5.7K

After spending 3 days in Chikmagalur, we explored places near Mudigere the following day. The people of this region extend the warmest hospitality. Though we were not familiar with the regional language, they did not hesitate in the slightest to guide us. The strangest thing is that these people did not extend their hospitality to be hospitable but it was their innate habitual practice. For people like us, who have settled in the city, the people of this place were strange, endearing, and inspiring.

This day trip guide will cover several interesting places in this region that you simply have to visit.

Places To Visit Near Mudigere

How To Reach?

By Air

The nearest airport to Mudigere is the Mangalore International Airport (Airport code: IXE, 120 Km). The problem is although the airport is connected to the air network, there is a lot to be desired in terms of road connectivity. From here, there are no direct buses available. We recommend you book a cab and reach Mudigere by road.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Mudigere is the Chikmagalur Railway Station (Station Code: CMGR,  32 Km). But be advised that the train frequency is low and after reaching Chikmagalur, your best bet is to hop on a direct bus from Chikmagalur to Mudigere.

By Road

In our extensive experience, the best option to reach Mudigere is by boarding a bus from Chikmagalur or using a private vehicle.

How To Roam Around?

The local buses are less frequent. This makes relying on public transport to commute between places in Mudigere, not an ideal option.

In these situations, the best option for you is to bring your/rented vehicle. However, there are no two-wheeler rentals available in Mudigere. We recommend you follow the more common option of hiring a vehicle from Chikmagalur and visiting Mudigere on a day trip format.

Note: OLA, Uber, and other ride services are not available.

Where To Eat?

Mudigere has several hygienic and reliable eateries. Even, when you leave Mudigere, you’ll be able to find small outlets that generally tend to sell omelets, Maggi, tea, coffee, and other snacks.

Note: Door delivery services like Zomato and Swiggy are not available.

Where To Stay?

You can find good hotels and lodges near the Mudigere bus stand. There are also decent homestays near Devaramane.

Before booking, do ensure you confirm the accessibility of the services listed below: 

• The availability of pick up and drop off facility from the bus stand, in case, you are using public transport. Commonly, they charge extra for this service.
• Wifi & network availability
• Hot water facility
• Vehicle to rent if required

Best Time To Visit

From January to June, the weather is dry, hot, and humid. So, the best time to visit Mudigere is from September to December. If you are visiting during the monsoon months of July and August, be prepared to embrace heavy rainfall.

We recommend you have raincoats handy regardless of the season, as the weather is unpredictable and the region is frequented by unexpected showers regularly. 

ATM Availability

Carry enough cash. Withdraw cash from the ATMs available in Mudigere itself. There are no ATM options in the other places that we recommend you visit. As the internet connection is poor when moving out of the main town, you cannot rely on UPI and other online payment options.

Languages Spoken

Kannada is the native and only spoken language by the people of Mudigere.

Network Availability

You’ll get good reception from all network providers in the town of Mudigere. However, once you step a few kilometers away from the town, the signal strength regardless of your provider deteriorates to nothing. 

We recommend you download offline maps and map out the places you are planning to visit before you start. Direction boards are clear enough to guide you on the route. We also encourage you to get help from the locals.

Petrol Bunk Availability

There are no petrol bunks available en route, so ensure you fill your tank before leaving Mudigere. In case of unexpected emergencies, we advise that you ask some of the shops, as some do tend to sell petrol in bottles. 

Places To Visit

Plan your day in the same order below to save time, and resources and to ensure you travel the region expertly and get the most out of your trip. If you are starting from Chikmagalur or Mudigere, start as early as possible (preferably before dawn). Account for the time you will need to commute to each place. These places though geographically in the same region, are by no means close, and the average road conditions make the distance farther.

If you happen to start late, do not panic, you can still cover all the places except for Ettina Bhuja on the same day. You can plan for Ettina Bhuja the following morning.

1. Ettina Bhuja

A hike on the beautiful standalone hill of Ettina Bhuja is perfect, especially for beginners. Located in Byrapura village, the hike starts from the Nanya Bhairaveshwara temple. The view of Dakshina Kannada, other nearby peaks of Shishila mountains, Ombathu Gudda, and Devaramane can be viewed from the peak on a clear and weather-favorable day.

• Distance from Mudigere: 25 Km
• Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
• Best time to visit: Post-monsoon (September- February)
• Difficulty: Easy-moderate
• Forest Entry Fees: Rs. 50
• Total duration: 2-3 hours
• Tent stay/ Camping: Not allowed
• Parking facilities: Available near the temple.

