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 Viewing
Approximately 30 km away from Chikmagalur, you will find Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled amidst the lofty peaks of the Western Ghats. Established in 1951, as Jagara Valley Game Reserve, it was reconstituted as the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974. The highlights of this sanctuary are tigers and elephants. Apart from that, you can also find gaur, panther, sambar, spotted deer, mouse deer, barking deer, sloth bear, wild boar, wild dog, mongoose, porcupine, jackal, and the common langur roaming around.

Bird Watching
Apart from the wide variety of wild animals that can be seen in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, you can also look forward to exploring a rich avifauna. The sanctuary is home to numerous bird species, of which the ones worth noting are black winged kite, king vulture, great horned owl, great pied hornbill, Indian tree pie, black napped flycatcher and the open billed stork. In other words, bird lovers will find the place truly a paradise.

Trekking
The adventure seekers coming to Chikmagalur would find their need for adventure fulfilled by the trekking opportunities that the place offers. One of the best trekking trails around Chikmagalur is the one to Kemmanagundi, a beautiful hill station located amidst the lush forests of the Baba Budangiri hills. On the way to the hill resort, you will get to lay your eyes on panoramic views, especially those of cascading waterfalls and mesmerizing sunsets. From Kemmanagundi, you can also undertake a trek to ‘Kalahasti Falls’, around 8 km away. Kudremukh is another place near Chikmagalur that is a trekker’s paradise.

Pilgrimage
Chikmagalur is situated close to a number of places that are important from pilgrimage point of view. One of them is Belavadi, which boasts of hosting a number of ancient temples and shrines, of which the most revered one is Veeranarayana Temple. Then, there is place known as Sringeri, believed to be the abode of Shankaracharya. One of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages in South India; it houses the Vidyashankara Temple and Sharada Devi Temple.

Town Canteen

Town Canteen in Chikmagalur is a well – known place for their variety of Dosa items and they’re delicious. They only serve South-Indian Cuisines. They also make desserts like Gulab jamun, Kheer, sheera, and much more. The staff members are kind.

Timings: 7 am – 10 pm

Address: Rathnagiri Road, Chikkamagalur, India

The Estate Café

The Estate Café is in a hilly region and tourists love to visit this place. The spot is serene, calm, and beautiful. In the Cold weather, people love to have a hot beverage here and enjoy the weather. The atmosphere of the café is pleasant. The staff members are kind and helpful. People can spend their time here with friends and family members.

Address: Chinnenahlli ‘A’ Estate, Mallandur., Chikkamagalur 577130, India

Coffee Barn Café

Coffee Barn Café promotes love and togetherness among the people through one of the best mediums – Coffee. They serve the best coffee and other beverages too. They make snack items like sandwiches, cheese omelet, and much more. They have an outdoor seating arrangement. One can enjoy the scenic beauty outside the café. They have a garden area with many beautiful flowers.

Address: KM Road, PB 109,Halliberri Coffee & Cottages, Kambihalli Estate, Chikkamagalur 577101, India

Sai Veg

Sai Veg is a vegetarian Restaurant. It is a paradise for all the veg lovers. The food is delicious. They have a variety of food items on their menu. The ambiance of the restaurant is pleasant. The staff members are good, and they maintain the hygiene of the place very well.

Address: K M Road, Gloria Complex, Hanumanthappa Circle | Above Ibaco Ice Cream Parlour, Chikkamagalur 577101, India

Vishnu Delicacy

Vishnu Delicacy is a multi-cuisine restaurant. The services provided by the restaurant are top class. They have well trained staff members, and they deliver the best facilities to their customers. The food is delectable and lip-smacking. They prepare the Main course, breakfast, snacks, and desserts. They also make beverages like fresh fruit juices, tea, coffee, snakes, and much more.

Address: Off Indira Gandhi Rd, Jyothi Nagar, Chikkamagalur 577101, India

Hotel Mayura

Hotel Mayura in Chikmagalur is famous among the local people and the frequent visitors.  It is a pure veg Hotel. The food here gives everyone the feeling as if they’re eating homemade food. They serve south-Indian Cuisines also. They make dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. The atmosphere of the Hotel is pleasant.

Address: Mahatma Gandhi Road, Chikkamagalur 577101‎, India

Mysore Foodz

Mysore Foodz is a place where one can find all the delicacies of the famous city Mysore. They make the Mysore Masala Dosa, Mysore Bonda, Mysore Bhaji, and many more items. The dishes are delectable and mouth-watering. The interiors of the Restaurant are well decorated. The staff members are kind and helpful.

Address: M.G.Road, Chikkamagalur 577101, India

Annapurna Veg

Annapurna Veg is a pure vegetarian restaurant. For all the veg lovers, this place is a treat to their taste buds. This Restaurant serves Chinese and Indian Cuisines. They make North-Indian, South-Indian, Tandoori Roti, Beverages like tea, coffee, juices, shakes, and Chinese items as well. They sell ice creams for desserts. The rates are reasonable.

Address: Opp Ksrtc Bus Stand, Chikkamagalur, India

Food Palace

Food Palace as it is entitled is a hub for all kinds of Cuisines. They have items for main-course, starters, beverages, and desserts. The ambiance of the Restaurant is soothing. The services provided by the Staff members are top class.

Address: RG Road, Chikkamagalur, India

Salpicon

Salpicon is a burger shop in Chikmagalur. They serve a variety of burgers. The service offered by the staff members are applaudable. The ambiance of the place is pleasant. This food joint is apt for teenagers and adults who come with their family and friends.

Timings: Monday to Sunday – 11.30 am to 9.30 pm

Address: K.M Road, Opp A.P.M.C Yard, Chikkamagalur 577102, India

Gauthami Hotel

Gauthami Hotel in Chikmagalur is well known for their delightful delicacies since inception. They prepare vegetable as well as meat delicacies. The ambiance of the Hotel is soothing. The prices of the food items are reasonable. It is worth sending the money. One can come here for celebrations as well.

Address: R.g road, Chikkamagalur, India

Odyssey, The Serai

Odyssey, The Serai is a Multi-Cuisine Restaurant. They prepare delicious food items for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. The Restaurant is at a beautiful location. They also have a resort where their customers who have booked their rooms can enjoy in the pools. The ambiance of the Restaurant is nice. The services provided are classy.

Address: The Serai Chikmagalur Mugthihalli Post, K M Road, Chikkamagalur 577 133, India

The Club House

The Club House is at the planters court. They make delicacies for the main course, starters, and desserts. They make North-Indian, South-Indian, and Chinese food items. The ambiance and the atmosphere of the Restaurant are good. The services are top class. They also facilitate group celebrations and parties.

Address: P. B. 109, K. M. Road, Chikkamagalur, India

Greens Family Restaurant

Greens Family Restaurant is a Multi Cusine Restaurant. They also provide catering services for marriages, events, and occasions. The food is lip-smacking and delicious. The rates are not too expensive. People can hop into this place to spend a good time with friends and family members. They operate from Monday to Sunday.

Address: RG Road, Chikkamagalur 577101, India

Maharaja Restaurant

Maharaja Restaurant serves Indian, Continental, and Chinese Cuisines. They also make seafood, Chicken, mutton delicacies. They also make delicious veg food items. The ambiance of the Restaurant is nice. The staff members are kind and well-trained. They make dishes for lunch and Dinner only. They are operational on all days.

Address: Indira Gandhi Road, Opposite Giri lnn, Chikkamagalur 577101, India

Fresh Bean Café

Fresh Bean Café is popularly known for their exotic coffee and other beverages. They bring the fresh coffee from the coffee estate and blend the finest ones. The taste and the aroma of the coffee is breathtaking. It is near the Indian oil petrol bunk. The interiors of the café are well decorated. The staff members are kind.

Address: Banakal Main Road Nh 234 | Beside Petrol Station, Chikkamagalur 577132, India

Siri Café

Siri Café in Chikmagalur serves Indian Cuisines. They make food items for breakfast, lunch, Dinner, and snacks. The Siri café is well known for its beautiful atmosphere and outside scenic beauty. The staff members take care of their customers and are well trained. One can enjoy here with their friends and family members.

