Chikmagalur: Explore The Serene Environment Of Karnataka!

Chikmagalur is a hill station destination you can choose if your vacation area comes to the South Indian region. The place is located in the South Indian state of Karnataka, India. The northern side of the city belongs to the Western Ghats region. Chikmagalur has also got significant spiritual significance and there are several natural formations that support these mythical faiths and legends.

The lush green forests surrounding the area are the other peculiar feature making the vacation of nature lovers to the location a blissful one. Waterfalls are something that adds fun and thrill to the holiday experience in this hill station town.

These cascades make the landscape of the town blessed with provisions for relaxation and rejuvenation. Moreover, the city is full of aromatic coffee plantations, making people visit the city even solely in search of exotically delicious brews. In this article, we have mentioned a few best places to visit in Chikmagalur.

Best Places To Visit In Chikmagalur

Kallathigiri Falls

Kudremukh National Park

Baba Budangiri

Mullayanagiri

Hebbe Falls

Bhadra Dam

Kyathanamakki 

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Sringeri Mutt

Hanumana Gundi Falls

Sharadamba Temple 

Kemmangundi

Belur

The flora and fauna of the city are also quite impressive when it comes to nature lovers. Come, let’s see what is waiting for you more in this hill station town. 

Kallathigiri Falls

This is one of the picturesque waterfalls where you can play, enjoy and relax on your Kallathigiri vacation. Even though the scenic beauty of these falls is beyond verbalization, many international tourists miss out on the location. But local tourists make it a point to visit the location without fail.

You can spend a good 2-3 hours at the destination of the falls. Kalhatti Falls is the other name of the destination. You need to travel a distance of 53km from Chikmagalur town to reach this waterfall. This long distance might be one of the reasons why international tourists hesitate to visit the location of the waterfalls.

Chandra Dona Mountains are the point of origin of Kallathigiri Falls. The waterfall reaches the ground after cascading from an elevation of about 400 feet.

Kudremukh National Park

For anyone who loves animals and would like to explore different species in the animal kingdom, a visit to the Kudremukh National Park in Karnataka would be a wholesome experience. The translated meaning of the national park is “Horse Face”.

The name of this place is derived from the shape of a peak that is quite prominent in the mountain ranges in the region. The mountain ranges can gift you beautiful visuals of the Arabian Sea from an aesthetic aerial angle. Bird watchers fall in love with this location on account of the presence of a wide variety of bird species.

Trekking is also possible from the valleys nearby the national park. So, even if you are not that fond of animal exploration and bird watching, you can still find happiness in visiting the location of Kudremukh National Park. The peak of Kudremukh is much more significant in the state since it has the title of “second highest peak in Karnataka”. 

Baba Budangiri

Another mountain magnificence you can explore is the Chikmagalur area of Karnataka. This hill range has got the peaks such as Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri. 1895 m is the altitude of this hill range. It belongs to the greater range of Western Ghats. this amazing destination also comes under the best places to visit in Chikmagalur

If you wish to explore the beauty and vibrance of the place, September to March would be the best time to plan your visit. During the other months of the year, the road accessibility to the location would be quite challenging. Mullayanagiri is also popular since it is the highest peak when considering the entire state of Karnataka.

It has got an elevation of about 1930 m making you feel awe even at the very first sight. If you wish to witness the beauty of enchanting sunsets, no other place in Chikmagalur can satisfy you enough more than the ranges of Baba Budangiri. 

Mullayanagiri

As we have already discussed the prominence of the peak of Mullayanagiri in the state of Karnataka, it would be better to see what is quite special about it in a wider aspect. This peak has the 23^rd position in height when it comes to the rest of the peaks in the Western Ghats region.

December month would be the best time to rush to the place and enjoy the picturesque views and vibes of the peak. Many photographers and models are also found in the place for fashion photoshoots.

The backdrops of the peak are quite aesthetic to provide quality content for the same. You can also come to the place for nature photography or just to spend some environment time with good vibes. You would have to climb the peak and this may take about 3-4 hours to reach the top point. 