For more details on how to hike by yourselves, check the detailed Ettina Bhuja guide.

2. Bettada Bhairaveshwara Temple

After the Kanada movie screening of Love Mocktail2, this 1000-year-old temple gained a lot of well-deserved traction among the Kannadigas, and by no means is the hype overstated. This temple located amidst the forest, for no discernible geographical reason, is truly outstanding, calm, and serene. The pooja to the deity is done every morning between 7:30 A.M. and 8:30 A.M. Although the door to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is locked after the pooja hours, you can still enjoy the weather and spend admiring the daunting architecture within the temple walls.

We truly love this place and we hope you do not miss it during your visit.

• Distance from Ettina Bhuja hike starting point: 11 Km
• Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
• Entry Fees: Free
• Parking facilities: Available
• Restroom Facility: Available

3. Deepadha Kallu Peak/ Pandavara Betta

According to the Hindu mythological epic Ramayana, it is believed that the Pandavas stayed here during their exile, hence earning the name, Pandavara Betta. Just behind the Bettada Bhairaveshwara temple, a visible trail leads you to the hill known as Deepada Kallu. 

We recommend you hike to this hilltop, to ensure you get an amazing birds-eye view of the temple. On our journey, we also got to see the other side of the hill from the peak, which was breathtakingly beautiful. Just 50 meters from the temple parking lot, a simple hike on the visible trail will lead you to the top.

• Distance from Bettada Bhairaveshwara temple: 100 m
• Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
• Best time to visit: Post-monsoon (September- February)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Forest Entry Fees: Free
• Total duration: 30 mins – 1 hour
• Tent stay/ Camping: Not allowed
• Parking facilities: Available near the temple.
• Restroom Facility: Available near the temple, and unfortunately not well maintained.

4. Magajahalli Abbi Falls

The Abbi Falls is easily accessible and it has a well-laid flight of stairs which makes a visit to this place a simple yet delightful one. Water cascading from a height of 12 feet, the pond created at the base is of shallow depth making it an ideal place for families and kids to relax and have a dip.

• Distance from Mudigere: 13 Km
• Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
• Best time to visit: Monsoon and post-monsoon (July – December)
• Entry Fees: Free
• Parking facilities: Not available. You’ll have to park on the side of the main road.
• Restroom Facility: Not available

5. Devaramane Hills

Devaramane is a popular viewpoint among locals and tourists. Devaramane translated to English is “God’s home,” and the name stands true when you experience the breathtaking views. The hills are an easy hike on stones and gravel. Make sure you get the most out of the place by roaming around and walking along the ridgeline. You can also hop between the small hills of the Devaramane. Ensconced with awe-inspiring views of green valleys everywhere, it has earned the place to become a must-visit spot near Mudigere.

In this region, you can also find rare and beautiful Neelakurinji flowers. These flowers only bloom once in 12 years. After 6 PM entry to this place is restricted as elephants roam the region.

• Distance from Abbi Falls: 25 Km
• Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
• Best time to visit: Post-monsoon (September- February)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Entry Fees: Free
• Total duration: 30 mins – 2 hours
• Tent stay/ Camping: Not allowed
• Parking facilities: Available
  • Two-wheeler – Rs. 10
  • Car – Rs. 30 
  • Van/Bus – Rs. 50.
  • This pricelist is inclusive of the parking charges at the Sri Kalabhairaveshwara temple.
• Restroom Facility: Not available

6. Sri Kalabhairaveshwara Temple

With a huge pond opposite the entrance, the Sri Kalabhairaveshwara temple honors the God Kala Bhairaveshwara. Built during the Hoysala period, this temple has gained immense popularity in the region. 

• Distance from Deveramane: 1 Km
• Timings: 8:30 AM – 1 PM, 4 PM – 7 PM
• Entry Fees: Free
• Parking Facilities: Available
• Restroom Facility: Available

There are a couple of shops and restaurants near the temple premises that serve adequate refreshments. We recommend that from Mudigere, you extend your trip and visit Dharmasthala temple via the epic Charmadi Ghat road if possible. This route is littered with numerous waterfalls that flow in abundance in the monsoon months. We also recommend you visit the places near Kalasa.

To ensure you get the most out of your trips and for more useful travel guides, make sure you subscribe to our newsletter. In the meantime for updates on our latest travel adventures, stay connected with us on our social media platforms – Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.