chikmagalur solo trip

Trails Of Inju

A Retrospective Account Of Inju's Adventures On Land and In Life

Solo Backpacking trip to Chikmagalur!

Ever since my first solo backpacking trip to Gokarna back in December 2016, mandatory December trips have become a ritual for me. I spent a weekend hiking up to Kudremukh peak in 2017. So, when the month turned December in 2018, I was planning for the much-revered trip. But where should I head out? I thought of Pondicherry first. But due to thunderstorms blessing the forecast, I dropped it. Then I remembered about Chikmagalur and the short visit from earlier that year. I instantly decided to go on a backpacking trip to Chikmagalur. The images of the Chandra Drona ranges and the sprawling coffee estates flashed in front of my eyes.

But I was determined to climb up to Mullayanagiri peak this time. Mullayanagiri is the highest peak of Karnataka. So when we went to Chikmagalur earlier that year, we didn’t go to Mullayanagiri because of lack of time. Ever since that failed attempt, I wanted to climb up the peak and sing “Imagine Dragons-on top of the world” at the top of my lungs.

Table of Contents

A Deserted Welcome At Chikmagalur

So Chikmagalur is a popular tourist destination in Karnataka as well as a major district. As a result, there are a number of buses from all over Karnataka to Chikmagalur. So, I boarded a bus from the Majestic bus stand at 11:30 PM. I booked a late-night bus on purpose as Chikamagaluru was only 5 hours away. Also, it is a small town, so I didn’t want myself stranded while the town is snoring away in sleep.

I slept off as soon as I boarded the bus and woke after what seemed like an hour of sleep time. Chikmagalur last stop, Chikmagalur last stop, I heard the conductor shout. I was shocked. I woke up and looked at my watch and it was 5 AM. Damn, why do the drivers have to be so punctual? I told myself. Then I laughed it off remembering all the occasions they were late.

I packed my stuff and got down the bus and a gentle cold wave went down my spine. Seconds later, my hands froze. Minutes later, I became a chimney.

I had a hot cup of coffee in the stall and came out of the bus stop. I looked around and couldn’t see many people. The only ones were the ones who just got down the bus. I saw an auto stand by the road. The autos lined up according to their serial numbers. Let’s see how much this discipline would cost me, I said to myself as I approached them.

Inju’s Broken Kannada Attempts

I booked my stay in Zostel which was roughly 8 KMs from the bus stop. I turned around and asked one of the auto guys in a faint voice and broken Kannada.

Me: Anna, Zostel hogtiya. (Brother, will you go to Zostel)

Auto Driver: Haudu

Me: Yeshtu?

Auto Driver: INR 200

It was a jaw-dropping response. Freaking 200 bucks for 8 Kms? I wasn’t using UBER as much at that time, so that was a ridiculous amount. So I thought I’ll find some other way to reach Zostel. I walked a bit from the bus & auto stand. It has been a long long time since I hitched a ride.

So I thought, now is the time to put that skill to use. But little did my excited brain think about the deserted roads and zero personal vehicular movements. I only saw buses and trucks plying on the roads at that time.

So after walking about 500m, a mini truck carrying milk cans approached me. The driver stopped looking at my thumb pointing up.

“Anna, Zostel hogbeku. Hogtiya?” – I pulled out my broken Kannada again.

“Elli, hostel aa?”, He spoke back

“Illa anna, Zostel. Zostel.”, I suggested.

He said something that I couldn’t understand. But he indicated that he was driving in the same direction. So I thought, as long as I am going in the right direction, it should be fine and jumped in. I pulled out my maps to see where to get off.

After a few minutes, he stopped the vehicle. A nervous sweat drop trickled down my forehead. He said something in Kannada which I didn’t understand. His hand movements suggested he was taking the right turn But I had to go straight. So I got off the bus and was on the road again.

Hitching A Ride On A Bus

I was eagerly waiting for another ride to reach my destination. I was already out of town so I couldn’t find any ride for quite some time. Utter darkness, sounds of crickets and the chilly wind was a surreal experience, something I am experiencing after a long long time.

After standing there for 15 minutes, I figured out that only buses were running. So, I thought, why not hitch a ride on a bus. So, I stood by the dark road, amidst the chirps of crickets and stretched out my hand.

I again tried to explain that I wanted to get down at Zostel. The conductor was clueless about the location. So he suggested I check the map and let him know when we reach there. I paid INR 30 and sat in the seat and in about 10 mins I reached Zostel.

It was still dark when I reached Zostel and the manager wasn’t available. So I crashed in the common area and waited for him. The good thing about zostel is you can use the premises irrespective of you having a booking.

Once the manager was back, I checked in. So most people going to Mullayanagiri peak go via the road. It’s a winding road on the Chandra Drona Range. But only a few know about the trekking trail to Mullayanagiri Peak, called Sarpadhari.

So I had planned to trek to the peak by this route and I thought I’d find someone at Zostel who was also planning the same. So I woke up after a short nap, freshened up and asked a few folks if they were trekking to Mullayanagiri via Sarpadhari. And much to my surprise, not even a single person was planning to do that, everyone preferred to drive up instead.

To Go Solo or Not To Go Solo

All those discussions with travellers pushed me into doubt. Should I go solo and trek up to the highest peak in Karnataka via a trail that I didn’t know. Or follow the beaten path of driving on the road.

So, although I know I could’ve done that all along, it wouldn’t have been the most sensible thing to do. From whatever little information I could gather, it was a risky trail with steep slopes and strong winds. Added to that the water streams were scarce to non-existent nor any vendors selling stuff on the trail. So I dropped the plan of trekking alone.

I went to the Zostel manager and asked where I could rent a bike. That’s when he told me about the Royal Brothers. The bike rental chain I came to fall in love with. So I hitched a ride back to the town and rented a bike to start my trip.

Hirekolale Lake: A stunner At The Foot Of the Hills

First stop was Hirekolale Lake. It was probably 11 AM by the time I reached the lake, navigating through the mild traffic of Chikmagalur. The road after Uppalli had huge tall trees on either side that not just shielded from the scorching heat but also made me froze me. And at one point, there was a small stretch of road that didn’t have trees and made way for a panoramic view of the Mullayanagiri Peak and the entire range, probably all the way up to Baba Budangiri.

A short ride after that, facing a series of cold and hot winds, I arrived at Hirekolale Lake. The place is not so famous with tourists coming to Chikamagaluru, so you’d find it mostly free of people. This is a natural lake and mostly a seasonal one at that since the lake wasn’t this full, the last time I came here. The lake offers another teasing view of Mullayanagiri peak and a possible place for a beautiful beautiful sunset.

The lake also has a bridge, that is too old that it is scary to walk on it now. At the end of the bridge is a small structure which is now locked. It is supposedly a valve room to control the flow through downstream gates.

After a brief stop at the lake, I started the ride to the peak. You can choose to continue on the same road to reach the Mullayanagiri peak.

A Back Breaking Ride To The Top

The initial stretch looked good with an occasional stretch of potholes. But after climbing the first hairpin bend, the road revealed its true colors. The road was so bad that at times I looked back and questioned my own choices (an existential remark ;). I clearly heard my back cursing me for taking this route and not listening to those kids who suggested me not to take it. But I believed maps over the local, know-it-all kids who appeared to have skipped their school class for a swim in the lake. This reminded me of the dark, skiddy stretch in my road trip to Pune last month .

Finally, I had some respite from all the off-roading at the end of this stretch. A well-laid road followed it. There was traffic as the road was narrow but everything is better than that stone-ridden mud path I just rode on. But it was shortlived. The road was under construction, you will be mistaken if you think the construction was only for a small stretch. It continued all the way to Mullayanagiri Peak.

There was heavy excavation going on throughout the stretch, which filled the road with dust. And since the traffic was considerable, every passing vehicle threw a hand full of dust on me. And by the time I reached the peak, my black jeans had a new shade altogether.

I parked my bike and followed the numerous tourists climbing a peak. The peak revealed the entire valley of Chandra Drona mountain ranges. I could spot the tiny Hirekolale lake in the distance.

The False Alarm

While I was exploring the valleys, my eyes landed on another peak. It was certainly taller than the one I was on. If Mullayanagiri is the tallest peak and I was on a peak that wasn’t the tallest in the vicinity then I was not on Mullayanagiri. So, I quickly turned around and rode to Mullayanagiri.

Then another short ride on dust and stone ridden road later I reached the parking lot. I parked my bike and started climbing a staircase.

Every step and turn on the staircase revealed an amazing view of the meadows around. After about 20 minutes I reached the top. A temple sits atop the peak dedicated to Mullappa Swamy. And that’s where the Mullayanagiri peak gets its name. While I was curious to find out more details about the temple and Mullappa Swamy but couldn’t find any inscriptions on the temple. It looked like another open-ended challenge the peak threw at me.

I sat down after paying my respect to the Mulappa Swamy and closed my eyes. The cold floor was so relaxing and the shade provided the much-needed break from the sun sucking the energy out of my body. It made the perfect moment to meditate and I did, A good 20 mins of peace, my highest ever at the highest peak of Karnataka.

Waterfalls Of Chikmagalur

Apart from the peaks and lush green meadows, the Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri ranges are home to a number of waterfalls. I had planned to visit the waterfalls on the way to Baba Budangiri. I rode back on the same road and took a left at the diversion. Continued riding under the canopy of the forest.

Honnammana Waterfalls Chikmagalur

First waterfalls on the way were Honnammana Halla Waterfalls. By this time, my black jacket and jeans turned red. And wherever I stopped, people asked me if I had fallen somewhere and if I needed help with first aid or something. I chuckled and said the road needed first aid and this was the side effect. Anyway, the falls wasn’t that prominent. It was neither tall nor significant force looking from a distance. But it certainly had an aura of calmness around it. Climbing those staircases instantly separated the buzz and noise of the road and you.

The next one was Jhari falls. There was a huge line of cars and people waiting to be board jeeps. Jhari falls was an amazing falls that I still regret not going. You can only reach the falls by boarding the jeeps here. They charge about INR 700 per jeep which can carry up to 6 people. I skipped it thinking it would be like the previous falls. But I later learned from other travelers at Zostel that it was much better than what I thought of it.

Baba Budangiri, Chikmagalur

The ghat road to Baba Budangiri was much much better than the one to Mullayanagiri Peak. The road was well laid and the views of beautiful meadows accompanied me throughout the ride to the top.

Baba Budangiri is the second highest peak in Karnataka and is a pilgrimage site for both Muslims and Hindus. Surprising isn’t it? I really enjoyed the ride in this area. The meadows were really beautiful and I just couldn’t get enough of the beauty until I reached the end of the road.

A metal staircase constructed along the cliff and an INR 2 ticket will take you to Manikyadhara Waterfalls.

Manikyadhara Waterfalls

Another insignificant waterfall in the ride I’d say. However, don’t get me wrong when I say it is quite significant for the people here.

I was curious as to why there was so much prominence given to something that is as simple as a bucket of water falling from a rock. Look at it yourself,

According to the tales people shared, saint Baba Budan along with his 4 disciples came to the site in search of water. After their prayers, they were blessed with water flowing from the mountains in the form of this waterfall. I stayed for the sunset but the roads were slightly risky to drive at night. Added to that I had to hitch a ride back to Zostel. So didn’t wanna stay up late and get stranded again.

With that, I rode back to Zostel, zipping past hairpin bends, accompanied by the continuous views of the yellow-green meadows and the chilly wind. I had to return the bike in Chikmagalur itself but I had dust all over my body and desperately needed a hot shower.

So I went back to Zostel, freshened up and rode back to Chikmagalur town. Had a heavy dinner. Hitched a ride back to Zostel explaining the purpose of my visit to curious uncles(at least 4 of them) who were kind enough to give me a ride. My phone almost died, so I put it to charge in the room and joined the fellow travellers at the Bonfire.

Everyone shared interesting stories, appreciated the calmness, the clear night sky, a solo traveller from Mumbai particularly mentioned how she saw only one star in the night sky back in Mumbai. A few more stories and a late-night walk later, I called it a day!

All in all, it was a short but fun-filled trip. I honed my hitchhiking skills a little and I think the most significant improvement has been in my communication. I lost the hesitation to talk to anyone and I have become more expressive than ever. The cherry on the top being my Fluency in Kannada- Amateur 😀 I am glad I am no longer zero 😉

So, that’s all folks. Hope you enjoyed the ride.

That’s all for today folks. Thank you for sticking through to the end.

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This is post no.38 in the weekly blog post series. You can write to [email protected] for any feedback or collaboration. Alternatively, you can drop me a DM on Instagram .

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5 best places to visit in Chikmagalur in 2 days

Did you know that Chikmagalur, a small hill station in Karnataka, is responsible for bringing the coffee revolution to India? A Sufi saint called Baba Budan smuggled coffee beans from Persia in the 16th century and planted them in his garden here in Chikmagalur. Since then, Chikmagalur has been known as the coffee capital of not only Karnataka but also India before the coffee cultivations started spreading to other parts of the country.

But Chikmagalur has a lot more to offer than just coffee. It is a paradise for nature lovers . Tall mountains, cascading waterfalls and nature hikes are some of the many attractions you’ll find at this scenic hill station.

I went on my first-ever solo trip to Chikmagalur from Bangalore on a weekend, and I wish I had stayed much longer as Chikmagalur has so many experiences to offer. Regardless, in this guide, I give you a rundown of the 5 best places to visit in Chikmagalur in 2 days and some additional places as well in case you have time.

Jhari Waterfall

Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, bike rentals, how to reach chikmagalur from bangalore, where is chikmagalur.

Chikmagalur is a hill station located in the southern part of Karnataka. It lies somewhere in the middle of Mangalore and Bangalore. Mangalore is at a distance of 150 km, whereas Bangalore is at a distance of 250 km.

Popular hill stations like Agumbe and Shimoga lie nearby. Being close to the major cities of Karnataka, it is a popular getaway for people coming from Mangalore and Bangalore.

I hired a cab driver through my hotel to take me to the following places (in chronological order) around Chikmagalur. You can choose to follow the same or tweak it at your convenience.

Mullayanagiri

On day 1, I started my journey to Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka (1,930 metres). It has to be on your itinerary of the top places to visit in Chikmagalur in 2 days.

The valley views from the Mullayanagiri peak are amazing. Being at a high altitude, clouds and mist cover the peak more often than not. Witnessing a sunrise/sunset from the top is the icing on the cake. You will also find a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva here.

The journey to this mountain is as exciting as reaching the peak itself. You will be travelling through winding ghat roads to get to this place. As you start ascending, cool mountain airs welcome you, and everything around you becomes misty.

Chikmagalur to Mullayanagiri is a 20 km drive. Once you park your vehicle at the base, you need to hike approximately 300 steps to reach the peak. The hike is 2-3 km long and is perfect for beginners. As the weather is generally calm, you won’t feel tired quickly.

As Mullayanagiri is a commercial tourist place, try to reach the peak by sunrise to avoid the crowds and enjoy the sun rising through the valleys.

Baba Budangiri (Datta Peeta)

Baba Budangiri, also known as Datta Peeta, is the second-highest peak in Karnataka, standing at an elevation of 1,895 metres. It is at a distance of 25 km from Mullyanagiri.

This mountain derives its name from the Muslim saint Baba Budan. It is said that Baba Budan smuggled coffee to these hills from Persia in the 16th century, courtesy of which the first coffee plantations were grown in Chikmagalur.

At the top, you will find a small temple inside a cave. It is a famous pilgrim site for both Hindus and Muslims.

You can get a bird’s eye view of the hills and valleys covered in greenery from the summit.

You can reach the top by your vehicle. But if you are adventurous enough and have more time on your hands, you can try the 12 km trekking trail between Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri.

places to visit in chikmagalur Framedventures

Jhari Falls is a tall cascading waterfall at a distance of 12 km from Baba Budangiri. It is also known as Buttermilk Falls due to its appearance.

The falls are inside a dense forest cover surrounded by coffee plantations. There is a small pool at the base of this waterfall where you can take a dip and get re-energized.

You need to hire a jeep from the parking lot, which is about 4 km from the waterfalls. The jeep takes you through a rugged road inside private coffee plantations.

The last stretch of 1 km has to be covered by foot on a slippery and muddy trekking path. If you are a nature-lover, you will enjoy this walk as you get to absorb all the sights and sounds of nature inside the jungle.

For Day 2, I hired another cab driver near the Chikmagalur bus stand to cover the remaining places. This time, I travelled to Kemmanagundi, a quaint little hill station on the outskirts of Chikmagalur.

I was not aware of what to expect as I hadn’t heard of Kemmanagundi before. But in hindsight, this turned out to be one of the best road trips I had taken in Karnataka.

It is no wonder then that Kemmanagundi is known as the Ooty of Karnataka. Known for its lush green vegetation, tall mountains, and panoramic landscapes, a road trip to Kemmanagundi is a must, even if you don’t plan to visit many places here.

If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, Kemmanagundi is a better alternative to Chikmagaluru as the crowds are fewer, and this hill station is relatively unexplored. The only caveat is that you need to travel a further 53 km from Chikmagalur to reach Kemmanagundi.

Hebbe Waterfall

After travelling for close to 2 hours on the road, we reached Hebbe Falls. Unlike Jhari Falls, Hebbe Falls is only for adventurous souls.

Less than 5 km from Kemmanagundi, Hebbe falls is located deep inside a thick reserve forest on top of a hill. Rich flora and fauna, and coffee plantations cover this forest.

You have to hire a four-wheeler jeep to reach the starting point of this waterfall. I was lucky enough to find a family from Bangalore with whom I shared the ride.

The ride will be bumpy as you will be traversing through off-roads for close to 30-45 minutes. While you are at it, make sure to keep an eye out for the beautiful surroundings. The landscape keeps changing, and if you are lucky, you might even spot some animals.

Once you reach the parking area, you need to trek 1 km or so until you reach the falls. Be prepared to face leeches and walk on uneven terrains from here on. You will also pass a few water streams along the way, so getting your feet wet is a no-brainer.

The water plunges from a great height, and as you inch closer towards the waterfall, you start hearing louder roars of the falls splashing on the ground. The effort required to reach the falls might be strenuous, but you will forget everything and be thankful to yourself once you get there.

You can take a dip at the base of the waterfall to rejuvenate yourself but be careful of the slippery rocks. The water here has medicinal properties.

Z-Point is another adventurous destination in Kemmanagundi and one of my favourite places in Chikmagalur.

Close to 5 km from Kemmanagundi, Z Point is a trekking spot located on top of a small mountain. It derives its name from the fact that it appears in a Z-shape from the top.

Although the trek is short, what makes it unique is its distinctive slope and the corresponding views. The trekking trail appears to be narrow as you go towards the peak. You feel as if you can roll down this mountain on either side due to its shape.

The trek itself is pretty impressive, especially towards the end as the path becomes narrower. After that, it becomes difficult for two people to walk side by side.

As you reach the peak, you get to see lush green valleys and mountains on one side and panoramic views of green pastures on the other side. However, as Z Point is primarily open grassland, you can feel the cold solid winds, and there is a good possibility that mists or even clouds engulf you.

The entrance to this trek is near Raj Bhavan. You can either hire a forest jeep from there or take your vehicle through the forest until you reach Shanti Falls, a small stream of water.

Once you reach Shanti falls, you can only get to the peak by trekking for 1 km. However, the trek is easy, and anyone can do it.

Other places to visit in Chikmagalur

If not for time constraints, I would have visited the following places as well. You can give them a visit if you have more time on your hands:

Coffee Museum

If you are a coffee and history lover, you can visit this museum to get an idea of the origins and various processes used in making coffee.

Hirekolale Lake

It is an artificial lake surrounded by hills and coffee plantations, 10 km from Chikmagalur. You can spend an evening here to watch the sunset.

Located 80 km from Chikmagalur, it is home to various flora and fauna and has a large tiger population. You can go for a jeep safari here with the help of forest officials.

