valley.
• Grassy slopes and shola forest patches on every side.
• Very few facilities. There are a few snack stalls near the parking, but carry water.

Best time to go

October to February has the clearest skies. Get there at the start of the morning slot for the best light and smaller crowds. In the monsoon (June to September) the road can be closed during heavy rain and the view is usually just cloud, though the waterfalls by the road are lovely. Weekends and long holidays are very busy, so a weekday visit is far more peaceful.

Trekking up instead of driving

Fit walkers can trek up from Sarpadhari, a trail that starts near the base and climbs through grassland to the summit in about 1.5 to 2 hours. It is steep in places and slippery after rain. Ask us about current trail rules before you go, since forest department rules change from time to time.

Combine it with

Seethalayyanagiri is on the same road and makes a quick stop on the way down. With a full day you can continue to Chandra Drona Parvatha, Manikyadhara Falls and Galikere.