Here’s a detailed look at the Charmadi Ghat, one of Karnataka’s most scenic and adventurous ghat sections:
🏞️ Charmadi Ghat Overview
- Location: Lies in Dakshina Kannada district, part of the Western Ghats.
- Connects: Belthangady (Dakshina Kannada) ↔ Kottigehara (Chikkamagaluru).
- Highway: National Highway 73 (NH-73).
- Length: ~25–30 km (ghat section), with 12 hairpin bends.
- Altitude Gain: From ~150 m to nearly 970 m above sea level.
✨ Highlights of Charmadi Ghat
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Hairpin Bends | 12 sharp turns make it an exciting drive. |
| Scenic Beauty | Forested hills, deep valleys, mist-covered roads. |
| Popular Viewpoints | Baale Kallu Gudda, Rani Jhari, Charmadi Viewpoint. |
| Rainfall | One of the wettest areas in Karnataka—gets over 7,000 mm/year. |
| River Source | Origin of the Netravati River (flows to Mangaluru). |
🌿 Ecological & Environmental Significance
- Part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
- Rich in evergreen forests, shola grasslands, and rare wildlife.
- Flora: Bamboo, teak, rosewood, medicinal plants.
- Fauna: Malabar grey hornbill, lion-tailed macaque, leopards, snakes, and frogs.
- Nearby Protected Areas: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kudremukh National Park (north of the ghat).
⚠️ Challenges & Hazards
| Issue | Details |
|---|
| Landslides | Frequent during monsoon due to steep slopes and loose soil. |
| Narrow Roads | Two-lane, winding roads; risky for heavy vehicles. |
| Fog & Rain | Visibility often drops to near zero—especially June–September. |
| Traffic Restrictions | Truck and bus movement sometimes restricted during heavy rains. |
🧭 Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: October to February – clear skies, pleasant weather.
- Avoid Travel: Monsoon (June to September) – risk of landslides, poor visibility.
- Driving Caution: Use low gear when descending; avoid night travel in monsoon.
- Nearest Fuel Stops: Belthangady and Mudigere.
🧳 Nearby Attractions
| Place | Description |
|---|
| Bandaje Falls | A 200-ft high waterfall deep inside forest—accessible by trek from Ballalarayana Durga fort. |
| Rani Jhari Viewpoint | A cliff-edge view of the Western Ghats; popular for sunrise/sunset. |
| Ballalarayana Durga Fort | Ruins of a fort on a hilltop, offering 360° views; popular trekking spot. |
| Kalasa & Horanadu | Famous temple towns near the northern end of the ghat. |
| Charmadi Village | Small hamlet at the base of the ghat, surrounded by dense forest. |
📍 Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Road | NH-73 |
| Connects | Belthangady (DK) ↔ Kottigehara (Chikkamagaluru) |
| Hairpin Bends | 12 |
| Scenic Score | 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5) |
| Landslide Risk | High in monsoon |
| Notable Treks | Bandaje Falls, Ballalarayana Durga, Rani Jhari |
How to Reach Charmadi Ghat by Road
✅ From Mangaluru (Western side – Coast)
- Distance: ~65–70 km
- Route:
- Mangaluru → BC Road → Ujire → Charmadi village → Up the Ghat
- Landmarks: Ujire is the base town before the ghat road begins
- Approx Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
✅ From Chikkamagaluru or Mudigere (Eastern side – Malenadu)
- Distance from Chikkamagaluru: ~45 km
- Route:
- Chikkamagaluru → Mudigere → Kottigehara → Charmadi Ghat descent
- Approx Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
🚌 By Bus
- KSRTC and private buses operate regularly between:
- Mangaluru ↔ Chikkamagaluru
- Mangaluru ↔ Kalasa / Horanadu
- Ask or check if the route is via Charmadi Ghat (some take Bisle or Shiradi instead).
- You can also take a bus to Ujire or Belthangady, then take a local vehicle to Charmadi.
🚆 By Train
- Nearest major stations:
- Mangaluru Junction (on the west coast)
- Chikkamagaluru Railway Station (on the plateau)
- There is no railway line through the ghat itself.
✈️ By Air
- Nearest Airport:Mangalore International Airport (IXE)
- ~80–90 km from Charmadi Ghat
- Connected to Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Gulf countries