How to travel in Chikmagalur?

Local taxis are the most convenient because they are well-versed with Chikmagalur, and they can even suggest places that are not on the tourist map.

You can book a taxi through your hotel/homestay in most cases as they have tie-ups with different taxis. If you are staying in Chikmagalur town, you can also find cabs from the bus stand. In any case, try to bargain with the taxi driver to get a good deal.

You can hire bikes from local agencies in Chikmagalur at a reasonable cost. Search on Google to get more details about their services.

Royal Brothers is another well-known bike rental agency that operates in Chikmagalur.

How to reach Chikmagalur?

One of the best geographical advantages of Chikmagalur is that is near to all the major cities in Karnataka. It takes 4-5 hours by road on average to reach Chikmagalur from Bangalore, Mangalore or even Mysore.

The nearest airport is Mangalore, followed by Bangalore. The distance from Mangalore to Chikmagalur is around 150 km, whereas the distance from Bangalore to Chikmagalur is close to 250 km.

Kadur (40 km) and Hassan (60 km) are the two nearest railway stations. However, Hubli is the major railhead near Chikmagalur, situated at a distance of about 291 km. You will therefore find more options for trains that arrive at Hubli.

Note : Although Chikmagalur has a railway station, there are hardly any trains passing through it.

If you are coming from Bangalore, the cheapest way to travel from Bangalore to Chikmagalur would be by booking a KSRTC bus online. I did the same.

My journey from Bangalore started close to midnight, and I reached Chikmagalur before sunrise the next day. The best aspect about travelling by bus is that the last stop is at Chikmagaluru bus station, right in the middle of Chikmagalur town.

You can use the KSRTC app/website to make a booking in advance. Similarly, you can book buses from Hubli, Mangalore and Mysore to Chikmagalur online.

Best time to visit Chikmagalur

I travelled to Chikmagalur during September, and I found the weather to be charming. There were some light showers here and there, but in general, the weather was cool and misty.

Although the temperature is excellent throughout the year, the best time to visit Chikmagalur would be September onwards (right after the monsoon). The weather in Chikmagalur is pleasant till March. You would need to carry warm layers as it can become cold, especially during December and January.

You can avoid July and August as the Chikmagalur weather is unpredictable. It rains heavily during this time.

Where to stay in Chikmagalur?

I stayed in a 1-star hotel close to the Chikmagalur bus station called Giri Inn. It was a basic bedroom with an attached bathroom. The overall stay was good, and I also got to have their complimentary breakfast.

You will find a lot of similar hotels in Chikmagalur town.

But if you have more budget or if you’re travelling with friends, I would recommend you stay in a homestay because there are a lot of homestays in Chikmagalur that are away from the town and tucked inside coffee plantations. The overall ambience and experience you have here would be much better.

Best places to eat in Chikmagalur

Town Canteen is one of my favourite restaurants in Chikmagalur. It is one of the oldest joints in the town, established around the 1960s.

It is renowned for its benne masala dosa with butter and gulab jamun. They serve filter coffee as well. You can have your breakfast/dinner from here at a reasonable rate.

Siri Coffee is another place where you can get good filter coffee with snacks. You can also have your breakfast from here.

Be prepared to have food from local food joints and dhabas because you may not find decent restaurants near your travel destinations, mostly far away from the town.

Travel tips for Chikmagalur

If you plan to get drenched in water, make sure to carry swimwear and a towel.
Leeches are common, especially during and post the monsoon season. Carry some salt or use anti-leech socks to protect yourself. In any case, don’t be afraid of leeches. They are painless.
Use a good trekking shoe or any outdoor shoe with some good grip. You will be walking on muddy paths and uneven terrains.
It is advisable to carry at least a jacket because the weather is generally cold in Chikmagalur.
Carry dry fruits and peanuts if you plan to go for treks to keep your energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which month is best to visit chikmagalur.

If you prefer a colder climate, the months from September to March are perfect to visit Chikmagalur. This is particularly true during the months of December and January when the temperature goes down considerably. But even otherwise, the weather in Chikmagalur is pleasant throughout the year.

What is Chikmagalur known for?

Chikmagalur is a popular hill station in Karnataka known for its pleasant weather, beautiful sceneries and coffee plantations. Coffee was first cultivated in India in Chikmagalur and is exported to various countries across the world. Apart from coffee plantations, there are plenty of waterfalls, nature hikes and off-road experiences for tourists to explore Chikmagalur.

Is Chikmagalur better than Coorg?

Both places are similar in terms of weather, scenery and even coffee plantations. If you are travelling from Bangalore, the distance to both the places are also similar. However, if you plan to visit Mysore as well, Coorg is a better option as it is nearer.

Another thing to note is that since Coorg is much more commercialised than Chikmagalur, you will find more options in terms of food and accommodation in Coorg. Having said that, you may find more offbeat and relaxing experiences in Chikmagalur. Hence, it completely boils down to what you’re looking for.

You can book overnight government buses (KSRTC) from Bangalore to Chikmagalur from the KSRTC website. You can also catch a bus from the Kempegowda bus terminal since it is the starting point. The total journey takes close to 4 or 5 hours. Private buses can also be availed from private bus operators.

Given that it was my first-ever solo trip, I had a life-changing weekend at Chikmagalur. It is what started my love for travelling and exploring places. On my way back from Chikmagalur to Bangalore, I had already planned my next trip to Chikmagalur to explore more hidden gems, especially in Kemmanagundi.

If you are from Bangalore/Mangalore and need a quick weekend getaway to refresh yourself and connect with nature, Chikmagalur might be the place that will do it.

Let me know in the comments below if you have any suggestions or further questions about Chikmagalur. You can also share any travel experience that you may have had in Chikmagalur.

Jerry quit his 9-5 job to become a digital nomad and travel the world. Through Framedventures, he helps people have experiential and immersive travel adventures across India. He has travelled to 15+ states/UTs in India so far. Besides travelling, he's also passionate about landscape photography. Connect with him on his social media channels to get his latest travel updates!

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Chikmagalur itinerary: What to see and do on a weekend trip

Think of weekend getaways from Bangalore , and I am sure that Chikmagalur would be one of the first couple of names on the list. Known for its coffee plantations and scenic beauty, this hill station is a must-visit – whether you are an adventure-seeking solo traveller or a family looking for a relaxing vacation. Having enjoyed my Chikmagalur trip to the hilt, I can’t wait to share my travel tips with you. Read on for suggestions on how to plan your Chikmagalur itinerary, the must-visit places, and more.

Planning your Chikmagalur itinerary

There are many places to visit in Chikmagalur, not all of which can be visited over one weekend. I will therefore give you some suggestions based on the duration of your trip. If, like me, you prefer unhurried vacations, you should also build in some time for doing nothing. Someday I plan to return just to do nothing other than enjoy the weather with a book and some coffee!

I am listing below some of the main places to visit in Chikmagalur, followed by a suggested Chikmagalur itinerary for one, two, and three days.

Places to visit in Chikmagalur

Here is my list of places to visit in Chikmagalur, in alphabetical order to make it easier for you to scan.

Ayyanakere Lake

Another beautiful and calm lake near Chikmagalur, Ayyanakere Lake is larger than Hirekolale Lake but equally scenic. Early morning and evening would be the best time to get some pretty shots here. This is supposed to be the second-largest lake in Karnataka. It is about 18 km from Chikmagalur, but you can combine a visit here with a trip to Kemmangundi, etc.

Baba Budangiri

Baba Budangiri, a popular peak and tourist spot in Chikmagalur, is named after the Sufi saint Baba Budan. Legend has it that he was the one who first brought coffee beans to this part of the world, in the 17th century. The Sufi shrine here still attracts a lot of believers.

Baba Budangiri is the second-highest peak in Karnataka, after Mullayanagiri. The drive here is one of the most scenic in this region, and you can also enjoy some amazing views from the top. Plan to spend some time here, and remember to carry all your trash back with you.

From the parking area here, jeeps are available to go further up to Manikyadhara Falls and beyond.

If you enjoy trekking, there is a trek route to Baba Budangiri from Mullayanagiri which takes approximately 6 hours.

Baba Budangiri is one of the most popular places to visit in Chikmagalur

Belavadi Temple

Much smaller than the more famous Belur and Halebidu temples, the Veera Narayana Temple at Belavadi dates to the 13th century and sits in the middle of a neat and clean village. Dedicated to three different forms of Vishnu, it is a beautiful and peaceful temple to visit. It’s a short 11 km drive from Halebidu and 30 km from Chikmagalur. If you are interested in history and architecture, you must include this spot in your Chikmagalur itinerary.

Belur Temple

The 12th-century Chennakeshava temple of Belur is one of the most famous Hoysala temples in the region and a must-see sight. If driving to Chikmagalur from Bangalore, you can visit this temple on the way. The temple dedicated to Vishnu took over 100 years to complete and has some incredible workmanship to be seen. I recommend taking a guide (Rs. 500) to truly understand everything you will be seeing.

The Chennakeshava temple at Belur is an important attraction to include in your Chikmagalur itinerary

Built across the Bhadra River, this dam is located about 80 km from Chikmagalur. You can visit here for photography and to enjoy water sports. Boating and kayaking activities are available at the reservoir. You could pack a picnic with you – just remember to leave no trash behind.

This small but pretty lake is just a short walk ahead of the Baba Budangiri parking area. You will get some breathtaking views from the cliff edge here. I was sad to see the area overflowing with trash though.

If visiting Baba Budangiri, you can also add Gallikere lake to your Chikmagalur itinerary

Halebid Temple

The Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebidu is another 12th-century Hoysala construction that will leave you in awe. A twin-shrined temple, it is said to be the largest Shiva temple built by the Hoysalas. There are two huge Nandis here, one in front of each of the twin shrines. There is also a museum and experience centre here, which will give you a deeper insight into the history and architecture of the place. I would also recommend having a guide here.

Hebbe Falls

A two-level waterfall, Hebbe Falls is close to Kemmangundi and is very popular with tourists. Getting here is not very simple; the last few kilometers have to be covered by jeeps, after which you have to trek to the actual falls. If you are up to it, it can be quite an adventure. The water here is also supposed to have medicinal value.

Hirekolale Lake

Not far from the main town, Hirekolale Lake was one of my favourite places to visit in Chikmagalur. It is scenic and peaceful since it is not crowded — hope this never changes! A man-made lake, it was built to serve as a water source for the town. The lake is a beautiful sight, surrounded by hills and dense forest. If you like photography, do visit the place close to sunset. There is also a small Shiva temple here.

Hirekolale lake is a must visit to add to your Chikmagalur itinerary

Jhari Falls

Also called Buttermilk Falls, this is probably the most famous waterfall in Chikmagalur. You can visit Buttermilk Falls along with Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri. Getting here is an adventure in itself as you have to leave your car on the main road and take a jeep ride over 3-4 km of very bumpy and muddy terrain to get to the falls. I had to give this a miss as the rain had turned everything into slush in the area. However, I hope to visit again someday in better weather.

Kemmangundi

Also called KR Hills, Kemmangundi was established as a summer retreat for the Maharaja of Mysore. Today it is a popular place to visit from Chikmagalur. It is a very pleasant drive and affords some truly picturesque views. There are also some waterfalls and temples in the area for those who want to explore.

Manikyadhara Falls

A short drive from Baba Budangiri over some bumpy and rather hair-raising stretches of road, Manikyadhara Falls is popular both for its views as well as its religious significance. People believe that the water here has healing properties.

Apart from enjoying the view from the viewpoint, you can also go down about 200 steps to the pool at the base of the falls. Unfortunately, it was raining hard when I visited, and I couldn’t enjoy a proper view of the falls.

Mullayanagiri

The highest peak in Karnataka, Mullayanagiri is very popular with tourists for its views and breezy weather. A climb of about 500 steps from the parking area takes you to the summit which has a small Shiva temple. You’ll be able to catch a superb view from the top if it isn’t misty. This place is one of the most famous spots to include in your Chikmagalur itinerary.

It is believed that there is an ancient cave under this temple, connecting it to the Seethalayyanagiri Temple close by. However, this is no longer open for tourists.

If you prefer something more adventurous, you can also opt to trek to Mullayanagiri Peak. The trek starts from a point about 3-4 km away and is moderately difficult.

Muthodi Forest Reserve

Muthodi Forest Reserve is a part of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and is about an hour’s drive from Chikmagalur. The drive in itself is worth it, passing through dense forests. The forest department runs morning and evening jeep safaris here. Don’t expect to see tigers but other wildlife views are common. The safari costs Rs. 400 per person, and it can be cancelled in case of rain or if there aren’t sufficient people to fill up a jeep.

Yagachi Dam

A short drive away from Belur temple, this gravity dam on the Yagachi River (a tributary of the Tungabhadra) is popular for water sports. Available activities include speed boat rides, kayaking, and jet ski rides.

Looking for a moderate trek in the Kemmangundi area? Try the 3 km trek to Z Point from Raj Bhawan. You will also be able to visit Shanti Falls on the way. Z Point affords some amazing views of the green valleys from the top. Most people visit here to catch a sunrise or sunset.

Other things to do in Chikmagalur

Explore a coffee plantation.

You cannot visit a coffee town and not tour a coffee plantation. I was able to do this for free within the coffee estate homestay I was staying at. However, if you are not staying in a coffee estate, you can sign up for a tour through your hotel or homestay.

A coffee plantation tour is an interesting thing to add to your Chikmagalur itinerary

Visit the coffee museum

This museum will tell you about the history of coffee and how it is produced. It is located in the main town and is easy to access. However, note that it remains closed on weekends. I would only recommend this if you have spare time and have covered everything else.

Experience the World of Coffee

This place starts out as a cute cafe for coffee and baked goodies, but you must also explore its interactive coffee exhibit. You’ll learn about types of coffee, how they are made, and a lot more.

Go for a trek

The hilly terrain around Chikmagalur offers a range of trekking opportunities ranging from single to multiple days. Popular treks include Baba Budangiri, Mullayanagiri, Kudremukh, Kemmangundi or KR Hills, Jenukal Gudda, and Sakleshpur. Check with your accommodation provider for more details.

Try river rafting

If you are visiting between June and October, you can go river rafting on the Bhadra River. Trips can be booked via online portals or through your accommodation provider.

You must bring back some local products as memories of your trip. You can buy coffee powder, whole beans, coffee liqueur, locally made wine, spices, handmade chocolates, sandalwood products, dry fruits, and a lot more.

Day-wise Chikmagalur itinerary for your trip

Chikmagalur itinerary for 1 day.

If you are in Chikmagalur for one day only (why??), then you will have to strictly prioritize your sightseeing to cover the main places to visit. Assuming that you have a full day available, here is a suggested plan for a one-day sightseeing tour around Chikmagalur.

Chikmagalur itinerary for 2 days

With proper planning, you can cover a majority of places to visit in Chikmagalur over two days. Here is how I would plan a two-day trip.

Coffee Museum

Chikmagalur itinerary for 3 days

Three days in Chikmagalur will give you sufficient time to cover the main places of interest and also enjoy a little downtime. Here is my recommendation for your three days in Chikmagalur.

If you are driving from Bangalore, you can visit Belur Halebid temples on the way (I recommend Belur and Yagachi dam on the way to Chikmagalur, and Halebid and Belavadi on the way back). In that case, here is an alternate plan for your third day in Chikmagalur.

Day 3 Alternative

Coffee Plantation tour
Jeep safari in Muthodi sanctuary
Bhadra dam

Other things to know about Chikmagalur travel

Best time to visit chikmagalur.

Chikmagalur is lovely to visit during both summer and winter. Summer here is pleasant due to the higher elevation and the widespread green cover, while winter is cool, misty, and largely dry. You can plan a trip to Chikmagalur pretty much any time of the year, except for the peak monsoon months. While I did enjoy spending a rainy afternoon here doing nothing, if you have plans for an active holiday, you should avoid visiting during the rainy season.

If waterfalls are high on your agenda, then aim to visit right after the monsoon to catch them in full flow.

How to reach Chikmagalur

Getting to chikmagalur by road.

Chikmagalur is very convenient to reach by road; you can either take a bus, a cab or drive yourself.

Buses to Chikmagalur are available from Bangalore, Mangalore, and Mysore and will take you to the bus station in the main Chikmagalur town area. From there, you’ll need to either take an auto rickshaw to your place of stay or arrange for them to pick you up. If you are a solo female traveller, please check the bus schedules — I avoided the bus as I wasn’t comfortable getting into town at 4 am.

If you are driving to Chikmagalur (either by cab or self-driven car), you’ll be glad to know that the roads are in good condition. I made the trip by car and liked being able to make detours to visit specific places I wanted to see.

Getting to Chikmagalur by train

The closest railway stations for a trip to Chikmagalur are Kadur (45 km), Birur (51 km), and Hassan (56 km). You can get a taxi from any of these towns to Chikmagalur.

Getting to Chikmagalur by flight

If you are visiting Chikmagalur from further away, then you can book a flight to Mangalore (150 km) or Bangalore (250 km), the two closest airports. Cabs are available from both to Chikmagalur.

Where to stay in Chikmagalur

This is a land of coffee plantations; the best way to experience it entirely is to stay in a coffee estate. There are many such estates and homestays where you can have a comfortable stay surrounded by greenery. I stayed at the Coffee Bean Homestay in Mallandur and had a good experience.

If you prefer hotels, no worries because hotels in every price range are available in the town.

What to eat in Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur town has a few good eateries where you can go for a meal. While the Town Canteen has a lot of good reviews online, our homestay host recommended Hotel Mayura instead. Breakfast here was delicious. You should also try coffee and desserts at the World of Coffee cafe in town.

I had most of my meals at the homestay, where they served delicious and homely Malnad cuisine.

Some of the main sightseeing spots will have small food joints where you can have snacks and refreshments.

Travel Tips for your Chikmagalur itinerary

If you are taking a coffee estate tour, wear closed shoes and long socks. Leeches are common!
Loos are not available everywhere – use the facilities at hotels/restaurants where possible. Some sightseeing spots like Baba Budangiri will have basic paid toilets. Carry hand sanitizer.
Weather changes are possible throughout the day – carry a jacket and an umbrella or raincoat.
Don’t go off on a trek by yourself – always take a guide or local person who knows the area.
Do try the local cuisine and coffee.
Jeep drives to waterfalls are best left to experienced local drivers!

I hope this information about places to visit and things to do in Chikmagalur will help you plan the perfect Chikmagalur itinerary. If you are visiting for the first time, try to plan a trip for at least three days so that you aren’t in a rush and can truly enjoy the beauty of this place.

Travelling from Bangalore? You should also check out my Hampi weekend getaway itinerary .

Looking for an offbeat place to visit in the hills of Himachal? Consider a trip to Bir Billing or Dharamkot .

If you’ve been to Chikmagalur and have suggestions on what to add here, please let me know in the comments below. Happy travels!

More like this:

The Best 7-Day Offbeat Itinerary To Chikmagalur

Spread the Word!

Chikmagalur is geographically enormous and glazing over the popular sights alone would be a three-day trip. However, to make Chikmagalur a surreal experience we recommend you extend your trip to explore the places that make Chikmagalur a place of wondrous sights. It has so much to offer, hidden and private waterfalls, secret trails known only to the locals, and so much more.

For more details on Chikmagalur about the network, language spoken, timings, and best time to visit, you can read this Chikmagalur guide . The following itinerary will enable you to plan the perfect trip possible. We wrote this plan after visiting the place several times, it is arguably the most foolproof one possible.

Day 1, once you reach Chikmagalur, take a breather and gear up to explore.
Day 2 & 3 are plans that start before daybreak.
Day 4 contains plans to explore the nearby taluk, located an hour from the town.
Days 5, 6, and 7 contain plans to explore the other offbeat taluks of the Chikmagalur district.

Twin’s Tip: Hire a two-wheeler for 4 days from Chikmagalur if you do not have a personal vehicle. We do not recommend relying on public transport as they are neither frequent nor well-connected.

