18 Best Tourist Places in Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur officially known as Chikkamagaluru is a city in Karnataka, India. The city is located on the foothills of Mullayanagiri peak of the Western Ghats. Chikmagalur is one of the most visited places in the state due to its pleasant and favorable hill station climate, coffee estates, and tropical rainforest. It is also called "The Coffee Land of Karnataka".

Chikmagalur is a famous tourist destination and a fast vacation for Karnataka residents, known for its steep mountains, rich green woods, and calm environment (apart from coffee manufacturing). The journey to the town will always remain an unforgettable experience for you.

Chikmagalur is primarily known for its coffee, as it is the country's leading producer. Taking a trip around one (or a few) of the city's numerous coffee farms is a must-do activity if you're a coffee fan as well as a nature lover. Many of these coffee estates not only offer guided tours of the plantations but also offer home-stays within the estates, so you can wake up to the fragrance of coffee in the air and end your day with it.

How to Reach?

This popular holiday destination has not had an airport as well railway station but it is well connected to the major cities of the state road network. Various ways of reaching this small but beautiful town are as follows:

By Air

The nearest airport to Chikmagalur is Mangaluru International airport located at Mangalore which is 113 km away from the city. The airport is well connected with the flights from and to Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and other major cities of the country. To reach Chikmagalur from the airport, you can hire a prepaid taxi. Another nearby airport to Chikmagalur is Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (264 km away) and Hubballi Airport, Hubli (308 km away).

By Rail

The nearest railway station to the city is Kadur Railway Station located at a distance of 40 km. You can easily get a taxi from here to reach Chikmagalur. Other than this, Birur Railway Station (47.4 km) and Tarikere Railway Station (57.5 km) are also not so far from the city.

By Road

This small town has a developed road network that connects it with other major cities of Karnataka including Bangalore, Mangalore, Hubli, Birur, Sringeri, Kadur, Hassan, etc. Both state-run and private luxury buses can easily be got to reach here. The city also has two National Highways pass from here.

Best Time to Visit

However, the city has pleasant weather and a moderate temperature throughout the year but the best time to visit Chikmagalur is suggested from the months of September to March during the winters. One can also go here during early July to witness the monsoon season in the lush green valleys, hills, and coffee plantations of the city. The tourists should avoid visiting the place during August due to the heavy rainfall.

Things to do in Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is one of the best holiday destinations for all types of tourists. One town is full of romantic vibes for honeymoon couples, adventures, peace, natural beauty, and everything that one can't imagine in the busy schedule of metro cities. There are various treks here like Mullayangiri, Kudremukh, Baba Budan Giri, etc. Other than this, camping, river rafting, visiting a tea plantation and coffee estates and watching the process of coffee preparation closely, jeep ride to Jhari Falls, Kayaking, jet ski, etc.

What to Buy?

It is crucial to bring back kinds of locally grown coffee beans and berries when visiting Chikmagalur. Get some special varietals of some of the greatest coffee in the country at the National Coffee Research Station or Panduranga Coffee 1938. Aside from the famed coffee, Nature Craft, a prominent gift shop here, has several popular arts and handicrafts. Market Road is a well-known shopping district in this city. Although there are no huge brands or stores here, the local shops and stalls make for a unique shopping experience in Chikamagalur.

List of Tourist Places

1. Baba Budangiri

This place is located at a distance of 12 km from the center of the city. Baba Budangiri is a mountain range that is highly famous for its shrine to the Sufi Saint, Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar. The place is also the first choice of adventurous travelers who want to enjoy trekking in Chikmagalur. This trek begins from Sarpadhari and ends at Baba Budangiri after covering a distance of 9 km which may take 5 hours to complete. Another rarenatural beauty of the place is Neel Kurinji flowers which bloom here once in 12 years.

2. Mullayanagiri

This tourist place is located at a distance of 10 km from the center of the city. It is the highest peak of Karnataka and is very famous among tourists for its natural raw and scenic beauty. Mullayanagiri is part of Baba Budangiri Ranges. This holiday destination is also the hub of adventure because of its famous trekking point from Chikmagalur. The trek is 4 km long and starts from Sarpadhari. Tourists can also enjoy bike riding in the lap of the panoramic mountain views. Also, you can see theparadise of Western Ghats in its full-fledged glory on a clear day.

3. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is located at a distance of 26 km from the center of the city. It covers an area of more than 490 sq km. It is spread over the districts of Shimoga and Chikmagalur. This sanctuary is wonderfully enclosed by hills of the Western Ghats on all sides. This picturesque location is no less than heaven on earth. Bhadra Sanctuary is a tiger reserve so you can also spot tigers and leopards during Doddahadlu and Chandanahadlu Boating Safari.

4. Kudremukh National Park

This national park is situated at a distance of 59 km from the center of the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is eminent for its bird watching and trekking. The park is the home of around 200 species of birds. If you are willing to trek to Kudremukh Park then it is needed for having permission from the forest ranger.

5. Hebbe Falls

This stunning waterfall is located at a distance of 26 km from the center of the city. It is believed that the water of this fall contains medicinal properties. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and plenty of coffee plantations which spread a magnificent view and a fresh aroma of coffee.

6. Bhadra Dam

Bhadra Dam is constructed at a distance of 46 km from the center of the city on the river Bhadra. This river is a tributary of the River Tungabhadra. The dam is highly renowned for kayaking and boating in the middle of the lush greenery and splash of water.

