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A scenic drive surrounded by lush green rolling hills, juxtaposed with dense forests and cascading waterfalls landed us at Chikmagalur. The intoxicating aroma of coffee plantations filled the air, as we entered Karnataka’s popular hill station.
The place where coffee was grown in India for the first time, Chikmagalur can turn any tourist into a coffee lover. Yes, even those who had never taken a liking to its generally bitter taste, including myself! But, it offers a lot more than that, especially for nature enthusiasts and trekkers.
Located 242 km (5 hours) from Bangalore, 150 km (4 hours) from Mangalore and 172 km (4 hours) from Mysore, Chikmagalur is truly one of the best getaway destinations in Karnataka. Having explored the place in depth, I will take you through a detailed travel guide in this article – from the top places to visit in Chikmagalur, must-try foods, activities and 3-day itinerary. Let’s get started?
Contents
Top 10 Things To Do In Chikmagalur
# 1 – Immersive coffee experiences
Chikmagalur’s coffee history dates back several centuries. Saint Baba Budan brought a few seeds of coffee from Mecca and placed it here for the first time in 1670 AD. This resulted in the first coffee plant ever grown in India, eventually leading to a flourishing coffee industry in the region. Thus, you will be able to indulge in a variety of coffee experiences, such as coffee plantation walks, coffee museum tour, and a 4D coffee experience zone that give you a taste of many unique varieties of coffee.
# 2 – Wildlife sightings
The hill station is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary as well as a national park, where you can spot many animals such as elephants, deers and leopards in their natural habitats. Thus, going for wildlife safaris is one of the most exciting things to do in Chikmagalur. We’ll talk more about each of them in the next section.
# 3 – Trekker’s paradise
Chikmagalur is filled with several hills that have become very popular for both easy and challenging treks over the years. These include Baba Budangiri, Kudremukh, Z Point, Kemmangundi and Karnataka’s highest peak Mullayanagiri. Thus, trekking is one of the best things to do in Chikmagalur.
Did You Know?
Neelakurinji, a rare bluish-purple flower that blooms once in 12 years, was witnessed in large numbers in and around Baba Budangiri Hills in Chikmagalur in September 2022, right after the monsoon season. Naturally, it became a social media rage and tourists flocked the hill station to see the endless blankets of purple hues. However, it’s a rare occurrence that’s spotted in various parts of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu at different times.
# 4 – Explore waterfalls & rivers
From the Bhadra river that flows through Chikmagalur, to Jhari and Manikyadhara waterfalls, the place has several water bodies that offer unparalleled peace and tranquility. Go for a fun picnic with your friends and family to any of these spots, or simply soak in their beauty all by yourself.
# 5 – River rafting
Surrounded by thick foliage and breathtaking views, rafting through the Bhadra river is a must-try for adventure enthusiasts. There are several companies such as Thrillophilia, Universal Adventures and Ace Paddlers that offer rafting packages with the essential safety gear, certified instructors and brief training before starting the activity. The price usually starts from INR 1,200 and can go up depending on the kind of package you choose.
# 6 – Try unique local dishes
One of my favorite parts about our Chikmagalur trip was trying Karnataka’s special delicacies that can’t be found in most of our cities. We tasted unusual rice flour dishes such as Akki Roti, Kadambalu, and south Karnataka-style curries at various eateries. Each of them offered a distinct flavor profile and taste unique to the region.
# 7 – Watch stunning sunsets
Whether you wish to see the sun’s yellow-red light glimmering on sprawling lakes or serene meadows, there are stunning locations in Chikmagalur to watch the setting sun. These include the Mallanduru Sunset Point, Hirekolal Lake and Ayyanakere Lake.
# 8 – Camping and picnics
Abundant hills, valleys, and waterfalls make Chikmagalur a perfect destination for setting up those camping tents and picnic spreads. Just remember to carry some handy snacks, torch lights, jackets, and comfortable shoes.
# 9 – Shop for coffee & spices
With varieties of coffees and spices grown right here, you will find tons of wholesale stores, and premium shops selling affordable coffees and spices. So, purchase some to take back home as a souvenir.
