Things to do and places to see in Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur, a mountain city in Karnataka, southwestern India, is among the few tourist spots that blend with the abundance of nature. Animals, excitement, historic sites, and coffee, this location is ideal for a holiday escape for everyone.

Chikmagalur is well-known for being a mixture of various religious traditions and captivating attractiveness. Chikmagalur translates as Young Daughter’s Town in English. Many people believe that the city was offered as a dowry to the daughter of Rukmangada, a mythological king. 

This mountain village, which is 3,400 feet above sea level, transports visitors to a mystical place of solitude. There are many places to visit in Chikmagalur, but here are some things you should do if you are looking for a weekend getaway.

 

How to reach Chikmagalur?

By air

Board the flight to Mangalore Airport, which is 104 km away from the town and is the nearest airport to it. You can board a bus or hail a cab from the airport to the town.

By train

The train boards from all the major Indian railway stations to Kadurr to reach the town, which is 39km away. You can board a bus or hail a cab from the station to the town.

By road

Buses from Bangalore, Mangalore, and many nearby towns are available. To commute within the town, cabs, taxis, buses, rickshaws, autos, and tuk-tuks are available.

 

15 best Chikmagalur tourist places

Listed below are 15 of the best tourist places in Chikmagalur.

 

Hebbe Falls

Hebbe Falls is one of Karnataka’s natural beauty. This spectacular waterfall, Dodda Hebbe, and Chikka Hebbe cascade at an altitude of 551 feet and are surrounded by a coffee farm near Kemmangundi.

Amongst the most rejuvenating activities to do in Chikmagalur would be to spend a few hours alongside the families and friends taking in the picturesque environs of the waterfall.

Enjoy a quiet lunch in the middle of the wilderness and capture this unique setting on camera; every second you spend here will be permanently seared into your memory. Hebbe Falls should undoubtedly be at the top of your Chikmagalur places to visit list.

Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Entry fee: INR 400 per head for a jeep

Best time to visit: October-January

How to reach: Board a bus from Chikmagalur Bus Stop to Kemmanagundi, which is 3.7 km from the falls. One can either opt for trekking or a 4-wheeler till the falls.

Source: Pinterest

 

Kudremukh Trek

Few activities in Chikmagalur are as thrilling for thrill-seekers as climbing Kudremukh, the 3rd highest mountain peak in Karnataka.

This difficult track allows you to travel expansive grassy fields and steep hills covered in deep forest, among the most beautiful scenery in the area. This excursion is highly recommended even for people who have no trekking experience.

Get prepared to be mesmerised in this Chikmagalur place before beginning your trip as you take in the stunning views of mist-covered mountains and valleys from the peak, which is situated at an altitude of 6207 feet.

Distance: 95km to Kudremukh Base

Timings: 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Trek distance: 18km

Entry fee: INR 200 per head for Indians; INR 1000 per head for foreigners; Permission for trekking required from Forest officer

Best time to visit: October-May

How to reach: Board a bus from Chikmagalur Bus Stop to Kudremukh Base Camp or you can book a taxi to reach the base.

Source: Pinterest

 

Bhadra river rafting

Source: Pinterest

River rafting in the Bhadra River is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Chikmagalur. Both beginners and experienced rafting fans who seek a huge dose of a thrill should engage in this sport. 

Just enjoy the waves with your group after setting off towards Bhadra Lake to complete this task, but proceed cautiously.

Distance: 0km from city centre

Timings: Before sunset

Entry fee: Depends on whether you are doing it with/without rafting service providers.

Best time to visit: June to October

How to reach: Just stroll towards the river with the requirements.

 

Chikmagalur Golf Club

Chikmagalur offers something beyond hiking, caffeine, mountains, and shrines. The Chikmagalur Golf Club seems to be the ideal location for anyone looking to escape the crowds of city life while still indulging in some kind of excitement. 

One of the greatest things to do in Chikmagalur is to shoot a few rounds of golf at these lush fields. It is perfect for international golfers and visitors searching for the ideal weekend getaway place near Chikmagalur.

Distance: 7 km

Timings: 06:30 AM to 06:30 PM

Entry fee: INR 200 per hour for golf set; INR 70 for 9 holes (caddy)

Best time to visit: October-May

How to reach: Hire a taxi from Chikmagalur to the Golf club.

