Coffee Plantations, Falls, National Parks Galore: 10 Best Places to Visit in Chikmagalur Plus 4 Best Shopping Destinations for Souvenirs (2020)

Vast stretches of greenery and gorgeous natural beauty beckon travellers to the wonderful destination of Chikmagalur. Located at the foothills of Mullayanagiri peaks in Western Ghats Karnataka, it is indeed a paradise for nature lovers. The favourable climate all through the year makes it a perfect destination to visit any time and once there, the vast expanses of the lush landscape will allure anyone to spend several more days here.

The quaint town is also known for its coffee plantations and is one of the extensively coffee growing regions in India. Exploring the coffee plantations would be an awesome activity for those who enjoy sauntering between the lush undergrowth of coffee bushes. If you love the idea of a laidback retreat avoid packed itinerary and just relax on a lounging chair with freshly brewed local coffee and succumb to the soothing sound of nature around you. Sounds like a perfect holiday, isn’t it?

Is your trip even complete without sampling some local delicacies? Instead of reaching for your usual meal, try these!

Located at an elevation of 1930 m, Mullayanagiri is one of the highest peaks in Karnataka and is located in the Western Ghats. This peaceful getaway is about 45 minutes away from Chikmagalur. The raw beauty and tranquil atmosphere of the peak make it a perfect paradise for those seeking solitude. Mullayanagiri is also well-known among adventure aficionados, especially trekkers as the peak has some of the perfect trekking trails.

Road biking and adventure biking are the other thrilling activities that travellers can indulge in. On the hilltop is the Lord Shiva temple and the base of the peak has small caves that are worth exploring. On a clear day, visitors can witness the Western Ghats in its full glory from the top of the peak. September to March is the best time to visit. There are several homestays in the vicinity that offers comfortable lodging facilities. It is recommended to carry light snacks, water, a raincoat and a light sweater if you are planning to trek.

The picturesque falls is one of the most visited tourist spots of Chikmagalur. The falls are nestled amidst dense forests, rich flora, verdant foliage and astonishing greenery. It is accessed from Kemmangundi. The cascading falls descend from an elevation of 168 m. It is divided into two stages known as Chikka Hebbe means small falls and Dodda Hebbe – Big falls.

The path leading to the falls from Kemmangundi is steep and narrow, but the scenic beauty and the efforts are worth it. It is an ideal spot to recharge your energies. The highlight of the spot is that the water is infused with exotic herbs, which makes it healthy to take a dip in the water. The falls are in full glory during monsoon. The weather is pleasant all through the year. The timings to visit the falls is 6.00 am – 6.00 pm. October to January is the best time to visit the waterfalls.

Nestled in the verdant Western Ghats, Baba Budangiri Mountain range is known for its shrine built as a tribute to Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar, a Sufi Saint. Also, known as Dattagiri Hill Range, the peak is a popular pilgrimage destination for both Muslims and Hindus. According to legends, coffee was first grown by the Sufi Saint in Baba Budangiri hills in 1670 AD.

Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in this mountain range. Once in 12 years, a unique species of flora known as Kurinji blooms here, which is witnessed by hordes of people. There is an array of attractions nearby, which makes it a perfect spot to visit with your family.

Chikmagalur is a tourist paradise and has several interesting places to visit. Z point is one such spot that is also the best trekking spots in Karnataka and hence a favourite place among trekkers. The vantage point offers mesmerising views of the verdant Western Ghats. It is located at an altitude of 1400 m. The trek to the top is about 3 km and the walk is quite interesting with views of green valleys around. The trek starts from Kemmanagundi Raj Bhavan and en route, there is Shanti waterfalls, where tourist’s stopover to take a dip in the water. The Z-point offers spectacular sunset and sunrise views. It is indeed a perfect place to visit for nature lovers. September to May are the best months to visit.

