Nestled in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri Range at a height of 1040 metres, Chikmagalur is one of the most beautiful hill stations that you can visit with your Karnataka tour package. Chikmagalur is also known to be a melting pot of different religions and cultures. The name of the hill station translated into English means “Young Daughter’s Town”. It is believed by many that Chikmagalur was given as dowry to the daughter of Rukmangada, which is from where the town gets its name. Graced with the moniker of the “Coffee Land of Karnataka”, Chikmagalur is a popular tourist destination as well as a relaxing retreat for the people of Karnataka. Apart from its coffee production and many coffee plantations, Chikmagalur is also quite well-known for being home to lush green forests and majestic, tall mountains. The town offers a tranquil environment and is a popular trekking spot as well.
The Best Things to Do in Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur boasts of vast coffee plantations and a treasure trove of natural beauty, attracting a large number of visitors all year round. This hill station in Karnataka has a lot to offer as it brings together adventure, wildlife, natural abundance, heritage sites, and of course, coffee. There are so many places to visit and things to do in Chikmagalur that you will be spoilt for choice. The small hill town has something to do for everyone and there is no dearth of activities, from trekking and rafting to religious sites and majestic waterfalls. Some of the best things to do in Chikmagalur that you can enjoy, include but are not limited to: -
- Coffee Plantation Tours
- Rafting across the Bhadra River
- Day Trip to Kemmanagundi
- Visiting the Shrine at Baba Budangiri
- Visiting the Holy Shrine of Inam Dattatreya Peetha
- Trekking Up to Mullayanagiri
- Nature Retreat at Kudremukh National Park
- Jeep Safari in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Exploring the Scenic Village of Belavadi
- Witnessing the Mesmerising Jhari Waterfalls
- Things to Visit in Chikmagalur in 2 Days
Coffee Plantation Tours
One of the best things to do in Chikmagalur is to visit some of the many coffee plantations that dot the town. Chikmagalur is known for its many coffee estates and there is no doubt that strolling through the aromatic plantations can be one of the most fun activities to do in Chikmagalur. You can even look for homestays in the town that are located in the midst of coffee plantations. You can opt for a guided tour to learn about the history and process of coffee production in the town. Don’t forget to try a cup of freshly brewed coffee when you visit the plantations.
Rafting across the Bhadra River
Rafting is one of the best adventure activities in Chikmagalur that you can enjoy on your trip. The Bhadra River flows through the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and originates in the Western Ghats. You will be able to enjoy amazing views of the verdant Western Ghats, coffee plantations, and quaint little villages while rafting. If you’re looking for an exhilarating experience, this 8 km stretch, with rapids ranging from level 3 to 5, is one of the best things to do in Chikmagalur.
Day Trip to Kemmanagundi
If you’re looking for things to do near Chikmagalur, you should consider visiting Kemmanagundi. Kemmanagundi means “red soil”, which is abundant in the region. Kemmanagundi is a hill station that promises to mesmerise you with the beauty of its surroundings. Here, you can enjoy picnics, nature walks, and even trekking. In fact, the trek to Kemmanagundi Peak is one of the best adventure activities in Chikmagalur. The trek is considered to be moderately difficult, with narrow paths and steep climbs, and will take you through coffee plantations, waterfalls, sylvan forests, and more.
Visiting the Shrine at Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri is a mountain in the Budangiri Range of the Western Ghats and if you are looking for spiritual things to do in Chikmagalur, you should visit Baba Budangiri, which is popular for housing the shrine to Hazrat Dada Hayat Mir Khalandar, who is also known as Baba Budan and was a Sufi Saint. It is a popular pilgrim site among Hindus and Muslims. Trekking and hiking are some of the best things to do at Chikmagalur when you visit the Baba Budangiri Hills to enjoy the picturesque views that surround the mountain range.
Visiting the Holy Shrine of Inam Dattatreya Peetha
The Baba Budangiri Range is also known as the Dattagiri Hill Range because many people believe it to be the home of a shrine associated with a Hindu god, God Guru Dattatreya. This shine is one of the most popular things to see in Chikmagalur among Hindus as well as Muslims. The shrine is located in a cave, which is believed to have provided shelter to Guru Dattatreya as well as Hazrat Dada Hayat Mir Khalandar. So, if you are visiting the Baba Budangiri hills in Chikmagalur, your list of things to do must include a visit to this shrine.
Trekking Up to Mullayanagiri
Another one of the adventurous activities to do in Chikmagalur is trekking up to the Mullayanagiri Pear, which is also located in the Baba Budangiri Range of the Western Ghats. The peak has a lot of natural beauty and is adorned with rugged rocks and verdant grassland, offering a very serene ambience. Mullayanagiri Peak is located at a height of 1930 metres and is best known as a hub for adventure enthusiasts.
Nature Retreat at Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh was designated as a national park in 1987 and is one of the most well-preserved national parks in Karnataka. The park is located in the mountains and covers an area of 600 kilometres. The Kudremukh National Park boasts of verdant natural beauty, with high-rising peaks that are home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Trekking is indubitably one of the best things to do at Chikmagalur and the Kudremukh National Park also offers some of the most beautiful trekking trails that overlook lush grasslands. Visiting the Kudremukh National Park is one of the best things to do at Chikmagalur for nature lovers.
Jeep Safari in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Another one of the most exhilarating things to do in Chikmagalur is visiting the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. For nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and bird watchers, a visit to this tiger reserve is one of the best activities to do in Chikmagalur. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is home to nearly 120 species of trees and 250 types of bird species and gives you an opportunity to explore some of the most exotic species of animals, like the barking deer, sloth bear, leopards, tigers, and many more. Surrounded by the peaks of the Western Ghats on all sides, this tiger reserve makes for quite the picturesque destination.
Exploring the Scenic Village of Belavadi
There is no doubt that Belavadi is one of the best things to see in Chikmagalur. One of the prime attractions in Karnataka, Belavadi is a scenic village, surrounded by lush landscapes, and a national heritage site. Belavadi has a lot of historical significance, as it is home to the Veer Narayana Temple, constructed by the Hoysalas and for the legend of the fearless warrior queen, Belavadi Mallamma. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, visiting Belavadi should definitely be on your list of things to do at Chikmagalur.
Witnessing the Mesmerising Jhari Waterfalls
One of the most famous things to do in Chikmagalur is to visit Attigundi to witness the beauty of the Jhari Waterfalls. These falls are also called the Buttermilk Falls due to their milky appearance. The falls are created by springs that originate in the mountains themselves. If you visit the Jhari Falls in Chikmagalur, you get to do fun things, like taking nature walks, unwinding in nature’s lap, or swimming and playing in the pool that forms at the lower part of the waterfall.
Things to Visit in Chikmagalur in 2 Days
Chikmagalur is a popular weekend destination among travellers. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or if your itinerary only has a couple of days allocated to this town, here are some of the best things to visit in Chikmagalur in 2 days:
Day 1
- Coffee Plantation Tours
- Mullayanagiri Trek
- Jhari Waterfalls
- Baba Budangiri
- Inam Dattatreya Shrine
Day 2
- Belavadi
- Kemmanagundi
- Z Point Trek (Kemmanagundi)
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bhadra River for Rafting
In a bid to improve Karnataka State Tourism and create a tourist-centric ecosystem that focuses on niche themes for tourism, the state unveiled its new tourism policy in October 2024. The policy also covers plans for establishing Tourism and Cultural Hubs across all districts, including Chikmagalur. The hubs will showcase the local culture food and traditions of the district. So, the time is just right to plan your trip to Chikmagalur to enjoy all that it has to offer.
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