The Charmadi Ghat Scenic Loop
While the main highway gets you there faster, the real charm lies in the detours. The drive through Charmadi Ghat, connecting Mudigere to the coast, is a monsoon favourite for its transformation into a green paradise. Instead of a simple pass-through,
make it a loop. From Belur, head towards Mudigere and then venture onto the Charmadi Ghat road (part of NH-73). This stretch is famous for its numerous waterfalls that appear right beside the road during the rains. The hairpin bends offer stunning, panoramic views of the Western Ghats, often draped in thick fog. An offbeat extension is to take local roads from near Kottigehara towards Kalasa, meandering through dense estates before rejoining routes to Chikmagalur. This adds a couple of hours but rewards you with serene landscapes far from the tourist trail. Monsoon driving here requires caution due to potential landslides and reduced visibility, so always start early and check conditions.
The Devaramane Valley Route via Mudigere
For a truly divine view, the route to Devaramane is a hidden gem. Translating to 'God's House', this valley offers breathtaking vistas of rolling green hills. To get here, drive from Hassan towards Belur, but then proceed to Mudigere. From there, follow signages towards Bettagere and Devaramane. The road, while narrow and curvy, is generally in good condition and climbs steeply to a stunning plateau. At the top, you'll find the quaint Kalabhairaveshwara temple next to a serene lake. During the monsoon, the entire valley is often covered in a moving blanket of clouds, creating a surreal experience. This route is ideal for travellers who enjoy slow, scenic drives and wish to explore untouched parts of the Malnad region. You can then drive back to Banakal and proceed towards your plantation stay, making it a perfect half-day exploration.
The Mullayanagiri Back roads
Mullayanagiri, Karnataka's highest peak, is a major attraction, and the main road can get crowded. For a more adventurous and offbeat approach, explore the network of smaller roads around it. From Chikmagalur town, take the road towards Baba Budangiri. At a Y-junction near Kaimara, the main road goes left directly to the peak. Exploring the roads less travelled around this area, particularly the trail starting from Sarpadari, offers a more intimate experience with the landscape. While the Sarpadari trail itself is for trekkers, the roads leading to it and beyond towards Baba Budangiri are spectacular. They wind through dense shola forests and grasslands. This route provides a different perspective of the peak and its surrounding hills. However, these roads are narrow and can be in poor condition, especially during heavy rains, so a vehicle with good ground clearance is advisable. Always be prepared for fog and slippery patches.
Through the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Outskirts
For those who love forests, a drive skirting the edges of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a fantastic option. While monsoon isn't peak season for animal sightings due to the dense foliage, the drive itself is magical. The route from Chikmagalur towards Tarikere and then Lakkavalli puts you on the periphery of the tiger reserve. The landscape here is a mix of deciduous forests and the expansive backwaters of the Bhadra Dam. The roads are generally quiet, offering a peaceful drive through pristine nature. The area around the River Tern Lodge offers particularly stunning views of the submerged grasslands after the rains. It's a longer, more roundabout way to access certain plantations but is unparalleled for its wild, untamed beauty. Ensure your fuel tank is full, as facilities are sparse on these interior roads.
