The 10 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Chikmagalur
Nestled amidst the foothills of the Mullayanagiri, Chikmagalur, also popularly known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka, is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Karnataka. With plenty of coffee plantations, Chikmagalur has a perpetual fragrance of coffee lingering in the air. Apart from its coffee production, it is also famous for its tall mountains, lush green forests and its tranquil environment. So if you’re a nature lover as well as a coffee enthusiast, taking a stroll through one of the numerous coffee plantations is a must-do activity here. Furthermore, there is a lot you can do here, so don’t mistake it to be a sleepy town. Boasting incredible trekking trails, this town is also a very popular trekking spot. With the never-ending list of best places to visit in Chikmagalur, you will surely get lured in to plan a vacation amidst the calm hills of Karnataka.
Whatever place or activity you do in Chikmagalur, you are bound to fall in love with nature all over again. There is no better place than the verdant hills of Chikmagalur, if you want to enjoy picturesque landscapes, escape into nature, and breathe in salubrious air. Although the best time to visit is from September to March, one can visit Chikmagalur anytime as it has pleasant weather throughout the year.
Also Read: 7 of the best hillstations to visit in Karnataka
Here Are The Top 10 Places To Visit In Chikmagalur
1. The Second-Largest Wildlife Protected Area In The Western Ghats: Kudremukh National Park
Located amidst mountains, Kudremukh National Park is one of the most well preserved national parks in the state popular for its scenic beauty. Designated the status of a national park in 1987, it is jewelled with a plethora of flora and fauna, along with picturesque trekking routes overseeing the verdant grasslands. Covering an area of 600 square kilometres, the park is the second-largest wildlife protected area belonging to a tropical wet evergreen forest in the Western Ghats. Translating to horse-face in Kannada, Kudremukha refers to the second-highest mountain peak in Karnataka (at a height of 1,894 metres) located within the park which resembles the face of a horse. Many endangered and endemic species of plants and animals including mammals such as leopards, tigers, etc., have found their home here. A nature and wildlife lover’s paradise, it is one of the best tourist places to see in Chikmagalur to get away from the bustling city life and rest amidst the alluring beauty of nature.
Timings: 10 AM-5 PM.
Entry Fee: For Indians: INR 200 per person; Foreign Nationals: INR 1000 per person.
Also Read: 5 national parks in India that you simply must visit
2. Get A Bird’s Eye View Of Chikmagalur: Mullayanagiri
Located in the Baba Budan Giri range of the Western Ghats, Mullayanagiri peak is perched at an altitude of 1,930 metres above sea level. Offering its visitors a peaceful getaway, this place serves as the highest peak between the Nilgiris and the Himalayas with the temperature ranging between 20-25 degrees Celsius. Popular among adventure lovers for its raw beauty and serene ambience, this peak is adorned with rugged rocks, a good trekking trail and verdant grassland. One of the top tourist spots to see in Chikmagalur for seeking solitude, one can also engage in thrilling activities such as trekking, road biking, and mountain biking. Standing atop the peak, you can see the Western Ghats in its full-fledged glory. You can feel the cold wind against your face as you walk diligently on these precarious hills.
Timings: Although open 24 hours, it is advisable to avoid visiting after dark as it is unsafe.
Entry Fee: None.
3. Enjoy A Dip In Pristine Water: Hebbe Falls
Surrounded by dense forests, thick foliage, rich flora and hills, Hebbe Falls is an ideal location to experience a calm holiday in the backdrop of nature. A perfect location to unwind and de-stress, there are coffee plantations sprawled across the expanses around the falls. Standing 168 metres tall amidst the picturesque Kemmanagundi hills, the site of the falls is used by people for family picnics. If you are bored and tired of the daily grind of the city, Hebbe Falls is one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur. The surrounding regions of the waterfall present opportunities for trekking and camping. Although it is quite difficult to reach the falls, the effort bears fruit as one takes a dip in the pristine water of the falls which is believed to contain medicinal herbs.
Timings: 6 AM-6 PM.
Entry fee: None.
4. Hike The Mystical Peak: Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri is a mountain situated in the Baba Budan range of the Western Ghats of India, renowned for its shrine to Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar, a Sufi saint (commonly known as Baba Budan). A popular pilgrimage site for both Muslims and Hindus, it sees an influx of tourists. Also known as Dattagiri Hill Range, the shrine here is believed to be associated with Guru Dattatreya, a Hindu god. Exhibiting one of the highest mountain peaks, this mountain range is believed to be the place where the first coffee crop was grown in Chikmagalur by Sufi Baba Budan during 1670 CE. In addition to being a top spot for tourism in Chikmagalur for hiking and trekking, a unique species of flowers named as Neelakurinji, blooms in these hills once every 12 years for which people from all over the world come down to witness.
Timings : 8 AM-5 PM.
Entry fee: None.
