Footprints on the Mountain Trails: Chikmagalur

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.

History of Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur, Karnataka's scenic hill resort town, is filled with centuries of tradition and history. The town itself owes its name to "Chikmagalur" or "Younger Daughter Town" in Kannada. The country was presented as a dowry to Rukmangada's younger daughter by the Sakrepatna chief, a century-old district town by tradition. There is scope for Chikmagalur in Indian coffee history. Coffee is said to have been brought to India in the 17th century by Sufi saint Baba Budan. On his return from a pilgrimage tour of Mecca, he used to bring seven coffee seeds secretly with him in Yemen and sow them on hills which are now known as Baba Budangiri. Therefore, coffee was sown in India and hence Chikmagalur is the birthplace of Indian coffee. With. With time, Coffee estates became prosperous under the British colonial empire and Chikmagalur is currently India's biggest area of coffee production.

It was once governed by a series of dynasties like the Hoysalas, the Vijayanagara Empire, and the Mysore Kingdom. Throughout the Hoysalas' period (10th–14th century), there was extensive growth of art, culture, and architecture in Chikmagalur. The well-known Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu and the Chennakeshava Temple at Belur, close to Chikmagalur, are fine samples of Hoysala craftsmanship. These temples demonstrate fine sculpture and carvings of mythological themes. Chikmagalur was a large commercial town and farming land in the Vijayanagara Empire (14th–16th century). The region fell into the hands of Mysore Wodeyars, and then into British hands in the 18th century. The British planted coffee plantations, and some properties were in British ownership and remain. Chikmagalur is also a religious site because of the Baba Budangiri Hills, which are considered sacred by the Hindu as well as the Muslim community. On these hills, there lies the shrine of Sufi saint Baba Budan, a member of an order that is held in esteem, and the Dattatreya Peetha, and people from every religion flock here. Chikmagalur is famous throughout the world now for its coffee culture, natural scenery, and history and therefore a nice destination to go to for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

Places to Visit Around Chikmagalur

Two 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, 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 Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur can be reached with ease by road, rail, and flight from the city towns of Karnataka and even beyond that.

By Road

• Chikmagalur 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 Train

• No 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 service is available from here to proceed further to Chikmagalur.

By Airport

• Airports 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.

Stay in Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur has a wide range of stays ranging from luxury resorts and boutique homestays to budget hotels and camps. From staying in coffee plantations in a homely ambience to a luxurious stay with all the comforts, Chikmagalur has everything.

1. Luxury Resorts & Hotels

• These resorts are for those who want to stay in comfort and luxuries. They offer luxury and some of the best of nature:

• Trivik Hotels & Resorts – 5-star resort with valley view, cosy cottages, and good food.

• Java Rain Resorts – Luxury coffee plantation resort with private villas, infinity pool, and spa.

• The Serai Chikmagalur – Luxury resort with private villas, infinity pool, and plantation walk.

2. Mid-Range Hotels & Homestays

• A cosy option for couples and families looking for comfort at an affordable price:

• Honeydewwz Exoticaa Hotel & Resort – Nature embraced with contemporary comfort, ideal for a holiday unwind.

• Gateway Chikmagalur – IHCL SeleQtions – Heritage resort where heritage meets luxury.

• Coffee Estate Homestays – Homestays such as Thotadhahalli Homestay and Nature Craft Homestay provide an actual experience amidst coffee estates.

3. Budget Stays & Backpacker Hostels

• Budget travellers love budget stays with minimal comfort to look forward to in Chikmagalur:

• Zostel Chikmagalur – A trendy backpacker hotel with dorm and private rooms, ideal for single travellers.

• The Grand Krishna – An urban economy hotel in the centre with plain and clean rooms.

• Treebo Trend 3C Comforts – A plain budget stay with limited amenities.

4. Camping & Adventure Stays

• Adventure sports enthusiasts and nature lovers will have something more natural at these stays:

• Baba Budangiri Camping – Campfire and star-gazing camping around Baba Budangiri Hills.

• Mullayanagiri Camping – Camp on the crest of Karnataka for a hellish experience.

• Jungle Lodges & Resorts – Bhadra – Nature resort within Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary for nature lovers.

Best Time to Visit Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur 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 & Adventure

Winter 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 Getaway

Chikmagalur 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 & Waterfalls

Monsoons 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 magic time to behold it.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Chikmagalur trip from Bangalore and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure your experience to be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you to always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Each of our tour packages is thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions. Whether camping out beneath the stars or exploring a hidden beach cove, we present to you the other side of Chikmagalur that not many get to encounter.