Baba Budangiri Hills in Chikmagalur Hide the Secret of Coffee in India; Here’s How!

Coffee has been a culture that has exponentially grown in India and over the last few years has created a base for various coffee caves to thrive in the cities and towns. While we talk about the fondness of coffee, one must wonder how it even came to India and the answer might lie in the story of Baba Budangiri of Chikkamagaluru.

Situated in Karnataka’s district, Baba Budangiri in the Western Ghats is nothing but a geographical mystery and marvel. The elevated valley offers beautiful panorama views of lush hills and bright plantations all around. It won’t be wrong to say that it is history and nature that create a blend of ancient temples along with natural beauty. But what could be the mystery of all that connects to the culture of coffee in India?

Folklore of Baba Budangiri

According to reports, the Arabs initially held a monopoly over coffee plantations. Arab monks from what is today Yemen were the first to systematically cultivate the coffee plant. They were also the first to create a drink using roasted beans, qahwa, a word associated with 'wine' in Arabic, which later became linked to the word 'coffee.' While the monks used coffee during their long vigils, the beverage soon began to spread beyond religious and Yemeni borders.

Coffee remained within the hands of Arabs until the 16th century until Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar or Baba Budan, an Indian Sufi monk, visited the Haj, considered to be the Holy Land of Islam for the sacred duty of the Muslims. While coming back, he stopped at a port of Mocha where coffee was traditionally offered to pilgrims as a tonic. Reportedly, he got excited about Qahwa and asked for more information. 

It is said that he decided to bring the plant to his homeland. However, as it was difficult to transport fresh seeds, he chose to take seven seeds—seven being a sacred number in Islam—and smuggled them. According to legend, he hid the seeds in his long beard. After returning to India, he planted the seeds, and seven coffee trees sprouted.

But where could that be? This was Chandragiri Hills where he planted the seeds which were later named Baba Budangiri (Baba Budan Hills). Since then, the lush slopes of Baba Budangiri have been boasting the coffee plantations, as an impact of the saint’s work.

The unity that shines at Baba Budangiri

Baba Budan, today, is considered a sacred person for both the Muslims and the Hindus of India. His hideout and the tomb are preserved on the hills making it a pilgrimage site as well. These are located in the same hills where he planted his coffee trees.

Along with the pilgrims, however, there are a lot of tourists that flock to this place where the locals take pride in displaying the coffee trees. This famous mountain range is also called Dattagiri Hill Range, as the shrine here is believed to be associated with the Hindu God Guru Dattatreya. One of the most amazing facts is that this mountain range proudly exhibits one of the highest mountain peaks, with an altitude that lies between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. 

The hills are also famous for their unique forest range that offers a lot of additional hiking and trekking opportunities. One of the most preferred trekking trails lies between Mullayanagari and Baba Budangiri and all adventure seekers find their way to the ancient shrine of Deviramma Betta through the forests. Even Sitalayanna Giri offers stunning views of other mountain ranges visible from here.

The most well-known trekking trails include- Baba Budangiri to Mullayanagri of 12 km, Budangiri to Gaalikere of 4 km, Budangiri to Manikyadhara Falls of 7 km, and from Attigudi Junction to Baba Budangiri of 6 km. The range of Baba Budangiri Range includes Mullayanagiri with a height of 1930 meters or 6317 feet and Dattagiri/Baba Budangiri with a height of 1895 meters. These are the highest peaks of Karnataka and Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in this Baba Budangiri Range.

These peaks are, collectively, named Chandradrona Parvatha Shreni owing to their naturally-formed shape of a crescent moon. Apart from the coffee, Kurinji is a unique species of flowers which bloom here in these hills once every 12 years that draws people from all over the world to this place.

But when being here, there is only one story that is narrated and fills the air; the great act of Baba Budan — whose existence is still a mystery — as he is called, “crazy shepherd”. The nearby stores show various images of this bearded man and the coffee makers and cafes display these to associate with the legend that filled the air of Chikmagalur with the aroma of caffeine.