Mullayanagiri

After a short rest we saw one more Tamil group who were huffing and puffing to reach the top. They gave us confidence. We reached the top where we somewhat explored the cave and took a couple of photos. Then rested and had bread jam lunch at the top. Two were descending while we were ascending who had inquired about Baba Budangiri. I asked them to inquire about it from the priest. They did and started on their own. After half an hour we too followed.The initial few minutes were scary. One guy who didn't know either Tamil or Hindi tried to guide us. We were so skeptical. What I read was in front of us and we didn't have a clue where this guy was guiding. I was contemplating whether to go forward or return. Finally I thought we'll go to a point from where we could return in broad daylight. It was 12.11 then so may be for two more hours but within minutes we found out the route and started travelling.From then it was a cakewalk. We were flawless after that in spite of cramps which Balaji developed. We walked straight for next four hours and cleared good ground. We had to shell out 200 rupees to walk from the road we hit after 1.5 hours to waterfalls. That 1.5 hours was the best. Prasanna started to gain his energy and Karthik got back normal.

After soaking ourselves in the panoramic beauty of the clouds, we climbed a few more steps to find a small temple, and a shelter place that housed calves and puppies. As the clouds started to clear off, we realised it was time to descend down and so we did. We came down to a small stall that sold Maggie, and it was much needed in that early morning chill winds.

After a delicious morning snack, we came back to our jeep, played loud music and danced our hearts away because not everyday do we get a chance to dance among the clouds and the chill morning breeze. After spending two days at Shashank’s home, we decided to stay at a resort for the rest of that day and started travelling that way. There is a spot to witness the famous Jari Falls from quite a far distance. With a pit stop there, we went straight to the resort.

On reaching our destination, we were stunned to see ourselves almost above clouds without even climbing to the top. There are about 450 steps to reach the top and once you take the last step, you will find yourselves literally above clouds, speechless, and so insignificant in front of the vast infinite display of clouds. I don’t think there are words to explain how beautiful it was, but these pictures will sure do.

Next day morning, we reached Chikmagalur and decided to visit the highest peak in Karnataka, Mullayanagiri. Located in the western ghats of Chikmagalur. One can reach Mullayanagiri via Chikamagalur, which is 22km away.As we had our own vehicle, we took our vehicle almost 0.5km close to the summit. From there, we started to trek ahead. The peak is at a distance of 3-4 km from the starting steep, and not much difficult.The view, the clouds covering the mountains sometimes and moving again, the greenery- will take your breathe away. Its a must visit point, if you are visiting Chikmagalur.Attaching some pictures for reference!