Brahmagiri (hill)

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Brahmagiri is a mountain range in the Western Ghats of south India. It is situated on the border between Wayanad District of Kerala state on the south and Kodagu district in Karnataka on the north side. Brahmagiri Hill, at 1608 m height, is a scenic tourist attraction.

The top of Brahmagiri Hill (1608 m) is well forested and has a lot of wildlife.

Brahmagiri. Mountain peak covered with fog.
Brahmagiri. Mountain peak covered with fog.
Narimale or Tiger hill as known in the Kodava language.
Narimale or Tiger hill as known in the Kodava language.

Thirunelli Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, lies on the Kerala side of Brahmagiri. This temple is known as Dakshina Kasi or the Kasi of the South. The temple constructed in an ancient style and includes 30 granite pillars. According to legend, the temple was constructed by Lord Brahma himself.

Grassland and shola habitats.
Grassland and shola habitats.

Pakshipathalam at an altitude of 1740 m is another attraction on the Kerala side. Pakshipathalam boasts of a cave that is said to have been used by rishis in ancient times. On the Karnataka side it is also known by the name of Munikal cave.

'Munikal Caves'
'Munikal Caves'

Iruppu (or Irpu or Lakshmana Tirtha) Falls of the Lakshmana Tirtha River lies on the Karnataka side of Brahmagiri. According to legend, when Rama and Lakshmana were searching for Sita, they became thirsty. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri from which the river sprang. Rama is said to have dedicated a Shiva Kshethra known as Rajeshwara Temple on the banks of river Lakshmana Tirtha. The Lakshmana Tirtha river eventually flows into the Kaveri River.

Brahmagiri can be reached by a trek from Mananthavady (29 km east) or from Kutta. From Karnataka side, trek to Brahmagiri from Irpu Falls is 9 km and to Munikal Caves is 7 km. Trekkers need to seek the permission of Range Forest Officer at Srimangala.

Shola forests
Shola forests

Brahmagiri is about 11 km from Thirunelli.

Coordinates: 11°57′N, 75°57′E

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