About Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is famously called as ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’. It is a scenic hill station located in the foothills of the Western Ghats. Chikmagalur is well known for its sprawling coffee estates, mist covered hills and pleasant climate. It is a perfect place for nature lovers, adventure seekers and one who seeks a peace atmosphere. Chikmagalur tourism offers an unforgettable experience that has a mixture of nature, spirituality and heritage in one charming destination.
Most of the places will be included in Chikmagalur tours and packages. Mullayanagiri is one of the important attractions of Chikmagalur. Apart from natural beauty, the region has rick cultural and spiritual roots with significant temples like the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple and Sringeri peetham attracts devotees throughout the year.
Top Tourist Places to Visit in Chikmagalur
Mullayanagiri peak
Mullayanagiri Peak is the highest peak in Karnataka. It has a spectacular views and perfect for sunrise and Sunset. Mullayanagiri Peak is a great trekking destination. It is one thousand nine hundred and thirty meters above sea level. Mullayanagiri peak is situated in Chikmagalur. It is known for its breathtaking views, cool breeze and lush green trails .Mullayanagiri is a famous spot for trekking and nature photography. Mullayanagiri peak plays an important role in Chikmagalur tours and travels itineraries. It is a must visit place for adventure lovers and one who seeks peace amidst nature.
Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri is beautiful mountain located in Chikmagalur.This mountain holds both spiritual and historical significance.Stories says that during 17th century Baba Budan is believed to have introduced coffee to India by bringing coffee beans from Yemen and planting them on the slopes of these hills, laying the foundation for Chikmagalur rich coffee legacy.There is also a cave shrine dedicated to baba Budan here, a rare spiritual site respected by both Hindus and Muslims. It stands as a symbol of Unity and shared faith. Baba Budangiri will be included in the itineraries of Chikmagalur tours and packages.
Hebbe Falls
Hebbe water falls is one of the most charming falls in Chikmagalur, situated within the lush forest of the Bhadra wildlife Sanctuary near Kemmangundi. This water falls is divided in to two phases Dodda Hebbe it means Big falls and Chikka Hebbe and it means Small falls. This falls is surrounded by dense coffee plantations and thick greenery. To reach Hebbe falls, travellers must take a bumpy jeep ride through forested terrain and then trek a short distance.it is one of the place which attracts trekkers, nature lovers and shutterbugs. Hebbe falls is one of the must visit places for those who explore the natural beauty of Chikmagalur. Chikmagalur tours and travels itineraries are incomplete without Hebbe falls.
Jhari Falls
Jhari Falls is also called as Buttermilk Falls. It is a fabulous waterfalls located near Chikmagalur. This waterfalls is framed by thick forest and sprawling coffee gardens, fall away smoothly from approximately 50 meters, creating a peaceful, mist filled surroundings. Jhari falls offers cool, refreshing spray of the falls combined with the lush greenery makes it a perfect place for nature lovers and Photographers. To reach Jhari falls normally travellers will take a scenic Jeep ride through rugged woodland trails, capped off with a short trek, enhancing the thrill of the visit. This is less crowded place is rarely included in the Chikmagalur tours and travels itineraries.
Kemmangundi
Kemmangudi is a peaceful hill station situated in Chikmagalur. Once it was a summer relaxing place for Wodeyars, the royal family of Mysore. Scenic spots such as Raj Bhavan viewpoint point, Z point and Shanti Falls attracts travellers seeking peace and relaxation amidst natural beauty. Kemmangudi is covered by the Baba Budangiri range and it offers fabulous view, vibrant gardens and trekking trails that attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers. Kemmangundi is a mixture of natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Chikmagalur tours and packages include Kemmangudi rarely in the itineraries.
Kudremukh National Park
Kunremukh National Park is rich in flora and fauna. This National park is located in Western Ghats of Karnataka. Kudremukh National park is one of the UNESCO world Heritage Site. Meaning of Kudremukh peak is ‘horse face’ in Kannada due to its unique shape. Kudremukh National park is the shelter to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, Malabar civets, wild dogs and several species of deer and birds. Kudremukh National Park is a must visit place in Chikmagalur tours and travels.
Top Things to Do in Chikmagalur
Take a trek to Mullayanagiri Peak which is the highest peak in Karnataka. It is a spectacular views of the Western Ghats.