5. Witness Fauna In Their Habitat: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Covering a vast area of over 490 square kilometres, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by the Western Ghats on all sides. Looming at a distance, the serrated mountains pierce the sky, making it look like a scene right out of a movie. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the sparkling Bhadra River that passes through this sanctuary. Also known as the Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra wildlife sanctuary is one of the best tourist places to see in Chikmagalur for its wildlife safari where forest officials share interesting anecdotes about forest life. With the highest tiger population and about 250 avian species, this place and its flora never cease to amaze you.
Timings: 6.30-8.30 AM and 4-6 PM.
Entry Fee: INR 400.
6. Dedicated To The Goddess Of Wisdom: Sharadamba Temple
Situated in Shringeri in the vast Chikmagalur district, the revered Sharadamba Temple is the very place where the famous Hindu practitioner Adi Shankaracharya had set up his practice. Dating back to as early as the 8th century, this temple is dedicated to the goddess of wisdom and is one of the best tourist places to visit in Chikmagalur. Tucked along the banks of the Tungabhadra river, the temple attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country and the world to witness the power and spiritual aura it exudes.
Timings: 5.30 AM-2 PM and 5-9.15 PM.
Entry fee: None.
Also Read: 11 ancient temples in India that are worth the visit
7. Witness The Coffee Making Business: Coffee Museum
Run by the Coffee Board of India, the Coffee Museum is one of the best tourist destinations in Chikmagalur where one can witness the unique repertoire of the coffee business. Located in Chikmagalur, it was built to reconstruct the thematic display of the history of coffee and the processes including picking, grinding and drying through which the bean goes through. To show the origin and growth of coffee in the region, an excellent documentary is provided by the museum. One can also witness a first-hand experience of the grinding and the equipment used for processing coffee in the laboratory present inside the museum. Amidst lush greenery, the building is surrounded by small coffee plant pots. Inviting you to the peculiar world of the irresistible aroma of coffee, you can take a stroll around this place.
Timings: 10 AM-7 PM on weekdays.
Entry Fee: INR 20.
8. Experience The Therapeutic Powers Of The Water: Manikyadhara Falls
Located on the Bababudan Road near Chikmagalur, Manikyadhara Falls is one of the most enchanting waterfalls in Karnataka. Endearingly known as Nellikayi Theertha, the cascading waterfalls is also the halting point of the various treks undertaken at the Baba Budangiri hills. Nestled in the heart of the Shola Forest, the waterfall offers stunning views of the narrow valley down below and of the mist covered green mountains in the backdrop. Falling down from a height of 30 feet, the waterfall has spine chilling water where tourists, adventurists and pilgrims from all across the world come to take a dip in the pool. The water is also said to have therapeutic powers and medicinal qualities that can cure several skin diseases and ailments. Considered to be one of the best places to see in Chikmagalur, it is also a popular picnic spot to unwind in and relax from the chaotic city life.
Timings: Although open 24 hours, tourists are advised to visit before dark.
Entry fee: None.
9. An Exquisite Man-Made Lake: Hirekolale Lake
Situated amidst the mountain ranges, Hirekolale Lake has gained a lot of prominence in becoming a favourite spot among travellers. Built to supply water to the town of Chikmagalur and assist in the irrigation of lands in all the villages situated nearby, this exquisite man-made lake is an ideal setting for photography lovers who wish to add a pleasant sun shot to their big album of travels. It is best visited during sunset as the saffron colour of the sunrays gets reflected thereby making the place appear magical. A stunning delight for every tourist in Chikmagalur, the Hirekolale Lake is mind boggling and should not be missed, if you are planning a trip to the best places to visit in Chikmagalur.
Timings: Open 24 hours.
Entry Fee: None.
10. Relax Away From All Your Troubles: Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham
Named after the great rishi Rishyashringa, Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham was established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Nestled on the banks of the river Tunga, the prime deity of the temple is Sharadhamba Devi. Considered to be one of the Advaita centres of authority, this matha (institute) follows the Krishna Yajur Veda and the Yajur Veda (ancient vedic texts with Sanskrit mantras for rituals of worship) amongst the smarthas (Hindu schools of tradition) of the Advaita school of thought. In case you are planning a trip to revitalise your weary soul amidst tranquil surroundings, do not forget to add this perfect amalgamation of natural beauty, history, art, architecture, and mythology to your list of best tourist destinations in Chikmagalur.
Timings: 6 AM-8 PM.
Entry Fee: None.
What Makes Chikmagalur A Popular Tourist Destination?
Fondly known as the ’Coffee Land of India’, Chikmagalur is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts and coffee lovers. With so many options for places to visit in Chikmagalur, you must absolutely not forget to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee prepared from their very own cocoa beans.
Grown to be one of the most popular modern-day shopping destinations in south India, Chikmagalur offers plenty of souvenirs and locally made handicraft items for tourists to take back home. You can also try their local cuisine malandu which is prepared from the local staples of rice and fish curry, as well as coconut milk. In the lines of responsible travelling, make sure to play your part by buying from their local markets and minimising your carbon footprint.
If you are looking for the top tourist places to see in Chikmagalur that you cannot afford to miss out on your next getaway, this list will help you out. Make sure to relish these unexplored marvels on your visit to this charming hill station.
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