[raghunandanj]

The flipped "C" of Chikmagalur - Probably I am the first one to call this area by this strange name. And this is why -



Well, to say the least, I have never been able to find the actual name of the mountain ranges north-west of Chikmagalur town in Karnataka, which, apparently, take the shape of a flipped letter "C". Though aware of the major peaks and a few sub-ranges of this region, I still look for a single name that probably encompasses all these pieces of paradise, adored and celebrated by all those who have seen them.



Most of us are aware of the famed beauties of this area, Mullayanagiri, Seethalayyanagiri, Bababudangiri, and the crowning glory, Kemmangundi. But the list does not end there. I know there are names such as Hebbegiri, Gangegiri and Kallathigiri, and many others tucked into the Bhadra Tiger resrve, Muthodi and the backwater areas. All these ranges circle around to create a massive bowl-like area, with gradual slopes towards the inside, and steep slopes towards the outside. Whenever I see this region in the terrain view of Google Maps, the feeling is nothing short mesmerizing.

So here begins another photologue dedicated to the beauty of the Western Ghats. If anyone can add information on the other major peaks of the area, the locations of Gangegiri, Hebbegiri, and the names used for the bowl-like region they encompass, I would appreciate it.

So, here is a photographic tribute to my "Flipped C", made possible by my faithful beast, my Safari DiCOR. He ran on all roads for me, without a single glitch, and handled the roads, both good and bad, with equal aplomb. However, above all this stands a proud feeling that the Western Ghats are the pride of my country, and having such heavenly places in our backyard is indeed a privilege handed to us by God.

Teaser Pics - More to Follow

Panorama of Paradise - The Bhadra basin enclosed by the ranges


Gaalikere, Mullayanagiri and Bababudangiri - All in one shot


My beast posing near the viewpoint on Kemmangundi Road


Sunset Hues near Attigundi


Mullayanagiri Peak - The other view


Emerald Hues on Kemmangundi Road

[sumeshmani]

Beautiful photographs.
Could you please give me directions to get to the point where you took the panoramic photo and Gaalikere?

[raghunandanj]

Originally Posted by sumeshmani

Beautiful photographs.
Could you please give me directions to get to the point where you took the panoramic photo and Gaalikere?

Thanks.

The panorama shots were taken by ascending the nearby hills. The first one was taken by traversing a trail that shoots off northward from the parking lot on Mullayanagiri. The second one was taken from the peak that straddles the eastern slope of Gaalikere ( a short hike from the lake ). I will provide additional information on Gaalikere in the subsequent posts to this thread.

[raghunandanj]

Gaalikere :

Literally meaning "Windy Lake", this high altitude lake straddles the Bababudan Range, situated approximately 4 km north of the cave shrine frequented by the masses. The lake is fed by the trickles of water oozing out of the water tables of the surrounding slopes, and the lets out a stream at the southern side that cascades down the bowl of the "Flipped C", eventually flowing through the Jagara valley and merging with the Bhadra river. So, if you need to literally show your child how a river is born, then this is the place to be. There is a small shrine towards the north shore of the lake, frequented by the locals, and the hiking trail to Kemmangundi via Paalumane ( Ruined House ) starts near the shrine. The western slopes of the lake offer a splendid view of the bowl of the "Flipped C", whereas the eastern slopes drop sharply into the coffee estates and down all the way to the Tarikere-Chikmagalur road. This point, technically marks the official divide between the Malnad ( Hill Region ) and Bayalseeme ( Plain Region )of the state.

Reaching Gaalikere was much easier than we anticipated it. The Safari was ready, expecting all kinds of unpaved roads, ditches and narrow curves, impassable by no others but 4X4 monsters. However, we found a beautiful and neatly paved tar road for 95% of the journey to the lake, which at some places, was wide enough to park and reverse as well. This amazlingly scenic road traverses along the western slopes of the ridge almost upto Gaalikere, and a short 200 m jeep track brings you face to face with the lake itself. Our beast was greeted by a Honda Accord and a Maruti 800 parked about 200 m before the lake, so any vehicle that can make it up to Bababudangiri can make it to Gaalikere as well.

