Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, located in the Chikkamagaluru district. It is a popular destination for trekking and nature lovers. Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is a common starting point for travelers heading to Mullayanagiri due to its connectivity and facilities.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Bangalore to Mullayanagiri. You will learn about train, bus, and car options, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable.

Getting from Bangalore to Mullayanagiri – Main Options

Train

Taking a train is a comfortable option if you prefer a relaxed journey to the region near Mullayanagiri. However, there is no direct train to Mullayanagiri, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Mullayanagiri is Kadur Junction, about 60 km away, connected to Bangalore by frequent trains taking around 3 to 4 hours, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹400 depending on class.

• From Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC), trains to Kadur run multiple times daily, offering options in express and passenger categories, suitable for different budgets and comfort levels.

• After reaching Kadur, you will need to hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Mullayanagiri, which is about a 2-hour drive through hilly terrain and narrow roads.

• Train travel is less affected by seasonal road traffic but check IRCTC for real-time availability, especially during weekends and holidays when trains can be crowded.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Mullayanagiri from Bangalore. Several government and private operators run services to nearby towns, but there is no direct bus to Mullayanagiri peak itself.

• From Bangalore’s Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic), you can find frequent buses to Chikkamagaluru and Kadur, taking around 5 to 6 hours, with fares between ₹200 and ₹400 depending on the bus type.

• KSRTC operates both ordinary and deluxe buses on this route. Deluxe buses offer better comfort and fewer stops, ideal for travelers seeking a smoother ride.

• After reaching Chikkamagaluru or Kadur, local buses or shared jeeps are available to reach the base of Mullayanagiri, but these services may be infrequent and less comfortable.

• During monsoon season, bus travel can be slower due to slippery roads and occasional landslides, so plan accordingly and check weather updates.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Mullayanagiri is a flexible and popular choice for travelers who want to explore the region at their own pace. The route offers scenic views and several stops along the way.

• The distance from Bangalore to Mullayanagiri is approximately 250 km via NH75 and SH57, taking around 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through major towns like Hassan and Chikkamagaluru, where you can stop for food, fuel, and rest; popular rest stops include Hassan’s highway restaurants and Chikkamagaluru’s cafes.

• Toll plazas on NH75 are common, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges can add up to ₹200 on this route.

• Roads are generally in good condition but can be narrow and winding near Mullayanagiri, so drive cautiously, especially during monsoon or early morning fog.

• Car rentals and self-drive options are widely available in Bangalore, with prices ranging from ₹1500 to ₹3000 per day depending on the vehicle type.

Flight

There is no airport near Mullayanagiri, so flying is not a practical option for this journey. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, about 150 km away, which still requires a long road journey to reach Mullayanagiri.

• Flying from Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport to Mangalore takes about 1 hour, with several daily flights operated by multiple airlines.

• From Mangalore Airport, you would need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Chikkamagaluru or directly to Mullayanagiri, which can take 4 to 5 hours on hilly roads.

• The combined travel time and cost usually make flying less convenient compared to direct road or train travel from Bangalore.

• Flight delays due to weather, especially during monsoon, can affect onward travel plans, so consider this if you choose to fly.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Bangalore to Mullayanagiri. It covers key steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance through IRCTC or KSRTC online portals to secure seats, especially during weekends and holidays when demand is high.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a raincoat, as local shops near Mullayanagiri may have limited options, especially during off-season.

• If traveling by train, reach Bangalore City Railway Station early to avoid last-minute rush and find your platform comfortably; use station maps and announcements.

• Upon arrival at Kadur or Chikkamagaluru, pre-book a taxi or use local shared jeeps to reach Mullayanagiri; negotiate fares beforehand to avoid surprises.

• Wear comfortable shoes and carry a small backpack for the trek to Mullayanagiri peak, as the last stretch involves a steep climb on uneven paths.

• Use Ola or Uber cabs within Bangalore for airport or railway station transfers to save time and avoid parking hassles.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry enough drinking water and avoid tap water at remote areas near Mullayanagiri; bottled water is widely available in Chikkamagaluru and Kadur.

• Be cautious with food from roadside stalls; prefer well-known restaurants in Hassan or Chikkamagaluru for meals to avoid stomach issues.

• Book tickets online for trains and buses to avoid last-minute cancellations and long queues, especially during festival seasons like Diwali and Christmas.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for local travel to ensure fair pricing and safety.

• Pack light luggage as the last part of the journey involves walking and climbing; heavy bags can be difficult to manage on narrow paths.

• During monsoon (June to September), carry rain gear and check weather forecasts as landslides and roadblocks can delay travel.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Mullayanagiri is from October to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers can be warm, and monsoons bring heavy rain, making trekking risky.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so plan your trip to avoid heavy traffic and weather disruptions for a safer and more enjoyable experience.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Ugadi and Dussehra when roads and trains are crowded, leading to delays and higher fares.

• Monsoon season brings heavy rains and slippery roads, increasing the risk of landslides on the route to Mullayanagiri; travel only if necessary and check local advisories.

• Early morning departures from Bangalore help avoid city traffic and provide more daylight for the journey and trekking.

• Winter mornings can have fog on the highways and near Mullayanagiri, so drive carefully and start after sunrise if possible.

Arrival at Mullayanagiri & What to Expect

When you arrive near Mullayanagiri, you will find limited public transport options to the peak itself. Most travelers use taxis or shared jeeps from Chikkamagaluru or Kadur to reach the base village.

Local commute options include walking and hiring local guides for trekking. Accommodation is available in Chikkamagaluru town, which offers a range of hotels and homestays. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare near the peak, so plan your return transport in advance.

Conclusion

Traveling from Bangalore to Mullayanagiri is best done by car or a combination of train and taxi for comfort and flexibility. The scenic route and manageable distance make it a popular weekend getaway for nature lovers and trekkers.

Plan your tickets early, check weather conditions, and prepare for a mix of road and trekking travel. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy the beauty of Mullayanagiri and have a safe, memorable journey from Bangalore.