TWT Tip: We found some of the most premium coffees at very affordable rates at Jayanthi Coffee. The Monsoon Malabar Coffee that I tried here has now become a part of my everyday life. I order it from their official website regularly now, because of its therapeutic aroma, smoothness and caramel-like taste.
# 10 – Ancient temple hopping
Chikmagalur is surrounded by many intricately-carved stunning temples built by the Hoysala kingdom in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. Some of these gorgeous pieces of art, such as Hoysaleswara Temple and Chennakesava Temple, are also listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making them a must-visit.
Reserve your room at one of the top hotels in Chikmagalur!
10 Best Places To Visit In Chikmagalur
1. Mullayanagiri Peak
The highest peak in Karnataka at 6317 feet, Mullayanagiri is one of Chikmagalur’s best sightseeing spots. It is among the easier places for trekking as it contains just 500 steps and you can take your vehicle till the base point.
Once you reach the top, enjoy the stunning vistas of the Western Ghats and simply relax for a while as you breath in the fresh air. You can also visit a small Shiva temple on the top called Mullappa Swamy Temple, named after sage Mullappa Swamy, who is believed to have meditated at a cave near the temple.
After going back to the base point, we relished on piping hot maggi at one of the many food stalls available near the parking lot. It felt like a good reward for all the workout that was done to climb up.
Location: Google Maps
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
2. Coffee Museum
A must-visit place in Chikmagalur, this museum is set up by the Coffee Board of India. It offers an educative tour about the various coffees of India, their history, how they are grown, and each of their distinct flavor profiles through interactive infographic boards, maps and videos.
I remember learning about the Monsoon Malabar coffee here for the first time, as the tour explained how this particular coffee’s beans are exposed to the rains and fermented for a long time, reducing its acidity drastically. You can also touch and smell the beans to understand the difference between each variety.
Location: Google Maps
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Monday to Friday)
Entry: INR 20
3. Baba Budangiri
This is the second highest mountain in Chikmagalur and houses the shrine of saint Baba Budangiri, the first person who brought coffee beans to India from Mecca and planted it in this mountain.
Also called Datta Peeta, the Baba Budangiri mountain is a popular trekking and camping zone with several caves, rocky terrains and lush green carpets.
You can get a stunning bird’s eye view from the top of the mountain, making it perfect for photography and videography enthusiasts. Remember to also cover Deviramma Temple and Manikyadhara Falls during your visit to Baba Budangiri.
Location: Google Maps
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
4. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve
Around 2 hours away from the Chikmagalur bus stand, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve is a habitat for 200+ bird species, 30+ tigers and 20+ leopards, besides umpteen deers and elephants.
Our safari was totally worth it, as we could spot many of these wild animals, including an adorable sloth bear. Spread across 500 square kilometers of jungles, the sanctuary offers bus and jeep safaris.
You can also visit the Bhadra dam, go boating in the Bhadra river and stay back overnight at one of the many jungle lodges here.
Location: Google Maps
Timings: 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM & 4 PM – 6 PM
Entry: For bus, INR 500 per adult, INR 250 per child (6-12 years) & INR 700 per foreigner; For jeep, INR 600 per adult, INR 250 per child and & INR 900 per foreigner
TWT Tip: It can be very exciting to spot deers, elephants, bears and tigers in their natural homes. However, remember to remain silent at all times to avoid scaring them away. If you’re looking for a good place to eat nearby while on your way here from Chikmagalur, Honey Dewzzz Resort is the only decent place we found.
5. World Of Coffee
This is India’s first 4D interactive coffee experience cafe started by Jayanthi Coffee, a local coffee brand with a 70+ years old legacy. It is truly one of the most interesting places to visit in Chikmagalur.
One of the most interesting parts about our visit was an Aroma Station, where we could examine the distinct fragrances of roasted coffee beans, coffee blossoms and green beans through pumping machines.
You will also find a massive board narrating the history of coffee, and a demo of different types of coffee making, combined with a tasting session. They organize a tour of their coffee estate too at an extra charge.
