7 Places to Visit & 6 Things to Do in Chikmagalur
About Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is a picturesque region lying at the foothills of Mullyanagiri ranges in the Indian state of Karnataka. This place is known for its aromatic coffee plantations, lush green hilly areas and mesmerising views. Chikmagalur’s hilly landscape offers trekking activities for the adventure seekers. Its peaceful surroundings offer a perfect ambience for those seeking some quiet time away from the chaos of city life.
Why Go There: Scenic Beauty |Coffee plantations| Adventure Sports
Ideal For: Exploring Nature |Adventure Seekers | Buying coffee
Things to Bring Back: Coffee beans and berries
Places to Visit in Chikmagalur
7. Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh National Park is a 600 kilometer park which was accorded the status of a national park in 1987. The park is a very beautiful place nestled in the Western Ghats and covered with verdant greenery. The region boasts of many peaks which are dotted with abundant and varied species of flora and fauna.
- Kudremukh got its name from the tallest peak situated in the park
- This peak looks like a face of a horse from a particular angle
- This peak towers to a height of 6,214 feet and is the second tallest peak in Karnataka
- The Park is home to endangered animals such as tigers, wild dogs etc.
Open Time: 6:00AM-6:00 PM
Distance from the City: 59 km
Time required: 2-3 hours
Ideal for: Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
6. Mullayanagiri
Located in the Baba Budan Giri Range, the Mullayanagiri is located at a height of 1930m above sea level. This is the highest peak lying between the Nilgiris and the majestic Himalayas. Mullayangiri is known for its pristine and cool ambience dotted with lush greenery and rugged mountains making it an ideal trekking location.
- One can also visit the many caves that lie at the base of the peak
- A lord Siva temple adorns the hilltop of Mullayanagiri
Distance from the City: 10 km
Time required: 2-3 hours
Ideal for: Trekkers | Nature Lovers
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
5. Kemmanagundi (KR Hills)
This is a very beautiful hill station which is studded with colourful gardens, green forests, water bodies which comprise of springs, waterfalls and streams. Kemmanagundi also houses The Royal Horticultural Society of Karnataka wherein visitors can experience the most amazing and lovely gardens. Travellers should not miss out on the following places in Kemmanagundi:
- Rock Garden
- Z Point
- Hebbe Falls
- Kalahasti Falls
- Bababudan hill town
- Lord Shiva temple
Distance from the City: 27 km
Time required: 1 day
Ideal for: Nature Lovers
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
4. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Located close to the Chikmanglur town, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary covers a massive area of 490 sq kms. This sanctuary looks heavenly with its snow-clad peaks and tanning brown forests. River Bhadra flows through the sanctuary adding another beautiful dimension to this picturesque place. The sanctuary is home to many wild animals and birds which accentuates its beauty even more.
Open Time: 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Distance from the City: 26 km
Time required: 2-3 hours
Ideal for: Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
3. Inam Dattatreya Peetha
This is a holy place which is frequented by Hindu and Muslim devotees. It is believed that the cave served as an abode to Guru Dattatreya Hazrat Dada Hayath Mir Khalandar.
Muslims celebrate the three day ‘urs’, an annual festival which is celebrated in the third month of the Islamic calendar. Hindus celebrate Kartik Poornima at Inam Dattatreya Peetha.
Distance from the City: 12 km
Time required: 1 hours
Ideal for: Religious people
Best time to visit: Third month of the Islamic calendar / Kartik Poornima
Location: Navigate
2. Sharadamba Temple
This Goddess Sharada Parmeshwari temple is a fine example of Dravidian modelled architecture.
Open Time: 5:30AM-2:00PM and 5:00PM-9:15PM
Distance from the City: 57 km
Time required: 1 hours
Ideal for: Religious people
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
1. Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri is a highland in the Baba Budan range (Dattagiri Hill Range) of Western Ghats. It is well known for its shrine dedicated to Sufi Saint Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar aka Baba Budan. This site is revered by both Hindu and Muslims.
- It is believed that Chikamagalur served as a getaway through which coffee was first brought in India
- The coffee crop was grown by Sufi Baba Budan in 1670 AD in the Baba Budangiri Hills
- A unique flower species, ‘Kurinji’ blooms in these hills about once every twelve years which is a major attraction of the place
Baba Budangiri Hills are also famous for their verdant forests. Activities such as hiking and trekking can be undertaken in these hills.
