Are you planning a holiday trip to Chikmagalur? Are you wondering how to travel to this beautiful destination? Here you go; we have listed out all the possible ways to reach Chikmagalur.
Located at the foothills of Western Ghats, Chikmagalur is a gorgeous hill station in Karnataka. This offbeat destination is a tourist hotspot and is suitable for weekend getaways from nearby cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, and Mysore. The weather in Chikmagalur is pleasant throughout the year; a reason you see travelers all the time.
Modes of Transport to Reach Chikmagalur:
Being a famous tourist attraction, visitors can travel by bus, rail, or by air to reach this beautiful coffee town. However, traveling by road is the most preferred way to reach Chikmagalur as the distance from Bangalore to Chikmagalur is only around 250 km. If you’re interested in driving the whole route, you surely can. It is a short 4 to 5-hours drive on good roads with enough places to take a break and refresh yourself on your way to Chikmagalur. There are quite a few good eateries alongside the highway on both sides.
How to Reach Chikmagalur by Road?
Chikmagalur is easily accessible via road. For people who are likely to commute via public transport, they can travel by the KSRTC bus operated by the Govt. of Karnataka, or by private luxury buses. You can pre-book them online and book seats of your choice.
Another way is to drive/ride your own vehicle (or rented vehicle) to reach Chikmagalur. You can take the NH75 that passes by the historical towns of Belur and Hassan. In a way, it is more independent, and you can cover all the major tourist spots and detours by yourself.
How to Reach Chikmagalur by Air?
Since Chikmagalur doesn’t have an airport, the nearest airport that you can take is Mangalore airport. It is around 113 km from Chikmagalur district which means you have to rely on public transport once you reach the airport. Bangalore airport is also about 215 km away from Chikmagalur town. So, you need to hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Chikmagalur from Bangalore airport.
How to Reach Chikmagalur by Rail?
Travel via rail is another option you can choose to reach the hilly region. Chikmagalur Railway Station has trains from all the major cities; however, the connectivity doesn’t seem to be first-class. Hence, it is advisable to get a good understanding of the availability of trains for your scheduled dates.
You can also deboard at the Kadur Station, which is 40 km away from Chikmagalur. Taxi and buses operate from Kadur at any time of the day.
Local Transport in Chikmagalur:
If you’re relying on local autos, then forget about that. You won’t get to see many autos in the hilly terrain of Chikmagalur. Instead, buses and jeeps come really handy when it is about sightseeing and roaming around the coffee town. You will find plenty of buses operating in the town that will take you to the nearby tourist spots.
Jeep Safaris are also available to visit the coffee and tea plantations. If you are planning to stay in a coffee resort in Chikmagalur, get in touch with their front desk, they will guide you in sightseeing and touring the top places in the Chikmagalur district.
Quick Tips:
- If you’re on a budget trip, you can reach Chikmagalur via Govt. Bus, or train. There is a saying that if you want to know the city well, then traveling on public transportation is a must.
- For fun and a relaxing gateway, it is suitable to get your own vehicle or a rented one and enjoy it to the fullest.
What is the best time to visit Chikmagalur?
You can visit the city at any time of the year. However, from September to March, you can witness the beauty of Chikmagalur at its best.
What are the famous places to visit in Chikmagalur?
There are many places to cover. To name some, we will suggest you not to miss Baba Budangiri, Kemmanagundi, waterfalls like Hebbe Waterfalls, Jhari Waterfalls, Belur and Halebidu for the ancient temples, etc. Know more about the famous tourist places in Chikmagalur here.
How many days are enough to cover the major tourist places in Chikmagalur?
A weekend is ideally enough to see the main attractions in Chikmagalur. But it’s entirely up to you as per your plans.  Have a proper itinerary before you start your journey to the Chikmagalur district.