Located in the heart of Karnataka, Chikmagalur in Karnataka is a renowned hill station that is popular for its peaceful coffee plantations and some amazing natural treasures. Because of its large coffee plantations, Chikmagalur is referred to as the “Coffee Land of Karnataka” and, as a result, many nature enthusiasts choose this place.
People enjoy visiting here for its mild weather, tasteful landscapes, and long history, perfect to get away for a weekend, holiday, or even for a peaceful session of working remotely.
In addition to its widespread coffee estates, Chikmagalur is known for its natural beauty, culture, and exciting places to visit. You can hike to Karnataka’s tallest mountain or see historic caves and stunning waterfalls all around this town. If you are travelling alone, with your family, or in a group, Chikmagalur will not disappoint any of you.
Here, find out about the top tourist places to visit in Chikmagalur and planned itineraries in the region, with useful tips and a list of delicious things to eat.
Famous Tourist Places in Chikmagalur
1. Mullayanagiri Peak— Highest Peak in Karnataka
With its height of 1,930 meters, Mullayanagiri Peak is Karnataka’s tallest peak and is a must-visit for trekkers and people who love nature. The trip gives viewers wide views of the Western Ghats, cloudy scenery, and there is also a small Shiva temple at the high point.
2. Baba Budangiri —Sacred Hills with Caves and Amazing Landscapes
Baba Budangiri is a range of hills found near Mullayanagiri, and it is famous for its religious and historical significance. The Baba Budan hills are named after a famous Sufi saint and have old caves as well as stunning views over the valleys below.
3. Kemmangundi – A Hills Station with Spacious Gardens and Tracks
Kemmangundi was originally a royal getaway, and now it is a beautiful hill station with gardens, walking trails in forests, and places where you can take in amazing sights. Nearby forests and coffee plantations make the place calm and perfect for taking nature walks, snapping pictures, or having picnics.
4. Hebbe Falls– Scenic Waterfall Accessible by Jeep
Inside a coffee estate, you can find Hebbe Falls, a beautiful waterfall that can be visited by first taking a jeep ride and then trekking for a short way. The unspoiled waterfall draws many trekkers and nature-lovers because of the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing bath in the water, surrounded by plants.
5. Jhari Falls (Buttermilk Falls) – Hidden Gem in the Forest
Jhari Falls is a serene waterfall, also referred to as Buttermilk Falls, and it can be found hidden among the forests of Chikmagalur. Because it’s surrounded by coffee plantations and is only reached by an impressive jeep ride, this attraction is perfect for those in need of peace in nature.
6. Hirekolale Lake– Quiet, Photogenic Sunset Point
Just a short drive from Chikmagalur, Hirekolale Lake is a great place for enjoying the views at sunset and taking pictures. The hillside’s misty background makes it a nice destination for people looking for a calm place, all by themselves or in a group.
7. Coffee Museum– Learn About Chikmagalur’s Coffee History
Anyone interested in coffee should stop by the Coffee Museum. Run by the Coffee Board of India, the museum explains the history and methods of coffee growing in Chikmagalur. Taking part in these exhibits and guided tours ensures learning while enjoying yourself.
8. Z Point — Sunrise/Sunset Trek with Stunning Surrounding Views
About a 20-minute walk from Kemmangundi takes you to Z Point, a scenic lookout from which you can see both the valleys and mountains. While the trek can be somewhat tough, people who take it are rewarded with amazing sunrise and sunset views, which make it a favorite for adventurous visitors.
9. Manikyadhara Falls – Seasonal Falls and Pilgrimage Site
The picturesque Manikyadhara Falls are found next to Baba Budangiri and are also considered a pilgrimage site. Lined with lots of green plants, the falls are only active for part of the year and carry a religious meaning to the local people.
10. Kalhatti Falls– Historical Spot with a Temple
Kalhatti Falls is popularly known as Kalahasti Falls due to the waterfalls that crash on the Veerabhadra temple. This site is important to both history and culture and brings together the beauty of the natural world and the past.
11. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary– Safari for Wildlife Lovers
Wildlife enthusiasts can go on safaris and have chances to see tigers, leopards, elephants, and many species of birds at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. With an area of 490 sq km, it’s teeming with a wide variety of creatures, and anyone who loves nature and wildlife should visit.
12. Belur and Halebidu–Nearby Heritage Temples (UNESCO Sites)
A short drive from Chikmagalur will take you to two old towns called Belur and Halebidu, where you can find beautiful Hoysala temples. Known for their beautiful buildings and carved statues, these UNESCO World Heritage sites show just how much culture and tradition Karnataka has.
Suggested Itineraries
1-Day Itinerary for Quick Visits
- Early morning hike up to the top of Mullayanagiri Peak
- Visit Baba Budangiri and Manikyadhara Falls to see some beautiful waterfalls and do a bit of mountain climbing.
- Lunch at a restaurant where they usually make the Malnad foods
- Evening at Hirekolale Lake is a nice time to see the sun go down, especially while sitting by the water’s edge.
Read here the full Visit in 1 Day Chikmagalur with Friends & Family
2-Day Weekend Getaway Itinerary
Day 1
- Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri
- Coffee Museum visit
- Hebbe Falls exploration
Day 2
- Z Point sunrise trek
- Kemmangundi gardens and trails
- Relax at Jhari Falls
- Evening shopping in Chikmagalur town.
