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, pilgrim centers and attractive coffee plantation. This quaint city is blessed with a very soothing climate round the year due to its geographical location in the Western Ghats.
The name says it all
The word Chikmagalur is derived from two Kannada words- Cikkamagaḷa ūru which means the town of 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
Mullayanagiri
With an altitude of 1930 meters, the 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.
Kemmangundi
Located at the Tarikere Taluk, this hill has an altitude of 1430 meters from the sea bed. 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.
Some of the popular destination to explore includes 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
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 Priests who lived there 150 years ago and is visited by followers of all religion. It has an altitude of 1895 meters.
Primary attractions of this place are the three caves which are believed to have the remnants of three religious oracles. Many believe that the first ever coffee plantation was done in this mountain range.
Kudremukh
This peak with an altitude of 1894 meters is the third highest peak in the state of 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 few tiger reserves of this country.
Kudremukh is also famous for Hanumana Gundi Waterfalls. These Falls should be on your visiting list:
Hebbe Fall
Hebbe Fall is located 8 Km away from the 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 the 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
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 holy cascade and it is worshipped by many people. Camping and trekking are very popular around this fall.
Kadambi Fall
The Kadambi Falls originates from the Kudremukh hills. This is the same place which gives birth to three rivers- Nethravati, Bhadra and the Tunga. This fall is located in the Kudremukh National Park.
Tourists get enamoured of the diversity of orchids found in and around this fall. The surrounding jungle around this waterfall is dense and thickly populated by wild animals.
Temple in Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is home to some very popular pilgrim places. Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy Darga is by far the most popular pilgrimage that is visited by people of every religion. Sringeri which is believed to be founded in the 9th Century AD by Sri Adi Shankara is another magnificent tourist attraction. Apart from these, there are multiple pilgrim places such as the Kalasa, Annapoorneshwari Temple in Horanadu, Amritheshwara temple in Amritapura, Udbhava Ganapathi temple in Belavadi and so on.
The Coffee Museum
Being heaven of the coffee plantation, the coffee museum acts as the evaluation centre of the coffee sample that is 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 town of Koppa and Sringeri respectively. Then there are three state highways that connect the district to surrounding states. The distance from Bangalore, Mangalore and Chennai are 242 km, 150 km and 590 km respectively. Bus facility is available from all the major cities multiple times a day.
By rail
The town can be accessed by train. The major junction in the near the town is Birur. A new rail corridor connecting Bangalore and Chikmagalur has been recently inaugurated.
By air
Although Chikmagalur has no domestic airport; it has a small landing strip that can be used for landing of private jets and charter planes. For tourists coming from far off locations, the airport of Hubli, Mangalore and Bangalore can be looked as alternatives.
Also See
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