Chikkaballapur is a beautiful city situated in Karnataka. It is known for its educational institutions, temples and historical monuments. The town is surrounded by mountains and hills and offers a pleasant climate throughout the year.
Chikkaballapur is one of the major industrial cities of India and has a rich history. Chikkaballapur is famous for its art and craft centres like the Kalaguru Art Gallery, National Crafts Museum, Krishna Art Gallery and many more. The beautiful city houses many heritage sites like Sharana Gudi, Ramappa Temple and much more to explore.
How to reach Chikkaballapur?
By train: Chikkaballapur is a well-connected city, with transport systems such as railways, roadways, waterways and airways. There are two railway stations in Chikkaballapur: the Chikmagalur Railway Station and the Chikballapur Railway Station.
By air: The nearest airport to Chikballapur is the Bangalore International Airport, which caters to both domestic and international travellers. Approximately 48 km from Chikballapur, it is located on the Indian coast.
By road: Chikkaballapur is well connected by road and rail to other major cities like Bangalore (about 1-hour drive), Mysore (1-hour drive), and Kolar (about 2 hours drive) and Hubli (about 3 hours drive). There are also many buses running from Chikkaballapur to other cities such as Belgaum, Gulbarga, Yadgir etc. You can reach Muddenahalli, which is just 5 km away from Chikkaballapur Town, by bus from Bangalore. From Muddenahalli, you can go by vehicle directly to Chikkaballapur.
10 places to visit in Chikkaballapur and things to do for a mesmerising trip
1. Vivekanand Falls
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This is a great place to visit if you’re in Chikkaballapur, and it should be on everyone’s agenda as soon as they arrive. The falls are a must-see during your time in the area, with their crystal clear waters and amazing natural beauty. Vivekanand Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Chikkaballapur District.
The best time to visit the waterfall is in April and October, when you can watch the water cascade down from its highest point. A taxi from the city centre or local buses is required to reach Kethenahalli, which is approximately 12 km from Chikballapur.
2. Ranganatha Swamy temple
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One of the most revered temples in India, this temple is worth a visit if you’re visiting Chikkaballapur. It’s located right by the river and has a beautiful garden that surrounds it, making this an ideal spot for picturesque shots. The Ranganatha Swamy temple is located on top of a hill overlooking the Vivekanand falls.
This Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared as Ranganatha in this area thousands of years ago. The temple has been renovated recently and has been made more accessible for visitors by widening pathways, removing stairs, and adding ramps for wheelchairs.
You will find plenty of transportation options to reach the village of Gauribidanur, located 5km down Chikballapur.
3. Kaivara
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This is another great spot for picturesque shots you can take from anywhere on this hillside path. The view from up there will be worth more than any photo shoot you could ever do while on location here; even better if there’s some mist in the air so that everything looks like an ethereal dreamscape. Located on the outskirts of Chikkaballapur city centre, Kaivara is a popular place for trekking and bird watching.
Many routes lead up to this hilltop park with breathtaking views over Chikkaballapur city and surroundings. You can also explore nature trails through forests or along streams within the park boundaries. The distance from Chikkaballapur to Kaiva is 25 km, and it takes approximately 3 hours to reach there by bus
4. Nandi Hills
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These hills are home to many temples and shrines, which are all worth exploring once you get up close and personal with them; just make sure not to miss out. On state highway 74, approximately 10 km south of Chikballapur, lies Nandi Hills. The top of the hill is about 7 km higher than the base.
5. Muddenahalli
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If you’re looking for a place to visit in Chikkaballapur, then Muddenahalli is the best option. It is located at a distance of 16 km from the city centre and is known for its historical importance. The temple has been constructed after the construction of the Chintamani temple in the same area. You can also see the famous waterfall here. Muddenahalli is a small town with a lot of history.
Today, there are many temples in and around this town, including the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple. The view from the top of this temple is stunning.
6. Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
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Another popular place to visit in Chikkaballapur is Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple which is located at a distance of 24 km from the city centre and was built by King Dodda Veera Raya during his rule period. You can also see an inscription on one of the walls indicating that this place was used as a resting place by a king during his rule period. It is dedicated to Lord Nandi, who guards the entrance to Shiva’s temple at Sabari Hill or Parvathavani. The temple has been built using stones brought from nearby towns and villages, which have been carefully chiselled and polished over time by local artisans using traditional methods.
7. Trekking
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If you are planning to go on an adventure trip with your friends then trekking would be an ideal choice because many places within this region offer amazing opportunities for trekking. Trekking has become very popular in this area because there are many places where trekkers can go hiking around the Chikkaballapur district.
Some of these places include Muddenahalli Fort (a 10-minute drive from Muddenahalli), Anjaneya Temple (30 minutes away from Muddenahalli), and Nagarjunasagar Falls (60 minutes away from Chikkaballapur).
8. Gudibande Fort
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Gudibande Fort is a must-see for tourists visiting Chikkaballapur. The fort is located in the heart of the city, and it is one of the most iconic structures in South India. The fort was built to protect the city from invaders and has been used as a prison multiple times throughout its history. It is also home to a temple dedicated to Narayana Swamy, which was built by Emperor Bhanudatta. The fort is easy to reach from the city centre on foot or by taxi, although it can take up to an hour.
9. Rangadhama Adventure Club
Rangadhama Adventure Club is a place to visit in Chikkaballapur. It is located on the Sri Rangamma Temple Road. The place offers adventure activities such as trekking, rock climbing, camping, bird watching and more. You can also arrange for them to take you on a helicopter ride over the area or even an overnight stay at their lodge. If you are looking for something more relaxing then they have a spa where you can enjoy massages and facials as well as other treatments.
The camps are open from 9 am till 5 pm daily during the summer months from April through August, with an additional day off on Saturdays during the monsoon season (September through November). In just 13 minutes (5.1 km), you can reach Bhodaganahalli via NH 69 from Chikkaballapur’s city centre.
10. Avalabetta
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Avalabetta is located at the heart of Chikkaballapur city. It is just a few kilometres away from the railway station and close to other major roads like National Highway No.74 (NH 74). Avalabetta is located 100 kilometres from Bangalore and is a less crowded alternative to Nandi Hills. A lesser-known cliff and a less-commercialised environment make it worth a visit.
FAQs
How does Chikkaballapur differ from other places?
There are many trekking sites in Chikkaballapur Nandi Hills, one of six hills located 15 km away. Other hills include Chandra Giri, Indra Giri, Brahma Giri, Kalavara hill, and Hema Giri.
What makes Chikkaballapur famous?
What is the most famous hill station in the Chikkaballapur district?
Chikkaballapur's Nandi Hills are a popular weekend getaway for Bengaluru residents due to its proximity to the city.
How many villages are there in the Chikballapur district?
There are 243 inhabited villages with one town.