A neat hill town found among the foothills of the Western Ghats, Chikmagalur enthralls travelers with its perfect mix of scenic beauty, coffee heritage and serene vibes. With its high altitude plantations, lush green hills and mist-covered terrain, Chikmagalur is a major coffee town in Karnataka, a heaven for a weekend getaway. Whether an adventurer, nature lover or a traveler who wishes to relax in a peaceful setting, you will have everything under the sun at this destination.
Chikmagalur is the perfect location for a 2-day getaway being just a 5 to 6 hour drive from Bangalore. This full itinerary guarantees that you optimize your time by planning outdoor adventures, cultural adventure, food adventure, as well as tranquil moments.
Why Chikmagalur is Perfect for a 2-Day Getaway
What makes Chikmagalur unique is the variety of experiences available — from trekking the tallest peak in Karnataka to sipping fresh brews in a plantation café in an hour, everything is experiential.
Its proximity to cities from where one can enjoy a tour with Bangalore, Mangalore, and Mysore are the two cities directly accessible to it, its variety of stay options make it perfect for a short enriching tour.
Compared to over-commercialized hill stations, Chikmagalur has not lost its rustic charm and natural appeal and has given it a unique charm for travelers with a wondrous experience but very little crowd.
What This Itinerary Covers
This 2-day itinerary includes:
- Adventure treks such as Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri then, are scenic spots.
- Excursion to coffee plantations, waterfalls and local landmarks.
- Cultural experiences relating to shrines and museums culturally.
- Local food experiences and advice on food and places to get it
- Shopping ideas, stay recommendations, and budget planning
Day 1: Nature, Views & Coffee Vibes
1. Morning: Mullayanagiri Peak
Set the ball rolling on your trip by heading to Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka at 1930 meters in height. It is an hour’s drive from Chikmagalur town; the last approach involves a short steep walk of approximately 500 steps. There will also be a small temple devoted to Lord Shiva at the top. The serenity of surroundings and the chill in the air enhance the spiritual and scenic experience.
Travel Tip: Start early to avoid crowds
Come no later than 6:30 in order to take in the sunrise in an otherwise quiet environment prior to the onslaught of tourists.
2. Late Morning: Baba Budangiri
Once down from Mullayanagiri, head northwards towards Baba Budangiri, another mountain type with deep religious and incredible beauty of spirit. It is credited to Sufi saint Baba Budan; it is said to have brought the first coffee beans out of Yemen to India. The Dattatreya Peetha is the chief attraction here; a cave shrine of both Hindus and Muslims.
Scenic Drive and Photo Stops
Have your camera by hand — every turn shows vast vistas, rich woods and remote plantations.
3. Afternoon: Lunch in Chikmagalur Town
Go back to the town for lunch. Malnad cuisine of coconut, spices, and herbs plus hearty-tasting dishes characterizes the Malnad cuisine.
Recommended Local Eateries
- Town Canteen – Renowned for crispy dosa and hard core filter coffee.
- The Estate Café has Great ambiance and it has a fusion menu with coffee based specials.
- Hotel Maharaja – Traditional South Indian food served on the leaves of a banana.
Must-Try Malnad Dishes
- Akki Roti (vegetable rice flat bread)
- Koli Saaru (spicy chicken curry)
- Kadubu (steamed dumplings)
- Pathrode (steamed colocasia leaf rolls).
4. Early Evening: Manikyadhara Falls
After lunch, get off in the car for a short drive to Manikyadhara Falls which is near Baba Budangiri. While different from other waterfalls, this one is renowned for having a year round flow and being spiritual.
Travel Tip: Bring backups of clothes in case you will get wet
The cool water does not make you feel refreshed but can fully wet your clothes — come prepared!
5. Sunset: Hirekolale Lake
Settle the day down at Hirekolale Lake, which is only 10 km away from the Chikmagalur town.
This little gem is surrounded by misty hills and coffee plantations. The lake gives the changing color of the sky, hence a lovely spot for setting the sun.
The peaceful atmosphere, chirping of birds and refreshing breeze makes it excellent for a calm evening. Boating availability is an occasional service which ideally needs to be confirmed locally.
Perfect for Photography and Peaceful Moments
Please carry a tripod for the sunset and reflective waters’ slow shutter shots.
6. Night Stay: Coffee Estate Homestay or Resort
Head over to a stay in any one of the available many coffee estate homestays or luxury resorts in Chikmagalur. These usually involve; meals, plantation walks and evening bonfires.
Suggestions for Accommodation Options
- Thippanahalli Homestay colonial odour in plantations.
- The Serai – Premium with spa and chosen coffee sessions.
- Trivik Resorts – Rooms with a mountain view and gourmet dining.