We purchased some coffee-flavored chocolates, coffee powders, a filter coffee machine and a 3D fridge magnet, featuring Chikmagalur’s specialties as souvenirs to take back home. Since then, I have been hooked to their coffee and order them online regularly.
Location: Google Maps
Timings: 10 AM – 8:30 PM
6. Hirekolal Lake
Surrounded by the stunning mountains of the Western Ghats, the Hirekolal Lake offers unparalleled peace and abundant beauty.
Especially during sunset, it is a sight to behold as the skies get painted in hues of purple, red, orange, yellow and blue against the undulating green carpets. We simply chose to sit here for sometime and soak in the gorgeous views.
Location: Google Maps
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
7. Jhari Waterfalls
With buttermilk-like water cascading from the mountains amidst dense forests, Jhari Waterfalls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chikmagalur.
A small pool that forms at the bottom of the waterfalls attracts swimmers to this location regularly. Even if you’re not seeking adventure, just sitting here silently as you listen to the tunes of the gushing water while marveling at the natural beauty of the area can be a therapeutic experience.
Naturally, it offers the best views during or right after the monsoon season as the thickness of the water is at its best after heavy rainfall. You can visit this place after covering Mullayanagiri or Baba Budangiri mountain.
Location: Google Maps
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
8. Hoysala Temples – UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Have you ever seen the intricate south Indian temple jewelry come to life in the form of giant pillars and walls? This could become a reality at the two Hoysala temples located on the outskirts of Chikmagalur – Chennakeshava Temple, Belur & Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebidu.
Listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the two temples are located just 25 minutes away from each other and feature the most exquisite carvings on their stone pillars and walls. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, history buff or an admirer of ancient art, these magnificent temples are a must-visit, because it would be hard to ever find such spectacular stone carvings anywhere else.
The Chennakeshava Temple was built by the Hoysala empire in 1116 AD and its construction took 103 years to complete! It features glorious craftsmanship depicting mythological and historical stories. Don’t miss Lord Vishnu’s 24 forms sculpted on the walls of the inner sanctum, which offer unique visual effects created by light at various times of the day.
The 12th century Hoysaleshwara Temple, on the other hand, comprises twin Shiva temples that stand on a star-shaped bottom structure. It features exquisitely carved pillars and breathtaking sculptures that celebrate mythological epics such as Mahabharatha and Ramayana. You will also find a museum by the Archeological Society of India in the temple premises, which displays 1500+ artifacts from the Hoysala rule.
During your visit to these temples, you can even cover other tourist spots like Yagachi Dam, Kedareshwara Temple, Kalyani Pushkarini stepwell, and go boating at Dwarasamudra Lake or Yagachi river.
Chennakeshava Temple Location: Google Maps
Timings: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Hoysaleshwara Temple Location: Google Maps
Timings: 6:30 AM – 9 PM
Did You Know?
As per folklore, the Chennakeshava Temple also features a sculpture of Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana’s wife Shantaladevi. It is called Darpana Sundari as she was known for her mesmerizing beauty.
9. Kemmanagundi
Kemmanagundi is a popular sightseeing place in Chikmagalur among adventurists looking for challenging treks, which includes the 1500-meter-high Z Point. The treks usually start from Raj Bhavan.
The destination is also known for multiple waterfalls such as Hebbe Falls, Shanti Falls and Kallathigiri (or Kalhatti) Falls. Plus, you will find dense forests amidst scenic mountains and valleys here, making for a perfect nature trail.
Location: Google Maps
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
10. Kudremukh National Park
Perched atop the second highest peak in Karnataka, Kudremukh National Park is home to jackals, tigers, leopards, deers, the Malabar Giant Squirrel and 200+ bird species, besides many caves and waterfalls. The sprawling 600 sq. ft. area is known for its rich biodiversity and unique flora and fauna.
Don’t miss spotting the main peak, which appears in the shape of a horse’s face, from where the place gets its name. Thanks to its unique form, it has been a landmark for sailors since time immemorial. You can either choose to trek up or opt for a safari.
