State : Karnataka
Distance : 235 km NW of Bangalore 
Journey : time by road 5 ½ hrs, by rail 3 hrs + road ¾ hrs
Location : shivgiri is located above Yemmedoddi village in the Hoggarekangiri hills, north of the Baba Budanagiri hills in Kadur taluk of chikmangalur district 
Route : NH4 to tumkur via Nelamangala; NH206 to Birur via Tiptur and Arsikere; state road to Hoggarehalli village via Lingadahalli

In the secluded charm of the Hoggarekangiri hill ranges, the gutturak call of the tiger resonates deep into the green folds of the valleys and mingles with the coffee. Tiger definitely don’t drink coffee, but at shivgiri trails in Chakmangalur district they don’t mind making their way trough rich red berries that sprout from the hundred of coffee plants that grow around this over 100-year-old estate. The estate is beautifully located atop a remote hill bang in the middle of a tiger reserve in the forests of Yemmedoddi.

There are coffee estates and coffee estates. Especially in Coorg, chickmangalur and few other places. But find one whose location. As a result of its century – plus history in inside a designated tiger reserve. This should perhaps be the only one of its kind in southern India.

To be in Shivgiri is to feel lonely and left out, and revel wonderfully in that state. As you drive up the winding mud road, which offers you a spine-tingling view of the valley and the forested hills, you’ll notice that the place is so isolated that nobody except those connected with the estate ever move around in the area.

Shivgiri has quite miraculously managed to remain in a cocoon of its own. The rest of the world, including the little village of Hoggarehalli and the small towns of Kadur and Ajjampura down below in the plains, may only be gazed at from afar.


Thins to see and do

Shivgiri is just what god made to make the trekking community happy. Disappear in to the greenery and don’t return till evening. Perhaps you’ll never return att all, if you don’t take the expert guidance of Omkariah, the knowledgeable guide here.

Trek to Doddabale Siddaragudda

This is a peak to the back of the guest house, 5,500 ft high. To reach it you’ll have to wend your why through the coffee beans in the estate and than through the forest. All along the route you’ll find droppings of one or other animals, which is evidence enough of their happy existence there. The walk is slightly tiresome because of the upward slant of the terrain. But if you can make it to the top, there cannot be too many better sights to behold. Looking at the lush greenery all around smothered by 90km winds that blow cold all day and night can elevate you not just intellectually but almost physically, if you are not careful enough to find yourself a grip.

Before you to the south are awesome views of the Bhadra River and Lakkavalli Dam. To the west are the tiny village of Yemmedoddi the Baba Budangiri hill ranges and . Madagadakere, a large lake. Legend has it that the lake fill up because of a magic rain. Locals insist that it is the winds that fill up the lake, brining with them tiny droplets of water that the eye cannot see. There is even a very popular folk song in Kannada on this.

Birdwatching 

Shivgiri teems with birds, with their calls heard all over the forest. From inside branches, from high up in the air from within the valleys everywhere. Arm yourself with a pair of binoculars and catch a host of them… woodpeckers, finches, sunbirds, mynahs, barbets babblers and many more flitting cheerily about in an endless round of daily chores.

Where to stay and eat

Shivgiri Trails 
Ph : 080 – 5483220, 91-9448130096
Tariff Rs : 1.500