Chikmagalur Itinerary

Table of Contents

Bandekla Gudda Viewpoint

A short hike on an offbeat path ensconced amidst coffee plantations will lead you to the Bandekla Gudda viewpoint. This is not a tourist hotspot and that alone makes this calm place worth visiting. Always be aware of your environment, as the terrain is muddy and slippery during the monsoons.

If you are using Google Maps to navigate, then do not enter the viewpoint as the destination. For the best hiking trail to this place, we recommend you search for Agalagandi homestay. From the homestay, it is a straight route up and we encourage you to ask the locals for directions should you find the trail to be confusing.

Mallandur sunset point (optional to visit) is a barren land, ideal for a picnic. It is a great open space and a popular spot among the locals during weekends and holidays.

The Muthodi Forest Safari

The safari ride starts from the Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Muthodi. Impressively, even the ride to the start point is enjoyable as it is great to drive with little to no traffic and great views on either side. We, unfortunately, could not make it to the safari, however, the safari is truly enjoyable, especially if you have kids, it is a great way to stimulate and inspire them to be more outdoorsy. However, be warned that the chances of spotting a tiger or other wild animals are rare and solely based on your luck and weather.

Ukkada Falls

Ukkada Falls is the very definition of a hidden gem. A short hike on private property (permission not required) will take you to this spellbound waterfall. The falls are truly spectacular when you comprehend the height of their crest. Crossing a village, a stream, and walking on a hiking path full of leeches to reach the falls is an experience in itself. For more information on how to do the hike all by yourselves, read the Ukkada Falls hiking guide .

Hirekolale Lake

The lake is the perfect conclusion to your first day. You can relax against the backdrop of imposing mountains and gaze at their clear reflection on the water. The sunset experience here is nothing short of a chef’s kiss.

If you fancy yourself as a coffee aficionado then, you can book several coffee plantation tours. If coffee does not suit your taste then we encourage you to take as many pictures as possible of the gorgeous landscapes as you hop from one place to another.

Kemmangundi is the place to go on your second day. Day 2 is more of a weekend-esque plan, and we recommend you stick to the plan. For instance, weekends ensure that you don’t have to wait too long for the jeep ride to Hebbe Falls. You’ll be visiting places in Kemmangundi on day 2.

Note : Mark the places listed below on your Google Maps before you start. All of the places mentioned are geographically located in a no-network zone. These places are located close to each other and they can be navigated using the name boards on the side of the road. Start early to ensure you reach Hebbe Falls by 9:00 A.M.

Kalathgiri Falls

On your way to Kemmangundi, we recommend you take a pit stop at Kalathgiri Falls. When you deviate from the main Chikmagalur road, you will initially notice the monumental height of the falls’ crest. However, as you approach it, the spectacular mirage starts to make more sense. The last crevice of the waterfalls is only visible near the temple.

Another perk of visiting these falls is that you do not need to go out of your way and hike additionally. It is right beside the parking lot. However, for the parking privileges, you will be charged Rs.10.

If you started your trip late, this fall will have to be skipped.

Hebbe Falls

If you, unfortunately, happen to arrive post 11:00 am, you’ll have to wait for hours for the jeeps that had left for their first trip. Trust us on this, there will always be a long waiting line near the entrance to visit this place and the line gets painfully longer with time. Common sense dictates we opt for this trip on the weekend, but the issue there is that the jeep won’t start unless there is full capacity, and you will be hard-pressed to find enough people to join you during weekdays.

Read this guide to know if the jeep ride to Hebbe Falls is worth it.

Also Yes! This is the most scaled waterfall in the Chikmagalur district and it is only a 2.30 hour round trip.

Z Point & Shanti Falls

After being enthralled by the beautiful Hebbe Falls, gear up and embark on a brisk hike to Z-point. The Shanti waterfall can be visited en route. The water of Shanti Falls, being a freshwater spring, tastes incredibly good and it is an experience that should not be skipped. You are free to walk along the ridge line, wander as you wish, dance with the cool breeze, and do pretty much any activity that lets you express your joy of being one with nature. The best part is that you can do all of this against the amazing backdrop of valleys on one side and hills on the other.

Kemmangundi Rock Garden

Don’t be thrown off by the name, the rock garden among other things is home to a stellar viewpoint, a sunset point, and a play arena, all combined in a neatly packaged garden. Being frequent visitors, we were able to discern a lot of improvements that had been made by the government of Karnataka. The golden hour takes on a magical meaning at this place and the sunset view from this point is straight out of a fairy tale.

If you are bunked near the IG road or in Chikmagalur town, be aware that it will take more than an hour on your way back.

Day 3 is a weekday -esque itinerary. The goal here is to soak in all the sights without having to deal with pesky crowds as the places in this plan are super popular among tourists.

For more information on the sights, timings, entry fees, and network availability check the Chikmagalur Guide

Mullayanagiri

It is extremely emphasized that you get to the Mullayanagiri gate before 6 AM. Despite the fact that you are getting there before the gate opens, we can guarantee you that you will see more than a few cars already lined up before the gate.

Once the gate opens, park your vehicle and start your hike to the peak by climbing a couple of hundred steps. An amazing sunrise waits as your reward at the end. The wind is more than a little forceful, and perhaps a fraction gentler than a hurricane, so ensure you move carefully at the designated path. We also recommend that you wear weather-appropriate clothes to shield you from the cold breeze.

Do visit the temple honoring Lord Shiva and be sure to inspect the Nandi sculpture on the hilltop. If fortune decides to smile upon you, the mist covering the peak will disperse and you might get an opportunity to gawk at an epic sunrise from the tallest peak of Karnataka.

On your way back, do ensure you treat yourself to hot corn and Maggi. Their flavor is much more elevated when you huff them down while being tormented by cold weather.

Jhari Falls

After the sunrise, embark on a ride to the beautiful Jhari Falls. A short hike of about a kilometer on muddy terrain will lead to the majestic three-tiered Jhari more fondly referred to as the Buttermilk Waterfall. With its crest at about 40 feet high, these falls create an almost magical sight. The water is extremely cold yet it is very inviting. More importantly, the falls drop into a shallow pond that is very relaxing and the pond is shallow enough that it is accommodating for non-swimmers.

GnR Orange Point

A slight detour from the main road near the hotel C.N.R. will get you to the GnR Orange Point. Now this place is the very definition of a hidden gem, a secret place that we would have more than loved to keep as a secret. But the beauty of this place is so inspiring that being secretive about this other-worldly place is an impossibility. Known to very few people, this viewpoint atop the hills and ensconced by clouds offers a heart-touching perspective about the many wonders of nature. This place should be at the top of your do-not-miss list.

Honnamana Halla Falls

A few km away from the Jhari Falls and a straight journey on the Baba Bhudangiri road, you will come across another waterfall right alongside the road. Ensure you make a pitstop here and gaze in helpless wonder at how the water effortlessly glides down the steps. There is also a Hindu temple near the waterfall, that you can pop in should you fancy.

Dattapeeta Temple

Ride for a few kilometers on the well-laid hairpin roads while being mesmerized by the scenic mountains of the Western Ghats, and you’ll reach Dattapeeta. You can park your vehicles near the shops at this place.

Dattapeeta can be best described as a one-of-a-kind Muslim-Hindu temple. The temples are situated next to each other inside the same cave, boldly embracing the secular nature of the country. The cave has water dripping in its inner walls, and it is painted in yellow sandalwood once a year. The fragrance is unmistakable and it will most certainly more than tingle your respiratory senses. The priest happened to be a very kind soul and we were entertained with an elaborate story from him about the existence of the Sufi Saint Baba Budan, and the reason why the entire hill is named after him.

During heavy rainfall, this cave temple is closed to visitors as water tends to clog the place.

Garikere is the very picture of serenity, it is a fenced lake that defines stillness. You can stretch your travel-weary limbs for some time near the waters and walk alongside the fence. This lake also has a temple beside it.

You’ll have to return to Dattapeeta from here via the same route you arrived.

Manikya Dhara Falls

Choosing the other side of the forked road from the Dattapeeta will direct you to the Manikya Dhara Falls. However, on your way to the falls, you will be delightfully distracted by the beautiful Chandra Drona Lake. If you happen to own a two-wheeler, you can throttle slowly on the muddy terrain. If not, the only other alternative is hiring a jeep opposite the Dattapeeta temple as the road is not good at a couple of places en route.

Access to the viewpoint and the waterfall will cost you an entry fee of Rs. 5. The water is said to have medicinal properties, and you will also find shops nearby selling some medicines aimed at boosting health. Be warned that numerous notorious monkeys can be found near the waterfalls.

Mudigere is a nearby town known for hiking Ettina Bhuja , and exploring it is the best way to spend your fourth day. As there are no rentals found in Mudigere town, you’ll have to take your vehicle to hike to the Ettina Bhuja and visit the nearby places.

The places to visit near Mudigere are not usually crowded and you will most certainly enjoy every one of them.

Day 5, 6 & Day 7

Kalasa is home to two epic hiking adventures including Kudremukh and Nethravathi peaks . If you are planning to complete both the treks on your trip, plan accordingly as they consume a whole day each. On the remaining day, you can explore the places near Kalasa .

Frequent buses are available from both Mudigere and Kalasa to Chikmagalur, and no two-wheeler rentals are available in Kalasa. We also found that the Jeep rates are also comparatively higher. You have the option of using public transport for the first 2 days when you are hiking. On the third day, you can hire a jeep or auto on a pro-rata basis.

If possible we recommend that you further extend your trip and visit the Dharmasthala Devasthanam on your eighth day. From here you can comfortably and contently ride back home after having explored the most scenic places in the state.

Places to visit in Chikmagalur
On your way back, visit the Hoysala temples of Belur & Halebidu
How to rent two-wheelers in India?

We hope you’ll find this guide to be useful. If you have followed the same itinerary, or have any suggestions to better the itinerary do tell us in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.

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Happy Travels!!

Top 11 Places To Visit In Chikmagalur (Travel Guide)

June 21, 2020
March 6, 2022
Karnataka , India

4 a.m., kulhad coffee, cool breeze, and a flock of white birds sitting on the tree in front. Chikmagalur, a coffee town in Karnataka, welcomed me like this. It was my solo trip. And I was wondering about what places to visit in Chikmagalur and how should I plan to cover them?

In this, we will list out the best tourist places in Chikmagalur. Further, we’ll also tell you about the souvenirs, things you must do, local cuisine to taste, and many more practical travel tips for Chikmagalur.

Notice: This post may contain a few links which might earn us financial support when you buy or make any reservations through them. They’re in no way affect our opinion or the information presented here.

11 Best places to visit in Chikmagalur

1. hirekolale lake.

Located about 9 km from the city center, Hierakolale Lake Aslameno is a blessing of nature. You can’t describe its sight in words. Although it is an artificial lake, the range of mountains in front of it will make the photos unforgettable.

Hirekolale Lake supplies water for drinking and irrigation in Chikmagalur. This lake is not famous among tourists, so rest assured, you can spend some peaceful moments here. Well, it seems strange that despite being so beautiful, you can find it free from the crowd for most of the time.

Sitting on the banks - places to visit in Chikmagalur

Furthermore, you will have to book a private taxi or auto to reach here due to the scarcity of buses on this route. Also, make sure you do not stay here till late in the evening.

2. Chennakeshava Temple, Belur

Chennakeshava Temple is in Belur, 35 km from Chikmagalur city center. King Vishnuvardhana built it in 1117 AD. Interestingly, the temple was built over three generations and took 103 years to finish, while it was repeatedly damaged and looted in wars. Nonetheless, it was also repaired time and again.

The architecture of Chennekeshva temple in Belur — places to visit in Chikmagalur

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and encompasses 13 temples. After seeing it, you get a glimpse of Dravidian and Vijayanagara architecture. Further, Chennakeshava Temple is a fine example of stone carving and one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur.

Timings : 7 AM to 8 PM
Recommended Duration : ~2 hours
Photography : Allowed

3. Mullayanagiri

Located in the Baba Budangiri mountain range, Mulliyangiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, 1930 meters above sea level. You can find it approximately 10 km far from the city center.

The place is famous for its serene atmosphere, greenery, and trekking. There is also a Shiva temple, which adds to its beauty.

You pass through dusty roads, curves, and ruff jungle paths. But once you are at the top, you experience nothing but peace. It is one of the most visited attractions among the best Chikmagalur tourist places.

In addition to trekking, you can enjoy camping, mountain biking, and hiking.

4. Baba Budangiri Peak

Baba Budangiri Peak is 12 km from the city. Dedicated to Saint Hazrat Dada Hayat Khandalar alias Baba Budan, this place is known for its temple. Moreover, Hindus and Muslims respect this temple alike. Chikmagalur is the city where coffee was first grown in India. Sufi Baba Budan supposedly produced the first coffee crop in 1670 AD.

Baba Budangiri Peak — places to visit in Chikmagalur

The unique flower species of Nilkurinji also blooms once every twelve years on these hills, which is another major attraction of this place.

Baba Budangiri Hills is also famous for its dense forests. Additionally, you can also go hiking and trekking in these hills. These perks make Baba Budangiri Peak one of the most sought-after places to visit in Chikmagalur.

5. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary spans over a vast area of 490 square kilometers. It is only 38 km west of Chikmagalur city and is one of the best tourist places in Chikmagalur.

Surrounded by the hills of the Western Ghats, the view of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary looks like a movie scene! Far-flung mountains and mountain peaks penetrate the sky. You get a feeling as if the wildlife sanctuary has worn a crown.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary — places to visit in Chikmagalur

Do experience jungle safari here.
The ideal time for safari is 6-8 am and 4-6 in the evening.
According to official figures, there are 33 tigers here.
The Bhadra River passes through the sanctuary, so you can get a natural view.

6. Kudremukh National Park

Do not forget to visit Kudremukh National Park, 60 km from Chikmagalur. You will adore natural treasures, mountains, ancient waterfalls, and lush green landscapes. If you are a nature lover, this place is a must-visit among other tourist places in Chikmagalur.

Kudremukh National Park — places to visit in Chikmagalur

Kudremukh National Park is 600 km long. You can find diverse flora and fauna on the various peaks of this region.

Following are some mind-bending facts:

Kudremukh got its name from the highest peak in the park.
This peak looks like a horse’s face from a particular angle.
The height of this short is 6,214 feet and is the second-highest peak in Karnataka.
The park is inhabited by endangered animals such as tigers and wild dogs.
You can do trekking here.
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The lush greenery and nature make it one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur.

7. Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple

The Kodanda Ram Temple at Hiremagalur, 5 km from Chikmagalur district, is an example of an ancient temple built during Hoysala. The central structure of the temple is in Dravidian style, while the rulers of Vijayanagar built the remaining part.

Kodand Rama Temple — places to visit in Chikmagalur

The temple’s Navagrahas dates back to the 14th century, while the main pavilion is from the 16th century. The main deities worshipped here include Kodand Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. According to Sthalapuran, these deities appeared to Parashurama at this holy place.

8. Sringeri Sharada Peetham

Sringeri Sharada Peetham is a holy temple established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya and named after the famous sage Shringi. He is the same sage who cursed King Parikshit to die with a snakebite in Satyuga. The place is at a distance of 57 km from the city.

9. The Coffee Museum

This museum tells the complete story of the historical journey of coffee. Also, you can see the entire process of making coffee here. The distance of the place is 5 km from the city. The ‘Coffee Board of India operates this museum .’

10. Kemmangundi

Kemmangundi — places to visit in Chikmagalur

Kemmangundi is a hill station located a short distance away from Chikmagalur. It sits at an altitude of 1434 meters above sea level. King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV used to visit here to get relief in scorching summers. Further, the hill station is named Sri Krishnarajendra Hill Station after the king. This place is also full of natural beauty in every way.

11. Hebbe Falls

Hebbe Falls — places to visit in Chikmagalur

Hebbe Falls is the last on the list of the top 11 places to visit in Chikmagalur.

Nestled in the hills of Kemmangundi, this waterfall adds to the natural beauty. The stream of water falling from about 180 meters will mesmerize you. The cold climate, the cool air, the peace spread far enough to injure anyone.

Tasting Local Cuisine in Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is no ordinary city for food lovers too. You will mainly see Malnad flavor here. Along with this, people also savor Mangalorean and Coorgi cuisines here.

Chikmagalur is the city in India where coffee was first grown. Further, there are many options for traditional Karnataki food in Chikmagalur.

The table below lists the top dishes to taste in Chikmagalur:

Activities To Do in Chikmagalur

1. stop at the coffee estate.

Want to have a great experience in Chikmagalur?

If so, the best way is to stay at a coffee estate. Watch the coffee being cultivated and get a closer look at how the coffee in your cup comes into existence.

2. Take a Safari to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

A city is an ideal place for nature lovers. You can add to your experience a jeep safari of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, located a few km from the city.

3. Learn the History of Coffee at the Coffee Museum

Understanding, knowing, and appreciating the history of the Coffee Museum in the City of Coffee can be another beautiful thing that you must do in Chikmagalur.

4. Enjoy Adventure Sports

You can do various adventure activities in Chikmagalur like river rafting, trekking, wildlife safaris in the Bhadra river.

Souvenirs to Buy in Chikmagalur

Public restrooms and sanitation.

Restroom facilities are available in all public places within Chikmagalur city. Along with this, the city is clean and tidy. You will be pretty happy and satisfied with the cleanliness at Chikmagalur visiting sites.

Mode of Travel and Distance Between Attractions

Please note: all the places to visit in Chikmagalur are great distances from each other. Lush greenery surrounds this city, and it is easily accessible via roads. You can easily reach all the tourist places in Chikmagalur by auto, cab, and taxi.

Another way is to rent a bike or scooter and explore the city however you like. There are many bike rentals available in the city.

When to visit Chikmagalur?

Although Chikmagalur has a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year, it is best to visit Chikmagalur between September and May . The winter season here lasts from December to February.

How to Reach Chikmagalur?

There is no railway station in the city, but the nearest railway station is Kadur (~40 km). You can take taxis and buses from Kadur railway station (code: DRU) to Chikmagalur.

Further, you can opt for Bangalore (244 km), Mysore (172 km), or Hassan (61 km). Bangalore and Mysore are well-connected to different cities of the country.

Buses leave from Bangalore every 30-60 minutes. These buses are often full during weekends, so getting tickets can be difficult. KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses are comfortable, especially Airavat Volvo buses.

Mangalore is the nearest airport to Chikmagalur, at 113 km. It is well-connected for flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and other major Indian cities. Additionally, you can hire a prepaid taxi from the airport to Chikmagalur.

Number of Days and Budget

Some people can cover all the places to visit in Chikmagalur listed here faster than others, while some are interested in slow travel. Therefore, the number of days and budget required is highly subjective. Nonetheless, we tried to give you an estimation below.

Number of Days

It depends on how you want to travel around Agra. However, below is a table to help you decide.

The budget also depends on what kind of experience you want. However, a general budget on a day-to-day basis will look like this:

Chikmagalur Accommodation Options

The following images are of Zostel Chikmagalur, the property where I stayed.

Moreover, there is no lack of accommodation options in Chikmagalur. Everything is available, from cheap hostels and homestays to extensive and expensive hotels.

Most of the hotels are in the city center. You can choose hotels at your convenience.

Some Commonly Asked Questions Related to Chikmagalur

What is the right time to visit chikmagalur.

Though you can visit Chikmagalur throughout the year, it glows even more during the winter and rainy seasons.

What are the options to reach the Mullayanagiri peak?

You can book a taxi along with your vehicle. Trekking is also a good option.

Was coffee first grown here?

Chikmagalur is where coffee was first grown in India by Sufi Baba Budan in 1670 AD.

Where to stay in Chikmagalur?

