9 Fascinating Sights to Visit in Chikmagalur for a Stunning Holiday

Located in the foothills of the picturesque Mullayanagiri range, Chikmagalur is a beautiful hill station in Karnataka. This hill station set amidst the lush green Western Ghats, Chikmagalur offers a serene escapade from the hustle and bustle of Bangalore city life. 

If you are looking for a relaxing summer retreat, plan a trip to Chikmagalur. 

Explore the historic forts, pristine waterfalls, azure lakes, and breathtaking viewpoints. This majestic hill station is well-known for its coffee estates, growing some of the best quality coffee beans in India. 

A lot of family-run coffee estates offer rooms in Chikmagalur for tourists for short or long-term stays.

If you are looking for rooms in Chikmagalur in a local hotel or homestay, book in advance before your preferred travel date.

While exploring the city of Chikmagalur, you can plan sightseeing trips to the nearby areas. Bask in the tranquility and serenity of this beautiful hill station this summer. 

Looking for the best places to visit in Chikmagalur? Check out these top attractions:

Kudremukh National Park

Located in the lap of verdant hills, Kudremukh National Park is a popular tourist spot in Chikmagalur. This national park sprawling over a 600-kilometer square area is one of the well-preserved bio reserves in India. 

Kudremukh National Park is adorned with natural beauty, lush valleys, a plethora of flora and fauna, and picturesque trekking trails. 

Visit the second-largest wildlife-protected area in the tropical evergreen forest along the banks of the Western Ghats. An intriguing fact to note is the name Kudremukh is derived from Kudremukha which translates to horse-face, referring to the highest mountain peak in the range. This peak is set at an altitude of 1,894 meters, which is also the second-highest peak in Karnataka. Plan a thrilling safari tour to witness the endemic species of animals like tigers, leopards, etc. in the Kudremukh National Park. 

This land is disputed among the local iron-ore mining business and conservationists. As a nature and wildlife lover's paradise, Kudremukh is a national park worth visiting on your next vacation. You can book Chikmagalur hotels that are located in the vicinity of this national park.

To avail attractive offers on Chickmagalur hotels, book at least one month in advance of your vacation date.

Hebbe Falls

Watch the spectacular Hebbe Falls cascading from a height of 168 meters through the Kemmangaundi Hills. Check out the two waterfalls in this area- Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe. The trekking route to Hebbe Falls can seem arduous, but a swim in the cool water will refresh you once you reach there! Enjoy the picturesque waterfalls, lush forest, and cool breeze brushing through your hairs at the Hebbe Falls. 

Book hotels in Chikmagalur for your next vacation to this marvelous hill station. While booking for hotels in Chikmagalur, you can also check out coffee estates renting out rooms to tourists.

Datta Peeta

Baba Budangiri range is one of the prominent attractions in Chikmagalur. Trek to the highest peak of Mullanyagiri while visiting here. The scenic Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri are a part of the Dattatreya Peeta mountain ranges along the Western Ghats. Don't forget to check out the nearby attractions like caves, waterfalls, pristine lakes, and much more! The majestic allure of Baba Budangiri makes it one of the scenic tourist spots in Chikmagalur. 

Mullayanagiri

As the highest peak in Karnataka, Mullayanagiri is perched at an altitude of 1930m. If you are an adventure enthusiast looking for some adrenaline rush, check out trekking, hiking, and mountain biking in and around Mullayanagiri. 

Fun activities: Hiking, Trekking.

Approx. Distance from Chikmagalur: 22 km

Bhadra Dam

Visit the spectacular Bhadra dam on the Bhadra River, which is a colossal water reservoir. This water is used for irrigation, hydel power, sanitation, and industrial use. As a tributary of the Tungabhadra river, the Bhadra River is a pool of multiple channels like Somavahini, Odirayanahalla, and Thadabehalla. Take a leisurely stroll across the banks of the river while overlooking the stunning sunset views across the crimson skies. You can also enjoy adventure sports like river rafting in the gushing waters of the Bhadra river. 

• Approx. Distance from Chikmagalur: 90km

• Fun activities: Walk, river rafting

Coffee Museum

Every coffee connoisseur should add a visit to the coffee museum in their travel itinerary. Learn the elaborate coffee-making process, which showcases everything from plucking the beans to roasting to grinding the coffee beans to create the perfect brew!

Get a chance to enjoy the magical aroma of freshly brewed coffee. You can learn about the various types of coffee pots used for brewing coffee. A haven for all coffee lovers, you can learn the art of making your favourite morning beverage with the flavour and aroma of coffee beans intact! 

Distance from the city center - 6 km

Ayyanakere Lake

Plan a romantic picnic by the tranquil surroundings of this pristine lake. Soothe your soul to the calming waters of the lake with occasional birds serenading the charming backdrops. Enjoy an evening stroll hand-in-hand with your significant other soaking in the views of azure waters reflecting the sunset. 

Distance from the city center- 18 km

Kemmangundi

Enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation at Kemmangundi, one of the top tourist spots in Chikmagalur. Perched at an altitude of 1400 meters, Kemmanagundi is encircled by verdant hills, lush valleys, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Visit the top attractions near Kemmnagundi like Rose Garden, Raj Bhavan, and the Z point. Trek to the nearby Hebbe Falls and Kallathi Falls, which are situated in the vicinity of Kemmangundi. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and a pleasant climate while trekking along the mountain trails of Kemmangundi. 

Badra Coffee Estate

The Badra Coffee Estate is one of the famous family-run coffee estates in India, with a legacy of 56 years. They use traditional methods coupled with high-end technology to cultivate the best coffee beans. 

Learn how the best Arabica coffee beans are grown in shades, hand-picked, sun-dried, and roasted that contribute to the best aroma and flavour. 

Kerkiecoondah Estate crops- Coffea Arabica and Robusta

Badra BHR Estate crops - Coffea Robusta

Bettadakhan Estate crops - Coffea Arabica

The gross annual production of Coffee from the estates amounts to 750-850 tons of Arabicas, Robustas, and Cherry coffees. While 55% of this gross is exported, the rest is for domestic consumption in India. Their estates also cultivate crops like Areca nuts, pepper, coconut, and cardamom. 

Their specialty coffee is cultivated under a canopy of silver oak, red cedar, teak, acacia, and coconut trees. Coffee plants grown in shades contribute to a distinct flavour and aroma. Large trees help in preventing topsoil erosion. They also incorporate crop rotation to ensure optimum fertility of the soil. 

The workforce who works at the coffee estate is housed in the estate and they have good access to healthcare facilities, education, grocery allowance, etc. 

The two major coffee varieties produced by this estate are: 

Coffee Arabica

The two varieties of Station selection 795 and Station Selections are grown at an elevation ranging 3,500-4500 ft with an annual rainfall of 200 cms. The specialty arabicas possess a good body, fine acidity, and undertones of chocolate. 

Coffee Robusta

The two varieties of CCRI selection 274 and CXR Robustas are grown at a lower altitude of 1,500 - 2,500ft above sea level. The specialty Robusta beans are known for their bold flavour, neutral bitterness, and distinct aroma. 

These are some of the best tourist destinations to add to your travel bucket list to Chikmagalur on your next vacation.