Hebbe Falls

The waterfall of Hebbe is one of the 35 waterfalls in the state of Karnataka. You can reach the location of the falls by walking or by hiring a jeep. Walking to the location would be a mesmerizing experience if you would like to feel touched by the beauty and love of mother nature.

If easy accessibility and time constraints bother you, jeep services are also available in the location. You might take 2-3 hours to enjoy the most out of this waterfall. Adrenaline-pumping jeep rides are one of the special features of the place which is definitely a must-try. and this spot is also marked as one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur The average rate of these jeep rides would be around 500 INR.

It is better to reach the location before the afternoon since late evening would not be that safe to explore the location. The location of waterfall is inside a rich coffee plantation making the experience much more pleasing to the senses. 

Amidst the beautiful coffee plantations of #Chikmagalur lies the mystical Hebbe Falls, cascading to form a natural pool. #Karnataka #waterfallwednesday #nature #adventure #IncredibleIndia pic.twitter.com/qbbrlAMHvD

— Incredible!ndia (@incredibleindia) May 9, 2018

Bhadra Dam

This dam in Chikmagalur is also known by the name, Lakkavalli Dam. It is built in the river of Bhadra in the border region of the places such as Tarikere and Bhadravathi. Bhadra river flows to the river, Tungabhadra as one of its major tributaries.

You need to travel 76km from the Chikmagalur main town to reach the dam. Sri M V Visvesvaraya is the man behind the conception and construction of the dam. The construction procedures began in the year 1947. But the commissioning of the dam happened in the year 1965.

194 feet is the elevation of this dam with a length of 5604 feet. Even though the dam is open 24 hours a day for visitors, it is suggested to plan your trip during the morning hours of the day to enjoy the splendid beauty and visuals around. 

Kyathanamakki 

For anybody who is in love with adventure and nature, the Kyathanamakki is one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur. Off-road rides are the most interesting activity to be engaged in the location. There are also a lot of streams with crystal clear water and a stream bed in which you can play with splashes and the chill of the water.

A stroll through the streamside is also quite relaxing if you are searching for something fresh and cool. Waterfalls are another feature of the attraction making it perfect for groups of families and friends visiting the location for some fun and joy together.

Moreover, if you are someone who would fall for the feeling of indulgence, you can also find your happiness source in the location since there are charismatic visuals of a lot of peaks here. Trekking is another activity possible in the location calling for adventure enthusiasts across the world. 

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Karnataka is situated on the northwestern side of the district of Chikmagalur. This is a protected zone under the Forest and Wildlife Department of government. It is also a significant Tiger Reserve in the entire Indian territory.

The sanctuary was built as a part of Project Tiger with the aim of conserving the tiger population in the country which has been showing a consequential decrease in the last few decades. It was in the year 1974, that the sanctuary got established in the state.

The sanctuary is located at a high altitude with an elevation of about 892.5 sq. km. Apart from tigers, elephants, bison, panthers, sloth bears, flying squirrels, wild boars, wild dogs, etc. are the animals enjoying a reputed position in the sanctuary. The vegetation in the area is also remarkable with trees such as teak, rosewood, and many more. 

Sringeri Mutt

This popular tourist destination in Chikmagalur is also known by the name, Sringeri Peetham. This is a pilgrim location for Hindus visiting the town. The temple observes quite a lot of protocols and disciplines in behavioral patterns and dressings to be followed inside the premises.

So if you have plans to visit the location of Sringeri Mutt, remember to show up in modest clothes with strict restrictions to sleeveless clothes and shorts. Morning pujas beginning from 6 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon and evening pujas beginning from 4 in the evening to 9 in the evening would be the best time to visit the temple.

Adi Shankara is the spiritual identity who took initiative to build Sringeri Mutt in the 8^th century AD. You can also go near and sit on the banks of the river of Tunga to feel relaxed and refreshed in the location. If you are a seeker of tranquillity you will definitely fall in love with the place. 