Although many hotels and hostels are available here, take accommodation in the coffee estate if you want to enjoy the valleys. Zostel Chikmagalur is a good option for budget travelers. Furthermore, you can also find hotels and luxury properties for a comfortable stay.

How to reach Chikmagalur from Bangalore?

Bangalore is the nearest airport, and buses operate at frequent intervals.

This article gave you information about the top places to visit in Chikmagalur, cuisines, souvenirs, and practical travel tips. We hope you will utilize this guide and make a better travel plan for Chikmagalur.

Lastly, if you have any thoughts or queries regarding Chikmagalur, please don’t hesitate to ask them in the comment box below.

An appeal: Please do not throw litter around. Use a dustbin and if you can’t find one, take the trash with you and throw it when you find one. Your small steps like this one can make the world clean and green.

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Chikmagalur Itinerary – A road trip in the land of coffee

Last Updated on July 30, 2023

Tucked in the foothills of Mullyangiri range, lies the charming city of Chikmagalur. The land of coffee as it is often called attracts thousands of tourists every year for its verdant valleys and green vistas. If you are in Bangalore, Chikmagalur must be high on your weekend bucket list. Planning for some adventure with friends or looking for a serene family getaway – Chikmagalur has something for everyone.

But it’s not only that! If you travel to Karnataka , from anywhere in the world this monsoon- beauty is something you shouldn’t miss. Here is a road trip itinerary for Chikmagalur which will inspire you to plan a trip this monsoon.

The post contains affiliate links for tours, hotels etc. This means if you make any purchase through the links in the post, I may get a commission without any additional cost to you.

Chikmagalur Itinerary for weekend trip with family or friends. Travel Guide to the Land of Coffee, Chikmagalur in Karnataka, India. An amazing monsoon destination in western ghats of india.#travel #karnataka #india #travelguide

Related: The Best monsoon destinations in India

A Quick Outline

Bangalore to Chikmagalur Road Trip

Chikmagalur is located 240 km away from Bangalore and there are daily buses that you can avail for this trip. But the beauty of Chikmagalur is best enjoyed on a road trip. On a normal monsoon day, it will take about 5 hours to reach Chikmagalur with a short meal break. The route via NH75 is the fastest and the best route from where we stay in central Bangalore.

However, if you live near Tumakuru you can drive through NH 73. A major attraction on the route is the Jain temple of Shravanabelegola . A beautiful 900-year-old temple that houses the largest monolithic statue in the world is located here.

If you’ve read William Darlymple’s Nine Lives , you can’t miss this one. It’s one of the best books about India , and the very first chapter explores the ancient Jain traditions of India through his experiences at Shravanbelagola.

This break may extend your trip by a couple of hours as you need to climb 660 stairs to reach the temple! The next stop is at Hassan, followed by Belur and Halebeedu. You can stop at these places if you have a lot of time or simply follow the route and reach Chikmagalur.

So this is the route I suggest:

Bangalore –> NH75->Shravanabelegola –>Hassan-> Belur –> Chikmagalur

Related: 21 Exciting One Day trips from Bangalore

Chikmagalur Itinerary

Through my multiple weekend trips in this route, I have been able to explore the place well enough to plan the ideal Chikmagalur Itinerary. While I strongly recommend a 3-day trip for Chikmagalur, even 2 days are enough to enjoy the best of this little hill station near Bangalore . Here are three variations of Chikmagalur itinerary for you.

Ideal Chikmagalur itinerary for 2 days

I do not like the touch and go experience with attractions, and Chikmagalur is not a place for that either. You will feel like stopping at a number of places just to enjoy the views, there are many opportunities for trekking and exploring the coffee plantations. So, this is what you can do on an ideal weekend trip to Chikmagalur.

Day 1 in Chikmagalur Itinerary

Start early morning around 5 am. Reach your hotel by 11 am and freshen up. Then go for a trek to Mullyangiri if the weather is cool. However, if you visit in the dry summer, I’d suggest that you reserve the trek for the next morning.

Start with a jeep ride to the Jhari falls , then drive to Bababudangiri hills . Come back to the Chikmagalur town for lunch. There are many restaurants in the town as opposed to the countryside which has limited options.

Visit the Mahatma Gandhi Park, Basavanahalli lake and watch the sunset at Hirekolale lake.

If it’s too late you can skip Mahatma Gandhi park and Basavanahalli lake for the day.

Wake up early if you missed the Mullyangiri trek on day 1. If you have complimentary breakfast booked at your hotel, you can visit Mullyangiri at the sunrise and return to your hotel for breakfast and check out after that. Otherwise, give your feet some rest to make up for the exhaustion of two short treks on the previous day.

Check out at around 10 am, explore the tea and coffee plantations on your way to the Ayyanakere Lake . From here you can visit the Chennakesava temple of Belur or explore the temples at Halebeed . Then proceed towards Bangalore.

For first-timers, I highly recommend booking an excursion to Shravanabelegola and Halebeed here .

If you have an extended weekend you may dedicate a day for a tour of the Bhadra wildlife sanctuary or for the Kudremukh trek. Well, Kudremukh trek can be a weekend trip in itself.

Modified Chikmagalur trip plan for 2 days with family

If you are travelling with little kids or elderly family-members who have issues with mobility, you can still have plenty to do in Chikmagalur in 2 days. The last time I visited with my extended family we booked an Airbnb inside a coffee plantation. It was quite hot in the summer, so this turned out to be a good decision. This is a road trip itinerary you can consider in this situation.

Day1: Stop at the temples of Belur on your way to Chikmagalur, Yagachi dam, then visit Jhari falls, Mahatma Gandhi Park and Hirekolale lake

Day2: Explore the plantations, visit Belavadi (Halebeed).

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Best places to visit in Chikmagalur in 2 days

So now that you have a rough itinerary let’s take a look at the best places to explore in Chikmagalur so that you can decide what interests you the most. Really, Chikmagalur district has so many gems that sometimes I feel that the label “weekend destination” does not do justice to it. The best thing about living in Bangalore is that you can keep visiting places like these every weekend, and still discover something new.

Mullyangiri Hills

With an altitude of 1950 meters, Mullayangiri is the highest peak in Karnataka. A trek to Mullayangiri peak is, therefore, the top attraction for adventure lovers. If you love trekking you can take the 3 km long route starting at Sarpadaari. This moderate level trek usually takes up to 1.5 hours to reach the peak. There is direct road connectivity to a closer point which is just 1 km from the peak and has steps leading to it. It takes only 20-30 minutes to reach the peak from here. I’d prefer this one on my first-weekend trip. However it was raining cats and dogs when we first visited Chikmagalur with our family, and our parents were clearly not prepared for the rise.

Honnammanna waterfall

After the trek to Mullyangiri take some rest and drive to Honnammanna. It’s just a cascade on a flight of stairs which the people seem to be rather crazy about. I am not a big fan of the place if you ask me, but it’s easily accessible and looks pretty. This is where you can indulge in some seasonal wild fruits, roasted corn, tea, and coffee.

Jhaari Falls/Buttermilk falls

Chikmagalur itinerary - Buttermilk falls

Located deep inside a private coffee estate is the most beautiful waterfall of Chikmagalur – the Jhaari falls. It leaves up to its nickname Buttermilk falls especially during the monsoon. I still remember that scary drive in the hills last year when our vision was blurred by the monsoon mist. The mesmerizing view of the Jhari falls is what made our day. You cannot enter the coffee estate without hiring jeeps from that estate itself. Even walking was not allowed when we went, although I have read a couple of blogs mention that it is.

Bababudangiri Hills

Next on the same route is our second hill spot – the Bababudangiri hills. It is named after a Muslim saint Baba Budan who lived here in the 17th century. Legend has that he smuggled some coffee beans from Arab and sowed the first seeds of coffee here. Today Chikmagalur is called the land of coffee for the huge coffee production in the region. The views from the top of Bababudangiri hills is absolutely delightful. The place is also sacred to the Hindus as there is a cave which is believed to have been the residence of a Hindu saint, Sri Dattareya Swami. If fortunate you can get a glimpse of the rare Neelakurinji flowers which bloom once every 12 years.

Toy train at Mahatma Gandhi park

The Mahatma Gandhi Park is a large park decked in beautiful trees and flowers and a musical fountain. But the main attraction here is the Toy Train ride in the hills. The entry fee to the park is just Rs. 2 and for a train ride, the ticket price per person is Rs. 10. That is crazy cheap fare for a fun ride. Don’t expect too much from it, and you will thoroughly enjoy it. I especially loved the views from the train ride. It’s not a must-visit but a nice place to visit with family, friends and kids alike.

Coffee museum(closed on weekends)

Seriously, I don’t understand what’s the point of having a museum that remains closed on the weekends! But that’s what it is. Visiting the coffee museum in the land of coffee was on top of my bucket-list but we missed it anyway. If you visit on a working weekday and get a chance to visit it, do share with me your thoughts in the comments.

Sunset at Hirekolale lake

Now you may not have time for it in day 1 but if you do, drive to the beautiful Hirekolale lake. I am sure the sunset must be magical there. I visited the lake in the morning the next day and was charmed by its beauty even though I couldn’t capture it well in the rains. It is not very big, but one of the most beautiful lakes that I have seen.

Ayyankere Lake

Ayyankere Lake is another beautiful artifical lake in Chikmagalur. It’s historically significant because it is believed to have been built long ago and renovated in 1156 AD during the reign of the Hoysala rulers. There fascinating legends around the lake located 18km from the Chimmagalur town adds to its charm. The Shakunagiri peak rising to 4600 ft provides the perfect photgenic backdrop for the lake.

Coffee and tea plantations of Chikmagalur.

There’s not much you have to do to find a coffee estate in Chikmagalur. Most resorts and Airbnbs have one in the backdrop. Even if it’s not on the premises of your hotel, you will find it on both sides of the road when you are driving towards Mullyangiri. Some of the best waterfalls like the Jhaari falls and Hebbe Falls is located within a coffee estate. Although it is known for coffee, the landscape of Chikmagalur is also adorned by some large tea plantations. You can enjoy both on your trip. This is one thing you cannot miss when in Chikmagalur.

You can also experience aromatic coffee groves in Wayanad if you plan to visit Kerala.

Explore around Kemmangundi

If it’s your second weekend trip to Chikmagalur and you have already visited the places on my suggestive itinerary you can visit the nearby hill stations. One of the most beautiful hill stations near Chikmagalur is Kemmangundi, which is located in the same district Chikmagalur. You can trek to the Kemmanagudi peak, visit the famous Hebbe falls and the beautiful temples of the Hoysala period.

Bhadra wildlife sanctuary

Bhadra wildlife sanctuary is a part of the UNESCO natural heritage spots in the Western Ghats. Located between Chikmagalur and Shimoga, this site is home to 120 species of trees and 250 species of birds. A famous attraction here is the Bhadra dam built on the mighty Tungabhadra river. This place is known for adventure activities like jeep safari, water-rafting, rock-climbing, and camping.

Want to know more about the Western Ghats of India? Read my dream Western Ghats road trip itinerary .

Temples of Belur and Halebeed

Belur and Halebeed are the temple towns that you will come across on your way to Chikmagalur. The Chennakesava temple of Belur, built in 12th Century AD is the most prominent landmarks of Belur. The intricate stone carvings at this temple is a part of the Hoysala trail of South India. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Take a day tour of Belur and Halebeed with Get your Guide on a 3-day trip.

Where to stay in Chikmagalur?

Chikmagalur town is the best place to stay if you want to explore most of the places. But to appreciate the slow rural lifestyle in the Chikmagaluru district, stay at a place away from the town. On our first visit, we stayed at Sunrise Treebo hotel, a 3-star property near the Basavanna lake in Chikmagalur town. It was in the town-side and made it very convenient for us to explore the key places listed on my itinerary. On our second visit, we stayed at a homestay in a village at the foothills of Mullyangiri. We spent the whole morning exploring the coffee estate and the gardens in the property. The Serai Chikmagalur has raving reviews if you looking for luxury resorts.

So this was a short introduction to the beautiful hill station of Chikmagalur. Subscribe to receive weekly updates on blog-posts and our recent trips. You can follow our journey in India and abroad on Instagram and Facebook. If you like this article please do not forget to comment and share with others. You may also enjoy reading about other hill stations near Bangalore – Shimoga , Kodaikanal , and Munnar .

See you next week with another travel story.

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Sinjana Ghosh is a full-time business professional with a penchant for writing and travel planning. Backpack & Explore is a journal of her travel stories and tips she collected from her experience. She is the author of the travel book “Postcards from India” which is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Notionpress.com

32 Comments

A wonderful compilation of everything one needs to know about this place! We did plan for a getaway to Chikmagalur, this summer, but couldn’t materialize it. Shall peek in again into this post when planning a trip 🙂

Thanks Meenakshi. Plan a trip in August – October when it gets light showers.

I love how you always find these unique natural gems in India to take road trips to. This place looks so beautiful with those hills, waterfalls, and coffee plantations. And seriously who keeps a museum closed on the weekends. We are planning a trip to Belur Halebid sometime. I will try and include this wonderful Chikmagalur Roadtrip Itinerary too. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you Soumya. I hope you include Chikgalur trip to in your itinerary. June to October is a great time to visit.

you have the best road trip ever! you have a beautiful view, and you can see the waterfall! you can have so many activities, i just can say “the best road trip!” thank you for sharing x

I cetraintly think of tea plantations. but I’d never have associated coffee with India. This sounds right up my street, I’ve visited coffee plantations in South East Asia, and love when you can sample all the different varieties. It was shame (and crazy from the managements part) that the shop is closed at weekends. Even in the wet weather, then place still looks stunning, much prettier than the cold uk rain we have.

Thank you so much. I am more of a tea lover, but my parents did buy freshly roasted and grounded coffee from the plantations we stayed at.

Thank you so much Becki for your comment. I am yet to visit south-east Asia, but m longing for a trip there. You will certainly enjoy the Indian monsoons in Western Ghats.

We had been to Chikmagalur and absolutely loved it. And yes, the trip to Bhadra is definitely recommenced…

Thank you so much 🙂

I’m a sucker for coffee! My typical day has atleast 4-5 coffees, and that is after I’ve reduced drinking coffee! So far, I’ve used coffee 4 times in this comment. So yeah, I luuuuuurve coffee!!! Hahaha…. I’ve been to a couple of coffee plantations but yet to visit Chikmangalur. Thanks for this itinerary! Good to know the Hoysala marvels are in the route from Bangalore to Chikmangalur. Bababudangiri hills look fascinating. The way you’re sitting at the tip looks just wow! I should definitely visit Jhaari falls as well!

Thanks Bhushavalli. You should definitely visit Chikmagalur and buy the freshly roasted coffee then. Jhaari falls is a must-see.

I absolutely love road trips and my favourite one was a trip to Coorg and Chikmagalur. Loved the greenery, plantation and the hills. We didn’t do any treks since I was with my kid but I loved exploring the Bhadra wildlife sanctuary. I was there during monsoon and loved the freshness it brought along.

Wow. I am yet to visit the Bhadra wildlife park but I loved the small treks.

That waterfall is amazing! Looks like visiting during monsoon season isn’t all that bad if you’re rewarded with such a view. Every time I read posts about India I am amazed at how diverse the country is and this is no exception. Coffee is definitely not something I would have associated with India, but now I know better. A great way to spend a few days in nature!

Wow! Chikmagalur sounds like the dream vacation that I didn’t know existed. I love coffee and trekking and your itinerary satisfies both. In particular, the Jabari and Buttermilk Falls look amazing. I like that you provided two itineraries for families and friends. Very helpful for planning purposes!

Thank you so much. I realise the struggle especially because our parents are not particularly used to travels

I haven’t been in Chikmagalur. It looks like a great place to visit. I love coffee so I think I’ll put this in my travel bucket list as this is considered as “The Land of Coffee.” Hope to book my ticket soon!

What a great idea to set out different itineraries depending on who is going to accommodate everyone. The thought of staying at an Airbnb on a coffee plantation sounds enchanting and practical. I also don’t understand museums that close on Sundays – don’t most people visit during the weekend? Great list of stops along the way too for a beautiful weekend (and those waterfalls look amazing!).

Thanks, Annick. Seriously, most museums are closed on Monday or some other weekday. Keeping it closed on both the weekends sound silly.

This is an elaborate itinerary for sure. I have been to Chikmagalur but I missed a couple of places. I did not know about the buttermilk falls. They look great. Coffee museum sounds great. I too don’t understand why are museums closed on Sundays or weekends. Loved the misty captures.

Thanks Manjulika! I am longing to visit again.

I am happy to have found this blog. It is an apt itinerary to follow. Keep posting!

Hi there. Really enjoyed reading this page

Wow looks amazing road trip to chickmangalur feeling excited to visit this place soon. Loved your blog feeling happy by reading your blog you have shared a great thing to us.

Thanks Nishi! Good to know you liked it.

Thanks so much…I will be traveling with senior citizens and most travel blogs don’t take that into account. Your tips were really helpful!

thanks for your comment. I wish you an amazing trip.

Nicely written about my birth place, please visit us again and stay in my homestay

Thanks Keerthana.

Hii Sinjana, very well articulated. Can i post your blog in my webiste ??

Hi Kashif. Thanks for your kind words? Which website is it?

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Chasing Chikmagalur with solo traveler Parth!

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Surprise Destinations

Chikmagalur is a wonderful hill-station of Karnataka housing holy caves, breath-taking mountain peaks, and lush greenery amidst cascading waterfalls and exquisite flora and fauna. WanderTrust had planned a surprise trip for Mr. Parth Pathak traveling solo to this paradise of India. Let’s explore Parth’s trip and experience.

Parth is a travel-phile who has a special place for tours in his heart and is always looking forward to the smallest chances to wander. Parth like many others found us on Instagram. This is what he has to say about choosing WanderTrust-

I always plan my travel myself, just look out for well famous places on internet and cook-up a trip. But I have always felt that there are many unexplored places which I cannot find or plan for on my own, and that is why I wanted to give this unique concept of WanderTrust a try. I was a little awkward in the beginning because a surprise trip not something I have opted in the past, but I knew I really wanted to give it a shot.

Team WanderTrust takes up every new assignment as an opportunity to challenge its limits. Let us know more about the pre-planning phase of the trip.

The revelation of the destination

The team was very keen on planning a wonderful getaway for Parth and we took note of all his preferences and expectations to do the same for him. Well, all Parth had to do after that was relax and think of the mystery destination.

Frankly, I was just astonished with the friendliness and the comfort that the team provided me with, I was a little afraid in the beginning if all this might be genuine, but the service seriously had me in awe. I had never even heard of Chikmagalur when I received the envelope, then I just surfed about it and it seemed so wonderful.

Well, we are so glad to have won your trust Parth, let’s have a look at the trip!

It’s time for Chikmagalur!

Since Parth was a solo traveler we encouraged him to experience a true backpacker’s spirit by having accommodation in the Zostel at Chikmagalur.

I think staying in this suggested accomodation was the best experience of the trip. I got to meet several new people with each one having their own story to tell. I even made a few friends from India and abroad who are still in touch with me. I have never been talking to strangers like this, but this place was different! I have no words.

Chikmagalur is famous for its serene environment, lush green forests, and tall mountains. Baba Budangiri, Mulliyangiri, and Kemmanagundi are among the must-visit places.

So my most special moment of this trip was visiting the Mulliyangiri peak. Due to land slides the usual route was blocked and I had almost thought that I would have to miss it. But with the help of locals, I managed to visit it. Away from the crowd, alone and free! It was amazing.

The verdict

When asked if they found this trip unique from the trips taken in the past, Parth said:

Everything about this trip is just too special and unique for me. It is the small moments in this trip that really made it worth. I still remember the wonderful coffee of Chikmagalur everytime I drink coffee after coming back.

Parth rates his trip a 10/10!

We are glad that we could create such a trip for Parth. What are you waiting for? Come and book one such experience with WanderTrust. Head to our website and fill in this short survey form to get on the board.

