Chikmagalur (also known as Chikkamagaluru) is a town located in the Chikmagalur district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Located in the foothills of Mullayanagiri range, Chikmagalur is famous for its serene environment, lush green forests and tall mountains. Chikmagalur is also famous for coffee and is known as the 'coffee land' of Karnataka. It is one of the largest producers of coffee in India. National Highway 173 (India) passes through the city. You would enjoy the driving as it is awesome six lane road up to Hussan. It is 250 km from the state capital Bangalore.
Legend has it that Rukmangada, the ruler of Sakharayapatna had a daughter. This city was given to his daughter as dowry. The town is a quiet and enchanting place. The climate over here is salubrious.
Set at a height of about 3400 ft, Chikmagalur is a very high hill station and there are a number of places to visit in Chikmagalur.
Chikmagalur is one of the top hill station destinations in India. The hill stations around Chikmagalur are famous summer retreats since they remain cool even during summers. Some of the most popular tourism attractions in Chikmagalur district include:
Here’s a list of some of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur:
1. Mullayanagiri
The highest peak in Karnataka is at Chikmagalur, called the Mullayanagiri. The height of this peak is close to 2000 metres. This peak is supposed to resemble a trekker’s backyard. Mullayanagiri, located at a distance of 16 Km from Chikmagalur is a part of the Baba Budan Giri Hill ranges. Mullayanagiri stands 1930 meters tall rewarded as the tallest peak in Karnataka state.
The nature walks here are among the best in the country. Located 12 km from Chikmagalur, Mullayanagiri is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. On top of the peak there is a small temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, hundreds of Shiva devotees trek all the way up to offer their prayers. Mullayanagiri has amazing trekking trails.
The way to Mullayanagiri is very narrow that has a views from steep cliffs. Driving towards the peak is not possible and you will have to trek up the hill from the mid way point. There's a small temple located on top of the hill. From the highest point of the hill, you can view Arabian Sea on clear days. The small hillock in the temple compound is the highest point in Karnataka. The narrow road to the temple makes two way traffic impossible. It is a great trekking spot in Karnataka.
The way to Mullayanagiri is very narrow frrom Sitalayangiri temple that has a views from steep cliffs. Driving towards the peak is little difficult and you will have to drive on narrow road as road condition is not so good from Sitalayangiri to Mullayanagiri. The road was under construction when we visited on 10 Oct 2015.
There's a small temple located on top of the hill. From the highest point of the hill, you can view Arabian Sea on clear days. The small hillock in the temple compound is the highest point in Karnataka. The narrow road to the temple makes two way traffic impossible. It is a great trekking spot in Karnataka.
The mountain beckons you to scale it yet again no matter where you are. The trekking expeditions have all the ingredients of an adventurous outing. Exotic flora characteristics these nature trails. There are plenty of points that offer breathtaking views.
As you walk diligently on these precarious hills, the cold wind smacks your face with each passing gradient. Although things can become tougher, they don’t become less enjoyable. In fact, you will relish the challenge. You are determined to make your way to the top. More than fulfilling your ego, it is curiosity that drives you.
This mountain makes you curious and brings out the explorer in you. So you head to the top wanting to see more and more of the mountain.
The best time to trek here is during the spring season. During the summer, the heat could get slightly exasperating although the region has good climatic conditions. During the monsoon, the trails are inundated with water.
2. Kemmangundi
Kemmangundi, a picturesque hill station located at a distance of 55 Km from Chikmagalur on the Baba Budan Giri range of hills. Kemmangundi, at a height of 1,434 meters, is surrounded by thick forests as well as a enjoyable climate throughout the year.
This hill station is located in the Tarikere Taluk. The hill station is situated at an elevation of about 1400 metres. Also known as the Sri Krishnarajendra Hill Station, Kemmangundi was frequented by kings as a summer retreat centre. Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV started this trend during his time of visiting this place in the summers.
The Department of Horticulture now oversees and maintains this place. Given this fact, Kemmangundi is a beautiful and outstanding hill station.
The gardens laid out in this region are landscaped to perfection. Surrounding Kemmangundi are magnificent mountains, hills and valleys. The scenic beauty on offer is spectacular. You cannot ask for anything better.
There is a guest house named Raj Bhavan in the vicinity. A must-visit attraction is the Rose Garden. The Raj Bhavan is used by visitors to experience beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The view of this magnificent routine of nature is best observed from here.
Kemmangundi is surrounded by the Baba Budan Giri range and blessed together with silver cascades of mountain streams as well as lush flora. Its beautifully laid out attractive gardens and charming mountain and valley views are a pleasure to the eye. Spectacular sunsets are a must see from different places in the district. For those adventurous, Kemmangundi provides a lot of peaks to climb and difficult jungle paths to discover. This place has a beautiful rose garden as well as other points of interest. There is a spot known as Z-point at about 10 minutes walk from this main location which gives a picturesque aerial view of the shola grass lands of the Western Ghats.
