admin Chikmagalur is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is known for its scenic beauty, rich culture, and unique wildlife. The town is situated at an altitude of 3400 feet above sea level and has a pleasant climate throughout the year. Chikmagalur is a popular destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers. In this blog, we will explore some of the best things to do in Chikmagalur.
- Trek to Mullayanagiri
Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka and is a popular trekking destination. The trek to Mullayanagiri is a challenging one, but the views from the top are worth the effort. The trek starts from Sarpadhari and takes about 3-4 hours to reach the summit. The peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and forests. It is also a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset.
- Visit Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri is a mountain range named after the Sufi saint Baba Budan. It is located at an altitude of 6317 feet and is a popular pilgrimage destination. The mountain range is known for its scenic beauty and is surrounded by lush green forests. The trek to Baba Budangiri is a moderate one and takes about 2-3 hours to reach the top. The mountain range is also known for its coffee plantations and is a great place to taste some of the best coffee in the region.
- Explore Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its unique wildlife and flora. The park is home to several endangered species like the Malabar giant squirrel, the lion-tailed macaque, and the Nilgiri tahr. The park also has several trekking trails and is a great place for bird watching. The park is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 200 for Indians and Rs. 1000 for foreigners.
- Visit Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular picnic spot. The waterfall has two stages, and visitors can take a dip in the lower stage. The upper stage can be reached by trekking through the forest. The best time to visit the waterfall is during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its peak.
- Visit Coffee Plantations
Chikmagalur is known for its coffee plantations, and visitors can explore these plantations and learn about the coffee-making process. The coffee plantations offer a unique experience, and visitors can also taste some of the best coffee in the region. Some of the popular coffee plantations in Chikmagalur are the Kerehaklu Eco Retreat, the Silent Valley, and the Blue Mountain.
- Visit Belur and Halebid
Belur and Halebid are two ancient temple towns located near Chikmagalur. These towns are known for their intricate temple architecture and are a must-visit for history buffs. The temples in Belur and Halebid were built during the Hoysala dynasty and are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures. The temples are open from 7 am to 7 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 25 for Indians and Rs. 300 for foreigners.
- Camping and Bonfire
Chikmagalur is a great place to camp and have a bonfire. The town is surrounded by lush green forests and hills, and camping in the wilderness is a unique experience. There are several camping sites in Chikmagalur, and visitors can also arrange for a bonfire and barbecue. Some popular camping sites in Chikmagalur are the Kudremukh National Park, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Mullayanagiri Peak.
- Visit the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Chikmagalur and is known for its unique wildlife and flora. The sanctuary is home to several endangered species like the tiger, leopard, and elephant. Visitors can also spot several bird species like the Malabar pied hornbill and the white-bellied treepie. The sanctuary has several trekking trails and is a great place for wildlife photography. The sanctuary is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 300 for Indians and Rs. 1500 for foreigners.
- Visit the Kemmanagundi Hill Station
The Kemmanagundi Hill Station is located near Chikmagalur and is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. The hill station is situated at an altitude of 1434 meters and is surrounded by lush green forests and hills. Visitors can take a trek to the Z Point, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The hill station also has several waterfalls like the Hebbe Falls and the Kalhatti Falls.
- Visit the Manikyadhara Falls
The Manikyadhara Falls is located near the Baba Budangiri mountain range and is a popular picnic spot. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is known for its natural beauty. Visitors can also take a dip in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. The best time to visit the waterfall is during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its peak.
In conclusion, Chikmagalur is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The town is known for its scenic beauty, unique wildlife, and rich culture. Visitors can indulge in several activities like trekking, camping, wildlife photography, and exploring ancient temples. Chikmagalur is a great place to relax and rejuvenate in the lap of nature.