This Is One Place You Must Visit If You Love A Caffeine Dose! - A Coffee Lover's Story

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Day 1: In the Coffee Land

Day 2: Exploring Chikmagalur

Day 3: The Rains and the Coffee Factory

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Chikmagalur Itinerary For 3 Days – 72 Hours In Chikmagalur

Located 241 KM or a 4-hour drive from Bangalore, Chikmagalur is a beautiful hill station in the Karnataka state of India. This beautiful hill station is also known as the Coffee Land Of Karnataka . With its pleasant weather, beautiful mountain ranges, amazing waterfalls, lakes, coffee plantations and ancient temples, Chikmagalur attracts tourists from all around. In this comprehensive Chikmagalur itinerary, we will take you on a journey through the exciting journey of Baba Budangiri, Mullayanagiri Peak, Z Point, Hebbe Falls, Jhari Falls, Kudremukh, Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, river rafting, and hidden gems of this captivating destination.

Whether you’re seeking tranquility, thrilling adventures, or a rendezvous with nature, Chikmagalur has something for everyone. Join us as we unravel the beauty, adventure, and serenity that await you in Chikmagalur. Let the journey begin!

Best Time To Visit

September to May is the best time to visit Chikmagalur. During these months the climate stay pleasant with avg temperature of 14 to 35 degree Celsius. Also, the cool breeze through the mountains makes the weather perfect for sightseeing and adventurous activities like trekking, hiking, rafting and biking. The winter season (September to February) is perfect for activities like trekking & hiking and summer (March to May) is best for exploring the top tourist attractions of Chikmagalur.

How To Reach

In the last couple of years, Chikmagalur becomes a hotspot among travelers. Therefore, Chikmagalur has excellent connectivity via road and railway. And if you’re coming from other parts of the country then Mangalore has the nearest airport around 150 KM away from Chikmagalur.

Chikmagalur Itinerary For 3 Days

Start Your Day Early in the morning
Z Point – 2 to 3 hours
Hebbe Falls – 2 hour
Coffee Plantation
Kodanda Rama temple
Start your day by seeking blessing at Veera Narayana Temple in Belavadi
Mullayanagiri Peak – 2 hours
Jhari Waterfalls – 2 hours
Baba Budangiri 2 hours
Manikyadhara Falls – 2 hours
Rafting in Bhadra River
Enjoy the Sunset at Hirekolale Lake

Day 1 In Chikmagalur:

1. z point, kemmanagundi (58 km).

Start your trip early in the morning around 5 PM as in the afternoon the way to Z point gets overcrowded with lots of cars and bikes.
You would need around 1 hour to reach the starting point of Z point from Chikmagalur.
This is the perfect time to enjoy the stunning sunrise at top of the point.
Try to pack your breakfast.

Z Point is one of the best short treks in Karnataka that is famous for offering amazing views of the Western Ghats. Located 57 KM away from Chikmagalur, Z Point is one of the best places to visit on your 2 day trip to Chikmagalur. To reach the top of the point you need to cover a 3 KM trek that traverses through the thick forest, steep hills, beautiful waterfalls, wonderful views and refreshing breeze. While going towards the point don’t forget to stop at Shanti Falls which is located around 1.5 KM from the starting point of the trek.

Trip Duration – 2 to 3 hours

After completing the trek eat your packed breakfast and leave for Hebbe falls.

2. Hebbe Falls (66 KM)

After admiring the beauty of Z Point, let’s head up to Hebbe Falls which is located around 8 KM from the Z Point. Situated amidst the dense forest and high mountain peaks, Hebbe Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Karnataka. The journey to the waterfall makes it more beautiful as the way is surrounded by dense forest and coffee plantations. To reach there you need to take a jeep from the forest counter that charges around 3200 INR per jeep (6 to 8 people) including return. After covering the 13 KM by jeep you need to take the short trail of 1 KM to reach the bottom of the Hebbe Fall.

Don’t forget to take bath in the water of Hebbe Falls as the water comes through the mountain then it is believed that water is infused with medical herbs offering healing qualities for skin diseases.

Trip Duration – You must spend 2 to 3 hours enjoying this natural wonder at its best.

You can explore both Z Point and Hebbe Falls before 12 PM in the afternoon. If you get more time then you can also explore the Kalhatti Falls which is located 14 KM from Hebbe Falls. Now, after exploring these places have lunch and move back to Chikmagalur to explore Coffee Plantation.

3. Coffee Plantation

After enjoying the beauty of Z point and Hebbe fall now it’s time to explore the Coffee plantation of Chikmagalur – The Coffee Land of India. Wandering in these Coffee Plantations is going to be the best part of your 2 days trip. There are many local coffee estates where you can go and witness some of the freshest coffee being planted and brewed. As you enter the coffee plantation you will be greeted by the sweet aroma of coffee beans. You’ll find many locals harvesting coffee beans. You can also try to harvest the coffee beans. These coffee plantations is heaven for coffee lovers.

Top coffee estates in Chikmagalur – Taj Garden for Panduranga coffee, Arabic coffee available in Eagle Eye, Jungle Greens for Vanilla Coffee, Woodway estates for Blended Coffee and Riverwoods for Mysore Coffee.
Pro Trip – Try to stay in these homestays and resorts to enjoy the coffee plantation. There are many coffee plantation homestays in Chikmagalur that keep organizing tours and activities in which they give brief about history and the process behind making the coffee powder.
Trip Duration – 3 Hours

4. Kodanda Rama temple (3.5 KM)

After enjoying all the natural beauty now it’s time to go to Kodanda Rama temple where you can seek some peace for your soul. Located 3.5 KM away from Chikmagalur at the Sampangi Rama Nagar of Hiremagalur, the Kodanda Rama temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is one of the most ancient temples of Lord Rama where the idol of Goddess Sita is placed at the right-hand side of Lord Rama.

According to the legends, this is the place where Lord Parshurama requested Rama to show the scene of his marriage. And due to that Sita is placed at the right side of Rama and Lakshmana to his left. This temple is also famous for its amazing Dravidian-style architecture. In the complex of the temple, you can see many idols of Lord Hanuman, Ram, Laxman, Yoga Narasimha, Kalinga, and Mardhana Krishna. Since it is located near the main town then you can visit it any day of the trip.

How to reach : You can easily get a bus, taxi or cab from the main town to the temple.

Day 2 In Chikmagalur:

5. veera narayana temple in belavadi (29 km).

Start your day with the blessing of Lord Vishnu at Veera Narayana temple of Belavadi. Located just 29 KM from Chikmagalur, the Veera Narayana temple was built in the 13th century by the Hoysala empire. The temple is situated in Belavadi town which is mentioned in the Hindu epic of Mahabharata. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Krishna and Venugopala. The Indian architecture is the main highlight of this temple especially the design of the idol of Lord Krishna is wonderful. There are 108 pillars in the sanctum and each of them is carved beautifully. Surely, with its design, peace and surroundings it is a must-visit place when you’re in Chikmagalur.

Trip to duration – 1 to 2 hours
How to reach – You can easily get a bus to taxi to reach up there.

6. Mullayanagiri Peak (20 KM)

After seeking the blessing of Lord Vishnu now it’s time to head up to the highest peak of Karnataka , Mullayanagiri Peak. Located 20 KM from Chikmagalur, Mullayanagiri Peak is situated at a height of 6317 feet. After parking your vehicle you need to climb around 550 steps to reach the top of the peak. There is a temple of Lord Shiva at the top of Mullayanagiri Peak. At the top, you’ll get amazing views of the Western Ghat ranges. Therefore, there you can capture some Instagrammable clicks.

Trip Duration – 2 hours would be enough to enjoy the beauty of this peak.
Pro tip – Try to come early in the morning to capture the amazing sunrise.

7. Jhari or Buttermilk Waterfalls (22 KM)

After the Mullayanagiri peak now it’s time to visit another famous waterfall of Chikmagalur, Jhari Falls. Located 11 KM from the Mullayangiri peak, Jhari Falls is surrounded by coffee plantations and dense forest. After reaching the entry point you need to hire a jeep that charges you around 700 INR per jeep (max of 6 people) including return. The 4 KM jeep ride to the fall is full of scenic views and adventure as the road condition is not so good. After reaching there you can easily spend an hour with the soothing sound of falling water and amazing views.

Trip duration – 2 hours

8. Baba Budangiri Hill (33 KM)

Now it’s time to explore the Baba Budangiri mountain which is famous for its shrine of Baba Budan, a pilgrimage spot for Hindus and Muslims. There you can visit three caves with buried Siddhas. Also, this is the place where Baba Budan brought 7 Coffee beans from Yemen and planted the coffee for the first time in this region.

4KM to the left there is a lake named Galikere Lake where you can get clear water with beautiful views. And 4KM to the right of the parking area there is place Gali Gopura where you can experience the freezing winds.

Trip Duration – 2 hours

9. Manikyadhara Falls (33 KM)

After exploring Baba Budan Giri, you can trek to Manikyadhara waterfalls. This 30 feet high waterfall is an amazing place to capture the amazing beauty of the Western Ghats. Located 7 KM from Baba Budangiri Dattatreya Peetha, Manikyadhara is the best place to visit when you’re in Chikmagalur. It is considered a holy site for both Hindus and Muslims. There you can find lots of shops around the waterfall selling herbs and medicine. The best thing about this fall is that it doesn’t get drained even in summer.

Day 3 In Chikmagalur

10. rafting in bhadra river.

Start your day 3 in Chikmagalur by rafting in the Bhadra River. Chikmagalur is heaven for adventure seekers and rafting is one of the most famous activities among adventure lovers. And the clear crystal water of the Bhadra River is best for rafting in Chikmagalur. The river originates from the Kudremukh in the western ghats and flows through the southern part of the Deccan Plateau.

The 8 KM stretch of rafting with 4 to 4 rapids of class 3 and above would excite any adventure lover. You need to work hard as a team to cross this 8 KM stretch of rapids and it would take around 1 and half hours.

Floating in the boat with your friends with the scenic splendor of the western ghats and Bhadra wildlife sanctuary will make your experience memorable.

Best time for rafting – June to August
Cost of rafting – 1800 to 3000 INR depending on the season

11. Hirekolale Lake

Now after the amazing experience of rafting, it’s time to enjoy one of the best sunsets of Chikmagalur at Hirekolale Lake. Situated just 9 KM from Chikmagalur, Hirekolale lake is a man-made lake. It is the main source of drinking water for Chikmagalur and other nearby towns.

Surrounded by the lush green mountains, this lake offers stunning views of the sunrise & sunset. These scenic views would excite any photographers so be ready with your camera. And don’t forget to capture the sunset shot.

Away from the crowd of the main town, this lake is perfect to enjoy quality time with family and friends. And the drive from Chikmagalur to this lake would be an amazing experience.

Where To Stay In Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur has no dearth of places to stay. From luxury resorts to budget hotels, comfortable homestays to friendly hostels and riverside camps to coffee estate homestays, Chikmagalur has various staying options. And here we listed we top 3 hotels in Chikmagalur which you must check –

Trivik Hotels & Resort

Location – Channagondanahalli, Vasthur Hobli, Elunoorkhan Rd, Mullayangiri, Chikkamagaluru
Rating – 4.7 (1941 Reviews)
Price – 23000 INR

Nexstay Coffee Grove Resort

Location – Anishka Plantation, Kelagur, Aldur Hobli, Chikkamagaluru District
Rating – 4.4 (1424 Reviews)
Price – 11518 INR

The Hosteller Chikmagalur

Location – Devirama Temple Path, Arasinaguppe
Rating – 4.8 (367 Reviews)
Price – 1580 INR

Chikmagalur Travel Tips

Chikmagalur and other nearby regions are blessed with lots of attractions. So, to avoid any kind of inconvenience always plan your trip. And to get the best experience follow our 3-day Chikmagalur itinerary.
A rental bike or scooter is the best option to travel around Chikmagalur. As the taxi charges are high and sometimes they stuck in traffic too.
Apart from remote areas like Hebbe Falls, Kudremukh and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary the network connectivity is good in Chikmagalur.
Avoid trekking or hiking during monsoon season as the path become slippery.
Come back to your place before getting dark as there might be chances that you get attacked by wild animals.
Travel slowly to enjoy most of your Chikmagalur trip.
To avoid leeches while trekking always wear full sleeves and carry salt.
Pack light woolen and full sleeves if you’re coming here in the monsoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: how many days are enough for chikmagalur.

2 days and 3 nights would be the ideal time to explore the major tourist attraction of Chikmagalur. On day 1 you explore the Mullayanagiri Peak, Baba Budan Giri, Jhari Falls, and Manikyadhar Falls while on the second day, you can visit the Z point, Hebbe Falls, Kalhatti Falls, Coffee plantation and Veera Narayana temple.

Q2: Which month is best to visit Chikmagalur?

Feb, March, April, May and June are the best months to enjoy Chikmagalur. The temperature varies from 15 deg to 24 deg Celsius.

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The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary For Chikmagalur

By Ruchi Joshi

13 Mar, 2023

The expansive stretch of eye-pleasing greenery along with the intoxicating smell of coffee and tea wafting from all directions. Similarly, the weather is so pleasant throughout the year that you feel drawn towards it. The experience of co-living with nature and reconnecting with your spiritual side. That is our Chikmagalur. A little district in western Karnataka, Chikmagalur is located approximately at a distance of 250 km from the metro city of Bangalore. A weekend is all one needs to plan an excursion to Chikmagalur. It is situated at a height of approximately 3,400 feet above sea level and experiences a gratifying atmosphere with moderate temperature, making it a perfect getaway. Our 3-day itinerary for Chikmagalur will help you explore it to the fullest.

The History Of Chikmagalur

Picture - Unsplash

Do you know what Chikmagalur means? It can be translated into English as “younger daughter’s town”. Chikmagalur popularly known as the “land of coffee” so if you are someone who loves coffee you will love visiting various coffee estates here. Locals believe that Babu Budan, a Sufi saint, brought the coffee seeds to Chikmagalur from Yemen and so Chikmagalur is the first place in India to cultivate coffee and introduce it to the rest of the country. In case you are a tea person, do not feel disappointed. There are plenty of tea plantations around the town to shower your love on.

Here Is A 3-day Itinerary For Chikmagalur To Help You Plan Your Next Trip:

How to reach chikmagalur .

Chikmagalur does not have an airport but you can take a flight to the nearest Mangalore Airport. It is located at a distance of approximately 145 km. You can then choose to either take a bus to Chikmagalur or hire a cab. It will take you around 3 – 4 hours by road to reach your destination.

By Train:

Even though it has a railway station, it is not well connected with the major cities but don’t be disheartened if you can’t find a direct train to Chikmagalur. You can reach Gudur railway station (you can get any train from Mumbai, Kolhapur, Hubli and Goa to reach here), located at a distance of approximately 40 km, and continue the second half of the journey by road.

You can opt for public or private buses to reach Chikmagalur and enjoy the quaint vibes of the surrounding. Also, the best part about reaching Chikmagalur Bus Station is that it is only 600 m away from our hostel and within walking distance.

Taking your own private vehicle is definitely going to be the best option after all we all crave that perfect road trip, don’t we? Chikmagalur is well connected by road to all the major cities.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread across an area of 492 square kilometres, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is home to more than 120 species of trees, 56 exotic butterfly species, 300+ species of birds and rich flora and fauna. From crocodiles to leopards to osprey, get a chance to spot some of the most amazing and exotic wildlife either through jeep safari, boat safari or bus safari. Take a pair of binoculars along with you for a better glimpse of wild boar, spotted deer, sloth bear, porcupine, black leopard, chital, orangutan, bamboo pit viper, king cobra, Malabar parakeets, ruby-throated bulbul, great black woodpecker, rat snake, Russell’s viper and many more. For those with a penchant for wildlife photography, bird watching and trekking, it is a must-visit. It takes a couple of hours on average to explore it through safari.

Entry fee

There are no entry fees as such but the fee for a jeep safari is ₹400 per person for Indian nationals and ₹1200 per person for foreign nationals. The bus safari would cost you around ₹300 per person.

You can visit the sanctuary between 6:30 am to 8:30 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Hebbe Waterfalls

Blessed with divine beauty, Hebbe Waterfalls emanates from a height of 551 ft in two stages. One is called Dodda Hebbe (big falls) and another is called Chikka Hebbe (small falls). It is surrounded by greenery and the wonders of nature. You can reach the waterfalls either through a thrilling little trek or you can opt for a jeep safari to take you to the base of the waterfall. Take a dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall containing exotic herbs with medicinal qualities. It is one of those places you simply cannot afford to miss during your 3-day itinerary for Chikmagalur . This cascading waterfall is located near some of the best trekking trails and vantage points in the town like Kemmangundi Hill, Kalhatti falls, etc.

There is no entry fee to visit Hebbe Waterfalls but it will cost approximately ₹400 per person if you decide to take a jeep safari to reach the location.

Hebbe Waterfalls can be visited at any time between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Kemmangundi Hill

Stemming from the Kannada language, Kemmangundi translates to 'a place with red soil'. Kemmanagundi Hills, situated at a height of approximately 1,434 meters above sea level, is a wide expanse of soul-soothing greenery maintained by the Department of Horticulture (Karnataka). The view from the hill point is so mesmerizing that you will have your mouth gaping at the sight of hillocks, ornamental gardens and valleys. It is close to the famous Hebbe Waterfalls so you can enjoy the view of a beautiful sunset if you follow our itinerary. It is advisable to wear full-length outfits to protect yourself as the region is full of leeches. You will be treading the path of nature in its full glory so it would be prudent to wear a pair of sturdy trekking shoes.

There is no entry fee to visit the hills and is open to all.

You can visit it at any time between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Town Canteen

The most loved eatery of tourists and locals alike is the Town Canteen restaurant in Chikmagalur. The seating area might not have anything special to it but the food is going to give you the best foodgasm. It is also reasonably priced so it's a win-win. You must try their filter coffee, Panduranga coffee, Masala Dosa, gulab jamun, Benne dose, Khara bath, Bisibelebath and Bonda soup. You have to add this location to your 3-day itinerary to Chikmagalur.

Mullayanagiri Peak

Nestled in the lap of nature is Mullayanagiri - one of the best and most popular destinations for someone travelling to Chikmagalur . Situated at a height of approximately 1,950 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in the town. The weather and temperature lean heavily on the side of pleasant and calming. Due to the height, you will not find mobile reception here but hey, you can still click all the amazing photos and videos as you trek to the top of the peak. Make sure to wear your trekking shoes and comfortable attire as the climb is a tiny bit difficult as Mullayanagiri Peak has an inclination of 60 degrees. You can even hire a trekking instructor for this amazing trek or you can simply take help from our community managers and staff at The Hosteller Chikmagalur.

There is no entry fee so yay!

You can visit it anytime but it is advisable to visit between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Kallathigiri Falls

Kallathigiri Falls is also known as Kalhatti Falls. It is quite famous amongst the religious people and locals because of the Veerabhadreshwara Temple. You can experience tranquillity and spirituality here as the surrounding is packed with lush green natural beauty. Kallathigiri Waterfall originates and gushes down from Chandra Drona Hills at a height of about 400 feet. There are ample opportunities around the falls to explore the area through trekking and hiking. Make sure to be considerate towards the local sentiments and not litter the area. Since there are so many leeches in the area wear an appropriate outfit to protect yourself from any harm. Be careful while treading on the rocks surrounding the waterfall as they might be slippery.

Anyone and everyone can visit this marvellous waterfall and it does not have any entry fee.

It is advisable to visit Kallathigiri Falls after sunrise and before sunset.

Coffee Estate Tour

Considering Chikmagalur is famously known as the "land of coffee" and that it was the first place in India to cultivate coffee, you can NOT miss visiting coffee estates. Your 3-day itinerary for Chikmagalur is incomplete without a tour of these estates to get lost in the world of coffee. Inhale the strong aroma of your beloved coffee as you get to understand how it is cultivated and what processes it goes through before reaching you in a package. You can try your favourite beverage right there. It is quite a relaxing and soothing experience to have.