3. Kudremukh
Kudremukh range lies at a distance of 95 km towards southwest of Chikmagalur Town. Kudremukh literally means Face of Horse (in Kannada Kudure means horse and mukha means face), so named for the reason that it has unique shape of the Kudremukh peak. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the broad hills are linked to each other with deep valley and steep precipices. Situated at an altitude of 1,894.3 meters above sea level, Kudremukh is rich in iron ore deposits.
This high altitude presents multiple benefits. One of them is the climatic condition of this place. The national park has serene and mild weather even during the harshest summers in the state.
There is a hill here that is shaped like the head of a horse. In Kannada, a horse is called Kudre and the Kannada word for face is Mukha. Hence combining these two words, it becomes Kudremukh or horse’s face. The park is big. There are four sub-ranges here. The entire region is thickly covered with dense forests. There are tea and coffee plantations here in equal measure as well.
The way to Mullayanagiri is very narrow that has a views from steep cliffs. Driving towards the peak is not possible and you will have to trek up the hill from the mid way point. There's a small temple located on top of the hill. From the highest point of the hill, you can view Arabian Sea on clear days. The small hillock in the temple compound is the highest point in Karnataka. The narrow road to the temple makes two way traffic impossible. It is a great trekking spot in Karnataka.
4. Baba Budangiri
To the north of Chikkamagaluru town is the Baba Budan Giri Range or Chandra Drona Parvatha as it was known in the ancient times, which has one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. The peak takes its name from the Muslim saint, Baba Budan, who resided here more than 150 years ago.
Chandra Drona Parvatha, Datta Peeta has several high mountain rises. Located in the Baba Budan Giri range, this is a popular tourist destination. The mountain is named after the Muslim saint Baba Budan.
The Baba Budangiri range is very prominent in Chikmagalur. It is a picturesque destination with rich sightseeing attractions. Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in this region. This place rises to a peak of about 1900 metres.
The way to Baba Budangiri, road is completely newly constructed. It is awesome road. We visited on 10 Oct 2015. Thanks to Karnatak Government as it was long pending request.
During the Deepavali or Diwali festival, a beacon is lighted. The beacon is placed here. You can also visit the Sri Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy’s Darga. This darga is an ancient institution. It was one of the most important during its time. Hindus and Mohammedans attested the highest accord to this darga.
There is a cave in this vicinity which is believed to be made holy by Dattatreyaswamy. It is said that he along with Hazrat Dada Hayath Mir Khalandar lived in this cave. Therefore this cave is a regarded as holy and people come here to offer their prayers.
5. Kallathi Falls
It is located at a disance of 10 km from Kemmangundi. Water cascades down from the top of the Chandra Drona hill from a height of 122 meters amidst breathtaking scenery. You can find an old Veerabhadra temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in a gap between rocks. This temple can be approached after crossing the waterfall.
The Kalhatti Falls are where nature wraps you in its charm. Over here you experience the elements of nature as pure, refreshing and charming as they come. The magnetism of this waterfall is evident when you see it at close quarters. The surrounding regions of the falls are revitalizing. It makes for a refreshing round of nature walks.
There is so much possible here. You are in nature’s most verdant backyard. Located near Kemmanagundi, the Kalhatti Falls have all the blessings of nature. They are located in a pristine environment. The backdrop is numerous mountains and dense foliage.
You visit this place to make a pilgrimage of relaxation and fun. This is the best place for such activities amongst places to visit in Chikmagalur. There is a small temple in the vicinity. This temple is sandwiched in the waterfalls. The temple has idols and stone structures. Throughout the year, devotees visit this place and offer their prayers here.
There is a trail around the cascade that lets you trek all the way up and atop the falls. This is the perch point from where you can see the waters descend at full throttle.
There are adjoining attractions around the Kalhatti Falls. Z point is one. Then there is Rock Garden which is yet another scenic place with plenty of things to do and see.
6. Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls can be visited as this cascade is in this region. It is 10 km from these falls. You can trek all the way if you are fit or opt for some transportation. The natural beauty of the surroundings never makes you feel tired and you are always asking for more.
You reach this waterfall by an 8 km trek from Kemmangundi. The path is narrow and steep. Along the way you see scenic wonders. But the effort to reach the Hebbe Falls is worth it. From a distance you can hear the sounds of splashing water, heightening your sense of suspense and excitement.
Hebbe Falls form an ideal location to experience a calm holiday in the backdrop of nature of all the Chikmagalur tourist places. It is the perfect location to unwind and distress. If you are bored and tired of the daily grinds of the city, visiting these falls every now and then recharges your energies.
Coffee plantations are sprawled across the expanses around the falls. Descending from a height of 168 metres, the falls is divided into two stages – the Big Falls and the Small Falls. Called Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe, the waterfall varies in height at these two regions. Moreover, one can enjoy the besthomestays in Chikmagalur with family and friends.
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