Muddenahalli: A Pioneering Legacy in the Birth of M. Visvesvarayya (2024)

Explore Muddenahalli, the birthplace of M. Visvesvarayya, India’s eminent engineer and statesman. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this quaint town, where every corner echoes the legacy of a visionary. Discover the cultural and historical scene that shaped the early life of M. Visvesvarayya, walking in the footsteps of greatness.

M. Visvesvarayya is a household name in India, known to every Indian. As someone deeply involved in engineering, the moment I discovered that Muddenahalli was his birthplace, I felt an immediate urge to plan a trip and visit his family home. Exploring the roots of this celebrated Indian engineer has become a meaningful endeavour for me, being an engineer myself.

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Where is Muddenahalli?

Nestled in the Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka, Muddenahalli stands as a village of historical significance. Recognized as the birthplace of India’s eminent engineer, M. Visvesvarayya, this tranquil locale is the hometown of one of the nation’s most renowned and accomplished individuals in the field of engineering.

Who was M. Visvesvarayya?

Born on 15th September 1860, M. Visvesvarayya, officially recognized as Sri Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya, was a distinguished Indian civil engineer, statesman, and the 19th Diwan of Mysore. Throughout his illustrious career, he garnered numerous prestigious accolades, including the Bharat Ratna, and was knighted as the King Commander of the British Indian Empire.

A noteworthy fact is that 15th September is celebrated as Engineer’s Day in India, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania, a tribute to the remarkable contributions of M. Visvesvarayya.

Among his significant achievements as the Chief Engineer is the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam in Mysore and the Laxmi Talav dam in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri and Kolhapur regions. His legacy extends beyond his lifetime, leaving an indelible mark on the engineering landscape.

Things to See In and Around Muddenahalli

M. Visvesvarayya Family Home and Museum

A dedicated museum honouring M. Visvesvarayya showcases an array of his personal belongings, awards, and titles. The museum additionally features a miniature model of the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam in Mysore.

• Admission: Free of charge.
• Operating hours: Closed on Sundays. Open from 11 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Saturday.

Memorial for M. Visvesvarayya

Adjacent to the family home and museum, a road leads to the revered memorial and park dedicated to M. Visvesvarayya. This memorial holds a sacred significance for the local community.

• Admission: Free of charge.
• Operating hours: Open every day.

Kandavara Lake

Kandavara Lake, situated in the picturesque Chikkaballapura district, stands out as one of the most enchanting lakes in the region. Teeming with diverse flora and fauna, this destination is a paradise for bird watchers. A charming pathway skirts the lake, offering a delightful stroll and captivating views of the waterbody and the adjacent hills.

• Admission: Free of charge.
• Operating hours: While there are no specific timings, it is advisable to avoid visiting the lake alone after sunset and before sunrise, given the secluded nature of the area.

Note: Some stretches of the roads exhibit poor conditions, making it challenging for vehicles with 2-wheel drive to navigate.

Shree Bhoga Nandishwara temple

Constructed in the 9th century under the patronage of the Nolamba Pallavas, the Shree Bhoga Nandishwara temple stands as the oldest surviving example of the Nolambavadi style of Dravidian architecture. Devoted to Lord Shiva, this temple complex is renowned for its inscriptions and features a massive Kalyani, or temple tank.

• Admission: INR 5 per person.
• Operating hours: Open daily from 7:30 AM to 2 PM and 4:30 PM to 7 PM.

Nandi Hill

Muddenahalli serves as a convenient pitstop during a visit to Nandi Hill. Nandi Hill, alternatively called Nandidurga, is a prominent hill located on the outskirts of Bangalore, cherished as a popular weekend retreat among the locals. With an elevation of approximately 1478 meters, Nandi Hill offers a breathtaking vantage point to witness the clouds beneath the summit.

• Admission: INR 5 per person.
• Operating hours: Open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.

Skandagiri Hill

Among the quintet of hills in the Chikkaballapura district, Skandagiri Hills is the most sought-after destination for sunrise enthusiasts. Also recognized as Kalavara Durga, this hill is frequently bustling with trekking enthusiasts, especially on weekends.

• Admission: INR 250 per person.
• Operating hours: Open daily from 6:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Kaurava Kunda

Less renowned than Nandi or Skandagiri Hills, Kaurava Kunda is the twin hills connected to the Mahabharata. This location offers a serene escape and a chance to witness clouds below the summit, creating a picturesque ambience.

• Admission: Free of charge.
• Operating hours: While there are no specific timings, it’s essential to note that this hill is unmonitored and can become isolated rapidly. It is not recommended to visit this hill alone for safety reasons.

How to Get to Muddenahalli?

By Road

Located approximately 59 kilometres from Bangalore city, Muddenahalli is easily accessible by road, requiring just one hour and 10 minutes for the journey. The route follows the direction towards the airport and includes toll roads.

Note: Some parts of the roads exhibit poor conditions, making them less suitable for small cars. It is advisable to either park on the main road and walk to the destinations or opt for an SUV or larger vehicle.

By Public Transport

The most convenient means of reaching Muddenahalli using public transportation involves taking a bus or train from Bangalore City (Majestic bus stop) to Chikkaballapura. For train tickets, please refer to the IRCTC website. From Chikkaballapura, there are two recommended routes to reach Muddenahalli:

• Optimal option: Take an auto-rickshaw to Muddenahalli, a mere 7 kilometres from Chikkaballapura.
• Alternatively, Board a local bus bound for Thirnahalli and walk the 2 kilometres from Thirnahalli to Muddenahalli.

Is Muddenahalli Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

I strongly advise against visiting these locations alone, except for the Shree Bhoga Nandishwara temple and M. Visvesvarayya museum and memorial. The areas and hills can become isolated rapidly, and occasional disturbances by locals may occur. For hiking the hills, engaging with trekking agencies or, at the very least, having company while exploring these places is recommended. Your safety is paramount; additional companionship ensures a more secure and enjoyable experience.

Closing Notes

I loved visiting Muddenahalli and learning about M. Visvesvarayya. The village is charming and one of those raw places not crowded by tourists. I also loved interacting with locals and seeing the village scenes.

Have you visited Muddenahalli? Let me know by writing to me at

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