If you are a coffee lover, you couldn’t resist visiting Chikmagalur for long. Even if coffee is not your weakness, this lush green town should be your next holiday destination. The fresh oxygen-loaded air is a retreat for everyone who is looking for a relaxing break from his or her monotonous life.
This getaway has heritage spots, water attractions, adventurous activities, wildlife, and nature themes. Whether you are an adventure lover or just want to unwind by bird watching, Chikmagalur has something for everyone.
Here are the top 12 attractions you should miss during your visit to a Chikmagalur resort.
1. Coffee Plantation in Chikmagalur
Your visit will be incomplete if you don’t take a break and spend some relaxing moments amongst the thick, wild coffee bushes. Most of the Chikmagalur resorts are situated amongst the backdrop of coffee plantations, so you wouldn’t have to travel for miles to smell fresh coffee beans.
Owners of these coffee plantations keep organizing visits, where they will brief you about the coffee-making process, its history, etc. The plantations are the perfect places to do nothing except sit down and give your mind and body the much-needed rest that they deserve.
2. Rafting in Bhadra River
If you are an adventure lover, do not miss rafting in the outskirts of river Bhadra. Many Chikmagalur resorts and homestays offer rafting trips. Trained instructors and well-maintained equipment are available, so you won’t have to bother about your safety.
Rafting is open during June to October when the water level of the river is very good. The rafting spot is quite far from Mullayangiri, so plan your day accordingly.
3. Hoysala Temples Near Chikmagalur
While travelling from Bangalore to Chikmagalur, stop for a short break at the Hoysala temple circuit. This circuit includes several temples that were constructed between 11th and 13th century, especially the Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapura.
Apart from them, make sure you do not miss the Belavadi temple. The 100 soapstone pillars in the main hall of this temple will certainly mesmerize you.
4. Coffee Yatra Museum
This museum is an initiative of Coffee Board of India. It thematically displays the entire coffee-making process, right from picking, drying, and grinding. They also show short video presentations to help you understand the coffee-making process better.
There is a laboratory where you can see the demonstration of grinding and other processes required for making coffee. This museum is closed on weekends, so plan your trip accordingly.
5. Golf Club In Chikmagalur
Not many people know that Chikmagalur is an amazing golfing destination. Chikmagalur Golf Club has a well-maintained 9-hole golf course and an amazingly impressive clubhouse worth visiting. The Chikmagalur resort, where you will stay, can help you get a guest pass.
You can also get entry through affiliate clubs like Bangalore Club and Karnataka Golf Club. The golf course is open on all days. You don’t need to bring your equipment, as they are available for hire at a very nominal price.
6. Kalhatti Falls
Chikmagalur has many small and big waterfalls amongst its large forest cover. However, Kalhatti Falls is a place that is worth visiting. It is just a 10 KM drive from Kemmanagundi. A temple of Lord Veerabhadra lies at the foot of the fall. Most Chikmagalur resorts offer package tours that cover the Kalhatti fall, so you don’t have to go there specially.
7. The Mountain Circuit In Chikkamagaluru
The mountain circuit is the main attraction of Chikmagalur. It covers the three main mountain peaks; Sheethalagiri, Baba Budan Giri, and Mullayanagiri. The trip will start from Sheethalagiri. There you will get to see an ancient temple whose history dates back to about 1000 years. Next, you will head towards Baba Budan Giri Hill, also known as Dattagiri Hill Range.
The shrine of Saint Inam Dattatreya Peethe is located at a height of 1,865 metres from sea level. It offers a breathtaking view of the valley below. Your next stop will be Mullayanagiri, the highest peak of Karnataka.
Make sure you carry some warm clothes, as the wind there will be very chilly. Despite the cold breeze and misty paths, you will have a great time here, away from noise and pollution.
8. Hebbe Falls
This is a paradise for adventure lovers. The road that leads to this place is even more adventurous. The 13 km long forested path is sure to thrill you; chances are that you may get lost in the beauty of this place.
Hebbe Falls has two parts; the Dodda Hebbe (i.e. the big falls) and Chikka Hebbe (i.e. the small falls). The white frosty water will tempt you to take a bath, but refrain from doing so, as this may be risky.
9. Kemmanagundi
The Kemmanagundi hills offer a breathtaking view of Chikmagalur. The lush green backdrop is perfect for clicking some memorable pictures. There are many spots where you can see the clouds filling up the valley below, something that will not just sooth your eye but also your soul.
The most popular point at the hilltop is the Raj Bhavan. Hebbe Falls is quite accessible from Kemmanagundi.
10. Horanadu Temple
This is a very important pilgrimage centre of Karnataka. The Horanadu temple is dedicated to goddess Annapoorneshwari. It was established by Sage Adi Shankaracharya.
Be prepared to stand in a long but fast-moving queue, to get a quick glimpse of the golden idol inside. Also, do not miss the three-course vegetarian meal served as prasadam here.
11. Kudremukh Trek
It is the second-highest peak in Karnataka. This horse-faced mountain is a challenge for trekkers. Do not take kids and elderly people with you, as they cannot complete the 9.5 km long trek. It takes about 9 to 10 hours to complete the journey. Make sure you take a guide with you, so that you don’t miss the path.
12. Neelakurinji Blooms
Neelakurinji flowers bloom once every 12 years and if you are lucky, you will get an opportunity to see the mesmerizing purplish-blue flowers, which tribals used to access their age. These blooms cover the complete hillside.
When they bloom, they look as if nature has covered the entire hill with a purplish carpet. April and May are the times when flowers bloom.
Call up the Chikmagalur resort where you will be staying to find out if you are the lucky one who will get a chance to experience this breathtaking view.
Chikmagalur is a heaven on earth. It is a perfect retreat for everyone, be it an adventure lover, a religious person, or a nature enthusiast. So, make sure you have this place in your mind for your next vacation.
This article was contributed by Nisarg Naik, DMvilla Resorts.
Also see,
- 8 Offbeat Places to Stay in Chikkmagaluru
- Water Falls in Chikmagalur
- Forts in Chikmagalur
- Rivers in Karnataka
- Adventure Sports in Karnataka
- Chikmagalur is now Chikkamagaluru
- About Chikmagalur