Baba Budangiri

Also known as Chandra Drona Parvat Shreni, Baba Budangiri is a mountain in the western ghats of Karnataka. With majestic views and thrilling treks, Baba Budangiri tops the charts of the places to visit in Chikmagalur. It is located at a height of 1,865 meters above sea level. Considered pious by both Hindus and Muslims, it is frequented by people for the dargah of Baba Budangiri. It is called 'Sri Guru Dattatreya Baba Budan Swamy Dargah’. According to the local legends, Baba Budan was a Sufi saint who came to this mountain and started meditating in the cave where once Dattatreya (Hindu God) meditated. This is the reason why Baba Budan's shrine is revered by people of different faiths. Do visit the shrine located at the top of the mountain.

There is no entry fee.

Visit it between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Siri Coffee

The ambience and the aesthetics of the place are quite heartwarming with a huge statue of a lady. The greenery adds to the vibe of the place. The food is delicious and coffee/tea is perfect to begin your day with. Their outdoor seating area is just amazing. The prices are reasonable. You must try their filter coffee, coffee ice cream, breakfast menu, etc. Make your 3-day itinerary for Chikmagalur more interesting by adding this cute location to it.

Sharadamba Temple

It is believed that the foundation of Sharadamba Temple was laid in the 8th Century by Shri Adi Shankaracharya during one of his travels down the country. It was later renovated by the Vijayanagara rulers. This Goddess Saraswati temple is famous for its intricate designs and carvings of modern Dravidian style. The fine craftsmanship is something you will find mesmerizing about this temple. Also, the building of the temple is definitely an attractive aspect for all architecture enthusiasts, archaeology enthusiasts and even a common person. Originally the statue of Goddess Saraswati was made out of sandalwood in a standing posture but it has been replaced by a golden statue in a seated position. Tug the threads of spirituality in you upon your visit to this marvellous temple and get charmed by the beauty that it beholds.

No entry fees

Sharadamba Temple is open for visitors between 6:00 am to 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Kadambi Waterfall

Located in the vicinity of Kudremukh National Park with a height of 30 feet, Kadambi Waterfall is surrounded by an abundance of flourishing greenery. Making your trip to the waterfall more fun is the little trek leading you into the beauty of Kadambi Waterfall. You can take a dip or a shower under the waterfall and feel every cell in your body rejuvenating. It is peaceful and relaxing to sit by the stream of water rushing down the rocks, making its own sweet music. Wear your most comfortable outfit with shoes and take care as it can get a bit slippery there. Look out for the leeches too. You can carry extra attire in case you want to take the full experience of the pool forming at the base of the waterfall.

There is no entry fee at the waterfall.

You can plan your visit between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Horanadu Temple

Horanadu Temple in Chikmagalur is a temple dedicated to the Goddess Annapoorneshwari. Built in the 8th century, this temple also boasts of its beautiful architecture and detailed designs carved on the walls. Locals believe that with the blessings bestowed by the Goddess Annapoorneshwari, one will never go empty stomach ever again. The statue of the goddess Annapoorneshwari is coated in a layer of gold at this temple. The prasad served is actually a three-course meal along with sweets. Men remove their shirts and t-shirts, and only cover their shoulders with a towel or shawl while entering the temple.

There is no fee for entry

You can visit the temple between 6:30 am to 9:00 am, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm.

Vishnu Delicacy

The reasonably priced and lip-smacking food is served at one of the most loved restaurants in Chikhmangalur - Vishnu Delicacy. They have both AC and non-AC seating spaces. It is usually crowded on the weekends because of its popularity. The quantity and quality of food served are what make it even more amazing. During your 3-day itinerary for Chikmagalur, you must try their south Indian and north Indian thali, Baby corn Manchurian, Gobi Manchurian, etc.

The Hosteller Chikmagalur

Decked with wooden furniture, paved pathways leading to the hostel, creative murals by local artists and an earthy vibe, The Hosteller Chikmagalur is a backpacker’s paradise. It offers you a quirky and fun TV room, games room and oh, you can even play games like volleyball or badminton in the open space outside. Similarly, we organise movie nights which are more fun with travellers from different walks of life. The open in-house cafe is the perfect spot to hang out and make friends. With dorms and private rooms alike, our property in Chikmagalur is where all the fun happens. The hostel is surrounded by lush greenery and enthralling views. Lastly, it's the perfect budget-friendly location to add to your 3-day itinerary for Chikmagalur.

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Culturally Immersive & Responsible Travel

Road-trip to Chikmagalur: Experiences from the Coffee Land & Mullayanagiri- Highest Peak of Karnataka!

About this blog : We traveled to Chikmagalur after Bengaluru unlocked. It was a weekend trip from Bangalore. We stayed in Chikmagalur for 4 days, relaxing in the lap of the Western Ghats dazzling in the warmth of monsoon rains. An apt weekend destination, Chikmagalur is a rewarding road trip from Bengaluru, with plethora of cultural experiences, ancient temples of Belur and Halebidu, sumptuous Benne Dosa doused with butter, aromatic filter coffee and rolling hills covered with a blanket of evergreen forestland! If you are planning a trip to Chikmagalur, read this blog with essential travel tip sand secret finds!

Nights roll into days slowly as we count yet another spin around the Earth’s vertebrate. Homo Sapiens around the world patiently await normalcy. Nature reclaims the sprawling fields. Monsoon clouds roar. White night illuminates the poles and yet there is no “chaser” posing and rejoicing.

Visiting Chikmagalur was our frantic and desperate attempt to break the mundane and get closer to nature. As close as we could.

The second wave in India was nerve-wracking. After a prolonged slumber of a few months, we were slowly coming out of the shell. Bangalore unlocked. First for the weekdays, then for the weekends. The night curfews are still in place? Are the pubs and bars open yet? Are they serving alcohol? Is Coorg allowing tourists? Eager questions floated around. The state buses painted in red eventually hit the Karnataka highways connecting state’s hinterlands to the city that boasts of India’s info-tech prowess, Bangalore.

We were hesitant to move out of Karnataka. What if we get stuck in Goa ? What if Delhi undergoes the same eerie silence once again? What if we end up in a hospital without an oxygen cylinder? The what ifs are a scary zone, forever ruining the travel space. In current circumstances, they are all the more pressing.

Let us go to Chikmagalur!

We chose Chikmagalur. Not because we were keen on Chikmagalur. But the rest of the options were weighing heavier. Coorg, Goa and Pondicherry, the hot favourites of weekend destinations from Bangalore were cut off the list due to accessibility issues.

We had little to zero expectations from Chikmagalur. We knew the small hill town tucked away in the western ghats is famous for lush green coffee trails. But that is more or less the usual story of all of Western Ghats. What more? We searched the world of web and found a few trails and monsoon treks which were again off the list due to the small kid accompanying us. What more? There was no answer but we had no other options. “At least Chikmagalur lets us get away from the bustle of morose Bengaluru.” We said to ourselves. “At least this will be a holiday!” We thought.

Boy oh boy, could we have been more wrong?

S had been to Chikmagalur before. He said it is a place located right at the heart of nature. You do not have much to do there. You do not need much to do here. He stressed the last sentence but I did not quite trust him.

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Preparing for a road trip to Chikmagalur from Bangalore

At the wee hours of a monsoon morning, we started from Bengaluru. Driving to Chikmagalur requires you to drive the car for about 5 hours covering 243 km. In between, you come across a few toll gates and pit stops serving Mangalore special fish dishes or Bengaluru famous Empire chains.

The sky was overcast. The roads were long stretched and empty. The birds chirped sitting on the swaying palms dotting country roads. I felt elated as soon as we crossed the city boundary.

We had rented a car from Sawari rentals. The driver, Sai hailed from Hassan, a tier two city located midway between Bengaluru and Chikmagalur. He was blind at the heart of Bengaluru but manoeuvred the car like a trained stallion on NH 75.

We rented an Innova. The middle sit was perfect for a toddler who usually stays protected on a car seat. For 4 days it charged us 14 thousand INR. That included driver’s stay and food and a total commute distance of 900 km. Sai was a nice man who hardly spoke a word and surprisingly did not play music while driving. At the top of Mullayanagiri, he was more eager to click a selfie than the rest of the group! I recommend Sai highly if you are traveling with a family.

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The Western Ghats had packed a Surprise for our trip to Chikmagalur!

We say Chikmagalur but we were heading for a holiday at the foothills of Western Ghats. The iconic and ancient bio reserve, a UNESCO heritage sight that stands tall along the west of the Indian peninsula and an important factor for deciding climate factors for the rest of the country, Western Ghats is a minefield of experiences for a keen observer! The snow-capped Himalayas (think Tawang , Sikkim , Ladakh, Kargil and likes) steal the limelight on the gram but monsoon in the Western Ghats elevates the region to an ethereal aura. We had rented a hotel at Chikmagalur. The idea was to explore tourist attractions, a few peaks, plantations and beautiful lakes but head back to the usual comforts of a town by the end of the day.

Chikmagalur is a small town that came to prosperity with the boom of coffee trade. Baba Budan Giri’s Coffee plantation produces export quality coffee. It also happens to be the oldest plantation area in India. It has an interesting story of travel and pilgrimage associated with it. We will come to that later.

A little of it remains for local filter coffee consumption and the rest seamlessly gets shipped internationally. In early days, a few plantations opened their doors for experimental travelers. A family looking to spend the summer in the hills. A writer looking for a peaceful nook. A heartbroken lover seeking to deal with grief in the silence of towering trees. Chikmagalur was the secret gateway for all of them. The city grew. More footsteps followed suit. A few luxury properties bloomed in the dense forests of Chikmagalur. The Serai. Java rain resort. Trivik.

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Choosing a hotel in Chikmagalur is easy!

The hotels were beautiful but not prettier than the small town. It had a lot of characters. Two parallel roads run simultaneously with a thriving marketplace. I could walk there all day! A few small cafes. Coffee selling shops. Bakeries. Several silk saree shops. Old buildings with distinct architecture. A number of Canteens for a quick refreshment. Chikmagalur surprised us with the number of eateries. Arabic food was found in plenty.

I have previously stayed at a Rainforest Resort in Madikeri. The Taj Madikeri Resort is one of India’s finest and I remember the couple of days I spent in the absolute splendor of nature’s bounty. Vacations like them are tailor cut for the royalty. For the traveler keen on exploring local society, it is important to find a balance between nature and a semi-urban set up. I recommend you stay at the heart of the Chikmagalur Town if you are traveling on a budget.

We stayed at Hotel Aadrika Chikmagalur. This was a three star property located right at the heart of the city. Here is my honest review.

Pros of staying at Hotel Aadrika:

Centrally located. The bus depot is located right next to it. The auto stand is walking distance.
Market place is very close. So is a bakery and super markets.
Plenty of eating joints are operational outside. Swiggy and Zomato make food delivery a smooth experience.
The Service is nice and prompt.
Rooms are large enough. Rooms had large TV for Netflix and chill kinda days.
Food was decent. They allowed us to heat food for the child.

Cons of staying at Aadrika

They charge for water beyond two bottles of mineral bottles.
They charge of ice.
They charged for cutlery. That was a new thing!
Wi-fi was weak.

Overall, if you have your own wifi and carrying disposable plates, Aadrika was a decent hotels. We chose rooms with balcony. One had a view of the main road. the other one was looking at the hill ranges afar. Nothing outstanding though.

You may choose to watch my 4 part long travel vlogs from Chikmagalur. We traveled to Chikmagalur in July end, at the peak of monsoon. These travel vlogs are created in Bengali.

One day, the driver Sai said, most people come here to relax. I could not agree more. If you have seen our travel vlog series from Chikmagalur, you would know. We were mostly inside the hotel for four days. Except for a few hours when we were driving around the town or the hills. It was a nice little gateway with curated experiences that spanned from culture to nature to gourmet delights. I am gonna list out my favourite things to do in Chikmagalur so that when you plan your next trip to the hill station with family, you can add some of these to your Chikmagalur bucket list!

Also read: Most famous tourist destinations of Karnataka: Dekho Apna Desh!

10 Beautiful Cultural Experiences from Chikmagalur Roadtrip!

List of the best things to do in and around Chikmagalur!

Chikmagalur lies in close proximity to the ancient western ghat hills. The protected bio reserve has a rich history of flora, fauna and cultural ties of the region. Let alone coffee, the hills are often frequented by the Royal Bengal Tigers. Did you know Karnataka has the highest population of Royal Bengal tiger in India (and not the Sundarbans of West Bengal )?

Explore the ancient Hoysala temple clusters of Belud and Halebidu

On the way to Chikmagalur from Karnataka, you will come across the stunning Chennakeshava temple from the days of the Hoysala dynasty. It is located at Belur, a little ahead of the Hassan city. Hassan itself is famous for the Gorur dam on Hemavathi river. The fish dishes we eat in Karnataka are mostly procured from Hassan.

Belur is often referred to as the Varanasi of south India in ancient texts. The Hoysalas ruled the region in the early 11th century and Belur was the state capital. In recent times, the Chennakeshava or Keshava temple of Belur and Hoysaleswara temple of Halebidu have been proposed to be included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites from India.

The massive Gopura of Kesava temple of Belur city can be spotted from a distance. The Hoysala emblem of a lion is very much visible at Belur temple. Chenna Keshava temple is made from soft rocks. The finery and intricate detailing on the temple walls are comparable to that of Ajanta Ellora.

You need at least a couple of hours to study all the details engraved on the walls of these temples. The stories date back to contemporary life, courtroom, reign of the rulers, kings and queens, dancers and mythical depictions of Mahabharat and Puranas! Keep an eye open for the music instruments depicted through the stone work. It is a wonder how these artworks sustained the gnaw of time through thousand years and remained intact!

Pro tip: For a rather unusual experience, head to the Amrutesvara temple located in Shimoga district, closer to the town of Chikmagalur. The ancient Hoysala temple is dedicated to Vishnu. It was established by Amrita Dandanayaka, an army general from the king’s troops.

Explore the Stunning Coffee Trails of ancient Mountains, Chikmagalur

Located in the Malenadu region of Karnataka, the land of rain , Chikmagalur has a perfectly moderate climate for growing coffee! The plantations and estates are found everywhere as you leave the city behind and head towards the hills.

In India, coffee was first cultivated in the hills of Chikmagalur. Precisely the reason why the rolling hills in this part of the Western Ghats are specifically known as “Land of Coffee”.

As we approached the base of Mullayanagiri, we came across sprawling acres of coffee plantation. Estates and plantation workers have claimed the lower parts of the hills, somewhat reminding me of Darjeeling and the road to Kaziranga .

Variants like Arabica and Robusta grow here in tonnes. The finest Coffee of Chikmagalur is exported from India. Price of coffee in Chikmagalur ranges from 200 to 11000 per kg.

To experience the best of coffee trails of Chikmagalur, you need to spend a few nights at an estate. Ideally, choose to stay at one of the old estates, to taste the authentic old world charm of the land of coffee. Most of these estates are family run properties. You may come across a few guns in the living room. This is to scare away the wildlife, I was told.

“Wildlife frequents here?”

“Yes, many. Elephants, deer. Sometimes tigers. Though they shy away from humans.”

Buy Filter Coffee when Traveling in Chikmagalur

Traveling to Chikmagalur and not buying a packet of filter coffee equates to blasphemy! Many brands sell myriad varieties of coffee but try to get your pack from either Jayanthi cafe or Panduranga. Running since the days of India’s independence, Panduranga coffee is a family run business. The shop is centrally located at the market. It is run by a group of efficient local women.

At Panduranga Coffee experience center, I even found a classic filter kapi mug, dazzling in the glitters of gold! Perfect for a discerning traveler to collect as a souvenir. The lower bottom of this set is to help you blend the filter concentrate with that of a thick later of milk.

Glide to the Western Ghats, Especially in Rainy Chikmagalur

It is always a delight to be in the Western Ghats during the monsoon. The Monsoon in the Himalayas could be scary with shooting stones and sudden cloudbursts. Western Ghats are relatively tolerant. The clouds come down to kiss your cheeks. The greens soothe your eyes. The air breeze smells of fresh pollens. Mist and drizzle come hand in hand to romance you on the road. Nameless streams trickle down the tall mountains and the roads get inundated with overflowing fountains.

During the monsoon, taking a bath in these mountain streams is a thing here. In Vagamon , I had seen a few water trucks filling up at these fountains. The higher up you go the purity of water becomes more desirable!

The rainforest on the Western Ghats becomes a living thriving form of a whistling being! It is a world afar, from the world known to mere mortals. I can go on with the praise but the truth is you need to be there to understand! Riding in the mountains of Western Ghats during monsoon feels a lot like a green dream. A little hazy with the mist. A little risky with the constant shower. But fresh and alive! I felt like being one with the world!

The forest being a protected area and home to a number of rare wildlife, visiting Mullayanagiri may require you to cross a few check point. Carry your vaccination certificates if you are fully vaccinated.

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Head straight to Mullayanagiri peak

At 6300 ft, Mullayanagiri Peak is the highest hilltop of Karnataka. Standing at the edge of it, your eyes will sweep through vast acres of green rolling hills. Being a soothing climate area, you will always find a cold breeze reaching the top of the hill. However, you can also start the day early and reach the top as soon as the day breaks for a cleaner view. It felt a lot like visiting the sky cable bridge of Langkawi.

Many choose to trek through the mountains, follow the marked trail and reach the top. It is easily accessed by car and then followed by 200 steps. Due to excess mist and absolutely zero visibility, I did not climb further. Men standing a few meters ahead were whistling and blowing yet I could not see a single face. By the way, many rowdy groups of young men were playing music in high volume. I would have shrieked had I had seen their faces!

On the way back, stop at the Siri Cafe and enjoy a soothing cup of coffee and snacks from the comfort of a pretty decked up eatery.

The Shrine of Baba Budan Giri

Baba Budan is a famed Sufi preacher. He is the man who brought the first grain of coffee from his Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The story goes back to the 16th century. He is known to have brought 7 seeds of coffee plants which clearly started a new era of coffee plantations in Karnataka and the rest of India gradually.

Baba Budan giri hill is located at an elevation of 1800 meter. It is known as Dattatray Peeta among the Hindus who visit there as a part of a pilgrimage. Caves and waterfalls adorn the area. However, every 12 years the hills see a spectacular phenomenon of Kurinji flower bloom.

Witness Mesmerizing Sunset at Hirekolale Lake

About 9 km from the center of Chikmagalur, located is a beautiful freshwater lake named Hirecolale. The ride to this lake is a short distance. It is a beautiful ride crossing a number of quint little villages. Life unfolds in myriad colours at the local houses. Try to visit during sunset on a sunny day and find the lake coloured in bright red hues! It is a pleasant walk and much suited for a family holiday.

Head to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: One of th eoffbeat Tourist Attraction in Chikmagalur

While the way to Mullayanagiri was dotted with marked trail announcing frequent tiger crossing or deer areas, for a close encounter with the elusive tiger, head to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Safari takes place from morning 6: 30 to 9 am and in the afternoon it starts from 3 pm for 3 hours. Stop at Hebbe (Staircase waterfall) on the way.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to April. In the monsoon months, roads are often inundated with overflowing mountain streams. Do opt for a night stay at the jungle lodges.

Cafe Hopping at Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur has a number of beautiful cafes. I assume the cafe culture in the town slowly grew with more number of tourists flying in to the city.

We chose to visit cafe Agape but that was closed. Cafe Agape had good reviews. We headed for Jayanthi Cafe instead. More than a cafe, Jayanthi cafe was an experiment center elaborating on the history of coffee arriving in India. Despite looking stunningly beautiful, Jayanthi Cafe was extremely slow in providing service. They had interesting stuff like blue berry cheese case and Vietnamese coffee in the menu. It was a hang out zone for the young and enthusiasts of Chikmagalur. I say this by looking at the crowd!