7. Coffee Museum

This museum is located just 5 km from the center of the city. The place is a unique repertoire of the coffee business right from growing to the brewing of the beans. The motive of this museum is to make people aware of the history of coffee and the process included in picking, grinding, and drying to make coffee beans. Here, the coffee evaluation and training center is also located. The initiative of this Coffee Yatra Museum was taken by the Coffee Board of India.

8. Kalhatti Falls

These falls are also known as Kallathigiri Falls. They are located at a distance of 28 km from the center of the city. The place is highly famous as a picnic and camping spot. There is also a small Shiva Temple situated in the vicinity.

9. Hirekolale Lake

Hirekolale Lake is situated at a distance of 8 km from the center of the city amidst the huge mountain ranges covered in the greenery with the lake in the backdrop. This is a delightful and memorable place that you must visit in Chikmagalur. If you visit this place during the sunset then you can witness the charm of saffron color sunrays shimmering over the water of the lake which makes this spot appear magical.

10. Z Point

This is a well-known trekking spot in the city located at a distance of 27 km from the city's center. On the way of your trekking, you can experience the lush green valleys. The length of the trek is 3 km which starts from Kemmanagundi Raj Bhavan.

11. Jhari Waterfalls

These waterfalls are located at a distance of 13 km from the center of the city. Jhari falls are also known as Buttermilk Falls. The distance of the falls is just 12 km from Baba Budangiri and is situated near Attigundi. This place is one of the most preferred destinations by tourists for its serenity. These falls are nestled in a harmonious environment which gives you an unforgettable experience.

12. Kemmanagundi

Kemmanagundi is located at a distance of 27 km from the city's center. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations in the area. The highest peak of the state, Mullayanagiri is also located here. This hill station witness natural beauty and a peaceful environment that takes shapes and forms here because of the streams, waterfalls, springs, forests, and gardens.

13. Manikyadhara Falls

These are one of the most enchanting and wonderful waterfalls in the district. Manikyadhara Falls is located on Bababudan Road. These falls are also known as Nellikayi Theertha. The falls flow from the heart of the Shola Forest. The sparkling clean water of these perennial cascading waterfalls gives a memorable experience and delight to the eyes. It is also the halting point of the various treks that are present at Baba Budangiri Hills. This waterfall is 30 feet high which gives mesmerizing views of the mist that covers lush green mountains in the backdrop and of the narrow beautiful valley down below.

14. Belavadi

This tourist destination is located at a distance of 25 km from the center of the city. Belavadi is one of the National Heritage Sites and also a spot of prime attraction for the tourists. This place is a scenic village that holds the raw beauty of nature within it. Belavadi is surrounded by green lands and trees which make it a perfect place for peace lovers and those who want to see the village culture. One can relax his/her mood and forget all the tensions in this village during the visit to Chikmagalur.

15. Inam Dattatreya Peetha

The place is located at a distance of 12 km from the city's center. This Peetha is located at Baba Budan Giri Hills. This is a holy sitethat is very sacred and sanctified and visited by the people of all religions. As per the mythology, it is believed that this cave gave shelter to Guru Dattatreya and Hazrat Dada Hayath Mir Khalandar.

16. Sringeri Sharada Peetham

This holy place is located 57 km far from the center of Chikmagalur. It is surrounded by the backdrop of the Exquisite Manland Hills. The place is located at the banks of the Tunga River and was established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The place got its name after the great Rishi Rishyashringa. In the temple, the deity Sharadhamba Devi is worshipped. The temple has a very high recognition among the locals.

17. Ballalarayana Durga Fort

This fort is located 57 km far from the city's center. It is a hill fort in Chikmagalur district. The Fort is built in the village of Bettabalige between the towns of Kalasa and Kottegehara. Ballalarayana Durga Fort has a rich history and cultural significance. This is an amazingly picturesque location in the district which has a vantage point perched at the height of1509 meters. Many tourists enjoy the panoramic vistas from this point and take pictures of the beautiful region and nature. To reach here, the tourists have to trek amidst the dense forest of Western Ghats. The fort is a well-known site for picnics and also for camping. But unfortunately, the hill fort is currently in ruins with only periphery walls, a few arches, and a basement.

18. Ghatikallu

This peak is located at a distance of 44 km from the center of the city. The word 'Ghatikallu' is referred to the peak. From the top of the peak, the tourists admire and witness the panoramic views of the valley. It just takes two hours of driving to reach this place from Chikmagalur. Ghatikallu is like a gem in the crown of the Western Ghats. This dreamy place is filled with everything that a nature lover wants such as streams, waterfalls, thick forests, hills, and most importantly resounding quietude. The peak is surrounded by lush green valleys and coffee and areca nut plantations that are spread over acres. Travelers come here to pack a joyful experience of camping, star-gazing, river walks, trekking, having the aroma of coffee plantations, and mental peace. You can also go for the homestays and resorts here.

Other nearby Tourist Destinations

Karnataka is filled with places that are rich in natural beauty, adventure, and lush greenery. Not only Chikmagalur there are many other cities and towns in the state that are preferred as holiday and honeymoon destinations. Some of the other tourist destinations located near the Chikmagalur are as follows: