Known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is a wonderful hill station and a perfect holiday destination. It is a paradise for nature lovers, tourists, and adventure junkies! The city houses various gorgeous waterfalls, historical monuments, dense forests, picturesque landscapes, and coffee estates (well, of course!). It is well-connected via rail and road. The distance from Bangalore to Chikmagalur is around 250 km, which hardly takes 4 to 5 hours of drive. So, get some time off from your busy schedule and head to Chikmagalur for a relaxed weekend. Visit the top tourist places in Chikmagalur situated in the lap of mother nature; fill your tastebud with authentic coffee and the local Malenadu cuisines to make your trip unforgettable.
1. Baba Budangiri (Datta Peetha):
Baba Budangiri is named after a Sufi saint Baba Budan who is said to have brought coffee to India in the 1670s. Witness the beautiful Manikyadhara Falls and the caves on your way to the top while enjoying the cold breezes and birds chirping across the mountain range. Also called Chandra Drona Hill and Datta Peetha, Baba Budangiri is known for its divinity for both Hindu and Muslim communities. People worship Sufi saint Baba Budan and Dattatreya who is believed to be an incarnation of Brahma-Vishnu-Maheswara.
2. Kudremukh National Park:
One of the best tourist spots, Kudremukh is altogether an exceptional place to visit. Located in the Western Ghats, 1800 meters above sea level, Kudremukh is different from the normal forests we see. Trekking through the rocky mountains and waterfalls, you will experience the beautiful landscape of the Chikmagalur district, where tea and coffee plantations are beautifully sowed in the heart of the mountain. The dense forest of the region is home to various species of animals, birds, and herbs.
3. Kemmanagundi:
Blessed with a wonderful landscape, Kemmanagundi gives you the perfect view of the Western Ghats. A trek to the Z point is highly recommended when you travel to this gorgeous hill station. Originally, it was a summer retreat for King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, who later gave it to the Govt. of Karnataka. Hence, this place is also known as Sri Krishnarajendra Hill Station in his honor. There are various other places to visit in this beautiful hilly region, such as Shanti Falls, Kallathigiri Falls, etc.
4. Mullayanagiri:
Known for its trekking trails, Mullayanagiri is the highest mountain peak of Karnataka. As a part of the Baba Budangiri range, Mullayanagiri welcomes you to witness the magnificent views which can be seen from the top. The cold breeze is enough to give the exotic feeling in the lap of nature. You can pay a visit to the beautiful Shiva temple situated at the top of Mullayanagiri. Devotees choose to trek this mountain to visit the temple and worship Lord Shiva.
5. Manikyadhara Falls:
Out of all the waterfalls, Manikyadhara waterfalls has a separate fan base for its amazing trekking routes. Located at Baba Budangiri, it attracts many tourists with its lush greenery covered with wonderful landscapes; this waterfall is an ideal place for people seeking a peaceful ambiance. The folklore says that in search of water, Baba Budan offered prayers at this place, after which water started flowing from the mountains and took the present form.
6. Hebbe Falls:
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Chikmagalur, Hebbe waterfalls has a natural Jacuzzi that attracts most of the tourists. Located about 10kms away from Kemmanagundi hill, Hebbe Falls is a go-to picnic spot. Indulge yourself in trekking and camping and get the best possible view of the dense forests and the coffee estates. Another fascinating thing about this waterfall is that it flows in two streams, known as Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe.
7. Veera Narayana Temple:
Veera Narayana Temple is one of the oldest temples in Karnataka. The beauty of this gem lies in its magnificent architecture of the Hoysala Era, which is almost 1000 years old. It has three shrines of Veera Narayana, Gopal Krishna, and Narasimha, all dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On a sunny day, the morning sunlight falls on Lord Narayana’s statue and illuminates the temple’s Griha, making it an absolute delight to watch.
8. Sringeri Sharada Peetham:
Renowned pilgrimage site, Sringeri Sharada Peetham is the 1st among the four peethams established by Guru Adi Shankaracharya. It is also called the Daksinanmaya Sri Sarada Pitham built near the Tunga River. Although the main attraction is the Sringeri Matt, there are various temples and fascinating places to visit in Sringeri. The Tunga River near the Peetha brings divinity, while the gongs can be heard from afar.
9. Jhari Falls:
With lush greenery, Jhari waterfalls is a great place for relaxation. It is situated at a private property that is only 12 km away from the Baba Budangiri Mountain range. Jhari waterfalls is popularly known as Buttermilk Falls because of the quality of water that flows here. You can swim, play, and relax in the lower pool of the waterfalls and take some beautiful pictures covering the backdrop of the Western Ghats.
10. Coffee Museum:
The Coffee Museum of Chikmagalur is a must-visit place even if you are not a coffee lover. In brief, you can experience the pictorial and short video representation of the origin of coffee in India. The museum has many exhibits that showcase the technology and research involved in the development of coffee to this date. The coffee lab will give you a brief about the equipment and items involved in the production of coffee.
The best time to visit any of these top tourist places in Chikmagalur is between the months of October and February. So, what are you waiting for? Come, visit this beautiful coffee town, and experience the beauty of Chikmagalur!
We, at Nexstay Coffee Grove Resort, welcome you to have a comfortable stay at Chikmagalur.
Visit our luxury resort in Chikmagalur amidst the coffee plantations and make your trip worth remembering!