Why go to Gaalikere ?

Gaalikere sits at an elevation of 1700 m above MSL, and therefore, is one of the few ( if there are others, I dont know ) natural mountain lakes in the state.
One can get a vista of Mullayanagiri, Bababudan Giri, Gaalikere and even Devirammmana Betta from the slopes that surround Gaalikere.So all stalwarts saying cheese in a single frame for the photo.
A short hike up the eastern slope adjoinin the lake gives a view unsurpassed and grander than any - Malnad and Bayalseeme - TOGETHER ! One can see even Ayyanakere and the surrounding areas pretty clearly to the east, and the sprawling Bhadra tiger reserve and coffee plantaions to the west !
Gaalikere is an essential water source for the long hikers to Kemmangundi via Paalumane, along the Bababudangiri and Kallathigiri ranges ( Permission Needed ).

















Road Conditions as of September 2013 :


Attigundi - Deviation to Bababudangiri : VERY GOOD
Road upto Bababudangiri : VARIES FROM MEDICORE TO BAD, BUT LAST 2 KM IS A WIDE CEMENTED STRETCH.

Datta Peetha / Bababudan Dargah to Gaalikere : 4 km : EXCELLENT
Datta Peetha / Bababudan Dargah to Maanikyadhaara : 3 km : VERY BAD, BUT PASSABLE BY SEDANs.

[ampere]

Finally I get to see the snaps of this lake. Addy mentioned, it mostly is foggy. And hence very rare get a good snap. Amazing place ! Need to head out here for sure.

[jacs]

raghunandanj - Mesmerizing nature shots there. I did visit some of these spots about 6 years back during a team outing but could not click or enjoy to core due to time restriction. Please post more and more.

Your "C" perspective is interesting

[majumon]

Amazing photos and with holidays around the corner that sure was an eyeopener.
Excellent pictures, a must visit is the lake. What were your stay options, if you could please share. Cheers.

[raghunandanj]

Originally Posted by majumon

Amazing photos and with holidays around the corner that sure was an eyeopener.
Excellent pictures, a must visit is the lake. What were your stay options, if you could please share. Cheers.

The nearest accommodation is a private resort/homestay by name "Giri", with fabulous views of Mullayanagiri. They have a pretty good restaurant as well.

That apart, the town of Chikmagalur below ( approx. 25 km away ) provides many options for lodging.

[raghunandanj]

More pictures from the trip - Here they go.

Seethalayyanagiri, the sister peak of Mullayanagiri.


My beast enroute to Gaalikere


Mullayanagiri - 1920 m above MSL


The winding roads of Mullayanagiri


Green Meadows


Wings spread, ready to fly


Looking down towards the east


Devirammana Betta poking out in the distance


The Bowl of the "Flipped C"

[srikrishna717]

Raghunandan,
Great photographs of some wonderful spots!
Thanks for sharing, have to go there some time!

[Jred]

Raghunandanj,

I have had plans to visit this part of the world since over 5 years and I haven't got a chance yet. Very soon I will be making sometime to take a trip to the 'Flipped C'. Thanks for the wonderful photographs, they are really amazing set of pictures.
Cheers!

[Nagesh]

Great pics Raghunandanj!! I have been to Kemmangundi several times, but had never heard of this place.. on my agenda next. Any other interesting spots you visited around this place?

Thanks for sharing.

[souravc]

Amazing pics .. had gone to Chikmagalur in 2005, the beauty of the place remains etched in my mind . Thanks for sharing

[mksureshhere]

raghunandanj, pictures are truly mesmerizing. I must have spent minimum 15 minutes at least staring at the mother nature. Moment I saw the lake, I wanted to take a plunge and get lost in the nature's lap forever!!!!

Nice and crisp write-up. Thanks for sharing.

-mksureshhere

[vinukm]

Nice Travelogue and pics as well. Wondering if my Figo can negotiate the roads there? I am sometimes worried because of low ground clearance.