Chikmagalur Travel Guide

Chikmagalur Travel Guide – Coffee Hills of Karnataka

Chikmagalur is a scenic hill district in the foothills of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, often called the “Coffee Land of Karnataka”. Mist-covered mountains, sprawling coffee estates, waterfalls and trekking routes make Chikmagalur tourism popular with families, nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Chikmagalur is one of the most popular hill stations from Bangalore and is also frequently combined with Mysore for travellers exploring central Karnataka. Its coffee estates and mountain landscapes offer a quieter alternative to more crowded hill destinations.

This Chikmagalur travel guide introduces the best places to visit, ideal trip duration, how to reach from Mysore and Bangalore, nearby attractions and practical tips to help you plan a comfortable hill-station holiday.

Why Visit Chikmagalur?

Western Ghats Landscapes

Chikmagalur is surrounded by rolling hills, deep valleys and forested slopes that form part of the Western Ghats. Sunrises, sunsets and misty viewpoints are a big part of the hill-station experience here.

Coffee Land of Karnataka

Coffee cultivation in India is closely associated with Chikmagalur. Estate walks and plantation stays allow visitors to see coffee plants, pepper vines and shade trees up close, often with a fresh cup of local filter coffee in hand.

Trekking & Nature Experiences

From gentle viewpoints to full-day treks, Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri, Kemmanagundi and Kudremukh are well-known names among trekking enthusiasts. Waterfalls, forest drives and lakes add to the variety.

Quiet Hill Stays

Homestays and small estate stays around Chikmagalur offer peaceful surroundings, home-style food and a slower pace of holiday compared to busier hill towns.

Best Time to Visit Chikmagalur

The best time to visit Chikmagalur is generally from September to May, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing, trekking and outdoor activities.

The monsoon months (June to August) bring heavy rain, lush greenery and full waterfalls. This is beautiful for nature lovers but can make some trails slippery and affect visibility on higher peaks.

How to Reach Chikmagalur

By Road

Chikmagalur is well connected by road from Bangalore (around 245 km), Mysore (around 180 km) and Mangalore. The journey includes ghat sections and scenic stretches through plantations, so it is advisable to allow sufficient travel time.

By Train

The nearest major railway stations are Kadur and Birur, which are linked to several Karnataka routes. Mysore Junction is another practical rail hub for travellers combining Chikmagalur with other destinations.

By Air

The nearest airports are Mangalore International Airport and Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore. From these hubs, travellers usually continue by road towards Chikmagalur and surrounding hill areas.

Top Places to Visit in Chikmagalur

Mullayanagiri Peak

At about 1,930 metres, Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka and one of the most popular viewpoints in Chikmagalur. Short treks or walks near the summit reward visitors with panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

Baba Budangiri Hills

Baba Budangiri is known for its spiritual significance and scenic drives. Caves, viewpoints and rolling hills make this region popular among photographers and trekkers.

Kemmanagundi

Kemmanagundi is a quieter hill area with gardens, viewpoints and pleasant weather, suitable for travellers who enjoy peaceful walks and slower-paced sightseeing.

Jhari (Buttermilk) Falls

Also called Jhari or Dabdabe Falls, this waterfall is usually accessed by a short jeep ride through estate roads. The falls are surrounded by greenery and are popular with visitors looking for a relaxed nature experience.

Hebbe Falls

Located near Kemmanagundi, Hebbe Falls is reached via forest tracks and short walks. It is known for its scenic setting and cool waters.

Hirekolale Lake

Hirekolale Lake offers serene views of the hills and is often visited around sunset. It is a good stop for calm reflection and photography.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is home to diverse flora and fauna and is popular for jeep safaris, boat rides and bird watching. It is ideal for travellers interested in combining hill scenery with a forest experience.

Kudremukh National Park

Kudremukh, known for its horse-shaped peak and grassland landscapes, offers well-known trekking routes for more active visitors. Permissions and local regulations should be checked in advance.

Sringeri Sharada Peetha

Sringeri, on the banks of the Tunga river, is an important spiritual centre with historic temples and a calm riverside setting. It is often included as a day excursion from Chikmagalur for those interested in culture and heritage.

Suggested Chikmagalur Trip Duration

Most travellers find 3–4 days comfortable for covering the main viewpoints, waterfalls, lakes and nearby areas at a relaxed pace.

Visitors starting from Mysore or Bangalore often combine Chikmagalur with historic temple towns such as Belur and Halebidu, or with other hill regions as part of a 5–7 day Western Ghats itinerary.

Visitors looking for structured travel plans can refer to our Chikmagalur tour package from Mysore – 3 Days or Chikmagalur tour from Bangalore – 3 Days. Those planning extended Karnataka circuits may consider the Mysore – Chikmagalur 4 Days tour or the Coorg – Chikmagalur 5 Days itinerary.

Activities & Experiences in Chikmagalur

Trekking & Short Hikes

Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri, Kemmanagundi and Kudremukh are well-known names among trekkers. Short walks to viewpoints and lakes suit travellers who prefer lighter activity.

Coffee Estate & Homestay Experiences

Plantation homestays and small resorts allow visitors to stay amidst coffee estates, enjoy estate walks, listen to local stories and savour home-style Karnataka cuisine.

Local Cuisine & Coffee

Chikmagalur’s food reflects regional Karnataka flavours. Dishes such as akki rotti, traditional rice preparations and fresh banana chips are commonly found, along with strong South Indian filter coffee made from local beans.

Places to Visit Near Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur can be part of a longer Karnataka itinerary combining hills, heritage and wildlife. Some popular nearby destinations include:

• Belur & Halebidu – Famous Hoysala temples known for intricate stone carvings.
• Mysore – Royal city with Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills and heritage landmarks. See the Mysore Travel Guide for details.
• Coorg – Another Western Ghats hill region known for coffee estates and waterfalls. For ideas, refer to the Coorg Travel Guide.
• Hampi – UNESCO World Heritage site with monumental Vijayanagara-era ruins.

Many travellers from Bangalore or Mysore plan a circuit that includes Chikmagalur along with one or more of these destinations over 5–7 days. Along with Coorg, Chikmagalur forms part of Karnataka’s famous coffee belt, attracting travellers interested in plantation stays, trekking and nature-focused holidays. For extended Western Ghats trips, you can also explore nearby hill-station regions such as Wayanad, Ooty and Kodaikanal.

Where to Stay in Chikmagalur

Accommodation ranges from simple homestays and guest houses in and around Chikmagalur town to estate stays and boutique resorts in the surrounding hills. Travellers who prefer easy access to shops and restaurants often choose town-based stays, while those seeking quieter surroundings opt for plantation or countryside locations.

Getting Around Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur and its surroundings are best explored by private cab or self-drive vehicle. Roads to peaks and waterfalls can be narrow and winding, so allowing buffer time between points is advisable. For certain falls and viewpoints, local jeeps may be used for the last stretch.

Frequently Asked Questions – Chikmagalur Travel Guide