Read this guide as well on 2-Day Chikmagalur Itinerary for Nature and Coffee Lovers
3-Day Nature and Culture Combo
Day 1
- Mullayanagiri Peak and Baba Budangiri
- Manikyadhara Falls and Coffee Museum
Day 2
- Hiking to Hebbe Falls and to Z Point
- Kemmangundi exploration
- Sunset at Hirekolale Lake
Day 3
- A morning safari is organized at the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Visit the Belur and Halebidu temples
- Go back to Chikmagalur town to shop locally.
Travel Tips to Visit Chikmagalur
Best Time to Visit Chikmagalur
The best time to visit Chikmagalur is between September to March, as the weather is nice and the landscape is glowing with green. One can enjoy mild weather in summer, and the rainy season makes everything green around Mount Kailash, but trekking may not be possible in the wet weather.
Transportation Options
- Self-driving cars or bikes: Driving yourself means you can go where you want to, when you want to
- KSRTC buses: The state-owned buses of KSRTC link Chikmagalur with other big cities.
- Private taxis and jeeps: If you want to see some places locally, private taxis or jeeps can be hired.
Packing Checklist for Hill Stations and Treks
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Light clothes for warmth and raincoats when monsoons are anticipated
- Having water in a reusable bottle and bringing energy snacks wherever you travel
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellents
- A camera for capturing scenic views.
Budget Planning
Whatever your travel plans and budget, Chikmagalur has a trip that will suit you. Below you will find a breakdown of how to prepare your finances for accommodation, meals, traveling, sightseeing, and other essentials.
Overview of the Costs for a Trip to Chikmagalur
Accommodation Costs
- Budget Homestays & Lodges: INR 1,000 – INR 2,500 per night.
- Mid-Range Hotels & Resorts: INR 3,000 – INR 5,000 per night.
- Luxury Resorts & Boutique Stays: INR 6,000 – INR 15,000 per night
Guests who prefer the finest services can stay at Trivik Hotels, Java Rain Resorts, or The Serai.
Food & Dining Expenses
- Local Eateries & Budget Restaurants: INR 200 – INR 400 per meal. You will find genuine Malnad cuisine in local restaurants at low prices.
- Mid-Range Restaurants & Cafes: INR 500 – INR 1,000 per meal.
- Fine Dining & Resort Restaurants: INR 1,500 and above per meal.
Transportation Costs
- Self-Drive Car/Bike Rentals: INR 1,500 – INR 2,500 per day.
- Private Taxis & Cabs: INR 3,000 – INR 4,500 per day.
- Public Transport (Buses): INR 100 – INR 500.
- Getting off the beaten path in our Jeeps: INR 700 – INR 1,200 per trip.
Sightseeing & Entry Fees
- Mullayanagiri Peak, Baba Budangiri, Hirekolale Lake. Free
- Coffee Museum Entry: INR 20 – INR 50
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Safari: INR 400 – INR 500 per person
- Belur & Halebidu Temple Complex: INR 20 – INR 50
- Waterfall Jeep Safaris: You can expect to pay INR 700 – INR 1,200 for your tickets, or else take shared jeeps.
Adventure & Activities
- Guided plantation walks: INR 300 – INR 500 per person
- Trekking guides for Mullayanagiri/Z Point: INR 1,000 – INR 1,500 per group
- Photography tours or birdwatching (optional): INR 2,000 – INR 3,000.
Tips for Budget vs. Luxury Trip Planning
- For a budget trip, you should share a jeep, rest in local homes, and eat in simple eateries offering local meals. Exploring in groups and taking buses with others instead of private cabs will help you save some money.
- If you want a luxury trip, take private cabs, book high-end all-inclusive resorts, and try out special events like plantation food and spa services.
- Taking care of your reservations in advance, mainly for travel between October and March, can help save you money.
- Seek out combo packages where all your costs like accommodation and meals are provided by the same resort or travel agent.
Where to Stay in Chikmagalur
Best Areas to Book Your Hotel or Homestay
- Chikmagalur Town for easy accessibility
- Mullayanagiri Road for scenic stays
- Staying on a coffee estate for a close experience with nature
- Kemmangundi area for offbeat travelers.
Homestay Options Near Coffee Estates and Waterfalls
- The Serai Chikmagalur
- Trivik Hotels & Resorts
- Coffee Bean Homestay
- Java Rain Resorts.
Read this article on Top Homestays in Chikmagalur with Waterfalls
Local Food to Try in Chikmagalur
Malnad Cuisine Highlights
Visitors to Chikmagalur can enjoy dishes made from ingredients such as jackfruit, bamboo shoots, and coconut, all prepared in a way to impart a distinctive Malnad cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes and Recommended Restaurants
- Akki Roti (rice roti)
- Kadubu (steamed dumplings)
- Kayi Saaru (coconut curry)
- Coffee prepared with beans that have just been ground.
Some of the most well-known eateries are Maharaja Restaurant, Town Canteen, and Hotel Mayura Deluxe, all offering the traditional cuisine of the Malnad region.
Conclusion
With its rolling coffee plantations, towering hills, cascading waterfalls, and age-old heritage, Chikmagalur is that one destination where serenity, adventures, and fond memories never go amiss. Whether awaiting a short weekend break or a long retreat, the town’s eclectic array of attractions cater to every kind of traveler. Everything from trekking to Mullayanagiri to just sipping fresh coffee in an estate homestay is simply rejuvenating to both mind and soul. It is, therefore, now time to lay plans for a Chikmagalur trip, pack your bags, and fast track the journey into nature’s awe, cultural richness, and the stirring fragrance of coffee.