Overview

To the north of Chikmagalur town is the Baba-Budan Range or Chandra Drona Parvatha as it was known in olden times, which has one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. The loftiest point of the range is Mullaiyanagiri which is 1,926 meters above sea level. The three large caves here said to have been sanctified by 3 siddhas contain their icons and ‘gaddiges’ (tombs) and an annual jatra is held here in their honor. The enthralling scenery around makes this a much frequented pilgrim center. Seethala Mallappana Kanive to the left side is said to have been hallowed by Sidha Seethalaya and contains a Matha and the dual shrine temple of Seethala-Mallikarjuna. The Baba-Budan range has taken its name from the 1895 meters high Baba-Budan Giri, situated just 28 kms north of Chikmagalur town. A beacon lighted here during Deepavali can be seen at Chikmagalur. The peak takes its name from the Muslim saint, Baba-Budan, who took up residence here for more than 150 years ago and brought the coffee seeds for the first time from Yemen.

Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswaamy’s Darga

Sri.Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy’s Darga on the Bababudan hills in Chikmagalur Taluk is an ancient and important institution held in high esteem by Hindus and Mohammadans alike and is resorted to by large numbers of Pilgrims from all parts of India. A laterite cave here is believed to have been sanctified by the residence of Dattatreyaswamy and Hazarat Dada Hayath Mir Khalandar and other saints is a venerated place of pilgrimage. The worship of the Peeta is conducted by an unmarried Man or Fakir. Several Hindu and Muslims rulers are stated to have helped this institution with liberal grants. An annual “Jatra or Urs” which is held under the auspicious of the peeta for three days after the Holi Festival according to Hindu Calender is attended by both Hindus and Muslims.

It was Baba-Budan Giri that the first ever coffee in the country was grown way back in 1670 A.D. Enterprising Europeans pioneered large scale coffee plantations in the district more than 150 years back and to this day the sylvan slopes are studded with coffee plantations. A walk among the coffee plants, especially during the flowering season (March – April) when the air is full of the heady fragrance of coffee blossoms, is an experience to cherish.

Manikya Dhara

At a short distance from Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswaamy’s Darga are the three famous waterfalls with epic associations – Gada Theertha, Kamana Theertha, Nellikayi Theertha. Gada theertha according to a myth was created by the Pandava prince Bheema with his ‘gada’, to quench the thirst of his mother during their exile. Pilgrims who bathe in the Nellikayi Theertha formed by Manikya Dhara Waterfall, leave behind one item of their clothing as per a local belief.

Nearby Places of Interest

Caves: Three large caves said to have been sanctified by three siddhas contain their icons and gaddiges (tombs) and an annual ‘jatra’ (fair) is held here in their honour. The enthralling scenery makes this a much frequented pilgrim centre.
Seethala contains a ‘matha’ and the dual shrine temple of ‘Seethala-Mallikarjuna’.
Waterfalls: A short distance from here are the three waterfalls with epic associations, namely Gada Theertha, Nallikayi Theertha and Kamana Theertha near Attigundi
Gada Theertha, according to a myth was created by the pandava prince, Bheema with his ‘gada’, the club, to quench the thirst of his mother during their exile.
Pilgrims who bathe in the Nellikayi Theertha formed by Manikyadhara waterfall, leave behind one item of their clothing as per a local belief.
Galikere is a lake near the temple, can be accessed by walk of 2 km