This hill station in Karnataka is one of the most bountiful cities in India, which boasts of thick foliage, natural beauty, and coffee plantations. Being here means making use of all your senses constantly because of the scenic views, sound of chirping birds, and the aroma and taste of coffee. The things to do in Chikmagalur are endless and somewhat whimsical, adding a hint of fun and excitement to your vacation. So, get ready for a getaway that would rejuvenate you from within and connect you with nature in the best way possible.
Best Things to Do in Chikmagalur: A Tranquil Retreat in the Misty Hills
Chikmagalur, which translates to “Young Daughter’s Town” is believed to be a city that was gifted to the daughter of Rukmangada as dowry. The beauty of this city knows no bounds and it’s the perfect destination for laid-back travelers and adventure junkies. There’s a wealth of activities to indulge in during your visit to Chikmagalur, and here are a few of the best ones.
- Trek up the Majestic Mullayanagiri
- Stroll Around the Coffee Estates
- Go Camping by the Hemavathi River
- Try River Rafting in Bhadra River
- Enjoy Picnic by Hebbe Falls
- Seek Blessings at the Sharadamba Temple
- Go on a Jungle Safari to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Witness Panoramic Views from Baba Budangiri
- Sit by the Serene Hirekolale Lake
- Take a Tour of the Belavadi Village
1. Trek up the Majestic Mullayanagiri
Let’s start this list with the most thrilling activity, which is to trek up the highest mountain in Karnataka, standing at a height of 6,330 ft. Even though the trek might be difficult at times because of the narrow paths, it’s still worthwhile once you reach the top and gaze at the mesmerizing views. The lush greenery all around you paired with waterfalls cascading down the hill makes the entire experience an unforgettable one. It’s a refreshing activity, one that offers you a tranquil setting away from the humdrum of the city. This 4 km trek will open your eyes to the beauty of nature and will also allow you to explore the many attractions on the way. This is one of the best hill stations in India that has been a favorite of adventure junkies, especially trekkers, so here’s another trail to add to your list.
Timings: 6 A.M to 6 P.M
Distance from Chikmagalur: Approx. 33 km.
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Nearby attractions: Lord Shiva temple, coffee plantations
Things to do: Trekking, road biking, mountain biking
2. Stroll Around the Coffee Estates
Coffee plantations are one of the most famous attractions in this city because everywhere you go, you’ll find several of these gorgeous estates. The primary selling point of this place is its coffee aroma that wafts toward you and pulls you to explore its lushness. You can even enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee here and that’s when you’ll fall in love at first sip. The best part about exploring these plantations is that you’ll get to know about the entire process that goes into bringing these coffee beans to your mugs. It’s one of the romantic things to do in Chikmagalur with your partner because of the calming environment and nature’s embrace.
Famous coffee plantations: The Serai, Jungle Greens Coffee Garden
Things to do: Learn coffee making, enjoy a cup of coffee, stroll around the plantation
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
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3. Go Camping by the Hemavathi River
Camping is one of the most fulfilling activities during any vacation because it gives you a chance to spend time in nature. Therefore, it’s one of the most loved things to do in India. However, camping in Chikmagalur is different altogether because the natural bounty here is as diverse as its scenic views. The best spot for setting up a camp in this hill station is in Sakleshpur, by the Hemavathi River. The gushing sound of the water in the silence of the night with the twinkling stars above you makes for picture-perfect scenery. You’ll find comfortable tents or cottages here with basic amenities to make your camping experience a memorable one.
Distance from Chikmagalur: Approx. 62 km
Duration: As long as you want
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4. Try River Rafting in Bhadra River
It’s inevitable to indulge in river rafting during your holiday in Chikmagalur because of the thrilling water of Bhadra River. The shimmering water of this river is perfect for rafting for both beginners and experienced rafters. The 8 km long stretch will take you through various phases of the river, each one taking the excitement level up a notch. You’ll find rapids of level 3 to 5 here acquainting you with the untamed personality of nature. Take precautions when enjoying this activity and listen to the instructions carefully. Don’t forget to soak in the gorgeous view of the foliage surrounding you.
Timings: 7 A.M to 5 P.M
Distance from Chikmagalur: Approx. 72 km
Duration: Around 2 hours
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5. Enjoy Picnic by Hebbe Falls
If you wish to enjoy some peaceful downtime by indulging in things to do in Chikmagalur with family, then a picnic by Hebbe Falls sounds right. Located inside a coffee plantation, this waterfall is one of the most magnificent sights in this hill station. Surrounded by tall trees and greenery from every side, visiting this place feels like your personal haven away from everyone. The water here gushes down from a height of around 551 ft and falls in two stages, Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe. Don’t forget your camera to capture this raw beauty in its finest form. You can even take a dip in the water and explore the flora here as it’s believed that there are several medicinal herbs growing around here. Even the ones planning their honeymoon in India can visit this tourist attraction.
