Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur situated in southwestern part of Karnataka, it is nestled in the Baba Budan hills. Chickmangalur literally means, 'The Younger Daughter's Town.' Legend reads that this town had been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the famous chief of Sakrepatna. Chikmagalur is a calm, serene town full of scenic surprises. Hills, valleys, streams and snow-white coffee blossoms are all here to woo. In and around Chikmagalur there are beautiful hill stations and places of picturesque beauty. The district is strewn with many holy spots and proliferates legends associated with stories from the epics of Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Getting there:
Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore
Rail: The nearest Rail Junction is Mangalore
Road: It is 170 kms from Mangalore and 240 kms Bangalore

Accomodation:
Hotels & Resorts:
The Serai, Eagle Eye Holiday Home (Resort), Taj Garden Retreat (Resort), Texwoods (Resort), Winter Greens (Eco Resort), Kerehaklu Resort (an Eco Retreat)

Homestays & Estate Bungalows
Nature Nirvana (Estate Bungalow), Castle Rock (Homestay), Kerehaklu Eco Retreat - Aldur, Thippanahalli (Homestay)

Weather and Best Time to Visit:
It is generally cool throughout the year, with a maximum temperature of 28 C.
The Best season to visit would be from September to March.

Surrounding places:

Kemmanagundi (54 kms):

An ideal retreat of solitude and natural beauty, located in Baba-Budam range. Placed at a height of 4,702 ft. above sea level, Kemmanagundi has a bracing climate, mineral-enriched water and a tranquil verdant mountains cape. The two waterfalls Kalahasti and Hebbe are ideal picnic spots. Bababudan Mountains, 30 km from Kemmanagundi, are the loftiest range of hills with a stupendous ridge. The Dattatreya Peetha here is a well Known pilgrimage shrine both for the Hindus and the Muslims.

Sringeri (98 kms):

This well-known pilgrim centre is situated on the banks of Tunga river. Adishankara, exponent of the Advaita philosophy had founded this monastery.The chief attraction being the 12 zodiac pillars in the Vidya Shankara temple, which are so arranged that the Sun's rays fall on the particular pillar corresponding to the month.

Kudremukh (95 kms):

South-west of Chilmagalur is the secluded hill station of Kudremukh. Situated 1894 m above sea level, the Kudremukh hills overlook the Arabian Sea and are chained to one another with deep valleys and steep precipices. There is rich flora and fauna here, waiting to be discovered. Caves asking to be explored. Ruins and traces of old civilization inviting a study. Lonely, unspoilt places to camp can any trekker resist Kudremukh? This place is also rich in iron-ore deposits.

Bhandra Wildlife Sanctuary (38kms):

North-west, this sanctuary is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, chital, sambar, elephants and tigers are some of the wildlife found here.

Amruthapura:

About 10 kms form Tarikere, this little town has a 800 year old temple dedicated to Amrutheswara.

Sakleshpur is a beautiful town located in Western Ghats on Bangalore- Mangalore Highway. The terrain of Sakleshpur is ideal for camping, trekking, off-road driving. The local coffee estates also provide great bird-watching opportunities. Attractions around Sakleshpur include Manjarabad Fort, constructed by Tippu Sultan and Bisle Ghat. Activities include trek on the railway track from Sakleshpur to the Subramanya Road Station which is about 56 km dotted by 58 tunnels, 109 bridges and about 25 waterfalls , plantation visit, fishing, trekking etc.

Kalasa

In the town of Kalasa, Chickmagalur district, Karnataka, lies the holy temple Kalaseshwara dedicated to Lord Shiva.  Kalasa is located on the banks of the Bhadra River, about 92 Kilometres South-west of Chickmagalur.

Etymology : The significance of Kalasa is mentioned  in the Skanda Purana.  During the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvathi in Varanasi there was a shift of the earth’s rotation because of all Gods and Goddesses.
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Horanadu

Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurneshwari, (Goddess of Food and Grains) this temple was built in 1973.

It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life. Annadana (free meals) is ritually provided by the temple organization 3 times a day. This is a form of Prasada (blessing) from the deity.
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• Hotels in Chikmagalur
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• Resorts in Chikmagalur