Explore baba Budangiri Hills which is the historic cave shrine and enjoy scenic drives, sunset points and spiritual serenity
Visit Hebbe Falls try to take an adventurous jeep ride followed by a small trek to witness this two tiered waterfalls nestled in lush forests.
Spend to relax at Jhari falls which is also called as Buttermilk falls. It is covered by coffee estates, this attractive water falls is perfect for nature photography and peaceful moments.
Wander through coffee plantations, take a simple walk through the aromatic estates that describe chikmagalur’s identity as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’.
Kudremukh National Park is perfect for wildlife lovers and trekkers, this area is rich in biodiversity and natural beauty.
Relax at Kemmangundi which a scenic hill station is well known for its gardens, viewpoints like Z point, and other nearby waterfalls like Shanti Falls.
Visit Horanadu Annapoorneshwari temple located in the hills which is known for its divine surroundings and traditional meals served to worshippers.
Explore sunset at Hirekolale Lake a peaceful place covered by hills and plantations. It is perfect place for a quiet evening.
For adventure lovers explore forest trails and rugged terrain through guided jeep rides in some parts Chikmagalur.
Chikmagalur Travel tips
Chikmagalur is a unique place for nature lovers. Below are some of the travel tips to make your journey happy.
Best Time To Visit Chikmagalur
September to March is the best time to visit Chikmagalur. In this time weather will be cool, pleasant and perfect time for sightseeing, outdoor activities and trekking. During these months temperature is a perfect to explore coffee plantation, waterfalls and the Western Ghats without the discomfort of heat.
From September to November the landscape is lush and green after the rains, this period is great for Photography and nature walks.
Peak tourist season is from December to February and it is the peak tourist season. This is perfect time for trekking to peaks like Mullayanagiri and camping under the stars.
From June to August is the Monsoon period and avoid travelling this season ,since heavy rains can make trekking routes slippery and some roads has less accessible.
How To Reach Chikmagalur?
- By Air: Mangalore International Airport is the nearest airport which I s approximately 160 Kms. The next nearest airport is Bangalore – kempegowda International airport which is approximately 270 Kms
- By Train: There is small railway station with limited connectivity in Chikmagalur. Kadur or Birur are the nearest Railway station. Kadur is approximately 40 Kms and Birur is approximately 45 kms. These station are well connected to Hubli, Bangalore and Mangalore. From Kadur and Birur railway station taxi and local buses are available to reach Chikmaglur.
- By Road: Chikmagalur have a good Road connectivity to major cities in Karnataka. From Mangalore to Chikmagalur it is approximately 150 Kms. And from Bangalore to Chikmagalur it is approximately 250 kms. Private buses operates from Bangalore, Hassan and Mangalore. Taxi and Cabs are the other available options here.
Things To Know Before Visiting Chikmagalur
In Chikmagalur weather will vary and most of the year the climate will be cool and pleasant. It is best to carry light jackets or warm layers for a comfortable stay.
Mobile network in remote and hilly areas signal may be weak, so plan accordingly.
Card payment will be accepted by hotels and restaurants but small shops, homestays and rural areas may prefer cash payment.
Most of the sightseeing places like Hebbe falls, Jhari falls will require jeep ride and local jeeps are available for hire.
Ensure to avoid littering, stay on marked trails and the native flora and fauna to help preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance of the area.
While visit places like Horanadu and sringeri ensure to dress modestly and respectful behaviour are expected.
Accommodation will be in high demand during peak season so ensure to book you your rooms well in advance.
Try to taste local cuisine like Akki Roti, Kadubu and traditional filter coffee.
ATM’s are not found in remote areas. Cash is required while heading to offbeat spots. ATM’s are mostly found in town areas.
FAQs:
Yes, Chikmagalur is generally safe for tourists and is considered one of the more peaceful travel destinations in Karnataka. It attracts nature lovers, couples, families, and solo travelers alike. That said, like any travel destination, it’s wise to take basic precautions
Ensure to bring comfortable clothes like cotton or quick dry clothes
Morning and Evening will be Chill, so bring light jacket or Sweater
Carry sunscreen,sun glasses , trekking shoes,cap, reusable water bottles , Photo ID proof, First aid kid and basic Medicines,Rain coat , water proof bag ,mosquito repellent,Binoculars
Mobile network connectivity will be very less so ensure to carry some offline maps
Carry some cash since small shops will not support card payment.
Small shops will require cash payments only.
ATM’s are available in Major places only.
