Ombattu Gudda

The Mangalore Airport is the closest to this hill. From there one can take a bus to reach the hill. There are many buses that will drop the tourists at Gundiya since the trek route begins from there. One can also drive to the hill. The Hassan Junction is the closest railway station to the hill. From there one can take a bus to reach Gundiya. The best time to come to Ombattu Gudda is from the months of September to March.

There are many places where one can stay around Ombattu Gudda. The prices too are affordable. Some of the names of the places are Japavathi Homestay, Sunrise Homestay, Nature's Abode, Coffee Heaven Homestay, Mekanagadde Homestay, etc. There are also many places where one can eat food at. Some of the names of the restaurants are Hotel New Arpana, Kamath Hotel, Rock Garden Restaurant, Hotel Kaleel, Fresh Bean Cafe, and Restaurant, etc.

One can visit Ettina Bhuja which is a part of the Charmadi Ghats. In order to reach the mountain, one has to go trekking. The term Ettina Bhuja actually means Ox's shoulder.  This mountain is situated at an elevation of approximately 1300 metres above sea level. While trekking to reach the top of this mountain one comes across various flora and fauna such as spotted deer, gaur, brown palm civet, etc and also many beautiful streams. Watching the sunset from this peak is worth the while. It is also possible to camp at this place.

 

The Amedikallu Peak is another place where one can go trekking. Not many people know about this peak. This peak is also a part of the Charmadi Range. Ame actually means turtle and dikal means stove. The peak is called so because the massive monolith at the peak appears to be like a turtle at the centre and just next to it are three stones that look like a stove. The trek to this peak too is difficult. The view from the top of this peak is also very beautiful with greenery all around and also some fog to experience.

 

The Annappa Betta Hill is the hill that surrounds four temples of the Dharam Gods and also nearby regions. This hill is also called Badinede Betta. It is believed that Annappa Betta was visited by the four Dharma Gods after they were impressed by the social service of a Jain family.An interesting thing that one will find upon reaching here is that there are no idols inside the pilgrimage sites. One thing that one should remember is that only men are allowed to enter this temple and not women and children.

 

One can also visit the Ram Mandir which is located on the shores of the River Netravati. This temple was built in 2003 and established by Nityananda Swamy who was a well known spiritual leader and also a yoga guru. It has two floors. The temple has 36 idols. There are marble idols of Lord Ram, Lord Lakshman and Goddess Sita here. This place is also surrounded by the Western Ghats making it a scenic spot as well. The Ram Navami Festival is celebrated here on a grand scale. The temple organises a Ram Bhajana Saptaha for seven days during this festival.

 

The Mullayanagiri Peak is Karnataka's highest peak and it is at an altitude of 1950 metres. The peak is approximately 20kms away from Chikmagalur and 23kms away from Baba Budangiri. Based on regional mythology, it is believed that Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy meditated for years in the cave at the top of this peak and this is how this peak got its current identity. However, when it comes to the old Kannada literature the term Mullai is associated with forests. This peak is located amidst the Nilgiri Mountains and the Himalayan Mountains which is why the beautiful view here is a magnificent sight to behold.

 

The Kukke Subramanya Temple is a popular Hindu Temple in Karnataka which is found in the Subramanya village. This temple is almost 5000 years old and is located between beautiful hills. It is also one of the seven holy places which are believed to be created by Saint Parashurama. The temple is also known as the Home of the Nagas. Lord Subramanya is the main deity of this temple. There are many tales associated with this temple. One of them is the death of the demon rulers Tharaka and Shura Padmasurya by Lord Kumaraswamy and Lord Ganesha at Kumara Parvatha which is near the temple. The other tale states that Lord Subramanya was the one who helped the divine serpent Vasuki by giving him refuge against Garuda who was the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. Thus Lord Subramanya is worshipped as a snake and it is believed that if anyone prays to him they are freed of Naga Doshas. The two popular pujas offered here are Ashlesha Bali and also Sarp dosha parihara in order to be free from Naga Doshas. In this temple, there is also a ritual dance performed which is called Nagamandala.

 

Maharaja Park is a beautiful place to visit. It is a popular picnic spot as many people visit this place. The park is surrounded by beautiful trees and other plants. There are also spacious walkways to enjoy a walk. The park also has a separate playground for children to play and enjoy