Chikmagalur, the "Coffee Land of Karnataka," is a serene hill station in the Western Ghats. Renowned for its coffee plantations, rolling green hills, and picturesque vistas, Chikmagalur is heaven on earth for nature and adventure enthusiasts and coffee lovers as well. Situated at an elevation of about 3,400 feet above sea level, this heaven on earth is just the place to break away from urban mayhem. The most sought-after place of Chikmagalur is its colonial British coffee plantations. A plantation tour is an experience to see the processing of the coffee before your very eyes, from bean to cup, and the scent wafting through the air. The town is also the starting point of Mullayanagiri Peak, the state's highest, with scenery so breathtaking that even seasoned trekkers consider it a challenge. Adventure seekers have many adventure sports in Chikmagalur, such as trekking, river rafting in the Bhadra River, and camping. The other well-known treks are Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri, and Kudremukh, which are unique with great viewscapes, dense green forests, and plenty of wildlife. Nature lovers can visit the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, where tigers, leopards, elephants, and several residential bird species can be observed. Chikmagalur is also culturally and historically affluent.There are old temples like the Hoysaleswara Temple of Halebidu and the Chennakeshava Temple at Belur, which are renowned for carved sculpture and architectural exploration. An example includes Baba Budangiri hills which are sacred to the Sufi saint Baba Budan but are also worshipped by Hindus and Muslims. Apart from its natural and cultural attractions, Chikmagalur is also greatly renowned for its good weather all year round. September to May would be the best time to visit because the weather will be suitable and favourable for outdoor excursions and touring as well. From June to August during monsoons, the landscape is greenish and hence suitable for nature lovers and landscape photography. Whether adventure, rebirth, or coffee culture experience, Chikmagalur has it all. A combination of nature, history, and the hospitality of the people, the town is a destination one should not miss in South India. Mountain escapes and scenic holidays are covered in our Weekend Getaways From Bangalore guide.Places to Visit Around ChikmagalurTwo of the places around Chikmagalur have heritage and scenic spots, and therefore, a perfect place to travel from in attempting to view the Western Ghats. Among the most visited tourist spots to visit around Chikmagalur are:Mullayanagiri (12 km)Mullayanagiri, the state's highest elevation of 1,930 meters, has a top view and sun-baked track and cooling pleasant wind and attracts pilgrims as well. A small temple of Lord Shiva is at the top, and seers and trekkers are attracted.Baba Budangiri (33 km)It is Sufi saint Baba Budan's shrine, and the site is well known because of coffee plantations, caves, and religious sites. Datta Peetha is a holy site among Hindus and Muslims. Manikyadhara Waterfalls and beautiful views also attract these hills.Kudremukh National Park (60 km).Paradise of trekkers and nature lovers, Kudremukh National Park is home to wildlife and flora like tigers, leopards, and deer. One of the most popular treks in the state is the Kudremukh trek, which takes tourists through grasslands and forest cover.Hebbe Falls (65 km)Situated in a coffee plantation, Hebbe Falls is a two-tiered waterfall with 551 feet in height. It is approached by jeep safari via landscape or short distance of trekking, and therefore it is a place nobody must miss to experience the thrill for adventure sport lovers.Kemmangundi (61 km)A scenic hill station with waterfalls, pastures, and sweeping views of the Western Ghats, Kemmangundi is. What to see: Sunrise Point, Z Point, and serene Kalhatti Falls.Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (38 km)Covering an area of 490 square kilometres, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a destination to stake elephants, leopards, tigers, and other birds. Safari is the opportunity provided to all who want to witness the variety of indigenous flora and fauna.Belur & Halebidu (25-30 km)These temple sites are renowned for their marvellous Hoysala architecture. Chennakeshava Temple at Belur and Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu boast excellent carvings and sculptures and must be visited by history buffs. From the scenic beauty of the region, and adventure spots to historical sites, Chikmagalur and surrounding areas have something or other to offer every traveler.How to Reach ChikmagalurChikmagalur can be reached with ease by road, rail, and flight from the city towns of Karnataka and even beyond that. Travelers seeking coffee estates, trekking, and sightseeing often choose our Chikmagalur Tour Package.By RoadChikmagalur is 245 km from Bangalore, and the distance can be covered in 5-6 hours. Options abound:By Car: By car through Bangalore on NH75 is filled with the sight of the Western Ghats and coffee estates.By Bus: Regular bus connectivity by KSRTC and private transport between Mangalore, Bangalore, and Mysore. Transportation employed is AC, non-AC, and sleeper buses.By TrainNo station in Chikmagalur. Closest to Chikmagalur:Kadur Railway Station (40 km) – With with very high frequency of connectivity by Hubli, Mysore, and Bangalore.Birur Railway Station (45 km) – Another major station with a very high frequency of train movements.Taxi and bus services is available from here to proceed further to Chikmagalur.By AirportAirports nearest to Chikmagalur are:Mangalore International Airport (150 km) – Closest airport having domestic as well as international flights.Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (265 km) – Big airport has good connectivity.Best Time to Visit ChikmagalurChikmagalur is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons:1. Winter (September – February) – Best Time for Sightseeing & AdventureWinter is the best time to go for a Chikmagalur trip as the climate is great and perfect for trekking to Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri, and Kudremukh. It is also perfect to go to coffee plantations, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries like Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.2. Summer (March-May) – Perfect for a Cool GetawayChikmagalur is an ideal summer vacation place as it is cooler compared to the plains. Hot afternoons but pleasant mornings and evenings, and therefore a suitable place for coffee plantation holidays and brief hikes.3. Monsoon (June – August) – Ideal for Nature Lovers & WaterfallsMonsoons turn Chikmagalur into a heaven of greens. Hebbe Falls, Jhari Falls, and Kalhatti Falls are the crème de la crème. Treks can be slippery, but excess rain can spoil your travel plan. If you are a scenery-in-mist lover and do not mind the rain, it's a magical time to behold it.