Hanumana Gundi Falls

Hanumana Gundi Falls are also known by the name, Suthanabbe Falls. The local pronunciation may vary and “Soothanabbi Falls” is a variant of the same. You can visit the falls during your visit to the Kudremukh National Park. You can locate the falls between the dams of Lakya and Karkala.

The major source of water in the river is from the incessant downpours happening in the valleys of Kudremukha. It is popular as a seasonal waterfall in the Chikmagalur region. The dense forests surrounding the region and also the calming atmosphere are perfect to spend a feel-good time in the place.

Groups of friends and family, solo travelers, and even honeymoon couples are also found in the Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls region. September to October would be the ideal time to visit the location to enjoy the spectacular views of the place. 

Sharadamba Temple 

This is a Hindu pilgrim destination you can consider visiting when you are on a vacation at Chikmagalur. The main deity worshipped in the temple is Devi Sharada. Devi Sharada is regarded as an incarnated form of the Hindu Goddess, Saraswati. Shringeri is the exact location where you can spot the temple in Chikmagalur.

Shri Shankaracharya is the one who established such a temple in the location of the place. The Malnad region in which the temple is situated adds to the beauty and charm of the same. The proximity to the river Tunga is another feature of attraction making the location one of a kind.

People from different parts of the globe, especially Hindus visit the temple seeking divine blessings and protection. Followers of Shankaracharya and admirers of his ideologies are also seen in the location. Modernized Dravidian style of architecture is another peculiarity of the place attracting aestheticians, artists, architects, and designers to the location. 

Kemmangundi

Kemmanagundi is the ideal place where you can enjoy the night hours of your Chikmagalur vacation. The sunset views possible from the location are quite mesmerizing in every sense. This area unlike the other popular tourist destinations in the town is not that crowded. All you will get from the location would be some calm and composed vibes and moods.

The rustic ambiance accentuates such feels and this would be the best place for backpackers and honeymoon couples. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you must also consider visiting the place since there are a lot many hiking trails in the location that is quite popular.

The lush green patches of forests on the hills of the region are also quite amazing for people who are interested to be with nature without any interference. You can also go for a visit to the Krishnarajendra Botanical Park which is quite near to the location of Kemmanagundi.

Café hoping and trying some exotic cuisines are also possible in the location of kemmanagundi. The average elevation of this rustic hilltop is around 1434 m. Summer months would be the best time of the year to visit the location. Don’t miss out on the peaceful experience of going for a nature walk through the premises if you are adding Kemmanagundi to your Chikmagalur itinerary. 

Belur

Even though this is an amazing location that you can add to your vacation plans at Chikmagalur, the exact location of Belur comes in the district of Hassan in the state of Karnataka. Chennakeshava temple which is situated in the town of Belur is the one element that makes the town quite popular among tourists.

Thus it also becomes the best places to visit in Chikmagalur. Hoysala architecture is the unique style adapted or imitated in this temple. The temple is particularly devoted to the Hindu God, Lord Vishnu. Researchers opine that this temple is where you can find Hoysala architecture in its finest forms.

The ancientness of the temple roots back to the 14^th century and the tradition of Karnata-Dravida that was prominent during those days. 979 m is the altitude measurement of the place. Belur has also got the nickname, “Banaras of South”. Temples, shrines, and monuments are the significant features of the town making it something worth visiting.

The destruction of the glorious Belur kingdom, its monuments, and constructions happened during the 14^th century by the Delhi Sultanate commander Malik Kafur. This is also a place in Chikmagalur where you can go for extensive shopping. You can consider buying Panchaloka statues from the vendors in the location which is a trademark of the place. 

Best Time To Visit Chikmagalur

September – May

How To Reach Chikmagalur?

Nearest airport: Mangalore Airport

Nearest railway station: Kadur (DRU)

Conclusion

Hit the location to get some Hindu spiritual vibes, pampering from nature, adventure thrills, and many more. 

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