Baba Budangiri: History, Significance, and the Spirit of Harmony

Imagine mist curling over emerald hills, the scent of coffee drifting through the air, and ancient prayers echoing from hidden caves. This is Baba Budangiri, a mountain range rising to about 1,895 metres in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Also called Chandradrona Parvatha, as the range naturally forms the shape of a crescent moon, it is part of Chikmagalur, often hailed as the birthplace of Indian coffee. About 40 km from these hills, nestled amid sprawling coffee and pepper plantations, lies The Serai Chikmagalur, a serene resort where visitors can soak in the beauty and tranquillity of Malenadu, in Karnataka,  before venturing to the sacred slopes. Every breeze here seems to carry stories of devotion and discovery, blending the natural beauty of the hills with the quiet hum of centuries-old faith.

lush green grassland on the mountains during day time
Hands holding freshly picked red and green coffee cherries over a basket during harvest at a coffee plantation.
Backside view of Estate Villa with Private Pool in Chikmagalur - The Serai, Chikmagalur.

The History: From Sufi Saint to Sacred Site
 

The tale of Baba Budangiri begins in the 16th century, with a Sufi saint named Baba Budan, who travelled from Yemen to India. Enchanted by the hills of Chikmagalur, he settled here in meditation, bringing with him 7 coffee beans hidden in his robes. By planting them on these fertile slopes, he unknowingly sowed the seeds of India’s coffee culture, forever linking Chikmagalur’s destiny with his own. The cave where Baba Budan lived and prayed became a site of devotion for both Muslims and Hindus.

Sunlight filters through coffee plants bearing ripening red and green cherries at a lush plantation.
A view from Mullayanagiri Peak with clouds and mountains in view

Over time, it came to be known as the Inam Dattatreya Peetha, where Sufi mysticism mingled with the Avadhuta tradition of Hindu spirituality. For devotees of Lord Dattatreya, this was the very place where the deity, an embodiment of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, had performed penance.

By the 17th century, the site had evolved into a revered shrine, a confluence of two great faiths. In the 20th century, Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, founder of the All World Gayatri Pariwar, established the Akhand Jyoti, an eternal flame that has burned ever since. It is said that over 2,400 crore Gayatri Mantras have been chanted here, infusing the shrine with an aura of spiritual harmony.

The Significance of Datta Peeta: A Symbol of Harmony

 

At the heart of the range lies the Datta Peeta, a shrine that speaks of coexistence and shared reverence. To Hindus, it is the abode of Lord Dattatreya; to Muslims, it is the dargah of Baba Budan, also known as Dada Hayath Mir Khalandar. Within its cool stone cave, oil lamps flicker softly, the air scented with incense and oil, and the glow of the Akhand Jyoti casts gentle light over the sacred space. Here, the lines between faiths blur beautifully. Hymns and qawwalis often rise together, echoing through the misty hills, creating a rhythm that celebrates unity in diversity. Scholars and travellers have called it a living example of India’s syncretic spirit, a place where devotion builds bridges instead of walls.

Scenic view of Baba Budangiri hills with lush green slopes, misty valleys, and dramatic clouds over the Western Ghats.
An overview of Chikmagalur with mist on a mountain in the background

Today, pilgrims visit not only to seek blessings but also to find stillness and reflection. The Datta Peeta continues to be a centre of meditation, moral upliftment, and interfaith understanding, carrying forward the saint’s enduring message of compassion and oneness.

Visiting Inam Dattatreya Peetha: A Journey Through Faith and Forest

 
The journey to this shrine is as enchanting as the destination itself. The shrine is about 28 kilometres from Chikmagalur town, roughly an hour’s drive through winding roads lined with coffee estates and shola forests. Taxis are easily available, costing between INR 1,000 and INR 1,500, and each turn reveals a new vista of misty valleys and dew-kissed greenery. The Inam Dattatreya Peetha is set within a cave where visitors can light a lamp before the Akhand Jyoti or simply sit in quiet meditation. 

Green hill with winding road under a cloudy sky.
tree-clad mountain ranges

The surrounding slopes invite leisurely walks through plantations, offering striking views that photographers and nature lovers cherish. During the annual Urs and Datta Jayanti festivals, the mountain comes alive with devotional music and prayer, as Sufi qawwalis and Hindu bhajans blend into one harmonious celebration.

The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is cool and clear, with temperatures between 15 and 25°C. Early mornings are ideal for visiting, before the crowds arrive, when the hills are veiled in mist and the silence feels sacred. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and respect the sanctity of the site.

A Quiet Haven After the Hills: The Serai Chikmagalur

 
After your pilgrimage, unwind at The Serai Chikmagalur, a luxury retreat nestled about 7 km from Chikmagalur town, amidst thick green canopies and coffee-laden slopes. Inspired by the region’s rich brew heritage, the resort offers 29 elegant villas with private pools or jacuzzis, a dining experience at Odyssey that crafts local flavours into refined cuisine, and The Blue Sky Lounge for relaxed evenings overlooking the estate. Guests can indulge in holistic treatments at Oma Spa, take leisurely plantation walks beneath tall trees, lounge by the pool, or simply breathe in the crisp Malenadu air for a complete restorative experience.

Swimming pool and exterior facade in late evening of The Serai, Chikmagalur.

Baba Budangiri is more than a mountain; it is a meeting place of spirit, soil, and story. Its hills tell of a saint who sowed both seeds and peace, of a shrine that welcomes all, and of faith that flows gently like mountain rain. Between the whisper of the wind, the aroma of coffee, and the steady flame within the cave, one realises that this is not merely a pilgrimage but a reminder.

Here, amid the clouds and coffee blossoms, Baba Budan’s message still drifts through the valleys: that faith, like coffee, is richest when shared.

 

FAQs

1. Where is Baba Budangiri located?
Baba Budangiri, also called Chandradrona Parvatha, is a mountain range in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, about 28?km from Chikmagalur town.

2. Who was Baba Budan, and why is he significant?
Baba Budan was a 16th-century Sufi saint who introduced coffee to India by planting 7 coffee beans in Chikmagalur. He is revered for his teachings of unity and spirituality.

3. What is the Datta Peeta, and why is it important?
Datta Peeta is a shrine at the heart of the hills, revered by Hindus as Lord Dattatreya’s abode and by Muslims as Baba Budan’s dargah, symbolising harmony between faiths.

4. When is the best time to visit Baba Budangiri?
The ideal time is from October to March, when the weather is cool and misty, perfect for pilgrimage, photography, and nature walks.

5. Where can visitors stay near Baba Budangiri?
A popular option is The Serai Chikmagalur, about 40?km from the hills, offering luxury villas, farm-to-table dining, spa facilities, and plantation walks.

Continue your booking