Source: Pinterest

 

Tea Plantation Walk

The presence of several coffee estates in Chikmagalur is well recognised. One of the best things to do in Chikmagalur is walking through the coffee farms. This experience is provided by a large number of guesthouses in the Karnataka region that are situated directly inside coffee farms in Chikmagalur and Coorg. 

You will get in-depth details about the complete coffee-producing procedure if you take a tour guide. It is time to refresh your taste buds with a fresh-made cup of coffee as the guide fills you with knowledge. Whenever you sip, do not forget to gaze at the abundant flora here. For coffee lovers, this place is nothing short of heaven.

Distance: Varies on the farm you choose

Timings: 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM

Entry fee: Varies on the farm

Best time to visit: October-May

Source: Pinterest

 

Jeep Ride to Jhari Falls

The ideal way to have unconventional fun in Chikmagalur is to take a rough jeep trip to Jhari Falls. This jeep trip blends the excitement of the outdoors with an experience, making this one of the most notable parts to do in Chikmagalur.

Just get into a jeep with your fellow travellers and drive through the thickest section of the woods to a waterfall, where the breathtaking beauty would steal your breath away. It is called Buttermilk Waterfall because of the flow’s ferocious rush, which gives it a milky look.

Distance: 22 km

Timings: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Entry fee: None

Jeep ride: INR 600 for 6 people (may change)

Best time to visit: August to January

How to reach: Board a bus or taxi to the fall’s parking area, which is 4km away from the falls. Opt for a jeep ride due to road conditions.

Source: Pinterest

 

Spiritual awakening at Sharadamba temple

You should go to Sharadamba Temple if you want to make time for devotion throughout your vacation to Chikmagalur. This well-known Hindu temple is devoted to the deity Saraswati and is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Chikmagalur. It is well renowned for its elaborate sculptures, colonnaded hall, and a series of priceless statues.

The temple, constructed in the eighth century, intrigues many history buffs with its fine workmanship and intricate artistry. The temple’s gorgeous setting along the Tunga river gives a feeling of serenity and calmness you will feel when visiting.

Distance: 86.5 km

Timings: 06:00 AM to 02:00 PM; 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM

Entry fee: None

Best time to visit: September – October during Navratri

How to reach: Board a bus or taxi to the temple. All public transports are available to reach the location.

Source: Pinterest

 

Coffee museum

Chikmagalur and coffee have a long history together. In the 18th century, a Sufi built the first coffee plants near India in Chikmagalur. To reconstruct the heritage of coffee in India, there is a coffee museum constructed by The Coffee Authority of India.

It is among the best activities in Chikmagalur. The museum is a pleasure for coffee enthusiasts since they can comprehend all the suffering involved in producing the completed product that they consume. The museum contains areas where the steps involved in brewing coffee—from selecting the beans to packaging them—are discussed.

Distance: 6.2 km

Timings: 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday closed

Entry fee: INR 20 per head

Best time to visit: August to January

How to reach:  All public transports are available to reach the location from Chikmagalur.

 

Bhadra wildlife sanctuary

Go directly to Bhadra Animal Sanctuary for an amazing jeep safari if you are unsure of doing anything in Chikmagalur to slake your appetite for wildlife discovery. You will get the chance to discover the astounding variety of plants and animals that this wildlife sanctuary nestled in the Western Ghats boasts during an interactive vehicle safari.

Along with the over 250 different bird species, other animals you may expect to see here include the barking deer, sloth bear, elephant, gaur, and tiger.

This safari may be exciting and full of discoveries and heart-pounding thrills, from seeing tigers wandering openly in their habitat to photographing elephants and deer.

Distance: 79km

Safari Timings: 06:00 AM to 08:30 PM; 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM

Jeep Safari Fee: INR 400 for adults, INR 200 for kids; INR 1200 for foreigners;

Bus/ Canter Safari: INR 300 per person

Boat Safari: INR 800 – INR 2000 (Depends on the type of boat)

Best time to visit: October to May

Things to do: Bird watching, Trekking, Island camping, Rock climbing, boating

How to reach:  All public transports are available to reach the location from Chikmagalur.

