Male Mahadeshwara Betta

Male Mahadeshwara Betta or MM Hills is a mountain peak in Karnataka state, in Chamarajanagar district near the border with Tamil Nadu.

Understand
Male Mahadeshwara Temple attracts pilgrims all over from South India, and the mountain range is named after it. The area surrounding the temple is covered by thick forest. There are other mountain ranges and temples nearby. It was once activity area of notorious sandalwood smuggler and elephant poacher Veerappan in the 1980s and 1990s.

By car
Male Mahadeshwara Betta is connected by Karnataka state highway (SH 79) road to Kollegal through Kowdhalli (Cowdahalli) and Hanur (Hanuru) all in Chamarajanagar district. Also one can reach Kowdahalli via Rampura from Hanur. MM Hills can be reached from Tamil Nadu side through Palar, Kottaiyur, Kaveripuram, Kolathur from Mettur town. There are Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses which ply from Kollegal, Chamarajanagara, Mysuru and Bengaluru. There are few buses coming from Tamil Nadu on a daily basis.

There is no rail or airplane service to Male Mahadeshwara Betta, but there is a helipad at MM Hills.

Do
Trek to Male Mahadeshwara Temple from Thalabetta or Talabetta which is at foot of MM hills. Many devotees do Padayatre or trek to the temple at top. Also some trek to Gopinatham village (21 km) and Yerakkam (14 km) from Ponnachi cross on the way to MM hills.

Trek from Male Mahadeshwara Betta to Naagamale Betta or Naagamale hills, about 14 km away. Prior permission of Karnataka forest department is necessary for the trek through thick forests.

Eat
There are a few small vegetarian eateries.

Sleep
There are many guest houses at Male Mahadeshwara Betta. Those run by religious institutions like Suttur Mutt, BGS Bhavan. Guest various Karnataka government departments are P.W.D, Forest, Nagamale, Bhavan, Shrishaila Bhavan, Gurudarshini, Giridarshini, Jenumale Bhavan, Shivadarshini, Suryadarshini, Yaathri Nivasa Lodge. All these guest houses require pre-booking.

There are a few huts of Karnataka forest department at Gopinatham village, 36 km away by road.

Stay safe
Carry torch, water, eatables, whistle and other essential things with you when you venture into the thickly forested surroundings. The road to MM Hills and trek trails are in midst of forest. There are reports of encounters with Leopards, Elephants and other wild animals. B.S.N.L mobile connectivity is available at few places.

Go next

 * Mysore
 * Mandya
 * Hogenakkal The Karnataka side of Hogenakkal can be reached from Male Mahadeshwara Betta through Palar and Gopinatham villages. The distance is about 50 km by road.
 * Biliranga Hills