Beauty of Malenadu

In this post I will be talking about the beautiful geography of ಮಲೆನಾಡು (Malenadu). We were on the way to attend a family function of a relative in Chikkamagaluru. However, since it was a long weekend, before making it to the function we thought of exploring some of the beautiful places of malenadu.

We started from Bengaluru early in the morning and visited the Kowshika Lakshmi Keshava temple near Hasana, which is family diety for us. After visiting the temple, we proceeded to Kudremukha. The route from Hasana was mind blowing once we crossed Belur limits. The roads passed through the evergreen forest of western ghats with criss cross roads challenging the driver.  One reason for visiting this place was, my wife had her memories here. She had her childhood spent here. We visited the home where she had stayed, had a photostop at her school which is about to get closed now. We also roamed around all the sectors of Kudremukha iron ore company, before leaving for Sirimane waterfalls. Before entering the Kudremukha protected forest limits, near the checkpost, police will make note of vehicle number and other details and issue a coupon. They also suggest not to stop in any place since it is a protected wild life forest and there are lots of wild animals which may be crossing the road. Hence without taking much time in Kudremukha we started towards Sirimane waterfalls via Narway and SK Border. However, on the way we witnessed the famous Bhadra river and also Lakhya dam which is built across it. The entry to this place has been stopped from many days. Also there were lots of small waterfalls across the road and also a famous place Gangamoola, which is the birthplace of the river tunga, bhadra and netravati. However the entry to this place has been completely barricated and stopped. Also there are guards in few places to tell you not to stop in any of the attractive spots/view points. Hence with just a glimpse of the beautiful places, we proceeded to SK Border where another checkpost is there and they validate if we have reached on time. However, in the route we went, the approach to Sirimane waterfalls was not that great with roads in bad condition. We reached the waterfalls, which is being managed by the local gramapanchayat people offers very limited service. There is a toilet service, but it is very dirty, not well maintained. Also, it offers parking space, which is not very spacious. There is not much food facility available in the neighbourhood. However, Sringeri is around 20km from here, where there are pretty good options for food.

Bhadra river

View of peak from the bridge

View form sector 4

Road to SK Border

After playing for some time in the waterfalls, we reached a place kalled Kigga which is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. Sage Rishyashrunga used to stay here as per the history. Now it is managed by Sringeri Sharadapeetham. The temple is in middle of thick green forests and boasts of peaceful serene environment. After seeing all these we reached Sringeri at 6PM and booked a room in temple guest house. Since it was long weekend, the rooms were getting filled at quick pace and we were fortunate to get one room for us. People who were 15-30 minutes late did not get accommodation in temple guest houses. We had darshana at the temple and visited the tunga river, offered puffed rice to the fishes and came back to room and took rest. 

Next day morning we further planned to explore malenadu. So, we decided to visit Hariharapura which is also a Shankara matha location, on the banks of the river tunga. The temple was undergoing renovation. So we had a darshana of the god there and proceeded towards Kuppalli which is the birthplace of the rashtrakavi Kuvempu. The place is located near Tirthalli, at around 20km from the town. This place has a lot to offer in addition to the abundant literature quotient of the poet Kuvempu. Have a glimpse of the place in a nutshell. 

Kavishaila

Kavishaila, resembling stone henge in UK

Home of the poet

As we can see, the Kavishaila resembles the stone henge in UK. However, this has some history behind this and has beautiful view to offer. This is the place where the poet used to walk up every day from his house and used to compose best of his work from here. We enjoyed the calmness of this place and also the home hosts the books written by Kuvempu and his son Purnachandra tejaswi. We enjoyed the jnanabhandara and had majjige outside, and started to proceed for the function at Chikkamagaluru. Again the path to chikkamagaluru was cool to the eyes and made our journey look simple. 

Few vitals are as follows.

Places of visit: Kudremukha, Sirimane waterfalls, Kigga, Sringeri, Hariharapura, Kavishaila, Chikkamagaluru

How to reach these places:

By Bus: There are many buses to Sringeri form Bengaluru, Mysuru and many other parts of the state. From there one can hire a taxi to visit these places easily. On the other hand, if one has enough time, can depend on private buses to reach these places.

By Train: Nearest convenient railway station to reach Sringeri is Shivamogga, from where it is located at a distance of around 100km.  Other railway station is Udupi from where Sringeri is at a distance of 60Km. 

By Car: Use google maps, if you feel lost, check with locals, thats the best way to go.

To eat: In sringeri there are few decent options to have good food. Temple also offers prasadam in noon and at night. However, other places are remote in location, and not much to expect for food or stay. Carry sufficient food if you are planning to visit these places.