Bonfire or Estate Walk (Optional)
Many stays provide guided tours on coffee estates, which will teach you how to grow and process coffee.
Also read: Best Locations to Visit in 1 Day Chikmagalur with Friends & Family
Day 2: Culture, Relaxation & Local Experiences
7. Morning: Coffee Museum Visit
Start the day with a tour to the Coffee Museum managed by the Coffee Board of India. This under-rated attraction provides an eye-opening getaway into India’s coffee pathway; from its beginning to its presence as we know it today.
History of Coffee in Chikmagalur
Picked straight up by Baba Budan from Yemen by smuggling them in to India, Chikmagalur has been the site of India’s coffee revolution right here.
Coffee Tasting Experience
Taste various types of Indian coffees, Arabica, Robusta and special Malnad blends.
8. Midday: Visit a Local Coffee Plantation
After the museum, a guided tour of a working coffee plantation. Other estates such as Mysore Coffee Plantation and Bettadamalali Estate provide half day tours; which include a walking through coffee bushes, interactive harvesting experience, and tasting.
Guided Tours and Interactive Sessions
Take a tour of how coffee grows, is dried, roasted and packed. It is educational even for all age groups and entertaining.
Ideal for Families or Nature Lovers
Children will enjoy bird watching, butterfly watching and learning about the coffee process from plant to cup.
9. Afternoon: Are Jhari Falls or Hebbe Falls (Choose One)
There are two best waterfalls of Chikmagalur to choose from:
- Jhari Falls: Buttermilk Falls, it can be reached by a four by four jeep ride.
- Hebbe Falls: Kemmangundi is home to a larger, more dramatic, but further journey.
Jeep Ride Experience
The experience with dense forests and muddy trails moptakes in the day a bit of adrenaline.
Travel Tip: Hebbe Falls May not be Visited for Free Time and Permissions
Hebbe falls are located within a forest, and may need advance permission or payment to forest authorities.
Evening: Shopping & Cafés in Chikmagalur Town
Back into town for some easy shopping and coffee spotting.
Local Coffee, Spices, Souvenirs
Purchase fresh coffee beans, homemade chocolates, essential oils and Malnad honey. Premium blends of coffee are available at shops such as Panduranga Coffee Works.
Try a Local Café for Coffee and Snacks
Finish your trip at a friendly café such as:
- Café Barn Café – Excellent ambiance and wood-fired pizza
- Salaam Coffee – Fashion café with pour-over and French press coffee
- Café Agape – Tasty desserts and outside terraces.
Travel Tips for a 2-Day Chikmagalur Trip
Best Time to Visit
- September to March: Perfect weather with glowing sky and cool greenery
- Avoid peak monsoon if you are planning on going for treks or distance drives.
Local Transport and Self-Drive Tips
- Self-drive is the best to the flexibility level and covering remote spots.
- Hire jeeps locally for waterfalls and off-road trails
Packing Checklist
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Warm clothes for early mornings
- Raincoat or poncho in monsoon
- Reusable water bottle
- Flashlight and power bank.
Suggested Budget Breakdown
Stay
- Budget homestays: 1000–2000 per night
- Mid-range resorts: 3000–6000 per night
- Luxury stays: 7000–12,000 per night.
Travel
- Fuel: (Bangalore-Chikmagalur-Bangalore): 1500–2000
- Jeep rides to waterfalls: 800–1500.
Food
- Local meals: 500–800 per day per person.
Entry Fees and Tips
- Most locations: 20–50
- Guides or plantation tours: 200–500.
Tips for Saving Without Missing Out
- Go on a trip with friends to share stay and jeep expenses.
- Demo use of the local eateries rather than expensive cafés.
- See free natural spots for best value for money.
Conclusion
Chitmagalur is known for having a cool climate, undamaged nature, and a strong coffee culture, giving city dwellers a complete escape from urban chaos. In less than two days you can climb Karnataka’s highest peak, walk through misty plantations, bathe under pure waterfalls, and drink some of the finest brews available in the country. Where Chikmagalur stands out is in its ability to provide a chance for combined bliss of tranquility with adventure, along with local authenticity with modern comforts.
Whether you are climbing to Mullayanagiri or hiking to Baba Budangiri or, if you want, you can spend quiet time with nature in the quiet Hirekolale Lake, this place offers you to trace your roots in nature and feel the tranquillity. Festooned to it is also the warm hospitality in coffee estate stays, the tempting regional cuisine and the smell of roasted beans all around — and you have a trip that rejuvenates both body and mind.
If you have time on your hands then you can explore the surrounding areas Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kemmangundi or the architectural wonders of Belur and Halebidu. But even in two days, Chikmagalur will make a lasting impression. It’s not a destination, it’s an experience, it’s a mood and it’s a memory – it’s there, waiting to move in with you.