Address: Chikkamagalur 577101, India

Kanha

Kanha Restaurant serves North-Indian and South-Indian Cuisine. The ambiance of the restaurant is pleasant. The interiors are well decorated. The food is delicious, lip-smacking and succulent. People can organize events and parties in this Restaurant. They are operational on all days of the week.

Address: Indira Gandhi Road, Chikkamagalur 577101, India

Vintage Café

Vintage Café in Chikmagalur is well known for their filter coffee, tea, juices, milkshakes, and many more. They make the ultimate cocktails and mocktails. Their customers like to have the chilled sip of their delicious beverages. The atmosphere of the café is soothing. The staff members are kind. The ambiance is great.

Address: Ashraya, Chikkamagalur, India

Annapurna

Annapurna is a Restaurant providing Indian Cuisines. This Restaurant always carry their traditional taste of their delicacies. The ambiance of the Restaurant is soothing. The staff members are polite and kind. They make delicious and lip-smacking main course, starters, desserts, and beverages. One must visit this place to have a sumptuous meal.

Address: K M Road, Next Cafe Coffee Day, Chikkamagalur 577101, India

Sri Mangala Fish Land And Family Restaurant

Established in the year 2005, serving both local and Mangalore style cuisine is one of the must visit for foodies.

Address: Gorur Complex, I G Road 2nd Cross, Barlane Road, Chikmagalur Bus Stand, Chikmagalur – 577101

Top Clubs in Chikmagalur

Kadur Club, CMC backside Road, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur club, Hosamane Road, Chikmagalur
Golf Club , Knive Road, Chikmagalur
Officer’s Club, Subhash chandra Bhose Stadium, Chikmagalur
City Club, K.M. Road, Chikmagalur
Khandya Club, Khandya, Balehonnur, Koppa Taluk

HOW TO REACH CHIKMAGALUR
Rail and Road facilities connect Chikmagalur with other important towns and cities in Karnataka.

Road (Route)

From Bangalore: Bangalore – Kunigal – Hassan – Belur – Chikmagalur.

From Bangalore: Bangalore – Tumkur – Arasikere – Kadur- Chikmagalur.

From Mysore: Mysore – Hassan – Belur – Chikmagalur.

From Mangalore: Mangalore – Ujire – Mudigere- Chikmagalur.

By Train:

From Bangalore: Bangalore – Tumkur – Arasikere – Kadur – Birur.

From Mysore: Mysore – Hassan – Arasikere – Kadur – Birur.

Best Time to Visit Chikmagalur

The best time to visit Chikmagalur is from September to March. The city is best known as ‘ The Coffee Land of Karnataka’ and is situated on the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range. It experiences summer, monsoon and winter.

Summer in Chikmagalur

Summer, a good time to explore Chikmagalur, continues from March to May and the maximum temperature remains between 32° C and 35° C.

Monsoon in Chikmagalur

The city receives a good amount of rainfall during monsoon that extends from June to September.

Winter in Chikmagalur

December to February is when tourists can experience the pleasant winter season. Temperature levels during this time are anywhere between 14° C and 32° C.

Things to Do During Summer

Chikmagalur has established itself as a trekker’s delight and has many popular trekking trails. One of them is the trail to Kemmanagundi. One can even simply visit this hill station and enjoy the stunning view of its cascading waterfalls and lovely sunset.

Things to Do During Winter

With the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary located just about 30 km away, Chikmagalur is nothing less than a wildlife lover’s paradise. Apart from its main attraction elephants and tigers,one can also spot other animals such as panther, mouse deer, wild boar, jackal and langur during winters. Being home to birds such as king vulture, Indian tree pie and great horned owl makes it possible for one to also indulge in bird watching. Another fun activity is to walk down and around some of its many coffee plantations. Also, the experience of visiting the land of coffee will be incomplete without sipping a cup of your favourite flavour of coffee during witner.