Chikmagalur
Offering the much needed seclusion, nature’s bounty and a peaceful landscape, Chikmagalur becomes a perfect weekend getaway. We bring to you a list of places in and around Chikmagalur which are off the beaten track.
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your stay and engage in the various facilities and activities that these resorts offer, from plantation walks, nature walks to bird watching trails and so on. Enjoy these Chikmagalur activities while you spend your weekend amidst the mountains or plantations at these places.
About Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is a beautiful district situated on the western part of Karnataka. It is mostly popular for its coffee plantations and a pleasant climate. Another renowned attraction that Chikmagalur is known for is its Bababudan Giri ranges. Though it was among the underexplored destinations, the hill station thanks to its picturesque landscapes and greenery has earned a lot of attention from tourists across. The literal meaning of Chikmagalur is ‘Land of the younger daughter.’
There is a rich history attached to how Chikmagalur got its name. It is said that years ago the land of this district was given as a dowry to the younger daughter of a legendary chief who ruled Sakrepatna- Rukmangada. And that is how it was named. Chikmagalur as rugged terrains, stunning mountain regions and also has lowlands. Because it is situated amidst beautiful landscapes and untouched environs, this is one destination that you must explore. There is also a local belief that coffee was first made in Chikmagalur. Ask the locals here and they will tell you that Babu Budan who was a Muslim saint brought the coffee seeds in 1670 from Yemen and cultivated them here. And from there on the plantations just grew and the British also played a big role in the growth. You will also find the Central Coffee Research Institution here.
Apart from all this, the waterfalls of this region also have attracted travelers. There are many waterfalls located in this district like the famous Hebbe falls, Shanti waterfalls and several others. Chikmagalur is a birth place to many renowned freedom fighters, intellectuals and also poets and politicians. In fact, even Indira Gandhi once represented Chikmagalur in the Indian Parliament.
Places of Interest
Amruthapura (67 km)
Amruthapura is known for the splendid Amriteshwara temple built in 1196 AD by Amriteshwara Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala ruler Ballala II. The temple is an excellent specimen of Hoysala style, with some features which are unique in design and execution. The entire temple is built using black soapstone quarried from a small hill called Annegudda, 20 km away. Amrithapura village is only 10 km from Tarikere.
Ayyanakere (18 km)
Ayyanakere is about 18 kms north-east of Chikmagalur town. It is located at the eastern base of the Baba-Budan range, this ancient tank to have been constructed by Rukmangada raya, a chief of Sakrepatna and renovated later in 1156 AD during the Hoysala times. The tank now provides irrigation facility to about 1,500 hectares of land.
The Bababudan Range
Originally called Chandra drona parvatha, Baba Budan Giri Range is one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. Peaks in the Baba Budan Giri Range include Mullayanagiri (1930 meters) and Baba Budan Giri (1895 meters). The peak, Baba Budan Giri is named after the Muslim saint Baba Budan. It is believed that the saint Baba Budan brought back seven seeds of coffee from his pilgrimage to Yemen and planted the seeds around his shrine, which soon spread to other regions.
Sri Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy’s Darga
Sri Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy’s Darga on the Baba budan hills is respected by both Hindus and Muslims. A cave here is believed to have been sanctified by the residence of Shri Dattatreya swamy and Hazarat Dada Hayath Mir Khalandar and other saints. Nearby are the famous waterfalls – Gada Theertha, Kamana Theertha and Nellikayi Theertha.
Ballala Rayana Durga
Ballalarayana Durga: The ancient ruins of the Hoysala fort are located on top of a hill. One can have a amazing view of the Western Ghats from the parapet of this ancient fort.
Balehonnur (45 km)
Balehonnur is located on the banks of river Bhadra in Narasimharajapura taluk, the famous Shrimad Jagadguru Rambhapuri Veerasimhasana Mahasamstana Peeta (matha) and the Veerabhadra Temple are the main attractions here. The Veerabadra temple attached to the matha has metallic images of Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali.
Belavadi (29 km)
Belavadi, also known as Ekachakranagara is a village. Belavadi is a land of rich historical references; this ancient village is dotted with temples and shrines. The most excellent among these is the Veeranarayana temple – a fine example of Hoysala architecture. Belavadi is only 10 km north-west of the Hoysala capital of Halebid.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (38 km)
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is 38 km north-west of Chikmagalur town. The sanctuary is surrounded by Mullayanagiri, Hebbe Giri, Gange Giri and Baba Budan Giri hills and has the tributaries of the Bhadra river flowing through it. The various wildlife can be found in this sanctuary like Gaur, Elephants, Tiger, Leopard, Sambar, Chital spotted deer, Boar, Porcupine, Muntjac, birds like the Peacock, Parrot, Partridge, Pigeon, Munia and Bee eaters, and reptiles such as King Cobras and Indian Rock Pythons.
