Best things to do in Chikmagalur

Things to do in Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur, also known as the Scotland of India, is a lush green haven for travelers, nestled in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India, offering a wide range of experiences. The best things to do in Chikmagalur include trekking in the misty mountains, visiting majestic waterfalls, and exploring rich rainforests and wildlife. There are also many Chikmagalur tourist attractions, including scenic viewpoints and cultural spots. For those looking for places to see around Chikmagalur, the region offers breathtaking landscapes, serene coffee plantations, and ancient temples.

Chikmagalur, nestled in the foothills of the Baba Budan Giri range in Karnataka, is a charming hill station at an altitude of around 900 meters. This town offers a great blend of natural beauty and rich heritage, providing a variety of experiences.

This beautiful town is adored by tourists and locals alike, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Trekking in Mullayanagiri

Trekking at Mullayanagiri is one of the top things to do in Chikmagalur. The trek is about 6 kilometers long and takes roughly 3 hours one way. It’s a moderate to difficult trek, but the reward is the breathtaking view from the highest peak in Karnataka. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by lush green forests and hills, making the entire experience unforgettable. The trek is moderate to difficult, especially near the top, with steep ascents that require good physical fitness.

Trekking routes

Primary Route (Sarpadhari Trailhead): This is the most commonly used route, starting at the base near Sarpadhari, about 15 km from Chikmagalur town. It’s a direct route to the Mullayanagiri Peak.

Extended Route to Bababudangiri: After reaching the Mullayanagiri Peak, adventurous trekkers can continue trekking along the ridge to Bababudangiri. This extended trek provides more challenging terrain and adds around 10-12 kilometers.

Hebbe Falls

Hebbe Falls, located within the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary near Kemmanagundi in Chikmagalur, is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Karnataka. It cascades down from a height of 168 meters in two stages, known as Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls). Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers a perfect escape into nature.

The falls are accessible via a 13 km trek or a 4×4 jeep ride from Kemmanagundi, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the falls are at their most accessible. However, during the monsoon months (June to August), the area can become slippery and challenging due to heavy rainfall, although the falls are at their fullest during this time.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, located about 38 km from Chikmagalur, is a popular Project Tiger reserve in Karnataka. Spanning 490 square kilometers, it is home to wildlife like tigers, elephants, leopards, and Indian bison, along with over 250 bird species. Visitors can explore the sanctuary through jeep safaris, bird watching, boat rides, and trekking. The best time to visit is from October to March, offering ideal weather for wildlife spotting.

Route Information:

From Chikmagalur, take the state highway via Tarikere or Kadur to reach Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The nearest point of entry is Muthodi, which is one of the main gates for safari and wildlife activities.

Entry Fees and Timings:

The rates for jeep safari are INR 400 per person for adults and INR 200 for children below 10 years of age for Indian Nationals. For Foreign nationals, the fee for Jeep safari is INR 1200 per person. The ticket price for Bus or Canter Safari is INR 300 per person.

Things to do

1. Wildlife Safari: Explore Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary to spot tigers, elephants, and a variety of wildlife through guided jeep safaris.

2. Birdwatching: Chikmagalur is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 250 species of birds, including the Malabar whistling thrush and crested serpent eagle.

3. Camping/Cottage Accommodations: Stay in scenic campgrounds or cozy cottages surrounded by nature for a peaceful experience.

4. Nature Trails/Hiking: Enjoy hikes through lush green forests and coffee plantations, with popular treks like Mullayanagiri and Kemmanagundi offering stunning views.

Baba Budan Giri

Baba Budan Giri is a mountain peak in Chikmagalur, Karnataka, known for its religious significance and scenic beauty. Standing at 1,895 meters, it’s named after Baba Budan, a Sufi saint who introduced coffee to India. The region is popular for trekking, pilgrimage, and Manikyadhara Falls, offering stunning views of the Western Ghats.

Things to do

1. Visit Manikyadhara Falls:  A serene waterfall located near Baba Budan Giri, offering scenic beauty and a peaceful environment. It’s a popular spot for visitors looking for a calm retreat.

2. Trekking in Mulliyangiri Peak:  The highest peak in Karnataka, known for its challenging trek that rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

3. Nature trails:  Chikmagalur offers various nature trails through coffee plantations and dense forests, perfect for peaceful walks and bird-watching.

4. Visit sacred temples: The region is home to sacred temples like the Sharadamba Temple and Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, which are important pilgrimage sites…

Kudremukh National Park

Kudremukh National Park, located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. Covering around 600 square kilometers, it features shola forests, grasslands, and rivers, making it a haven for nature lovers and trekkers. The park is home to wildlife such as tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and deer, along with several species of birds and flora.

Location

• Kudremukh National Park is located in the Western Ghats in Karnataka and spans about 600 square kilometers.
• It is approximately 96 km from Chikmagalur town, making it about a 2-3 hour drive by road.

Things to do

1. Kudremukh Peak Trek: One of the most popular treks in Karnataka, offering stunning views of the Western Ghats. The peak is shaped like a horse’s face, hence the name “Kudremukh,” which means “horse face” in Kannada.

2. Wildlife Safaris: The park is home to various animals like tigers, leopards, wild dogs, Indian bison (gaur), and many bird species.

3. Waterfalls: Visitors can explore Hanuman Gundi Falls, a picturesque waterfall inside the park.

4. Shola Forests: The park is known for its unique ecosystem with shola grasslands and dense evergreen forests.