Mudigere is situated at 3001 feet above sea level in lap of Western Ghats (one of the 8 bio diversity hotspots in world). Average rainfall is very high (3000mm-3500mm). Away from Crowded destinations of Mullayanagiri, Bababudangiri in Chikmagalur district is Mudigere.
Mudigere is surrounded by lush hills of Western Ghats and coffee plantation, paddy fields. Whether is moist and wet during monsoons and cool during winter. Summers are usually hot. Mudigere is famous for Coffee/Spices. Robusta variety of coffee is grown in this region. Spices include pepper, Nutmeg, Cardamom and Ginger. Fruits Grown are oranges, Lemon.
Mudigere is emerging as tourist destination in Chikmagalur. Chikmagalur being too crowded and commercialized, many are going a bit further to Mudigere. Western Ghats stretch of Kottigehara, Shishila Gudda, Devaramane Betta, Ballarayanadurga fort, Kudremukh stretch is a travellers delight. One can see landscape change every 5 km. Rainfall pattern, habitation, environment changes every 5 km.
Forests of Western Ghats of Mudigere are typical monsoon evergreen forests and Shola grasslands. Common animals inhibiting the Western Ghats are Bisons, Sambar, Wild boar and also endangered tiger. some of Birds are Kingfisher, Malbar Hornbills. Also lot insects and butterflies inhibit vast landscapes.
Paddy, Cardamom and traditional vegetables was the only crop in Malnad before 1890s. Britishers introduced coffee/Tea in 1900s. Now you can see majority of farmers growing coffee/pepper which is exported to Europe, USA and middle east. Organic farming in Mudigere is gaining popularity now.
Coffee plantation stays in Mudigere are gaining popularity. Stays are coffee estate bungalows in Mudigere, Coffee estate Homestay in Mudigere, Traditional Homestays in Mudigere, Heritage Homestays in Mudigere, Traditional Homestays in Mudigere celebrate traditional festivals of Malenadu, serve traditional foods and practise paddy farming and coffee cultivation. Organic farm stay in Mudigere is gaining popularity now. Traditional food in Malenadu has bit of coastal influence and tribal influence to it. There are lot of veg/non veg variety of food in Malenadu like Kadabu, Akki rotti, Shavige, Kesa, Koli Saaru, Pork curry, River fish and sea fish. Mango and lemon pickles, Honey, Homemade wines, toddy from Banyan tree.
The Monsoons in Western Ghats drench the hills, forests and countryside. 40% of South India’s rivers originate in Western Ghats. In Mudigere taluk we have River Hemavathi, Tungabhadra which are east flowing, and Netravathi and number of other small rivers which are east flowing.
River Based activities in Mudigere is gaining popularity. There is River rafting in Bhadra river, Kayaking in Bhadra river, water sports in Yagachi, water sports in Belur. Terrain of Western Ghats in Mudigere is ideal for solo travellers, cycling enthusiasts, adventure seekers. Angling in River Hemavathi is something you should try. Off-roading in Jeeps and rally in Mudigere every monsoon is must visit for rally enthusiasts. College outing and School outing are gaining popularity where students get to visit historical Belur, Horticultural collage in Mudigere, Halebidu temples, Ballarayanadurga fort, Shishila Gudda (Ettina Bhuja), Devaramane Gudda, Kudremukh wildlife safari, Kudremukh trek.
Sightseeing places near Mudigere are Kalasa, Kudremukh, Ballarayanadurga, Kelagur tea plantation, Trek to Bandage Arbi falls, trek to Shishilla Guda, off-roading to Devaramane Betta, Kudremukh wildlife safari, Horanadu temple visit, Hoysala temple trail, Belur – Halebidu visit. There are lot of waterfalls in Western Ghats part of Mudigere where one gets to experience pristine nature. There are lot of unexplored places in Mudigere’s Western Ghats which is worth exploring
Mudigere offers weekend getaways from Bangalore. Mudigere is 4.5 hours to 5 hours from Bangalore. There are plenty of KSRTC buses to Mudigere. Mudigere offers weekend getaways from Mumbai and Chennai. For Travellers from Mumbai, you have Konkan railway which connects Mumbai with Mangalore. Mangalore railway station is 2.5 hours drive from Mudigere. There is also frequent flights, overnight buses to Mangalore from Mumbai.
Mudigere is also known for Social/Political movements and has made a mark in Karnataka history. Prominent among them are Mr Sundresh of CPI who fought for labour reforms and landless tenants. Almost all progressive social and political movements in India have presence here.