Bhadra Reservoir (76 km)
Bhadra Reservoir is 20 km from Bhadravati town, the Bhadra reservoir dam is used for irrigation and power production. There is scope for water sports as well.
Devanur (35 km)
Devanur is famous popular for the 17th century Sri Lakshmikantha temple and the 13th century Sri Siddeshwara temple which is visited by scores of pilgrims.
Gangamoola (110 km)
Gangamoola is located amidst thick forests. The three main rivers, the Tunga, Bhadra and Netravathi originate from here. The shrine of Goddess Bhagavathi with the 6ft. tall and 1.8 m tall Varaha image can be found here. Gangamoola is inaccessible during the monsoons.
Hariharapura (104 Km)
Hariharapura is a small village and a pilgrimage center located in the Koppa Taluk of Chikmagalur district. The main attraction of Hariharapura is the Adi Shankaracharya Sharada Lakshmi Narasimha Peeta.
Hiremagalur
Hiremagalur is a village located at the south-east of Chikmagalur town. As per the people of this place, Hiremagalur was a prosperous town during the 9th and 11th centuries.
Horanadu (100 km)
Horanadu is about 100 km south-west of Chikmagalur. A place of charming natural scenery, the ancient temple of Goddess Annapoomeshwari here has been restored and renamed as the Adi-Shaktyatmaka Shri Annapoomeshwari. The place attracts lots of pilgrims who are provided free food, boarding and lodging by the temple.
Kalasa (92 km)
Kalasa is located 92 km south-west of Chikmagalur and 7 Km from Horanadu and is surrounded by lofty hills of the Western Ghats. This ancient Agrahara settlement on the banks of the river Bhadra, and is looked upon as one of the pancha- kshetras. On a small hillock here is the Sri Kalaseshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a Kshetrapala shrine of soap stone nearby. The Madhawacharya Bande, a large rock at one of the theerthas here, is supposed to have been placed by Sri Madhawacharya.
Khandya (43 km)
Khandya is situated on the banks of the river Bhadra, It is believed Khandya is one of the five sacred places.
Kemmangundi (55 km)
Kemmangundi is located on the most fascinating spot in the Baba Budan range. Kemmangundi is also known as K.R. Hills after Wodeyar King, Krishnaraja Wodeyar who had made it his favourite summer camp. An ideal retreat of loneliness and natural beauty. The two waterfalls – Kallathagiri and Hebbe are best picnic spots.
Kigga (96 km)
Kigga is a small village located at a distance of 9 Km from Sringeri in Chikmagalur district.
Kudremukh (95 km)
Kudremukh literally means ‘horse face’. It is so called, for its mountain ranges look like the face of a horse. The deep valleys and steep precipices of this hill station have great natural beauty. Cool and salubrious climate throughout the year.
Manikyadhara Falls
Manikyadhara Falls is located at a distance of 25 kilometers from Chikmagalur on Bababudangiri hills near Kemmangundi.
Marle (12 km)
Marle is home for ancient temples. Most chief amongst them is the Chennakeshva temple dating back to 1150 AD
Narasimha Parvatha
Narasimha Parvatha also known as the Agumbe peak, is portion of the popular “Agumbe – Sringeri” trekking path.
Rathnagiri Bore
Rathnagiri Bore is a beautiful place located in northern side of Chikmagalur town which gives you peace to mind.
Simhanagadde
Simhanagadde is a beautiful Jain pilgrim center located in picturesque location in Narasimharajapura Taluk.
Shakatapuram
Shakatapuram is a small village and a religious place located in Koppa Taluk of Chikmagalur district. Shakatapuram is also known by name Bandigadi. A Mutt by name Shri Vidya Peetam is located on the banks of River Tunga.
Somapura
Somapura is situated on the banks of river Bhadra. It is believed Khandya is one of the five sacred places.
Sringeri (103 km)
Sringeri is a well-known pilgrim centre and Hindu religious centre situated on the banks of the River Tunga. The Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada peetam here, was founded by Jagadgiri Sri Adi Shankaracharya, the promoter of the Advaita philosophy. In the Vidya Shankara Temple here, there are 12 Zodiac pillars, which are so constructed that the rays of the sun fall on the pillar corresponding to the month.
Thuruvanahalli (44 km)
Thuruvanahalli is popular for a cave associated with Nirvanaswami.
Things To Do
Wildlife V