Location: Google Maps
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry: INR 200 for Indians & INR 1000 for foreigners
Other Tourist Places Near Chikmagalur
- Hornadu Annapooreshwari Temple
- Ayyanakere Lake
- Sakleshpura
- Shringeri Sharada Peetha
- Sree Veeranarayana Temple, Belavadi
- Amruteshwara Temple
- Ballalarayana Durga Fort
TWT Tip: It’s crucial that you wear comfortable sports shoes while visiting most of the above-mentioned places, as they’d require long walks on uneven or even hilly roads. You might also want to carry binoculars, torch lights and jackets during hiking or trekking.
Best Eateries To Try In Chikmagalur
- Town Canteen
- World of Coffee
- Khansamaa
- Siri Coffee
- Mayura Deluxe
- Swadishta
- Mysore Foodz
- Dalchini
- Vishnu Delicacy
- Cafe Agape
- The Rider’s Nest
- Vivikta Pure Veg
- Farm Cafe
- Kailash Parbat
Top-Rated Accommodations In Chikmagalur
Budget stays:
- Trippr
- The Hosteller
- Sunyata Eco Hotel
- Still Water Homestay
- Commune 18
- Jungle Trailz
- The Jungle Valley Homestay
- Buttercloudz Homestay
- Crystal Inn
- The Keshava Heritage Stay
Mid-range & luxury stays:
- Aadrika
- Siri Nature Roost
- The Spectrum Resort
- Java Rain Resort
- Stuga Homestay
- Coffeeberry Hills
- Nexstay Coffee Grove Resort
- Birdseye Estate
- Global Village Luxury Resort
- Aralguppe Heritage Homestay
- The Blossom Resort
- Vismita County
- Honeydewzzz Exotica Hotel & Resort
- Gateway Chikmagalur
- The Serai
Ideal Time To Plan Your Chikmagalur Trip
Though most people recommend September to February as the ideal time to visit Chikmagalur, I truly felt it is an all-year destination. Post monsoon, the place does get cooler and more vibrant throughout the Winter season. However, we visited during late March and the weather seemed quite pleasant, except in the afternoons. It doesn’t get as hot as our cities even during summer, because Chikmagalur is situated at a height of 3400 ft. above sea level.
How Can You Reach Chikmagalur?
Chikmagalur can be reached by a taxi, train or bus from 3 major cities – Bangalore, Mangalore and Mysore (4.5-5 hours). All the 3 cities have airports and railway stations with good connectivity to India’s major destinations.
Thus, you can opt to fly or take a train to any one of these cities and then reach Chikmagalur by road. The railway stations closest to Chikmagalur are Kadur and Birur.
3-Day Travel Itinerary Of Chikmagalur
DAY 1
- Start your day with an early morning trek to Mullayanagiri peak.
- Reward yourself after returning to the base by having piping hot maggi.
- Then head to Jhari Waterfalls, followed by Deviramma Temple and Manikyadhara Falls.
- Visit World Of Coffee to get a taste of some specialty coffees and for a 4D learning experience. You can also purchase some coffees and souvenirs here.
- Next, go to the Coffee Museum to get a deeper understanding of how coffees are grown in India.
- For lunch, try local specialties like Akki Roti and Kadambalu at any restaurant or shack.
- Catch the sunset at Hirekolal Lake.
DAY 2
- Visit the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. You can spot a lot of wild animals in their natural habitats during the early morning safari.
- Next, go for river rafting in the Bhadra River.
- On your way back to Chikmagalur, take a quick detour to see the Kalhatti Falls and Hebbe Falls.
- After reaching the main town, shop for spices at wholesale stores.
- Then go for a coffee plantation walk before sunset.
Day 3
- Begin the last day by visiting the stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites, Chennakeshava Temple in Belur and Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebidu.
- Then visit the Yagachi Dam and Kalyani Pushkarini stepwell. You can also opt for boating at Yagachi river.
- Go for a late afternoon trek to Kemmanagundi or Kudremukh National Park.