Binge Eat Bene Dosa at Town Canteen, Chikmagalur

In normal circumstances, I would have never paid attention to benne Dosa. Sorry, pardon this naïve Bengali girl. But then Town Canteen Happened to me and the one thing I look for in Bangalore these days is a good meal of Benne dosa. The crispy fried dosa with crunchy outer layer and beautiful dollops of butter dripping through its side is a beauty to behold. the Town Canteen in Chikmagalur is famous for serving the best Benne Dos and aromatic strong Filter coffee for half a century (or more?) and attracts customers from all over the globe! The menu is simple, in fact non existent. It is either masala dosa or crispy dosa with extra bene (butter). You can order for more sambhar and you will be served!

Heaven cometh to your plate!

Things to eat at Chikmagalur

For the four days we were at Chikmagalur, we made it a point to order in on a daily basis for our dinner. We chose to eat Arabic cuisine mostly because the kebabs were lip smacking. they did try to smuggle some of the North Indian Mughlai dishes in the name of Arabic. But they belonged to nowhere yet managed to taste decent. I will list down a few must try food items when you are in Chikmagalur.

Order in Mutton biryani from Maharaja restaurant. A variant of donne biryani with bright yellow rice grains, the Dum Biryani of Maharaja restaurant was generous to feed 4 hungry souls for breakfast. need I say more?
Do order Mutton Chatpata Kebab from Table Top restaurant. It is one of the finest kebabs of the world. Overwhelmingly good!
The Chicken Shawarmas are generally a safe bait if you are a picky eater.
The bakery served a beautiful milk cake. But the pasties were horrible.

We traveled to Chikmagalur from Bangalore right after the second lockdown. The rules were a bit relaxed but not entirely loosened. There was makeshift RAT testing camps as you approached the road leading to Mullayanagiri Peak. Shops were closed after 9 pm. Delivery was also scheduled within 9 pm. Night curfew was in place and widely followed. The cafes had locals incoming when we were visiting Chikmagalur. Needless to say, mask and sanitization is being carried on every step of restaurants, hotels, cafes, shops and everywhere.

Have you visited Chikmagalur? Traveling to Chikmagalur proved to me a beautiful surprise where we chanced witness the splendid nature of western Ghats during monsoon. We crossed multiple streams and fountains as ice cold wind caressed our hair! Visit the mountains before the lockdown is eased out completely and thousands rush. The charm of Chikmagalur is reserved for the first few.

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One Response

Great writeup and lovely photos. Chikmagalur is indeed beautiful – a place I keep returning to as well. Stumbled on this blog today, and am glad I did 🙂

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Homestays: a perfect haven for solo travelers.

Solo travelers enjoying the beauty of chikmagalur in the riverside

Solo travel is both a liberating and thrilling experience, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. Chikmagalur Homestays offer a perfect retreat for solo travelers. In this blog post, we will explore how Chikmagalur homestays can enhance the solo travel experience by providing a welcoming and enriching environment. Warm Hospitality: Chikmagalur homestays are renowned for their warm hospitality and personalized attention, making them an ideal choice for solo travelers. Unlike conventional hotels, homestays allow travelers to connect with local families and experience the true essence of the destination. They also offer a welcoming atmosphere, providing solo travelers with a home away from home experience. Passionate Hosts: Hosts often go the extra mile to ensure the comfort and safety of their guests, providing a sense of companionship and support. From sharing home-cooked meals to offering valuable insights about the local culture, homestay hosts create a cozy atmosphere that helps solo travelers feel at ease and enjoy their journey to the fullest. The hosts take great care in ensuring the comfort and safety of their guests, allowing solo travelers to relax and enjoy their journey to the fullest. Safety and Protection: Safety is a crucial concern for solo travelers, especially when exploring unfamiliar destinations. Chikmagalur homestays offer a secure environment that allows solo travelers to relax and enjoy their trip tension free. The hosts are well-acquainted with the local surroundings and will provide travelers with guidance on safe travel routes, popular attractions, and potential risks. Tailored Itineraries: Chikmagalur homestays often have knowledgeable hosts who are well-versed in the region's attractions and hidden gems. They can assist solo travelers in planning their itinerary based on personal interests, ensuring that they make the most of their time in Chikmagalur. Authentic Cuisine: Chikmagalur homestays offer a unique opportunity for solo travelers to experience the authentic flavours of the region. The hosts, who are often skilled home cooks, take pride in preparing traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours and culinary heritage of the region. From aromatic filter coffee and delicious homemade breakfasts to mouthwatering Malnad delicacies, get ready to experience something extraordinary. Cultural Experiences: Staying in a homestay allows travelers to witness the local way of life up close, fostering cultural understanding and creating lifelong memories. Guests can engage in cultural activities, such as coffee plantation visits, and nature walks all organized by the homestay hosts. Moreover, the chance to interact with fellow guests, who might also be solo travelers, provides an avenue for forging new friendships and sharing experiences. Conclusion: Chikmagalur homestays offer a haven for solo travelers, providing warm hospitality, safety, cultural immersion, and personalized experiences. By choosing to stay in these homestays, solo travelers can embark on a transformative journey, connect with the local community, and create unforgettable memories in the captivating surroundings of Chikmagalur . If you are a solo traveler ready to embark on an incredible adventure, then head on over to our website and choose from our amazing list of homestays available.

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3-Day Chikmagalur Itinerary

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Chikmagalur in 3 days
1-Day Chikmagalur Itinerary
2-Day Chikmagalur Itinerary

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: north side of town, day 3: off the beaten path, adhishakthyathmaka shri annapurneshwari devi temple - (horanadu).

Kurinjaala betta (Kuduremukha Range)

Sri Parshwanatha Tirthankarara Basadi ಶ್ರೀ ಪಾರ್ಶ್ವನಾಥ ತೀರ್ಥಂಕರ ಬಸದಿ

Mullayanagiri peak, where to eat, siri coffee.

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Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Kallathigiri falls, hebbe waterfalls, jhari waterfalls, baba budan giri, belavadi shri veeranarayana swami temple, anjaneya temple, shri shankara matha - chikkamagaluru branch.

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Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Food Palace

Town tables restaurant, hotel mayura deluxe, popular road trips from chikmagalur, what's the weather like in chikmagalur.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Chikmagalur for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

Weather in Chikmagalur in January
Weather in Chikmagalur in February
Weather in Chikmagalur in March
Weather in Chikmagalur in April
Weather in Chikmagalur in May
Weather in Chikmagalur in June
Weather in Chikmagalur in July
Weather in Chikmagalur in August
Weather in Chikmagalur in September
Weather in Chikmagalur in October
Weather in Chikmagalur in November
Weather in Chikmagalur in December

All road trips from Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur to Bengaluru drive
Chikmagalur to Mysuru (Mysore) drive
Chikmagalur to Mumbai drive
Chikmagalur to Hyderabad drive
Chikmagalur to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) drive
Chikmagalur to Kochi (Cochin) drive
Chikmagalur to Chennai (Madras) drive
Chikmagalur to Munnar drive
Chikmagalur to Madikeri drive
Chikmagalur to Hampi drive
Chikmagalur to Pune drive
Chikmagalur to Kalpetta drive
Chikmagalur to Panjim drive
Chikmagalur to Pondicherry drive
Chikmagalur to Mangalore drive
Chikmagalur to Kodaikanal drive
Chikmagalur to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) drive
Chikmagalur to Mahabalipuram drive
Chikmagalur to Coimbatore drive
Chikmagalur to Amer drive
Chikmagalur to Thekkady drive
Chikmagalur to Udupi drive
Chikmagalur to Madurai drive
Chikmagalur to Mahabaleshwar drive
Chikmagalur to Tirupati drive
Chikmagalur to Shimoga drive
Chikmagalur to Canacona drive
Chikmagalur to Kanyakumari drive
Chikmagalur to Kannur drive

Explore nearby places

Chikmagalur
Kemmannagundi
Kuduremukha
Dharamsthala
Dharmasthala
Belthangady
Thirthahalli
Subrahmanya

All related maps of Chikmagalur

Map of Chikmagalur
Map of Belur
Map of Mudigere
Map of Kemmannagundi
Map of Halebid
Map of Sakleshpur
Map of Belluru
Map of Kalasa
Map of Horanadu
Map of Dyathapura
Map of Hassan
Map of Koppa
Map of Kuduremukha
Map of Sringeri
Map of Dharamsthala
Map of Dharmasthala
Map of Bhadravati
Map of Ujire
Map of Kudrasthe
Map of Belthangady
Map of Thirthahalli
Map of Shimoga
Map of Subrahmanya
Map of Subramanya
Map of Agumbe
Map of Tiptur
Map of Hosadurga
Map of Somvarpet
Map of Somwarpet
Map of Karkala
Map of Puttur

Chikmagalur throughout the year

Chikmagalur in January
Chikmagalur in February
Chikmagalur in March
Chikmagalur in April
Chikmagalur in May
Chikmagalur in June
Chikmagalur in July
Chikmagalur in August
Chikmagalur in September
Chikmagalur in October
Chikmagalur in November
Chikmagalur in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Chikmagalur?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

3-Day Hassan Itinerary
3-Day Shimoga Itinerary

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25 Places to Visit in Chikmagalur in 2 Days

Chikmagalur

2 Days Trip to Chikmagalur

Quick navigation.

Hebbe Falls - a hidden gem in the heart of the Western Ghats

Places to Visit in Chikmaglur on Day 1

Kudremukh national park.

Kudremukh National Park is famous for its variety of flora and fauna, located in the midst of mountains. From tigers and leopards to giant squirrels and mongoose, this landscape gives shelter to a lot of wildlife species. Thus, it is mostly crowded with animal conservationists and wildlife photographers. This significant National Park has identified among twenty-five hot spots in the world for the purpose of biodiversity conservation. For long-distant travellers, you can opt for a comfortable accommodation at Forest Rest Houses within the park. Location : It is located 95 km south-west of Chikmagalur town. Timings : 6.00 am to 6.00 pm. Price : Rs. 200/- (for Indians) and Rs. 1,000/- (for foreigners). Suggested Read: Amusing Things to Do in Chikmagalur

Kudremukh Trek, Chikmagalur | Book @ Flat 18% off

Mullayanagiri

Best of Coorg

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Hebbe Falls

Baba Budangiri

Best of Munnar

Places to Visit in Munnar, Tourist Places & Top Attractions

Kallathigiri Falls

Timings : 7.00 am to 6.00 pm. Must Checkout - Chikmagalur Tour Package from Kolkata Chikmagalur Tour Package from Kerala

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Best of Wayanad

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Manikyadhara Falls

Best of Ooty

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Bhadra River

Surrounded by the famous Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and scenic views, Bhadra River is a one-stop destination for boating, fishing, and other exciting activities. The soft waves of river water and the harmonizing sounds of nature gives a sense of relaxation to the soul and it is one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur in 2 days. Tourists also get fascinated by the majestic Dam built across the Bhadra River which is close to Lakkavalli and forms a reservoir. If a person wants enjoy its solitude, he can add Bhadra River to the list, worth visiting during monsoon. Location : The River originates at Gangamoola near Kudremukh, Western Ghats range. Timings : For rafting, the timing is from 6.30 am to 5 pm. Price : Rs. 2,000/- per head for river rafting. Also Check: Trekking in Chikmagalur for Adventure Freaks How to Book: Indoor Activities In Kl

Kemmangagundi

Kemmangagundi also called as Sri Krishnarajendra Hill Station is a picturesque place, surrounded by thick forests and a mild climate. The excellently laid out gardens and mountain valleys give immense pleasure to your eyes. This great location is located 1434 m above sea level and has a beautiful rose garden on one side, and a Z-point place on the other side, where one can take an aerial view of the Shola grass of Western Ghats. For trekking enthusiasts, Kemmanagundi is among the adventurous places to visit in Chikmagalur where you can easily travel to this hill station seamlessly with your highly-comfort trekking shoes. Location : it is located in Tarikere Taluk of Chikmagalur. Timings : Open 24 hours. Click Here to Book Now: Places To Visit In Melbourne

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Belavadi is one of the national heritage sites surrounded by extensive green lands and colourful flowers. This historical place is embraced with numerous temples and shrines, in which the Sri Veeranarayana temple is one-of-a-kind. Belavadi is also famous for its ornate Viranarayana temple constructed by the Hoysalas with their great Hoysala architectural design. From the mythological perspective, Belavadi is believed to be the place where Bhima of Mahabharata, killed Bakasura to release the people from asura. For family trippers, Belavadi is among the interesting places to visit in Chikmagalur in 2 days journey. Location : Located on the Javagal and Chikmagalur route. Timings : 24 hours. Must Check: Resorts in Chikmagalur for a comfortable stay

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To get the perfect scenic view of Kemmangundi, start your trekking journey to Z Point. With soothing climate and exhilarating steep, one can relax his mind seamlessly amidst the peaceful atmosphere and it is one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur in 2 days. The enthralling walk starts from Kemmangundi Raj Bhavan and takes you through the dense forest, where you are blessed with the Shanti Waterfalls. This 3 km trek trail to Z point is relatively easy and needs a couple of like-minded people to entice you. Location : It is located at Kemmangundi, Tarikere Taluk, Chikmagalur. Timings : Open for 24 hours. Must Checkout - Chikmagalur Tour Packages From Mysore Chikmagalur Tour Packages From Vijayawada

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Kadambi Falls

Kadambi Falls is a stunning sight, surrounded by abundant trees and majestic waterfalls gushing out at a height of about 30 feet. If one is new to this place, he will definitely fall in love with nature straight away. This attractive spot reaches its utmost beauty during the monsoon season, where the waterfall comes directly to the head with full force. Hence, Kadambi Falls is among the outstanding tourist places, where one can take a rest and rejuvenate his weekend. Location : Located inside the Kudremukh National Park, Chikmagalur. Timings : 24 hours. Book & Checkout - Chikmagalur Tour Packages From Jaipur

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Get ready to feast your eyes with the charm of wild and natural beauty at Kudremukh National Park. This place is notable as one of the most visited Chikmagalur tourist places and offers a refreshing getaway. It is appreciated for its scenic splendor and houses some of the most gorgeous flora and fauna in the state of Karnataka. The word Kudremukh means a horse face and gives the name to the peak located in this park which is often hailed as a thrilling trekking place. Kudremukh National Park is a delight for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure lovers who wish to escape the worries of life in the most wonderful surroundings. This place is nestled between beautiful tea and coffee plantations and offers a rejuvenating trip in the midst of mesmerising wilderness and it is also one of the famous stops while trekking to Kudremukh Peak.

Situated at a distance of 20 km and 23 km respectively from Chikmagalur and Baba Budangiri, Mullayanagiri is Karnataka’s highest peak with an altitude of 1950 meters. There’s a small temple located on the topmost summit of this Mullayanagiri peak within which you have a small statue of Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy.According to the regional mythology, Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy observed meditation for years at the cave on top of the Mullayanagiri peak.This is the reason why the peak got its present identity. The old Kannada literature, however, relates the term ‘Mullai’ to the forests. The caves at the top of the Mullayanagiri hills are not so deep and has an entrance which directly leads you to the temple’s garbhagudi.Adventure buffs have a lot of things to do here as the destination serves as a hub for trekking, mountain biking, and road biking. Nestling amidst the Nilgiris and the mighty Himalayas, the panoramic beauty of Mullayanagiri is astounding. This is what makes the Mullayanagiri peaks as one of the most appealing destinations for intermediate trekkers.The trekking route to the topmost summit of Mullayanagiri starts from Sarpadhari which extends up to 3 km. It is relatively steep; yet you can easily cover the distance within 1.5 hours.There’s a Nandi statue, small streams, and a cave with a small water source to adore on your way. As there are no food or water reserves, you need to carry enough of them with you. Otherwise, you need to hold on your hunger and thirst until you reach the Lord Shiva temple located at the top. Must Checkout: Chikmagalur Tour Packages

Bababudangiri is an amazing trek in the mountains of Chikmagalur, located at a distance of 250 km from Bangalore, making it ideal for a weekend getaway. Starting on the hiking trail from Sarpadhari (alternatively from Attinagundi), you can see the peaks of Budangiri (1895 m) and Mullayanagiri (1930 m) looming at a distance. Together, the two mountains appear like a crescent moon, therefore known as the Chandra Drona Range. Trekking enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to on the Budangiri hike. Trails snake through dark forests of shola trees, occasional moraine-filled rocky stretches, and miles of serene green grasslands on the rolling hills. Come on this trek to take in all the spectacular vistas of the enclosing slopes of the Nilgiri Hills, try your luck at spotting wildlife when crossing through the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, and test your stamina at negotiating a few steep inclines. Some of the highlights on this trek are- walking on the Blade Ridge on the way to Mullayanagiri, camping and campfire in the forest clearings, ancient cave explorations, and stunning hillscape photography from several viewpoints along the way. Blooming of the kurinji flowers in the low lying slopes of the Nilgiris is a rare seasonal attraction in these parts of the hills.The flowers blossom at an interval of every 12 years, cloaking the entire vicinity in shades of blue, giving the Nilgiri hills its name! The Budangiri mountain is also an important pilgrimage for Hindus and Muslims for the legacy of the Sufi saint Baba Budan and the hindu deity Dattatreya.Also Checkout: Honeymoon Places in Chikmagalur

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Solo Trip Near Bangalore: 7 Best Places To Escape!

10 Apr 2023

Bangalore (Bengaluru), the capital of Karnataka, is titled the ‘Garden City of India’ due to the presence of parks and gardens all over the city. There are numerous places for a solo trip near Bangalore, ideal for every kind of traveler. Plan to take a break from the hustle-bustle of daily life, book your travel package, pack your bags, and set out for an unforgettable journey. Choose a destination or two from the list below, unleash your inner wanderlust, and enjoy a trip to these amazing travel destinations. Continue reading to know more about the destinations, their major tourist attractions, the ideal time to visit, and accommodation options.

7 Places For Solo Trip Near Bangalore

Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is titled the ‘Silicon Valley of India.’ Here is a list of places for solo trip near Bangalore that you can visit to have a memorable experience:

Kodagu, initially known as Coorg, is titled the ‘Scotland of India’ and the ‘Coffee capital of India.’ This hill station in Karnataka is a perfect destination for solo travel near Bangalore. Located in the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri mountains, Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and trekking trails. Take your camera along to capture Insta-worthy photographs amongst the myriad of places to explore.

Major attractions: Abbey Falls, Omkareshwara Temple, Namdroling Monastery, Madikeri Fort, Raja’s Seat, Mallalli Falls, Talakaveri Temple & Waterfalls Best time to visit: October to June Accommodation Options: Resorts, Hotels, Guesthouses, Homestays Distance from Bangalore: 243.6 km

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Yercaud is a hill station in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. The town was named after the Yercaud Lake when the locals started calling it Yeri-Kaadu, where ‘Yeri’ means ‘lake’ and ‘Kaadu’ means ‘forest.’ You can plan a solo trip from Bangalore for 2 days and head to Yercaud, also titled the ‘Land of Seven Forests,’ to witness the lush greenery, exhilarating views, and peaceful surroundings.

Major attractions: Kiliyur Falls, Shevaroy Temple, Lady’s Seat, Pagoda Point, Emerald Lake (Yercaud Lake), Raja Rajeswari Temple Best time to visit: October to June Accommodation Options: Hotels, Resorts, Cottages, Homestays, Villas Distance from Bangalore: 208 km

Mysore, or Mysuru, is the cultural capital of Karnataka, rich in folk art and cultural heritage. The ‘City of Palaces’ has retained its old charm, which attracts numerous solo travelers to explore Mysore. Majestic temples, Mysore Pak, renowned palaces, Mysore silk, rosewood & sandalwood artifacts, and the festival of Dasara (Dussehra) define the palace city.

