Nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is a serene hill station famous for its lush coffee plantations, rolling green hills, and misty mountains. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history lover, or food explorer, Chikmagalur offers an unforgettable escape. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 15 places you must explore when visiting this tranquil paradise!
1. Mullayanagiri Peak 🏞️
Description:
Standing at 1,930 meters, Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka. It offers panoramic views, refreshing mountain air, and thrilling trekking routes. A must-visit for hikers and nature lovers!
History:
Named after the saint “Mullappa Swamy” who meditated here, a small shrine still exists at the summit.
Distance: 20 km | Travel time: 45 mins
Best time to visit: September to February
How to reach: By road via taxi or bike; local buses also available
Must-try food nearby: Malnad-style chicken curry or akki rotti 🍛
Cultural significance: A sacred site for local pilgrims with annual festivals during full moon nights 🌕
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2. Baba Budangiri 🕌
Description:
A stunning mountain range and pilgrimage center, Baba Budangiri offers caves, waterfalls, and misty trails. It’s ideal for trekking and spiritual reflection.
History:
Named after Sufi saint Baba Budan who brought coffee to India from Yemen in the 17th century.
Distance: 33 km | Travel time: 1 hr 10 mins
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach: By cab or jeep; narrow ghat roads offer scenic drives
Must-try food nearby: Enjoy filter coffee and local snacks at roadside cafés ☕
Cultural significance: Hosts Datta Jayanti festival where Hindu and Muslim devotees gather peacefully 🎉
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3. Hebbe Falls 💦
Description:
Hidden in a coffee estate, Hebbe Falls cascades in two stages—Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe—surrounded by dense forests. Perfect for adventure and photography lovers.
History:
The falls were once part of royal hunting grounds during the Wadiyar rule of Mysore.
Distance: 65 km | Travel time: 2 hrs
Best time to visit: Post-monsoon (August to January)
How to reach: Accessible via jeep safari or trekking from Kemmanagundi
Must-try food nearby: Bamboo biryani and ragi mudde in estate-run eateries 🍽️
Cultural significance: A scenic highlight on plantation tours and eco-resorts 🌿
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4. Coffee Museum ☕
Description:
Run by the Coffee Board of India, this museum offers a unique look into the history, cultivation, and processing of coffee.
History:
Chikmagalur is considered the birthplace of coffee in India, thanks to Baba Budan’s introduction of the beans in the 1600s.
Distance: 5 km | Travel time: 15 mins
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach: Easily accessible by local transport or cabs
Must-try food nearby: Freshly brewed Arabica coffee and coffee cake 🍰
Cultural significance: Reflects the region’s deep connection to coffee farming and culture 🍂
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5. Hirekolale Lake 🌅
Description:
A serene spot surrounded by coffee estates and hills, this artificial lake is perfect for sunset views and nature photography.
History:
Constructed as a water source for nearby towns and farms, it’s now a peaceful escape from city life.
Distance: 10 km | Travel time: 30 mins
Best time to visit: Evening hours between October to February
How to reach: Hire a taxi or take a two-wheeler from town
Must-try food nearby: Sweet corn and pakoras at local stalls 🌽
Cultural significance: Popular among locals for weekend getaways and photography festivals 📸
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Chikmagalur Tour Packages
6. Kemmanagundi Hill Station 🌄
Description:
A lesser-known gem, Kemmanagundi offers breathtaking landscapes, flower gardens, and trekking trails amidst verdant hills.
History:
Once the summer retreat of Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, the area retains royal charm with colonial-era bungalows.
Distance: 60 km | Travel time: 2 hrs
Best time to visit: September to March
How to reach: Jeep or private cab from Chikmagalur
Must-try food nearby: Home-cooked Malnad meals and jackfruit curry 🍛
Cultural significance: Famous for the Raj Bhavan and horticultural gardens 🌸
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7. Kudremukh National Park 🐘
Description:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kudremukh is rich in biodiversity, offering wildlife sightings, lush meadows, and the famous Kudremukh Peak.
History:
Named “Kudremukh” meaning “horse face” due to the mountain’s shape; was once a mining town.
Distance: 110 km | Travel time: 3 hrs
Best time to visit: October to February
How to reach: By road via Kalasa; limited public transport
Must-try food nearby: Malnad vegetarian thali and local honey 🍯
Cultural significance: Sacred to locals and trekkers; trekking permits are required 🌿
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8. Z Point Trek 🌫️
Description:
An offbeat trekking destination, Z Point offers a short yet challenging trail ending with panoramic views of valleys and hills.
History:
Once used as a British lookout, the path now serves hikers and adventure seekers.
Distance: 62 km | Travel time: 2 hrs
Best time to visit: November to March (dry season)
How to reach: Trek starts from Kemmanagundi; reach by jeep or taxi
Must-try food nearby: Spiced tea and hot bajjis at local stalls ☕
Cultural significance: A highlight in adventure tourism circuits 🎒
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9. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary 🐅
Description:
Home to tigers, elephants, leopards, and over 250 bird species, this wildlife sanctuary is a paradise for eco-tourism and safaris.
