No, it's rated easy to moderate. The climb from the parking is around 450 stone steps and takes most people 30–45 minutes. Children and seniors complete it regularly.
Mullayanagiri trek • Chikmagalur Travel Guide
Mullayanagiri Trek — Complete Guide to Karnataka's Highest Peak
Last updated: 2026-04-26
The Mullayanagiri trek leads you to the highest peak in Karnataka at 1,930 metres above sea level, set deep in the Baba Budangiri range of Chikmagalur. The climb is short but rewarding — a steep stone-step trail that opens onto 360° views of the Western Ghats, often blanketed in mist. This guide covers everything first-time and returning trekkers need: how to reach, entry fees, difficulty level, the best season to summit, and the local tips that make the trip safer and more memorable.
Distance
26 km (45 min by road)
Best Time
September to February
Duration
1.5 – 2 hours one way
Entry
Free (parking ₹50)
Elevation
1,930 m
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Why visit Mullayanagiri trek
- Highest peak in Karnataka — 1,930 metres
- Cinematic sunrise and sunset views
- Sri Mullappa Swamy temple at the summit
- Easy stone-step trail (~450 steps)
- Best photographed in monsoon and winter
How to reach Mullayanagiri trek
From Chikmagalur town, drive 26 km via Sarpadhari Road; the route is well marked. Private cabs cost ₹800–1,200 round trip. From Bangalore, Mullayanagiri is ~270 km via NH75 — about a 5-hour drive. The base parking is just below the summit; the actual climb from the parking is a short, steep flight of stone steps.
Things to do at Mullayanagiri trek
- Catch the sunrise from the summit
- Visit Sri Mullappa Swamy temple
- Combine with Baba Budangiri and Manikyadhara on the same day
- Photograph the cloud inversion in early monsoon
- Picnic at the viewpoint below the steps
Travel tips for Mullayanagiri trek
- Start before 6 AM in winter to catch sunrise without crowds
- Carry 1 L water — there are no shops at the summit
- Wear shoes with grip; steps get slippery in monsoon
- Avoid the trek during heavy rain (June–August) due to fog and slick steps
- Mobile network is patchy — download offline maps
- Respect the temple — remove shoes before entering
Mullayanagiri trek — frequently asked questions
Nearby places to visit
Plan a guided trip to Mullayanagiri trek
Speak to our local Chikmagalur travel team for transport, permits and combined-day itineraries.
Chat on WhatsAppSources: Karnataka Tourism • Wikipedia