Source: Pinterest

 

Jet Ski at Yagachi Dam

Jet skiing at Yagachi Dam is one of the most exciting things to do in Chikmagalur. This is an exhilarating sport that would make your stay memorable.

Yagachi Dam, a gorgeous location with a wide variety of water activities, is 28 kilometres from Chikmagalur and should not be missed by any thrill seeker. You would be guaranteed to have a top-notch excitement produced by the mix of far-reaching seas and pace at the dam since it has the ideal environment for jet skiing.

The euphoria induced by jet skiing would satiate your appetite for excitement while top-notch gear and instructors assure your safety while participating in the activity.

Distance: 22.9 km

Timings: 07:00 AM to 06:30 PM

Jet Ski: INR 300 per head

Best time to visit: August to January

How to reach:  All public transports are available to reach the location from Chikmagalur.

 

Neelakurinji blooms

If you want to see the stunning Neelakurinji plant, which only blooms every twelve years, you must travel to Chikmagalur in April or May. Organising your trip to Chikmagalur during the Neelkurinji shrub’s blooming season is one of the most fascinating things to do there. The entire region glows purple and seems gorgeous. Make sure to see this incredible sight by adding it to your bucket list.

Distance: 33.4km

Timings: Happens once in 12 years

Best time to visit: April-May

How to reach:  All public transports are available to reach the location from Chikmagalur.

Source: Pinterest

 

Kayaking

Chikmagalur is a terrific place to enjoy water activities in addition to offering all visitors beautiful foliage, magnificent waterfalls, and immaculate temples. By going to the Bhadra dam in Chikmagalur and engaging in kayaking, you may unleash your adventure side. Prepare to kayak across the Bhadra rivers while you take in the stunning scenery. To enjoy the most out of your kayaking experience, bring your gear and wear comfortable clothing.

Distance: 79.1km

Destination: Bhadra Dam

Timings: 06:00 AM to 04:00 PM

Best time to visit: After Monsoons

How to reach:  All public transports are available to reach the location from Chikmagalur.

Source: Pinterest

 

Shanti Falls

Shanti Falls is one of Chikmagalur’s undiscovered natural treasures. But because of its remoteness, it is also one of nature’s most untainted blessings, hidden deep among Karnataka’s breathtaking woods. 

It’s a terrific area to find comfort and peace away from the congestion and bustle of busy cities because it’s situated on the path to the Z Point. For this reason, go to the Shanti Falls with your pals or your significant other and have a plunge in its calm, clear waters. The truth is that the water here is thought to have healing characteristics that help individuals who enter it making it even more endearing.

Distance: 57.5km

Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Best time to visit: August to January

How to reach:  All public transports are available to reach the location from Chikmagalur. You can trek from Kemmanakundi to Z-point.

Source: Pinterest

 

Sakleshpur- Riverside Camping

You must go to riverside camping in locations like Sakleshpur if you are seeking nighttime activities in Chikmagalur. Camping offers you the chance to spend a night under a wide sky because it is situated near the Hemavathi river. The majority of the camping grounds around here are furnished with cosy tents, clean bathrooms, and houses.

Distance: 93.8km

Best time to visit: August to January

How to reach:  All public transports are available to reach the location from Chikmagalur.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Alekan Falls

When travelling from Chikmagalur to Charmadi by car, it is simple to find the Alekan Falls because they are situated just next to the highway. Nevertheless, many tourists neglect and overlook them since they pass them by without knowing what the dense forest foliage on the right conceals. 

It is a magnificent 90-foot-high waterfall that thunderously gushes water into a little pool while being encircled by lush vegetation. One of the most revitalising things to do in Chikmagalur when you are here is to plunge your feet into the chilly water or take a dip.

Distance: 128.2km

Timings: 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM;

Best time to visit: June and August

How to reach:  All public transports are available to reach the location from Chikmagalur.

Source: Pinterest

 

FAQs

When is the best time of year to visit Chikmagalur?

While Chikmagalur enjoys a mild and pleasant atmosphere all year round, the ideal months to visit are from September to May. The winter months here are December through February.

Is a trip to Chikmagalur worthwhile?

One of the greatest locations in Karnataka for a peaceful vacation is the hill town of Chikmagalur, which is tucked away among the vast Western Ghats. Mountains are covered with lush greenery, scenic hiking routes, streams that cascade, and mysterious temples.