This is a beautiful man-made lake situated about 10 kilometres from Chikmagalur. It was built to supply water to the villages in and around Chikmagalur. The stunning vistas of sunset when the vivid shades of golden hues of setting sun is reflected in the waters give it an ethereal appearance. It is a haven for photography enthusiasts as they can add idyllic sunset shots to their collection. The impressive beauty of the lake and the surrounding high mountains makes it a popular attraction. The place is open throughout the year. It is recommended to visit during sunset to experience awe-striking spectacle during twilight.

Located about 38 kilometres from Chikmagalur, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is near the Bhadra River and is one of the popular destinations for spotting a wide variety of wildlife. This protected tiger reserve is home to exotic species of flora and fauna. You can spot not only the majestic tigers but many species of reptiles and birds as well. It is also an abode to rosewood, teak and other exotic trees, which is sure to captivate the visitors. Another highlight of the sanctuary is the stunning variety of butterfly species spotted here. The best time to visit is from October to February.

Chikmagalur has the largest forest cover and the hillsides are covered with lush coffee plantations, so waterfalls and rivulets in the region is a common sight. Kalhatti falls is one such beautiful waterfalls in Chikmagalur, which is especially popular among religious travellers. The distance to Kalhatti from Kemmanagundi is just 10 km. You need to trek a short distance to reach the base of the waterfalls. The Veerabhadra temple is right opposite to the falls. The stone carvings at the temple have elephant carvings at the entrance depicting the Vijayanagar architecture. The annual fair celebrated by the temple every March-April is attended by many pilgrims.

The beautiful cascading falls arise from the hills of Chandra Drona at a height of 122 m. Although it is not as impressive as the Hebbe falls, it is worth visiting for its captivating surroundings, which is a visual treat to travellers. The elegant spot is rejuvenating and an ideal trekking spot. The base camp for trekkers is Tarikere, which is 35 km from Kemmanagundi.

This is a spectacular hill range that is surrounded by lush greenery everywhere. The road-trip through the rolling hills is thrilling and a must-do activity for adventure seekers. The picturesque landscape is dotted with dramatic peaks, beautifully cascading waterfalls and numerous streams. Veiled by a thick blanket of clouds, the hill is one of the gorgeous places to visit. Every peak is an enchanting point for sunrise and sunset. Jeeps are available for hire, which will give you an opportunity to explore the hill from dawn to dusk. Except for monsoon, the place is perfect to visit in all seasons.

This is a scenic hill station situated about 55 km from Chikmagalur and is nestled amidst the Baba Budan Giri hill ranges. It is at a height of 1434m above the sea level. Kemmanagundi literally means a pit of red soil. It is so-called because of the brilliant red soil present here, which is just perfect to grow coffee plants and crops. Kemmanagundi was also the summer retreat of Mysore King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV.

The place boasts of splendid valleys, glorious mountain ranges, picturesque landscape, beautiful gardens and a green stretch. Trekking along the mountainous terrains gives a glimpse of enchanting views of the hill slopes and verdant valleys below. Bird watching, exploring the riveting scenic slopes and magnificent falls are some of the activities you can indulge in when you are here. The tranquil vibe, serene atmosphere and pleasant weather make this the best place to explore for a day or two.

Coffee Museum introduces visitors to the origin of coffee, processes involved and the varieties of coffee grown in the Chikmagalur district. The quality of coffee grown here is analysed and tested before it is released in the market. You will get to learn the journey of the coffee beans from the time it is plucked until it is powdered and packed.

A video presentation and an awesome gallery with photo exhibits give you a vivid description of the painstaking procedures and the course of this favourite beverage of the country. Unfortunately, there is no coffee tasting session, which would have made the trip to this interesting place an all-encompassing experience. On weekends the museum is closed, so plan your itinerary suitably so that you can also visit this museum when you are here.

Chikmagalur town is not exactly a destination for shoppers, but one cannot miss the opportunity to buy an array of coffee blends. From Robusta to Arabica coffees, visitors must carry back home some distinctive flavoured coffee. Besides this, you can also pick some local handicrafts, spices, berries, sandalwood, ambrosial perfumes and coffee wood. The best places to shop for souvenirs are –