Incredible Places to Visit in Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is a beautiful picturesque hill station in Karnataka. The name means ‘the land of younger daughter’ and is derived from the fact Chikmagalur was given as a dowry to the youngest daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakharayapattana.

Six hours away from Bangalore, Chikmagalur is a perfect destination for the travellers who are looking for a weekend escape or a rejuvenating vacation with friends and family. Situated at an altitude of 3,400 feet on the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range, it offers an impressive vista of Western Ghats enveloped in wonderful weather and enchanting attractions such as trekking paths, coffee plantations and cascading waterfalls that make this place a must visit.

Must visit places in Chikmagalur

1. Kudremukh National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kudremukh is a famous tourist place. In Kannada, Kudre means horse and mukha means face. The name is bestowed due to the top point of Kudremukh resembling the face of a horse. The park, situated at a high altitude, boasts of a mesmerising view encompassing mighty mountains, lush verdant landscapes, pristine waterfalls, serene rivers and a cave of Goddess Bhagvati. You will also find tea and coffee plantations here. The entire region has a thick cover of dense forests, and one can undertake safari rides and trekking activities.

The best time to trek here is between September and February when the weather is nice, and the chances of rain are much low.

2. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

A protected area and a sensitive ecological zone, Bhadra wildlife sanctuary is one of the best places to enjoy wildlife safaris. Embark on a journey to view the verdant splendour that houses exotic flora and fauna. Tiger sightings in their natural habitat are widespread here. Bird watchers rejoice! You can see almost 250 varied species of birds here and can even go on specialised expeditions. Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary is 35 km away from Chikmagalur. From here, you can also visit the Kallahathigiri Mountain, the trail of which goes from inside the park.

Also Read : 10 best wildlife experiences in India

3. Baba Budangiri

It was Baba Budan who smuggled five beans of coffee from Mecca and planted them across the hills of Chikmagalur. The place where his tomb is present is now known as Baba Budangiri, and it is an accessible trek location. People from all religions visit the shrine.

The locals call it Datta Peeta and the official name from the peak is Chandra Drona Parvatha. The region has a spectacular view especially from the top of the hill. Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in this region and is one of the most adventurous trekking spots.

4. Mullayangiri

Mullayangiri enjoys the reputation of being the highest peak in Karnataka. Standing at the height of 2000 meters above sea level, it has lovely challenging scenic trails of lush grasslands and panoramic view of the city making it a favourite amongst trekkers. The base of the trek is located 12 km from Chikmagalur, and it is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. Many come here to enjoy camping, mountain biking, and nature walks. The top of the peak also has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is visited by several devotees.

The best time to trek here is during the spring season as summers get too hot and during monsoons, it is not advisable as it can get risky.

5. Bhadra Dam

Scenic spots in Chikmagalur are just not limited to hills and mountain peaks. Bhadra Dam is a beautiful place that is bestowed with the best of nature and is a known landmark of Chikmagalur. The whole region is known for its tranquillity and is famous for white water rafting. The area around the dam is essentially a small wildlife sanctuary where you’ll find red spurfowl, emerald dove, gaurs, painted bush quail, imperial green pigeon, mesh crocodiles and black boar.

June to October is the suitable time for rafting as the monsoon season swells up the river whereas it is perfect for kayaking during the rest of the year.

6. Hebbe Falls

The serene Western Ghats are famous for many waterfalls as it is a monsoon rich region. Among these lovely torrents, Hebbe Falls is one of the most gorgeous cascading from a height of 550 feet and is an interesting sight to behold. You can reach this waterfall via an arduous 8 km trek from Kemmangundi through a steep and narrow path. The route is full of enchanting greenery that includes gorgeous flora and fauna. The whole region is surrounded by coffee plantations that give a very nice scenic touch to the area.

7. Sharadamba Temple

The beautiful town of Shringeri is known for its scenic beauty and splendid view. Here, Sharadamba Temple attracts many visitors who come here to pay their respect to Goddess Saraswati. This temple’s history dates back to the 8th century. The original temple was made entirely of wood which then got damaged in a fire. The newly restored structure now resembles the traditional temples from South India. Being set on the banks of Tungabhadra River gives it a dramatic setting.

Suggested Read : Experience the magic of temple festivals in Kerala

8. Kemmangundi

Once a summer retreat centre of the Royal Family, Kemmangundi is a fabulous hill station located in Tarikere Taluk at the height of 1400 meters above sea level against the breathtaking backdrop of the Baba Budan hills. The hill offers a splendid panoramic view of the mountains, hills and valleys. A number of resorts and homestays have come up around this area offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle bustle of the city life. This place is also known as Sri Krishnarajendra Hill Station.

9. Hirekolale Lake

Hirekolale Lake is an exquisite man-made lake 10 km from Chikmagalur. The highlight of the lake is the stunning sight of it during sunset as it sparkles in the vivid hues of saffron shade reflected by the radiance of the setting sun giving it an almost ethereal appearance. One of the popular attractions, it warrants a visit for its impressive beauty.

10. Coffee Museum

Coffee museum of Chikmagalur introduces you to the history of coffee in this region. You’ll get to learn about the exquisite varieties of coffee grown in Chikmagalur. The quality of coffee is tested and analysed here before being sent to the markets.

The museum showcases every step of the coffee making from the time the coffee beans are plucked until the final powdered form. The museum has a wonderful gallery with pictures, exhibits, a video presentation on the story of coffee and a laboratory demonstrating the grinding of coffee beans.

Enjoy the best of Chikmagalur with Thomas Cook

Our travel plans for Chikmagalur includes the best places to visit along with the most beautiful resorts and camping sites to ensure you have a fabulous trip forever etched in your memory. Our expertise in this region comes from local support and guidance. We choose from the best resorts in Chikmagalur to further enhance your comfort. Whether you are travelling with friends or your loved one, you can always count on us to assist you most professionally.