Distance from the City: 12 km
Time required: 1 day
Ideal for: Religious people | Adventure seekers
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
Things to do in Chikmagalur
6. Visit Jhari Waterfalls
Also known as Buttermilk Falls, Jhari waterfalls is located in the vicinity of Attigundi about 12 km from Baba Budangiri. These very scenic falls are located amidst dense forests and coffee plantations. These falls are formed by the springs from the mountains. The lower part of the waterfall creates a pool which is used by visitors to relax and swim in the water.
Open Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Distance from the City: 13 km
Time required: 1 hour
Ideal for: Everyone
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
5. Get Close to Nature at Hirekolale Lake
This lake is nestled in the verdant greenery of the mountains. The place looks mystical during sunset when the saffron sunrays get reflected in the lake waters. Located at a distance of 10 km from Chikmagalur, this man-made lake was developed to supply water to Chikmagalur town and nearby villages.
Distance from the City: 8 km
Time required: 1 hour
Ideal for: Photography | Nature Lovers
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
4. Visit Belavadi
This attractive village is a national heritage site and is located about 29 km from Chikmagalur. This very charming hamlet is carpeted in lush greenery and surrounded by green foliage. This village assumes historical significance due to the presence of Hoysala built Veer Narayana temple as well as for Belavadi Mallamma, a queen known for her valour against the Maratha King, Shivaji.
Belavadi has two parts and most of the natives reside in the new town.
Distance from the City: 25 km
Time required: 2-3 hour
Ideal for: Photography | Nature Lovers
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
3. Spend Time At The Coffee Museum
The museum is a thematic display of coffee’s historical journey as well as the many processes involved in coffee making. Visitors can taste coffee as well as get in-depth knowledge and experience about everything related to coffee. A laboratory where the process of coffee making is demonstrated by an in-house expert in the museum.
Open Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed on Saturday-Sunday)
Distance from the City: 5 km
Time required: 2-3 hour
Ideal for: Coffee Aficionados
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Location: Navigate
2. Explore Spirituality at Sringeri Sharada Peetham
This holy temple was founded by Sri Adi Shankaracharya and named after the very famous Rishi Rishyashringa. Sharadhamba Devi is a major deity which is worshipped at this place.
This temple acts as a trust which is managed by Adi Shankara Matha. Many social service activities are undertaken by the temple. One is stupefied by the beautiful architecture of this temple.
Open Time: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Distance from the City: 57 km
Time required: 2-3 hour
Ideal for: Religious people
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
1. Savour Malnad Cuisine
You can enjoy Malnad delights at the many restaurants and homestays at Chikmagalur such as
- Malnad Homestay
- Savi Veg Restaurant
- Planters Court
Explore More Things to Do & Places to Visit
How to Reach Chikmagalur
Nearest Airport:
Mangalore Airport (110 km away)
Book Your Flights Using: MakeMyTrip Coupons | Cleartrip Coupons | goibibo Coupons
Nearest Railway Station:
Chikmagalur Railway Station
Nearest Bus Stops:
Chikmagalur is easily accessible by road and many cabs and taxis ply between Chikmagalur and Bangalore.
Book Your Bus and Save Money Using: redBus Offers | Travelyaari Offers
Where to stay in Chikmagalur
Trivik Hotels & Resorts | The Serai | Belichukki Homestay
Avail Discounts on Hotel Bookings Using: Travelocity Coupons | MakeMyTrip Hotels Coupons | OYO Coupons | Travelguru Coupons
Nearby Places to Visit
- Halebid (35 km)
- Kemmanagundi (62 km)
- Kudremukh (107 km)
- Shivagange (207 km)
- Shimoga (97 km)
- Sringeri (86 km)
Hidden Gems
- Visit the Veera Narayan temple in Belavadi for its beautiful ornate shrines
- Get refreshed at Kalhatti Falls located about 40 km from Chikmagalur
- Enjoy Kadambi Falls in Kudremukh national park in Chikmagalur
CashKaro Recommendation
You can experience the pristine beauty of the hilly region of Chikmagalur by availing the varied cosy homestays or coffee plantation stays which are in vogue in Chikmagalur.
Fun Way to Travel
Chikmagalur offers nature’s bounty in the form of lush greenery, forests, water falls and streams. These can be best enjoyed by travelling by car. You can stop at will and savour nature’s charm in its different forms.
If you do not wish to take your car, you can rent one using: Avis Coupon Code | Savaari Coupon Code
