Places to visit in Chikmagalur – Chikmagalur located in Karnataka is famous for its coffee plantations, rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. This small town is the best place to witness nature’s beauty and tranquility.
Being located in the Western Ghats it has some beautiful places worth visiting in the vicinity and the peaks here provide some stunning panoramic views of the entire region.
Other than sightseeing, it is a popular trekking destination and home to a number of treks. There are also a number of forests and National parks around this place home to a number of animals and plants. The lush green forests are also places where you can find stunning waterfalls, streams and rivers.
The Belur and Halebedu temples are also located nearby which are known for their exquisite architecture. There are therefore a good variety of places in and around Chikmagalur that can suit diverse interests of different age groups.
It is an ideal quick weekend getaway for people looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of their lives in the cities. You are surely going to love Chikmagalur.
Best places to visit in Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur has a number of beautiful and unique places and experiences waiting for you. Here are some of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur
#1 Kudremukh National Park
The Kudremukh National Park is located 96 kilometers away from Chikmagalur and is perched at a height of about 1800 meters above sea level.
Kudremukh is derived from two words Kudre meaning horse and mukha meaning face suggesting the shape of the Kudremukh peak which is situated here.
The entire region is marked with rolling hills, lush green forests, waterfalls and streams. It is protected National park and is home to a number of rare flora and fauna.
Three prominent rivers Tunga, Netravati and Bhadra also originate from the hills here. The Kudremukh peak is the third highest peak in Karnataka.
This region also has some beautiful treks which can done after obtaining permissions from the Forest department. There are some spice and coffee plantations present in the periphery of this area.
#2 Mullayanagiri Trek
The Mullayanagiri peak is the highest peak in Karnataka and is around 2000 meters in height. The path to the summit of this peak has a number of stunning trekking routes.
The trekking route passes through lush green forests comprising unique tree and plant species. The summit provides stunning panoramic views of the entire Western Ghats.
This place can also be reached by a car but the trekking experience is something worth trying. There is also a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva on top of this hill.
The best time to do the Mullayanagiri trek is during the winter and spring months when the weather is pleasant. The summers should be avoided as the temperatures grow up. The whole place transforms into a verdant paradise during monsoons however too much of rain can cause problems.
#3 Baba Budangiri
The Baba Budangiri is a mountain in the mountain range of the same name and is a popular tourist destination.
It is named after the revered saint Baba Budan and is home to the shrine of the saint Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar. This is an important place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Muslims.
The holy Dattapeeta cave is situated next to this. It is said that Sri Guru Dattatreya Swamy had made this cave and Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar lived here along with him. The whole region beside the caves and shrine is picturesque.
#4 Kemmangundi
Kemmangundi is located 62 kilometers away from Chikmagalur and is a hill station. This once served as the summer retreat for the Wodeyar kings who ruled over this place.
This place is surrounded by mountains, forests and lush green valleys. The Raj Bhavan here has a beautiful rose garden that must be visited and is also a great place to witness sunrises and sunsets.
The Hebbe Falls is located 8 kilometers from this place and is a mesmerizing waterfall falling from a height of 150 meters.
#5 Kallathigiri Falls
The Kallathigiri Falls is located 10 kilometers away from Kemmangundi and is where you can find nature in its pristine form. It is situated against a backdrop of mountains and dense forests.
The trail to this falls is picturesque passing through forests. A rock garden is located nearby. Visit to the Hebbe Falls can also be included in the itinerary while visiting this place. You can infect trek and go to the place from where the waterfall descends which is quite fun.
#6 Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is home to a number of animals and birds. It is also a protected area for tigers and is 35 kilometres away from Chikmagalur.
The Kemmangundi, Kallathigiri and Baba Budangiri Hills are all located within the limits of this sanctuary.
The Bhadra river which originates in the Kudremukh region flows through this sanctuary and the source of water for all the plant and animals species here.
Teak and sandalwood are some of the trees that are found here. You can opt for wildlife safaris here where you can take the help of forest guides to know more about the flora and fauna of this place.
If you are lucky you may also get sights of some animals. There are about 250 species of birds available here.
#7 Sharadamba Temple Sringeri
The Sharadamba Temple in Sringeri is located in Chikmagalur district. This ancient 8th century temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya by the banks of river Tungabhadra.
It is dedicated to Goddess Sharadamba and an idol made with gold of the goddess is situated inside the temple here. Goddess Sharadamba is considered to be the goddess of wisdom and knowledge.
Legend says that Shankaracharya has initially planned to build a gurukul here but one day while walking by the river he saw a cobra providing shelter to a spawning frog with its hood on a hot summer day. He was moved by this sight and decided to build a temple here.
This places draws huge crowds and is situated 87 kilometres away from Chikmagalur
#8 Manikyadhara Falls
Manikyadhara Falls is located 25 kilometers away from Chikmagalur in the Baba Budan giri hills. This region has a number of trekking trails and the open rolling hills and grasslands are appropriate places for camping.
This is a perennial waterfall and the waters are believed to have magical healing powers and medicinal properties. It is considered holy by some local people.
#9 Ballalarayana Durga
The Ballalarayana Durga Fort can be reached by a small trek passing through the Western Ghats. It was built under the reign of Hoysalas who had built many such architectural wonders around this region.
Today, the fort is mostly in ruins but splendid views from the top of the fort enthrall visitors. The trek is a bit remote and challenging one, hence is advisable to do in groups.
It is recommended for people who are experienced in trekking. There are waterfalls, streams and rain forests that you will pass on the way.
Conclusion
Chikmagalur with its natural beauty, coffee plantations and lush green stretches offers things for a rather memorable holiday. There are also temples, forts and other attractions to keep everyone engrossed. Chikmagalur is surely a place which will be loved by all.
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