Posted 24 February 2023 in Travel Wanderlust

6 reasons why you should visit Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is a hill station nestled on the base of the Mullayanagiri Peak of the Western Ghats in Karnataka. It is known for its tranquillity, serene locale, tall mountains, and lush green forests. Its weather

the condition makes it a favourite destination for the tourists. Thousands of tourists visit the hill station from Karnataka and other states to spend a peaceful vacation in the lap of nature. To reach the Mullayanagiri Peak, one needs to walk through the grasslands and forests. To the north of Chikmagalur is a mountain range, Baba Budangiri, with three large holy caves.

The hill station houses Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to tigers, leopards, and wild elephants. There are also several waterfalls that will make your trip to Chikmagalur more exciting. Located in a coastal region, Chikmagalur is dotted with coffee plantations, waterfalls, green meadows, and lush green hills. The quaint hill station, with its natural scenery and comfortable weather all year, offers some of the finest tourist attractions in Karnataka.

1. Mullayanagiri Peak

Mullayanagiri Peak is one of the most remarkable attractions in Chikmagalur. The beauty of the peak is jaw dropping and will leave you amazed. Located at a distance of 20 km from Chikmagalur, Mullayanagiri Peak is Karnataka’s highest peak at a height of 1,950 metres.

At the summit of the Mullayanagiri peak is a small temple dedicated to Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy. According to the legends, Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy meditated on the top of the peak in a cave for many years.

Mullayanagiri Peak is a major tourist attraction in Chikmagalur with its tranquillity, lush greenery, and rugged rocks. It is one of the best places in Karnataka to enjoy your vacation. Also, Mullayanagiri Peak is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts who wish to participate in activities like trekking, road biking, and mountain biking.

2. Baba Budangiri

Baba Budangiri is a mountain range of the Western Ghats in the Chikmagalur region of Karnataka, 250 km from Bengaluru. The mountain range houses the highest peaks of Karnataka and is a major tourist attraction.

Baba Budangiri is a sacred pilgrimage destination in Chikmagalur. Known for the Hazrat Dada Hayath Mir Khalander shrine, the mountain holds great importance. It is also known for being home to Sri Dattatreya Swamy.

The mountain range is also a weekend getaway for adventure enthusiasts with activities like hiking and trekking. The starting point of the trek is Sarpadhari.

3. Hebbe Falls

Hebbe Falls is popular for being one of the most striking places to visit in Chikmagalur. The waterfalls offer a refreshing escape from the chaos of city life. Hebbe Falls not just promises an outstanding view but is also said that its water has sacred herbs with medicinal properties.

Nestled in the lap of nature, Hebbe Falls is surrounded by coffee plantations and lush green forests. It is also the biggest waterfall in Chikmagalur with an altitude of 551 feet. It is located at a distance of 70 km from the Chikmagalur bus stand.

Hebbe Falls is visited by tourists all months of the year. It is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Some of the adventure enthusiasts trek to the falls rather than taking a cab or bus. This enables them to enjoy the natural beauty on their way to it.

4. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a national wildlife preserve located 38 km from Chikmagalur. It takes pride in its significantly large number of tigers, and is surrounded by green vegetation and lofty hills from all sides.

Situated in the lap of nature and surrounded by moist and dry deciduous forests, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary offers a memorable experience for wildlife lovers. It is one of the must-visit places in Chikmagalur. Tourists can spot animals like leopards, tigers, and Malabar giant squirrels, among others.

Situated in the Western Ghats, it is renowned for being home to several species of flora and fauna. The landscape of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is loaded with greenery with Bhadra River flowing in between.

5. Hirekolale Lake

Hirekolale Lake is a man-made lake popular for its striking beauty. Located 10 km from the Chikmaglur Bus Stand, this lake is surrounded by the hills of the Western Ghats. The lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Chikmagalur in Karnataka.

Hirekolale Lake was constructed to supply water for drinking and irrigation to the hill station of Chikmagalur. With an astounding surrounding and tranquil scenery, Hirekolale Lake promises a peaceful retreat for tourists and travellers coming along with family and friends wishing to have a great time.

Hirekolale Lake offers one of the best views of the sunset. Most of the tourists visit the lake in the evening for an enthralling experience. The view of the sunset is a delight for photographers.

6. Coffee Museum

If coffee is your favourite drink, this is the must-visit place for you in Chikmagalur. At the Coffee Museum, you will get a chance to witness how the coffee beans are turned into a cup of coffee drink. The museum at Chikmagalur promises an interesting representation of the history, varieties and the processes of coffee. Using the help of movies, interesting visuals, and songs, the Coffee Museum narrates the story of coffee.

It is located at a distance of 6 km from Chikmagalur, the Coffee Museum can be visited any time of the year, in any season. A tour to the Coffee Museum in Chikmagalur is a leisure tour as well as an educational one. The entry fee of the museum is Rs. 20, and it is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Travel tips

Carry your Covid-19 negative RT-PCR report along with masks and sanitizers.
Avoiding drinking tap water as it may not suit everyone.
Carry your medicines with you.
Carry a portable charger with you while travelling as reaching Chikmagalur may take a few hours.

How to reach

By air: Mangaluru International Airport is the nearest airport that serves Chikmagalur. Located at a distance of 150 km from Chikmagalur, the Mangaluru International Airport is conveniently connected to major cities of India and the world with IndiGo offering non-stop flights.
By train: Kadur Junction is the nearest railway station to Chikmagalur. You can reach Chikmagalur from Kadur Railway Station in 45 minutes. You can get a bus or a taxi from outside the railway station to travel.
By road: There are several state-owned and private buses that offer connectivity to Chikmagalur from other parts of the state. There are buses available from Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and Mysore, among others.

Best time to visit Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is a hill station that can be visited any time of the year or in any season. The weather of the hill station remains pleasant all months of the year. However, the best time to visit Chikmagalur is from September to May. Winter in Chikmagalur spans for three months from December to February. Chikmagalur enjoys a mild winter.

Climate/Temperature

The climate of Chikmagalur is tropical. The average temperature of the hill station is around 21.7°C. Chikmagalur usually enjoys a moderate to cool climate. The temperature of Chikmagalur ranges between 11°C and 20°C during winter and 25°C to 32°C during summer.

Conclusion

Chikmagalur is a stunning hill station located at an altitude of about 3,400 ft. You will find waterfalls, lush green hills, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The beauty of the hill station is exquisite and less explored, making it one of the best places to visit for a weekend. So, pack your bags and visit Chikmagalur.