Timings: 6 A.M to 6 P.M
Distance from Chikmagalur: Approx. 65 km
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Things to do: Picnicking, swimming
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6. Seek Blessings at Sharadamba Temple
One of the many places to visit in Chikmagalur is this temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Constructed with Dravidian architecture in mind, the detailed carvings, pillared halls, and statues enhance its beauty. Built in the 8th century, this temple is located by the Tunga River and attracts several spiritualists and history buffs. This temple is named after Rishi Rishyashringa who placed a sandalwood idol in the premises, and it became a famous pilgrim spot for devotees. So, seek the blessings of Sharadamba Devi and soak in the serene and pious aura of this place.
Timings: 6 A.M to 8:30 P.M
Distance from Chikmagalur: Approx. 87 km
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
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7. Go on a Jungle Safari in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
A jeep safari in the middle of the jungle to spot wild animals sounds like one of the things to do in Chikmagalur in two days, right? Being home to several species, such as sloths, barking deer, tigers, and 250 bird species, this place is a haven for animal lovers. The adrenaline rushing in you at the sight of these animals roaming freely in their natural habitat is what makes this activity an exciting one. Keep your camera ready to capture these majestic beauties; however, make sure that you don’t indulge in flash photography. Apart from the safari, there’s a lot more you can do here, such as go on nature walks, etc.
Timings: 6:30 A.M to 8:30 A.M and 4 P.M to 6 P.M
Distance from Chikmagalur: Approx. 79 km
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Things to do: Jeep safari, nature walks, boating
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8. Witness Panoramic Views from Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri is one of the prominent peaks in Karnataka, which is famous among both Hindus and Muslims as this place was home to Sufi Saint Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar and it’s also a shrine to the Hindu God Guru Dattatreya. Therefore, this hill is also known as Dattagiri Hill Range. Trekking to the top of this hill is one of the most fun things to do in Chikmangalur Karnataka because you’ll be greeted by some of the most unique views and surroundings here. Your 9 km trek would start from Mullayanagiri and it’ll take around 5 hours to reach the top. It’s a famous belief that coffee, which was grown on this hill by Baba Budan in 1670 AD was first brought to India through the Chikmagalur district. So, consider this activity a must.
Timings: 8 A.M to 5 P.M
Distance from Chikmagalur: Approx. 33 km
Duration: Around 5 hours
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9. Sit by the Serene Hirekolale Lake
Sometimes all you need is to relax and unwind in the lap of nature with a peaceful aura surrounding you. Visiting the Hirekolale Lake would offer you exactly that. Even though this man-made lake was built to provide water to Chikmagalur and for irrigation purposes, it acts as a beautiful spot for enjoying some peaceful downtime. Visiting this attraction during sunset enriches your experience even more as the golden rays of sun reflect in the calm waters of the lake. So, click a postcard-worthy picture and embrace the picturesque views ahead of you. You can even spend some romantic time with your partner as the green hills juxtapose against the blue water in the background.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Distance from Chikmagalur: Approx. 10 km
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
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10. Take a Tour of the Belavadi Village
Last on our list is this hidden gem in Chikmagalur, which is a charmingly aesthetic village with a lush landscape. If you’re more of a person who wishes to explore the underrated beauty of this city, then this is the place for you. This village houses several tourist attractions, including the historically famous Veer Narayana temple. There’s also a popular legend related to this village about Belavadi Mallamma, who was a fearless warrior and queen. She fought against the Maratha king, Shivaji, and defeated him, gaining his admiration. This village is divided into old and new, with all the residents residing in the new village. The rustic charm of this place is what attracts tourists to it.
Distance from Chikmagalur: Approx. 30 km
Nearby attractions: Veer Narayana Temple
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As you might have understood already, there’s no dearth of things to do in Chikmagalur. From adventure activities like trekking and river rafting to peaceful ones, such as picnicking by the waterfall or sitting by the lake, there’s something for everyone here. The natural beauty and serenity that bubbles this hill station is what attracts tourists to it. A getaway to a place where the city life can’t touch you is what everyone hopes for on their vacation, and this city offers precisely that. So, plan a holiday in nature’s embrace with our India tour packages and feel its positive effects on you.
FAQs
Chikmagalur is famous for its natural beauty, enhanced by the presence of coffee plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and much more. The scenic views from this hill station are a sight to behold.
There are plenty of adventure activities to try in Chikmagalur, such as river rafting, trekking, camping, jungle safari, and much more. This place is perfect for the adventurers at heart.
Chikmagalur is also known as the “Land of Coffee” because of the abundance of coffee plantations here. Strolling around these plantations is one of the famous things to do here.
Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, which is famous among adventurers for trekking. It reaches a height of 6,330 ft.
Two days aren’t enough for Chikmagalur as there are plenty of places to explore and things to indulge in this city. So, you should plan a 3 to 4-day trip to this hill station.
September to February is when visiting Chikmagalur is the most favorable. These months are ideal in terms of temperature, allowing you to make the most of your time here.
Mullayanagiri is a part of Baba Budangiri range. There’s a passage connecting the two of them, so you can go on a trek from Mullayanagiri to Baba Budangiri.
Since there isn’t any public transport available in this hill station, you can board a private bus or cab to explore the city. These transportation options are readily available.
