Baba Budangiri, Chikmagalur, Karnataka India

 To the north of Chikmagalur town is the Baba-Budan Range or Chandra Drona Parvatha as it was known in olden times, which has one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris.    The loftiest point of the range is Mullaiyanagiri which is 1,926 meters above sea level.   The three large caves here said to have been sanctified by 3 siddhas contain their icons and ‘gaddiges’ (tombs) and an annual jatra is held here in their honor.   The enthralling scenery around makes this a much frequented pilgrim center.   Seethala Mallappana Kanive to the left side is said to have been hallowed by Sidha Seethalaya and contains a Matha and the dual shrine temple of Seethala-Mallikarjuna.   The Baba-Budan range has taken its name from the 1895 meters high Baba-Budan Giri, situated just 28 kms north of Chikmagalur town.   A beacon lighted here during Deepavali can be seen at Chikmagalur.   The peak takes its name from the Muslim saint, Baba-Budan, who took up residence here for more than 150 years ago and brought the coffee seeds for the first time from Yemen.