Situated in South Western Karnataka, Chikmagalur is known for its coffee plantations. Thousands of tourists throng the town owing to its picturesque landscape, gushing falls, wildlife sanctuary, pilgrimage centers, and attractive coffee plantation. This quaint city is blessed with a very soothing climate year-round due to its location in the Western Ghats. Chikmagalur tourism is flourishing as more people discover the region’s beauty.
The name says it all
The word Chikmagalur is derived from two Kannada words-Cikkamagaḷa ūru, which means the town of the younger daughter. According to legends, the town was given as a gift to the youngest daughter of the legendary chief of Sakkarepattana, Rukmangada.
Sightseeing in and around Chikmagalur
As part of Chikmagalur tourism, visitors also enjoy various outdoor activities, such as trekking and birdwatching.
Chikmagalur tourism offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, drawing nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Chikmagalur tourism highlights include breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity.
This peak is a must-visit for anyone exploring Chikmagalur tourism.
Kemmangundi is another gem in Chikmagalur tourism, attracting visitors with its stunning views.
Chikmagalur Tourism Highlights
These attractions are integral to the Chikmagalur tourism experience.
Mullayanagiri
Baba Budangiri is renowned in Chikmagalur tourism for its spiritual significance.
Many visitors come to Chikmagalur to discover its rich history and culture.
With an altitude of 1930 meters, Mullayanagiri is the tallest peak in the state of Karnataka. Considered as a trekker’s heaven, this peak has a narrow route and breathtaking views from its cliffs. On sunny days, the Arabian Sea can be witnessed from the peak. This place is only 12 kms away from Chikmagalur.
Kudremukh is a key destination for adventure enthusiasts in Chikmagalur.
Kemmangundi
Wildlife lovers will find Chikmagalur tourism especially appealing due to its diverse fauna.
Chikmagalur tourism is incomplete without a visit to the famous Hanumana Gundi Waterfalls.
Hebbe Falls is a highlight in the Chikmagalur tourism landscape, known for its stunning views.
Located in the Tarikere Taluk, this hill has an altitude of 1430 meters above sea level. King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV identified this charming hill surrounded by the Baba Budan Hills and built a resort as a token of his gratitude to the Government of Karnataka.
Manikyadhara Falls is often included in Chikmagalur tourism itineraries.
Some of the popular destinations to explore include Z-point, Rose Garden, Hebbe Falls, and Kalathi Falls. If you are a nature admirer, Kemmangundi will give you plenty of reasons to cheer about.
Baba Budangiri
Chikmagalur tourism thrives on the natural beauty of places like Kadambi Falls.
Fondly known as the Chandra Drona Parvatha, Baba Budangiri is a mountain range in the Western Ghats. This mountain is named after a famous Muslim Priest who lived there 150 years ago and is visited by followers of all religions. It has an altitude of 1895 meters.
The primary attractions of this place are the three caves, believed to contain the remnants of three religious oracles. Many believe that the first ever coffee plantation was done in this mountain range.
This temple adds to the spiritual aspect of Chikmagalur tourism.
The Coffee Museum is a must-visit for those interested in Chikmagalur tourism.
Kudremukh
Visitors can learn about the coffee culture as part of Chikmagalur tourism.
This peak, at an altitude of 1894 meters, is the third-highest in Karnataka. Kudremukh in Kannada means the face of a horse. Even though this peak might not come across as glamorous as others in the list, it still has lots to offer.
Kudreukh National Park, for instance, is home to the rare lion-tailed macaque. The Government of India has declared this forest as one of the country’s few tiger reserves.
Kudremukh is also famous for Hanumana Gundi Waterfalls. These Falls should be on your visiting list:
Hebbe Fall
Hebbe Falls is located 8 km from Kemmangundi Hill. The only way to reach this place is by trek. While the journey might be a little strenuous, it is worth every ounce of effort. Since the water descends from 168 meters, the fall divides into two portions- Chikka Hebbe and Dodda Hebbe. The dense greenery and the surrounding coffee plantation is a treat to the eye.
Manikyadhara Fall
Chikmagalur tourism also emphasizes the importance of accessibility for all travelers.
Chikmagalur tourism offers a variety of activities and sightseeing options.
Located in the midst of the Shola forest, the Manikyadhara Fall is famous for its constant cold water temperature. A dip in its water is pure bliss in the summer heat. The fall is believed to be a holy cascade, and it is worshipped by many people. Camping and trekking are very popular around this fall.
Kadambi Fall
The Kadambi Falls originate from the Kudremukh hills. This is the same place that gives birth to three rivers- Nethravati, Bhadra, and the Tunga. This fall is located in the Kudremukh National Park.
Tourists get enamored of the diversity of orchids found in and around this fall. The jungle around this waterfall is dense and teeming with wild animals.
Temple in Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is home to several popular pilgrimage sites. Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy Darga is by far the most popular pilgrimage that is visited by people of every religion. Sringeri, which is believed to have been founded in the 9th Century AD by Sri Adi Shankara, is another magnificent tourist attraction. Apart from these, there are multiple pilgrimage places such as the Kalasa, Annapoorneshwari Temple in Horanadu, Amritheshwara temple in Amritapura, Udbhava Ganapathi temple in Belavadi, and so on.
The Coffee Museum
As the heart of the coffee plantation, the coffee museum serves as the evaluation center for coffee samples collected across the district. This place will give you the overall figure of coffee production in the district. Surrounded by lush greenery, it educates the tourists about international best practices in coffee production.
How to reach Chikmagalur
By road
Chikmagalur has 2 National Highways passing through the towns of Koppa and Sringeri, respectively. Then there are three state highways that connect the district to the surrounding states. The distances from Bangalore, Mangalore, and Chennai are 242 km, 150 km, and 590 km, respectively. Bus facilities are available from all major cities multiple times a day.
By rail
The town can be accessed by train. The major junction near the town is Birur. A new rail corridor connecting Bangalore and Chikmagalur has been recently inaugurated.
Temples in and around Chikmagalur enrich the Chikmagalur tourism experience.
By air
Although Chikmagalur has no domestic airport, it has a small landing strip that can be used for the landing of private jets and charter planes. For tourists coming from far-off locations, the airports of Hubli, Mangalore, and Bangalore can be looked at as alternatives.
Also Read
Trekking in Chikmagalur
Activities and sightseeing in Chikmagalur
- 8 Offbeat Places to Stay in Chikkmagaluru
- 12 things you shouldn’t miss in Chikmagalur
- Chikmagalur Coffee
- Forts in Chikmagalur
- Chikmagalur is now Chikkamagaluru
- Waterfalls in Chikmagalur
- Lakkavalli In Chikkamagaluru – A Paradise For Nature Lovers
Temples in and around Chikmagalur