- End your day with a visit to the Mallanduru Sunset Point.
TWT Experience Summary Of Chikmagalur
With its rolling mountains and valleys, dense forests, array of coffee plantations, and the Bhadra river passing by the district, Chikmagalur offers abundant options for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
From trekking hotspots like Mullayangiri and Z Point, to gushing waterfalls such as Jhari and Manikyadhara, you will find enough places to experience that adrenaline rush. Additionally, the ancient Hoysala temples will leave you gasping for breath, just by their exquisite artwork and intricate craftsmanship.
For the wildlife lovers, Chikmagalur is surrounded by two major zones – Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Kudremukh National Park – where you can spot majestic elephants, tigers, deers and so many colorful birds.
However, our most cherishable memory and takeaway from Chikmagalur have been the coffee experiences. Be it learning about its history at the Coffee Museum, understanding how it grows at the coffee plantations, or falling head over heels for some unique coffee varieties at the World Of Coffee, Chikmagalur will always be the ultimate coffee land for us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chikmagalur
1. What is the distance from Mysore to Chikmagalur and what’s the best way to travel from here?
Chikmagalur is around 172 kilometers away from Mysore, which takes approximately 4 hours to reach by road. You can easily take a taxi or get on a train to alight at the Kadur or Birur Railway Station, which are nearest to Chikmagalur.
2. What kind of activities can be done in Chikmagalur?
Chikmagalur is a popular trekking zone, with many mountains and waterfalls for adventurers. You can also indulge in activities like river rafting, wildlife safari, coffee plantation walks, coffee museum tour, and ancient temple visits.
3. Why is Chikmagalur popular?
Chikmagalur is most popular as a coffee destination, because the first coffee beans ever planted in India was at this hill station. Since then, it has become a coffee hub with acres of coffee plantations, coffee museum and research center. It is also popular for its lush green mountains, waterfalls, pleasant weather, wildlife habitats and ancient temples.
4. Which are the best eateries of Chikmagalur?
Town Canteen, World of Coffee, Khansamaa, Siri Coffee, Mayura Deluxe, Swadishta, Cafe Agape and The Rider’s Nest are some of the best eateries in Chikmagalur that serve local cuisine as well as North Indian & world food.
5. What’s the best way to commute in Chikmagalur?
Chikmagalur has good auto services with reasonable charges to go around within the city limits. For going to the nearby mountains and places in the outskirts, you can opt for a taxi or jeep.
6. What is Chikmagalur’s climate like?
Chikmagalur’s climate is usually pleasant throughout the year, although it does get sultry during the afternoons in the summer season. The hill station witnesses moderate to heavy rainfall in the rainy season. Winters are the best time here with thick waterfalls, cool weather and fresh vegetation.
7. Is Chikmagalur a hill station?
Yes, Chikmagalur is a hill station in the south of Karnataka, famous for its coffee plantations, scenic mountains, trekking trails and rich biodiversity.
8. What are the best waterfalls in Chikmagalur?
Some of the best waterfalls in Chikmagalur are Jhari Falls, Hebbe Falls, and Manikyadhara Falls. There are also many smaller waterfalls such as Shanti Falls and Kalhatti Falls.
9. Which are the best treks in Chikmagalur?
The top trekking points in Chikmagalur are Mullayanagiri Peak (Karnataka’s highest), Baba Budangiri, Z Point in Kemmanagundi, and Kudremukh National Park. However, there are many other lesser known trekking destinations in Chikmagalur that you can explore if you have more time in hand.
10. How to reach Chikmagalur from bangalore?
Bangalore is at an approximate distance of 242 kilometers from Chikmagalur. You can easily hire a cab or volvo bus and reach the hill station from Bangalore within 5 hours. If you prefer to get on a train, you can reach the nearest Kadur Railway Station and then reach Chikmagalur by bus or taxi.
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2 thoughts on “Chikmagalur: The Coffee Wonderland In South India’s Karnataka ”
Excellent article. Very good information’s with your own experience of travel and stay.
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