History:
Declared a Project Tiger reserve in 1998, it focuses on biodiversity conservation in the Western Ghats.
Distance: 38 km | Travel time: 1.5 hrs
Best time to visit: October to May
How to reach: Jeep safari from Lakkavalli or via private transport
Must-try food nearby: Local thali at forest guest houses 🍲
Cultural significance: Encourages eco-tourism and tribal community inclusion 🌳
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10. Sringeri Sharadamba Temple 🛕
Description:
A peaceful pilgrimage site, this ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati is known for its sacred rituals and Dravidian architecture.
History:
Established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, it is one of the four original mathas (monasteries) in India.
Distance: 90 km | Travel time: 2.5 hrs
Best time to visit: Navaratri & Vasant Panchami festivals
How to reach: Buses and cabs from Chikmagalur
Must-try food nearby: Free temple prasadam and coconut sweets 🍛
Cultural significance: Hosts grand rituals, classical concerts, and religious discourses 🎶
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Honeymoon in Chikmagalur
11. Kalhatti Falls 💧
Description:
Kalhatti Falls is a scenic 400-foot waterfall located amidst lush greenery and rocky terrain. The gentle mist, chirping birds, and fresh air make it a perfect picnic and photography spot.
History:
This waterfall is also home to Veerabhadra Temple, which dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire. Devotees believe the waters here have healing powers.
Distance: 50 km | Travel time: 1.5 hrs
Best time to visit: September to February
How to reach: Reach via Kemmanagundi road; local jeeps or rental cars available
Must-try food nearby: Piping hot idli with sambar and local banana fritters 🍌
Cultural significance: A key religious site, especially during annual jatra (temple fair) 🎉
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12. Ayyanakere Lake 🏞️
Description:
Ayyanakere Lake is the second-largest lake in Karnataka and offers a peaceful atmosphere with views of the Baba Budangiri range. It’s ideal for picnics, birdwatching, and quiet boat rides.
History:
Believed to have been built during the Hoysala reign in the 12th century, the lake was meant for irrigation and water conservation.
Distance: 20 km | Travel time: 40 mins
Best time to visit: October to February
How to reach: Easily accessible by local buses, taxis, or private vehicles
Must-try food nearby: Nuchinunde (steamed dal dumplings) and kesari bath 🍲
Cultural significance: Locals celebrate traditional fishing festivals here during post-monsoon months 🐟
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13. Jhari Falls (Buttermilk Falls) 🍶
Description:
Jhari Falls, also known as Buttermilk Falls due to its foamy appearance, flows down between thick coffee plantations and provides a refreshing experience for visitors.
History:
The falls are located on private plantation land, previously owned by the royals of Mysore.
Distance: 24 km | Travel time: 1 hr
Best time to visit: August to January
How to reach: Jeep rides available from base camp near Mullayanagiri
Must-try food nearby: Traditional Malnad snacks like kadubu and jackfruit halwa 🍮
Cultural significance: A local favorite for weekend getaways and monsoon drives 🚗🌧️
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14. **Belavadi Temple 🛕
Description:
A beautiful example of Hoysala architecture, the Belavadi Veeranarayana Temple is lesser-known yet stunningly detailed with intricate carvings and spiritual ambience.
History:
Built in 1200 AD by Hoysala King Veera Ballala II, the temple houses three shrines and exquisite artwork from that era.
Distance: 29 km | Travel time: 45 mins
Best time to visit: November to March
How to reach: Travel by road via hire cabs or buses
Must-try food nearby: Coconut holige and pongal at temple kitchens 🍛
Cultural significance: Celebrates annual rathotsava (chariot procession) attracting pilgrims 🎠
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15. Deviramma Temple & Hill 🏔️
Description:
Situated atop a picturesque hill, Deviramma Temple offers stunning sunrise views and is ideal for nature lovers, trekkers, and devotees alike.
History:
This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Deviramma and is known for its unique positioning on the hilltop, once a meditation site for sages.
Distance: 25 km | Travel time: 1 hr
Best time to visit: October to February (avoid monsoons)
How to reach: Accessible by a short trek; drive till the base village
Must-try food nearby: Rice rotis with spicy brinjal curry and mango pickle 🌶️
Cultural significance: Hosts an annual festival where thousands trek to the temple in traditional attire 🎊
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❓FAQs – Chikmagalur Travel with Kreative Routes ✈️
What’s included in Kreative Routes' Chikmagalur tour packages?
Can I customize the itinerary for plantation stays or treks?
Yes! We offer fully customizable experiences for couples, families, and adventure groups.
Are honeymoon and family-friendly options available?
Absolutely. We have curated romantic stays and fun family-friendly tours with kid-safe activities.
Is travel from Bangalore included in the tour?
Yes, you can opt for packages that include AC transportation from Bangalore via road.
Do your tours include plantation visits and coffee tastings?
Yes! Coffee estate tours with hands-on roasting and tasting are part of the experience.
Are meals included, and do you offer local cuisine?
We offer both continental and local Malnad-style meals at handpicked restaurants and homestays.
How do I book a tour with Kreative Routes?
Simply visit our website or call our travel experts. We’ll plan everything for you from start to finish!