Top 10 Places to visit in Chikmagaluru

Chikmagaluru, the coffee town/ coffee land is famous for its coffee estates; this hill town offers spectacular views and its beauty will captivate your mind and heart.  If you are a nature lover and an adventure seeker, then this hill town in the Western Ghats is the perfect place for you.

The name Chikmagalur is derived from the 3 Kannada words “Chikka”, “Magalu” and “Uru” which means younger daughter’s village. The place got this name because it was given in the form of dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, who then was the Sakharayapattana’s chief.

There is also a place nearby Chikmagalur called Hiremagaluru which means the land of elder daughter.

How to reach Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is around 300kms away from Bangalore.

By Train

There are direct trains available from Bangalore to Chikmagalur as the town has its own station, but it is not well connected; so one can take a train to nearby towns like Kadur and Birur and then take a taxi or auto/bus from there. It will take a total of 7-8 hours to reach the town.

By Road

Chikmagalur has well-connected roads to other cities and there are a lot of buses available. It takes nearly 7 hours to reach the place by bus.

Places to visit in Chikmagalur

1. Mullayanagiri

Distance: 20kms from Chikmagalur.

Mullayanagiri is situated in the Western Ghats in the Baba Budan Range. It is the highest peak in Karnataka and also the highest peak between the Nilgiris and Himalayas with nearly 1950 meters.
The place is highly suitable for activities like trekking, road biking and motorbiking. In fact, it’s one of the best places in Karnataka for trekking. So, if you are looking for an adventurous trip, then this place is a really considerable option.

The place also offers the view to Shiva’s Bull Nandi at the top. The top of the hill also has a Lord Shiva temple.

2. Kudremukha National Park

Distance: 96kms from Chikmagalur.

Kudremukha National Park is a heritage site certified by the UNESCO. The place got its name from a hill that is present at this place, which is in the shape of a horse’s face. The word Kudremukha is derived from 2 Kannada words “Kudre” and “Mukha”, which means horse and face.

The Kudremukha National Park is located 1800meters above the sea level and is a beautiful place to visit. It offers a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park offers safari rides where various species can be viewed in their natural habitat.

There is also a non-restricted area in the Park where the tourists/visitors can do trekking.

3. Kemmanagundi.

Distance: 62kms from Chikmagalur.

Kemmanagundi is a hill station located in the Tarikere Taluk of Chikmagalur District. The hill station stands at an elevation of 1434meters above the sea level. The name Kemmanagundi means the place with red soil and is derived from the Kannada language.

Kemmanagudi was previously owned by the Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and used to be his summer retreat. Hence, the place is also called as Sri Krishnarajendra Hill Station. When he first visited this place, he was astonished by the beauty of this place and then started visiting the hill station during Summers.

The king later gave this place to the Government, and the Department of Horticulture now maintains the place. The place has lots of coffee plantations and herbs that have medicinal properties and dense forests with thick bamboos. This place is suitable for adventure activities as well.

4. Hebbe falls

Distance: Approx. 70kms from Chikmagalur

Hebbe falls is situated in Kemmanagudi, which is a hill station. It is 62kms from Chikmagalur and is 168meters tall. The falls is difficult to reach since the way is steeped and narrow, but all the efforts you make to reach there are simply worthwhile. You will realize it once you reach the place.

Hebbe falls is surrounded by thick greenery and the sound of the splashing water gives pleasure to the ear; the ambiance is really peaceful. The falls is a double staged one – Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe which is big falls and small falls.

The Hebbe falls are said to be mixed with herbs, of which some are believed to be medicinal. So, take a dip in it and let the herbs energize you for the rest of the week.

5. Bababudangiri/Datta Peeta

Distance: 35kms from Chikmagalur

The Bababudangiri is a Mountain in the Bababudan Range of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. This place is named after a Sufi Saint, Bababudan who used to live there. It is believed that the Baba introduced the coffee plantation in this place with the coffee seeds he had brought from Yemen.
Bababudangiri is a popular place for people who love trekking and hiking. So, if you are an adventure seeker, then this place is a must visit for you. The place is also famous for the attracting views it has to offer. The greenery and the hills are a perfect mixture of scenic beauty.

The Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri peaks together are called the Chandra Drona Moutain Range. The duo got its name because of the fact that they together form the shape of a crescent moon.

6. Z Point

Distance: 67kms from Chikmagalur

This place is a feast to the eyes and a call for the adventure lovers. Z Point can be reached through trekking or mountain biking. For trekking, this place can be reached at a distance of 3kms.
The Shanti falls are on the way to the Z Point. The pathway is surrounded by thick green forests and might get a little steepy afterward, but it is not really that difficult to get through. The views that the Kemmanagundi hills offer by the trek route are astonishing and enthralling and make the journey worthwhile.

7. Coffee Museum

Located in Chikmagalur, the Coffee Museum is an initiative set up by the Coffee Board of India. The Museum is surrounded by natural greenery; there are also coffee plant pots placed around. The greens berried in the coffee pots are a sight to see.

The Museum explains the whole process of coffee making from the first step to the last. The staff at the museum will assist you in understanding the process by explaining it to you in detail.

The aroma of coffee here is really amazing. The Coffee Museum also provides information about other places in India that grow coffee and the processes used by them. The museum charges a minimal entrance fee and timing varies depending upon the season.

8. Bhadra Dam

Distance: 78kms from Chikmagalur

Bhadra Dam is constructed on the river Bhadra. It’s used for irrigation and electricity purposes and is another attraction in Chikmagalur. It’s a lovely place for all the water lovers.

The Dam has spectacular views. There are islands built by the reservoir in the river. There are also boating facilities available. The wildlife sanctuary near the Dam is also a tourist attraction that has rare species of animals.

9. Kallathagiri Falls/ Kalhatti Falls

Distance: 54kms from Chikmagalur.

The place might be looked at as a reverent one as there is a temple located here. The place is like a waterfall-temple-waterfall sandwich. The waterfalls are really beautiful to look at falling from the Chandra Drona Hill and add to the beauty of this place.

However, the mountains and the dense foliage is the disadvantage, but trekking through it will make it fun. Kemmanagundi is 10kms from Kalhatti falls. And, Hebbe falls is also located nearby.

10. Shanti Falls

Distance: 66kms from Chikmagalur

This small and beautiful waterfall is located just 1km from the Z Point. In fact, this fall is found on the way to the Z point. The waterfalls from the top of the hills and forms a pool below.

The place is suitable for trekking that is an easy level and is suited for people who are not so adventurous. The pool is believed to have medicinal properties as well. One special quality about the waterfalls is that the water is always cool. Dip yourself in the water, refresh yourself and forget all your worries; Relax!

Wrapping up

Chikmagalur is the ultimate destination for people who love trekking. The place and its surroundings are filled with mesmerizing views of its natural beauty and are the perfect escape from the urban life of metro cities.

Most of the tourist attractions here are natural ones. The place is filled with a number of waterfalls, trekking areas, and attract wildlife. Also, the town is not highly populated which make it a serene one filled with lush greenery.