Major attractions: Mysore Palace, Mysore Zoo, Varuna Lake, Chamundeshwari Temple, Venugopalaswamy Temple, St. Philomena’s Church, Mysore Rail Museum Best time to visit: October to March Accommodation Options: Hostels, Resorts, Lodges, Homestays, Apartments Distance from Bangalore: 139 km

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4. Chikmagalur

Nestled in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri peak of the Western Ghats, Chikmagalur, or Chikkamagaluru, is a glorious hill station in Karnataka. It is known for its trekking trails, ancient temples, enchanting waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints. The highest peak in Karnataka, Mullayanagiri, resides in ‘The Coffee Land of Karnataka,’ Chikmagalur. If you are a nature lover and adventure enthusiast, Chikmagalur won’t disappoint you.

Major attractions: Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri, Veera Narayana Temple, Hebbe Falls, Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint, Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, Hanumana Gundi Falls Best time to visit: September to May Accommodation Options: Homestays, Hostels, Hotels, Resorts, Apartments Distance from Bangalore: 245 km

Ooty or Udhagamandalam, nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, is popularly known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations.’ The picturesque landscapes, pleasant climate, panoramic views, mesmerizing lakes, and lush tea plantations make you want to pack your bags and head to Ooty to explore the grandeur of nature. You can plan your itinerary and cover those spots where many Indian movies have been shot.

Major attractions: Ooty Lake, Deer Park, Dodabetta Peak, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Kalhatty Waterfalls, St. Stephen’s Church, Mariamman Temple Best time to visit: March to June Accommodation Options: Hotels, Resorts, Hostels, Homestays, Villas, Guest Houses, Apartments Distance from Bangalore: 272 km

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6. Pondicherry

Formerly known as Pondicherry, Puducherry is a union territory in Tamil Nadu. Titled ‘The French Riviera of the East’ because of its colonial history, Pondicherry is still influenced by French culture in terms of architecture, streets, and food. To conserve Pondicherry’s architectural legacy and traditions, a Pondicherry Heritage Festival is organized annually between January and February. For the best solo trip near Bangalore, consider Pondicherry, as it is an excellent place for adventure enthusiasts to indulge in water sports like Scuba Diving, Kayaking, Surfing, and Sailing.

Major attractions: Matrimandir, Promenade Beach, Arikamedu, Paradise Beach, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jawahar Toy Museum, Manakula Vinayagar Temple Best time to visit: October to March Accommodation Options: Hostels, Villas, Homestays, Resorts Distance from Bangalore: 269 km

Wayanad is a hidden gem and untapped location of Kerala. It originates from ‘vayal nadu,’ meaning ‘the land of paddy fields.’ Often less crowded, one can witness breathtaking views, scenic spots, and lush greenery. Wayanad is famous for its trekking trails, waterfalls, paddy fields, coconut trees, and tea & rice plantations. Set out for an amazing solo trip experience to Wayanad, filled with an enticing list of attractions.

Major attractions: Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Pookode Lake, Banasura Dam, Chembra Peak, Meenmutty Waterfalls, Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary Best time to visit: September to April Accommodation Options: Resorts, Villas, Homestays, Holiday Homes, Hotels, Apartments, Guest Houses Distance from Bangalore: 270 km

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Now that you have the best options of places for a solo trip near Bangalore, why bother yourself with the planning? Find the best packages for a solo trip in Bangalore on TravelTriangle for a hassle-free vacation. These packages can be customized according to your requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places for Solo Trip near Bangalore

What are the best places for solo trip near Bangalore?

If you prefer hill stations, head to Coorg, Ooty, Yercaud, Wayanad, and Chikmagalur. If you want to explore a coastal region, Pondicherry is your go-to destination. However, visit Mysore if you want to explore the cultural heritage and palaces.

What are the popular trekking points in Chikmagalur?

Two popular trekking trails in Chikmagalur are the Mullayanagiri trek and Baba Budangiri trek.

What are the adventure activities in Pondicherry?

Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in Scuba diving, Kayaking, Surfing, Parasailing, Jet skiing, Rock climbing, and Horse riding.

What is the best trekking location near Bangalore?

Mullayanagiri Peak in the Baba Budangiri range of Western ghats, located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, is the best trekking location near Bangalore.

What are the best solo travel destinations?

The best solo travel destinations in India are- Pondicherry, Coorg, Ooty, Chikmagalur, Wayanad, Mysore, and Yercaud, among others.

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One Day Chikmagalur Sightseeing Trip by Cab

Admired as a popular and charming hill station in Karnataka, Chikmagalur is the perfect getaway for a relaxing trip. You can plan a one day Chikmagalur sightseeing tour to unwind in the lap of nature. Nestled on the foothills of the Mullayanagiri Range on the Western Ghats, Chikmagalur has the right dose of thrill and…

Nestled on the foothills of the Mullayanagiri Range on the Western Ghats , Chikmagalur has the right dose of thrill and wonder for everyone. It is known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka, where you can come across long stretches of coffee plantations. The lingering aroma of coffee across the misty hills will entice you. Delightful vistas and a tranquil ambiance will allow you to rejuvenate your senses.

You can take the trails through the lush tropical rainforests and coffee estates to explore the natural grandeur of Chikmagalur. Do not forget to trek the imposing peaks for an adrenaline gush. You can watch the sunrise and sunset from behind the mountains. Visit the wildlife parks, perform recreational activities like rafting and boating, relax by the side of the waterfalls, and click Insta-worthy pictures on your one day Chikmagalur local sightseeing tour by cab. You can take a spiritual tour, and indulge in delicious authentic local cuisine or purchase ethnic and local handicrafts for yourself and others.

Booking a one day Chikmagalur sightseeing tour by a private cab will allow you to enjoy the picturesque views all around. You will find the drive through the uphill roads exciting. Besides, it is convenient to make quick halts at the reservoir, caves, forts, temples, churches, and lakes to click as many pictures as you wish.

A one day tour of Chikmagalur is an escapade from your busy city life. You can explore a new city within a short time. Simultaneously, you can connect better with your family, friends, and even colleagues as there will be no stress of driving or finding local transport. Shop to your heart’s content and bring back goodies for everyone as you travel by rental car.

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What to Expect
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Highlights of chikmagalur sightseeing tour by cab.

Full-day Chikmagalur Local Sightseeing Tour
Duration: 9 to 10 hours
Tour by Private Cab (not shared with others)
Pickup & Drop: Chikmagalur Hotel / Home
Places Covered: Mullayanagiri, Sitalayenagiri, BababBudan Giri, Manikyadhara, Jhari Falls (Jeep Safari), Honnamana Halla, and Siri Mane.

Package Price for 1 Day Chikmagalur Local Sightseeing by Cab

Hyundai i20 Hatchback Car for One Day Chikmagalur Trip

i20 / Tata Indica

4 seater / hatchback.

Honda Amaze Sedan Car for One Day Chikmagalur Trip

Amaze / Etios / Dzire

4 seater / sedan.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga SUV Car for One Day Chikmagalur Trip

Maruti Ertiga

6 seater / suv.

Jeep Wrangler SUV Car for One Day Chikmagalur Trip

Toyota Innova

Toyota Innova Crysta

5-6 seater / suv.

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Tempo Traveller Mini Van for One Day Chikmagalur Trip

Tempo/ Force Traveller

12 seater / lcv.

21 Seater / LCV

Book your 1 day chikmagalur sightseeing tour package.

Following are the car rental companies that are organizing this private tour, select your preferred vendor from the list, check availability and book your tour!

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Good to know

What’s included.

Pick and drop from Hotel / Home in Chikmagalur
Cab for Chikmagalur sightseeing as per the above Itinerary
Vehicle Parking Charges
Toll-gate Charges if any
Driver Batta

What’s not included

Entry Ticket Fee at tourist places in Chikmagalur
Breakfast, Lunch or any meal
Lodging / Accommodation in Chikmagalur
Vehicle beyond the mentioned time duration
Vehicle beyond the designated tour route

What to Expect on your Chikmagalur Sightseeing Tour

What to expect with Chikmagalur Sightseeing Tour by Private Car

Starting early in the morning, we pick you up from your residence. Our one day Chikmagalur sightseeing tour will start with the serene vistas of the hill town from the Mullayanagiri peak. After capturing the beauty of Chikmagalur, we will visit the temple and garden at the vibrant Sitalayenagiri.

Our next stop will be the heritage spot of BababBudan Giri. You can pay respect at the holy spot before heading to Manikyadhara. At the Manikyadhara waterfalls, you can unwind with your loved ones while enjoying a picnic.

Adding a dash of adventure to your one day Chikmagalur local sightseeing tour we will take you on an enthralling Jeep Safari at the Jhari Falls. Our next stop will be Honnamana Halla where you can spend some time away from the crowd of tourists.

After relaxing amidst nature we will head to Siri Mane. You can enjoy the tranquility of the hamlet and offer prayers to the presiding deity before heading to your accommodation in Chikmagalur. At the end of the day, we will drop you back at your doorstep to ensure your safety and convenience.

Itinerary of One Day Chikmagalur Sightseeing Trip

Pickup from your Hotel in Chikmagalur at 9:00 AM

Drop back at your Hotel in Chikmagalur by 5:30 PM

PLEASE NOTE: Guests can visit all the Chikmagalur tourism places listed above or remove any of the places that they don’t want to visit. In order to include any other sightseeing place, guests can check with their cab provider while booking this Chikmagalur local sightseeing tour by private car.

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Places to visit in Chikmagalur in one day by private car

Chikmagalur is known for its picturesque scenery and abundance of coffee plantations. If you’re visiting Chikmagalur for the first time or only have a day to spare, here’s our list of the best places to see in Chikmagalur in one day. From serene temples to stunning waterfalls, there’s plenty to explore in this little slice of paradise.

1. Mullayanagiri

Visit Mullayanagiri Peak with One Day Chikmagalur Sightseeing Tour by Car

Mullayanagiri is the highest peak of Karnataka with a height of 1950 m. Perched on the Baba Budangiri Ranges, it offers a serene gateway to tourists. You can gape at the rugged rocks, verdant landscapes, and coffee gardens. Its rocky paths are best suited for trekking.

You can also try mountain biking, camping, and road biking. You can visit the small namesake temple located at the summit. En route to the Mulllayanagiri temple, you can enjoy the small stream, cascading waterfalls and a cave with a small water source, and a Nandi statue. This famed attraction is a must-see on this one-day Chikmagalur sightseeing tour by private car.

Must See / Things to Do: Cherish the astounding views of the hill town.
Timings: Open on all days of the week better to visit between 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

2. Seethalayanagiri

Located at a height of 5000 feet, Seethalayanagiri is a well-known tourist spot in Chikmagalur . It is located near Mullayanagiri peak. As you drive through the curvy roads of Chandradrona Hills, you can cherish the beautiful scenery.

You can climb up to the top of the peak from the parking space. Take a look at the colorful wildflowers and orchids. Pick and taste some local Bilvardannu fruits from the thorny plants during the summers. Visit the peaceful Shiva temple, where the Shivlinga is perennially encircled by water.

Must See / Things to Do: Explore the splendid scenery of the region’s vibrant flora and fauna.

Visit Seethalayanagiri with One Day Chikmagalur Sightseeing Tour by Car

3. Baba Budangiri

Visit Baba Budangiri with One Day Chikmagalur Sightseeing Tour by Taxi

You can definitely not miss this astounding mountain peak on One day Chikmagalur sightseeing trip by private cab. Baba Budangiri is renowned for its unique forest ranges, iron reserves, and coffee estates. Both Muslims and Hindus flock to this place depicting religious harmony.

Famous also for trekking and hiking, it is home to the sacred and historic shrine of Deviramma Betta. The most popular, however, are the Kurunji flowers that bloom once every 12 years. Take a walk around Galikere lake. You can also appreciate the three mesmerizing waterfalls. Visit the three caves, containing icons and tombs of three Siddhas, where an annual fair is held.

Must See / Things to Do: Trek to the caves and experience spiritual bliss.
Timings: Open on all days of the week better to visit between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

4. Manikyadhara

Manikyadhara is a popular waterfall tucked away in the dense forests of Baba Budangiri Hills. The 30-feet high falls present spectacular views of the mountain ranges. It appears as a string of pearls and is an ideal site for picnics, relaxation, and photographs.

The misty hills and the cool breeze make this place a pleasant retreat. It is believed that if you bathe in its water, you can get rid of all your diseases. Even the mud collected from the caves is supposed to have healing properties. It is also believed to bring good fortune. You can buy herbal medicines from nearby shops.

Must See / Things to Do: Experience the tranquil and therapeutic properties of the waterfall.

Visit Manikyadhara with One Day Chikmagalur Sightseeing Tour by Taxi

5. Jhari Falls

Visit Jhari Falls with One Day Chikmagalur Sightseeing Tour by Cab

Created by the small mountain springs, Jhari Falls presents a spectacular sight. You can take a thrilling jeep safari to reach the captivating Buttermilk waterfalls. Driving through the dense forests and emerald coffee plantations will help you unwind and discover peace. After a certain point, you need to walk to stay safe, since the streets are broken.

In the pool at its base, you can swim or take a dip. The post-monsoon season is the best time to visit the falls. You can witness its full glory. Have some hot and fresh quick bites like vada pav and omelette from the nearby shop. It is the local favorite on this one-day sightseeing trip.

Must See / Things to Do: Explore the beauty and serenity of the splendid waterfall.

6. Honnamana Halla

A scenic artificial waterfall within the dense forests, Honnamana Halla is an offbeat beauty. You can take a relaxing break at the waterfall and enjoy its beauty. It rises up to 30 feet, offering stunning vistas of Baba Budangiri hills. Spot medicinal herbs and plants sprouting in the area. You can enjoy a refreshing picnic at this wonderful spot on your one day Chikmagalur sightseeing trip.

Take a stroll, click photos from multiple angles, or simply sit and relax. Away from the concrete structures, it is a safe haven allowing you to spend some time here. You can buy snacks, like Bhutta, bread, and omelette, from the local vendors.

Must See / Things to Do: Spend time with your loved ones in the lap of nature.

Visit Honnamana Halla with One Day Chikmagalur Sightseeing Tour by Cab

7. Siri Mane

Visit Siri Mane with One Day Chikmagalur Sightseeing Tour by Cab

Close to the temple town of Sringeri, Siri Mane is a stunning waterfall, also known as Kigga Falls. It is a hidden gem on this same day Chikmagalur sightseeing tour by car providing great views. From the parking place, you have to walk over the 100 well-laid steps to reach the spot. It has a 40 feet elevation and is surrounded by dense forests and a serene setting.

You can enjoy its massive force by going to the bottom. The water is shallow and is safe for even non-swimmers. You can pay a visit to the Sharad Peetham, a pilgrimage and Vedic learning center, built by Adi Shankara in the 9 th century.

Must See / Things to Do: Have fun splashing and exploring the waterfall.
Timings: Open on all days of the week better to visit between 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

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Things to Do on your Chikmagalur Sightseeing Tour

Chikmagalur is a popular tourist destination in South India due to its scenic beauty and cool climate. There are several trekking trails in the vicinity of Chikmagalur that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The town is surrounded by acres of lush green coffee plantations and visitors can take part in activities such as coffee tastings and plantation tours. There are also several museums and temples in Chikmagalur that are worth visiting. You can also spend time shopping and tasting the local delicacies.

What to Shop during your One Day Chikmagalur Sightseeing Tour by Cab?

You can procure interesting souvenirs from Chikmagalur on this one day trip. Local and small brands are extremely popular here. Known as the haven for coffee lovers, Chikmagalur offers the highest quality arabica and robusta coffee. You can try different coffee blends and beans. Acquire from a wide collection of coffee powder.

Besides, you can purchase local artifacts and handicrafts made from coffee wood and aromatic sandalwood. You can even obtain berries, heavenly perfumes, sandalwood toiletries, mementos, sculptures, paintings, decorative panels, and sandalwood idols. Purchase electronic products from the local marketplace. You can even get some good quality and affordable spices, dry fruits, and homemade chocolates.

What to Eat during your One Day Chikmagalur Sightseeing Tour by Cab?

Chikmagalur is a perfect spot for you where you can definitely taste the Malnad food. It is the oldest surviving cuisine in the state. The soulful food mainly consists of vegetarian dishes. You can also taste jackfruit dishes, cold coffee, various Rotis, and filter coffee. Be it Biryani, tandoori, chicken, or mutton items, you can be fully satisfied with the scrumptious food platter of Chikmagalur on this full day tour.

Moreover, you can avail authentic Kannada, South Indian, North Indian, and Chinese cuisines. You can acquire reasonably priced, fresh and clean food. Even you cannot miss the amazing street food and sweet dishes. There are also quick-serve food joints everywhere.

Travelers are requested to follow the given itinerary for 1 Day Chikmagalur local sightseeing tour package. Ideally this 1 day Chikmagalur sightseeing tour package cannot be customized, however if guests prefer to visit different set of places in Chikmagalur local tour, they can check the possibility of the same with the listed car rental companies and request for a custom quote.

The time spent on each Chikmagalur tourist attraction is to be followed as per the Itinerary schedule. In case of any delays or additional time spent at a particular place, driver or car rental company will not be responsible to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary.

Please also note that if a particular Chikmagalur sightseeing place is closed on the scheduled day of the tour, it will not be covered from the list of sightseeing places. Please check the possibility of visiting an alternate place with cab vendor before you book the tour.

Ideally, no. However you can check with listed Chikmagalur cab vendors before booking the tour on any possibility to customize the tour. Additional charges might apply.

The serene hill station of Chikmagalur is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its scenic views, lush green mountains, and peaceful atmosphere, Chikmagalur is the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday. You can conveniently explore the beautiful coffee plantations with a rental car and learn more about the history and culture of this region. Booking a one day Chikmagalur sightseeing tour by private cab is also a great way to visit the several museums and temples across the hill town. You can travel extensively without worrying and spend as much time as you wish at each tourist spot without any hurry.

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A Deserted Welcome At Chikmagalur

Inju’s Broken Kannada Attempts

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Baba Budangiri, Chikmagalur

Manikyadhara Waterfalls

That’s all for today folks. Thank you for sticking through to the end.

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5 best places to visit in Chikmagalur in 2 days

Jhari Waterfall

Mullayanagiri

Baba Budangiri (Datta Peeta)

Hebbe Waterfall

Other places to visit in Chikmagalur

Coffee Museum

Hirekolale Lake

How to travel in Chikmagalur?

How to reach Chikmagalur?

Best time to visit Chikmagalur

Where to stay in Chikmagalur?

Best places to eat in Chikmagalur

Travel tips for Chikmagalur

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chikmagalur known for?

Is Chikmagalur better than Coorg?

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Planning your Chikmagalur itinerary

Places to visit in Chikmagalur

Belavadi Temple

Belur Temple

Halebid Temple

Muthodi Forest Reserve

Other things to do in Chikmagalur

Visit the coffee museum

Experience the World of Coffee

Go for a trek

Try river rafting

Day-wise Chikmagalur itinerary for your trip

Chikmagalur itinerary for 2 days

Chikmagalur itinerary for 3 days

Day 3 Alternative

Other things to know about Chikmagalur travel

How to reach Chikmagalur

Getting to Chikmagalur by train

Getting to Chikmagalur by flight

Where to stay in Chikmagalur

What to eat in Chikmagalur

Travel Tips for your Chikmagalur itinerary

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The Best 7-Day Offbeat Itinerary To Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur Itinerary

Bandekla Gudda Viewpoint

The Muthodi Forest Safari

Ukkada Falls

Hirekolale Lake

Kalathgiri Falls

Hebbe Falls

Z Point & Shanti Falls

Kemmangundi Rock Garden

Mullayanagiri

Jhari Falls

GnR Orange Point

Honnamana Halla Falls

Dattapeeta Temple

Manikya Dhara Falls

Day 5, 6 & Day 7

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