Chikmagalur is a picturesque town located in south western part of Karnataka. The town is the district headquarters of the district known by same name. Chikmagalur literally means "The town of the younger daughter" in the Kannada language.
It is said that Chikmagalur was gifted as dowry to the younger daughter of a legendary chieftain of Sakrepatna, Rukmangada. There is also a place called Hiremagalur which means Land of the Elder Daughter which was given as dowry to the elder daughter. This is now part of the Chikmagalur district
The district is dotted with several coffee estates and is referred to as the coffee capital of Karnataka. Chikmagalur underlined in the foothills of Mullayanagiri range is located at a height of over 1900 meters. With its hill stations, coffee estates, temples, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries Chikmagalur is a famous tourist’s destination. Chikmagalur is a trekker's delight which is blessed with cascading waterfalls and rugged mountain terrain. This place has something to offer to everybody and attracts several tourists who came here to enjoy the beauty of nature at its best. As the city is famous for its tea and coffee estates the packs of coffee and tea powder from Chickamaglur is a must buy.
Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Chikmagalur
Kemmangundi
Kemmanagundi is at a distance of 55 Km from Chikmagalur. Located in the hill ranges of Baba Budan Giri, Kemmanagundi is situated at a height of 1434 m above sea level. Kemmanagundi hill station known for its salubrious climate which remains the same throughout the year is a haven for the nature lovers & adventure enthusiast. This place is also called as KR Hills after Krishnaraje Wodeyar IV of Mysore. This scenic hill station was used as the royal summer retreat by The Krishnaraje Wodeyar IV, the Maharaja of Mysore.
The word Kemmanugundi is derived from three Kannada words. The word Kempu means red, Mannu means soil & Gundi means place. Put together it means a place with red soil. Blessed with beautifully landscaped gardens, silver cascades of mountain streams, panoramic views of valleys and lush green vegetation Kemmanugundi is a perfect place to spend some quality time in natures lap. The view of sunset from Raj Bhavan which is a guest house is spectacular. The two waterfalls - Kallathagiri and Hebbe and beautiful rose garden are some of the highlights of this place. The ‘Z’ point located at hill top is a perfect place to view the heavenly sunsets. Also, one can get a view of distant ‘Shola grasslands’ on Western Ghats from this point.
Kudremukha
Kudremukha is located almost 95 kms from Chikmagalur. Kuduremukh means horse face. The place is called so because side view of a mountain there resembles a horse-face. Located at an altitude of 1894 meters above sea level this place is a trekker’s paradise. The still unexplored chained hills connected to each other by valleys and steep precipices attract many trekkers and there are some excellent trekking routes here. Kudremukh is rich in iron ore deposits as well as many flora and fauna. It also hoses the Kudremukh National Park. Hanumana Gundi Waterfalls is also another attraction here.
Mullayanagiri
Mullayanagiri is 16 km from Chikmagalur town. Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka. The hill stands 1930 meters tall. The hill attracts trekkers and mountaineers from far and wide. This place is great spot for trekking and view of the sunset from the top is spelling binding. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on its peak. Driving to Mullayanagiri itself is a pleasant experience with beautify view of the valleys from the steep cliffs.
Baba Budan Giri (Data Peeta)
It is located at a distance of about 28 km from the town. Baba Budan Giri Range or Chandra Drona Parvatha as it was known in the ancient times is a pilgrimage spot for Hindus as well as Muslims. The peak gets its name from the Muslim saint, Baba Budan, who resided here more than 150 years ago. The peak is also said to have association with the Hindu God Guru Dattatreya. So it is considered a holy place by both Hindus and Muslims. Baba Budan Giri, also known as Dattagiri has a height of 1895 meters above the sea level. There is also a beautiful waterfall named Manikyadhara. Baba Budan Giri is perfect for adventure enthusiasts who are interested in hiking and trekking.
Hebbe Falls
Hebbe falls can be reached by a total of 8 km trek from Kemmanagundi along steep and narrow paths within the coffee estates. Hebbe Falls gushes down from 551 feet and splits in two stages to create Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe. Hebbe falls surrounded by dense forest and coffee plantations is a popular picnic spot. The water from this falls is believed to have medicinal properties.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is 38 km north-west of Chikmagalur town. In 1988, it was declared as Project tiger reserve. The sanctuary is encircled by Mullaianagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri and Bababudangiri hills. This sanctuary which covers an area of around 492 sq. Km. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rich variety of plants and wild species. Within the sanctuary Kallahathigiri peak which stands 1875 meters tall also attracts many. The wildlife here includes Indian bison, elephants, tiger, spotted deer, birds and reptiles such as cobra and python. The sanctuary is home to several species of bird life, many of which are unique to this region of Western Ghats. Huge variety of butterflies also is found inside the park.
Kallathigiri Falls
The Kalahatti Falls, also known as Kallathigiri falls and Kalahasthi falls is sited near Kemmanagundi, which is 55 km north of Chikmagalur. In this falls water gushes down from the top of the Chandra Drona hill from a height of 122 meters. There is an ancient temple here located between the waterfalls and rocks which is believed to be constructed during the reign of the Vijayanagar Empire. This imposing waterfall with its beautiful surroundings attracts several tourists.
Sringeri
Sringeri situated on the banks of Tunga is about 90 km west of Chikmagalur town. Sringeri is a Vedic Peetha established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, the promoter of the Advaita philosophy. Sharada Temple here is dedicated to the Goddess of learning and wisdom and is a major attraction here. It is famous for Vidyashankara Temple originally constructed by the Hoysalas and later completed by the founders of the Vijayanagar Empire. The temple which is built as per astronomical concepts is famous for its 12 pillars which are said to represent the zodiac signs.
Horanadu
Horanadu is 100 km southwest of Chikmagalur. The place is famous for the Goddess Annapoorneshwari Temple. The ancient temple of Annapoomeshwari now has been restored and renamed as the Adi-Shaktyatmaka Shri Annapoomeshwari. Hornadau covered by dense forests and fertile valley is blessed with great natural beauty.
Belavadi
Belavadi is located 29 km southeast of Chikmagalur town. This ancient village is known for its temples and shrines. The main attraction here is the magnificent Veera Narayana Temple built by the Hoysala Empire. This temple was built in the 13th century by Veera Ballala II.
Amritapura
Amruthapura which is 67 km north of Chickmagalur is known for the Amritheshwara temple which is excellent example of Hoysala architecture and craftsmanship. The temple was built in 1196 AD by Amriteshwara Dandanayaka who was a general of the Hoysala ruler Ballala II. The magnificent temple is adorned with the floral designs and beautiful sculptures.
How to reach Chikmagalur
Mangalore International Airport earlier known as the Bajpe Airport is the nearest domestic and international airport to Chikmagalur. This airport is situated at a distance of about 170 km from the destination. The nearest railway station is Kadur at distance of 40 km from here and Hassan which is 60 km away from Chikmagalur. However the major railhead close to Chikmagalur is Hubli which is 239 km away from here. Chikmagalur is well connected good network of roads with nearby cities, such as Bangalore, Mangalore, Hubli etc. NH 48 connects Chikmagalur with all the major cities in Karnataka as well as the neighbouring states. Many KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) and luxury deluxe buses ply between Bangalore to Chikmagalur.
Accommodation
Many accommodation options are available in Chikmagalur ranging from luxury resorts and deluxe hotels to homestays and budget hotels.