During growing up years in Mysore, pilgrims who could not afford the bus fare to Male Mahadeshwara Hills would walk on roads singing in praise of the saint Male Mahadeshwara with a small bhajan cymbal in hand and people would gladly donate money to make the journey. Since then I always wanted to visit Male Mahadeshwara Hills as I had also heard that Tigers and Elephants roam free in the thick jungles.
I had to wait four decades for my wish to be fulfilled and finally when I made it, I could connect all my memories and imagination to M.M.Hills as it is popularly known as.
The hills are at 3000 feet above sea level and located in Kollegal Taluk of Chamarajanagar district. The green hills and valleys are part of the Western Ghats meeting the Eastern Ghats.
This thick evergreen forests is known as the Male Mahadeshwara Reserve Forests. It covers an area of 39361.45 ha and includes villages like Ponnachi, M.M.Hills, Kombadikki, Kokkebore, Doddane, Tokere, Tholsikere, Palar, Gopinatham, Indiganatham.
Large number of Sandalwood and Bamboo trees grown in this region and is home to wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Gaurs, Elephants, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Jackals, Sloth Bears, and Porcupines are often sighted here. Rare sightings are that of Tigers, Leopards, and Wild Dogs.
There are many types of birds nesting in this part of the regions.
River Kaveri flows to the North-East of the hills and River Palar flows to the South.
Place statistics:
Type of place: Hills and an ancient temple
Situated: Kollegal taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka
Distance: 210 km from Bangalore and 150 km from Mysore
Transport: Well connected by road
Facilities: Eateries and rest room are available
