Enjoy a visit to Chikmagalur to break the monotony of a boring, monotonous lifestyle. It’s a beautiful hill station in India that offers a blissful yet relaxing staycation to everyone looking to be in the serenity of nature.
Often referred to as the Coffee Land of Karnataka, Chikmagalur, surrounded by the western ghats of Mullayanagiri ranges, is a lovely paradise that makes you fall in love with its mind-blowing beauty, magical setting, and unparalleled charm as soon as you step into the little hamlet and offers a kind of experience that will satiate your emotional as well as the physical state of mind.
It’s a place that takes you one step closer to nature. It’s a place that allows you to be as active or as lazy as you want. It’s a place that boasts an extremely favorable atmosphere for you to attain peace of mind. It’s a place that gives you a chance to meet the inner you in utmost tranquility. It’s a place where you can be just you, no matter what.
The perfect blend of majestic mountains, verdant valleys, and picture-perfect backdrop inspires people to pack their bags right away and head for a getaway that will be worth cherishing for their entire life. So, whether you’re an individual traveler, a couple who wants to give a kick-start to their married life together, or a family seeking to enjoy some time with children, Chikmagalur is one such tourist destination that welcomes everyone with open arms.
However, to enjoy your trip exactly the way you have envisioned, you need to book with a travel company that will take care of all the aspects related to the traveling, be it the flight tickets, resort/hotel reservation, sightseeing, fine-dining eateries, etc. How about going ahead with an all-inclusive Chikmagalur tour package with us?
At Chikmagalur Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, we understand that every traveler has their own holiday style and hence, present a variety of packages that can be easily customized suiting to your choice. Our team doesn’t mind going the extra mile to offer you the best of our services. We strive hard to bring a smile to your happy faces. The happiness we get to see after the trip is over is something that cannot be defined in words. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to fill out the Contact Us form if you wish to get in touch with us soon.
History of Chikmagalur
The town of Chikmagalur has an interesting tale attached to its name. It is said that this land was given to the younger daughter of King Rukmangada in the form of a dowry during her marriage rituals. And that’s how it got its name Chikmagalur. Because the literal meaning of Chikmagalur in the Kannada language translates to the “Land of Younger Daughter”.
Chikmagalur is also considered to be the birthplace of the Hoysala Empire dynasty. However, history buffs have found many inconsistencies associated with its story and this is the major reason why there are no specific details available out there. It is believed that this town started gaining everyone’s attention when Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India was elected to the Lok Sabha. Since then, there is no looking back for this hill station.
Another significant aspect of its history is related to coffee. Legend says that the first crop of coffee was grown in Baba Budangiri ranges in the year 1670 when Baba Budan brought the coffee seeds from Yemen and cultivated them here to introduce the people of the country to the fresh aroma of coffee. From that time, the coffee plantations started growing like anything else and Britishers also helped in its subsequent growth.
Places to Visit in Chikmagalur
In Chikmagalur, you can never fall short of sightseeing places to explore on your trip as this little hamlet boasts numerous tourist attractions along with many leisure and recreational activities for travelers of all types.
Visit Hebbe Falls to overlook the most stunning waterfall in the city. Lying 10 km away from the heart of Chikmagalur, Hebbe Falls invites people from all around the world to marvel at the water gushing down from a height of 168 meters. Then, there are Kallathigiri Falls, Hanumana Gundi Falls, Jhari Waterfall, and Kadambi Falls to lose yourself in their unmissable charm and aura which is hard to find anywhere else.
The Kudremukh National Park presents an ideal weekend getaway retreat for wildlife enthusiasts wanting to be close to different species of wildlife creatures, the Mullayanagiri ranges offer a 360-degree view of the entire city, and the Z Point offers a perfect setting for nature buffs to relax and unwind in the lap of Mother Nature. You can also pay heed to Kavikal Gandi ViewPoint, Kemmangundi, and Seethalayanagiri to connect with your loved ones on a deeper level.
Take some time off for Hirekolale Lake and soak in its serenity far away from the chaotic crowd. For religious people, Chikmagalur boasts the pilgrimage sites like the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, Veera Narayana Temple, Sharadamba Temple, and Kodandarama Temple where you can bow your head in faith and seek blessings from the presiding deities.
While trekkers can try their hand at trekking to Baba Budangiri or Doddabale Siddaragudda Peak, history lovers can plan to explore the Ballalarayana Durga Fort to dig deep into the rich history and cultural significance of the region. There is also a Mahatma Gandhi Park for families looking to spend some quality time with their children under one roof.
Your visit to this hill station will remain incomplete if you don’t head towards the Coffee Museum. Perfect for coffee connoisseurs, the Coffee Museum is one of its kind of museums in South India that showcases the complete process of how coffee beans are produced in detail.
Other sightseeing places in Chikmagalur that deserve to be seen are Ayyanakere Lake, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra Dam, Madu Gundi Falls, and Sirimane Falls. If time permits, you can also see the nearby villages like Belavadi, Belur, and Kalasa to enjoy your Chikmagalur tour to the fullest.
How to Reach Chikmagalur?
As a famous hill station in South India, Chikmagalur maintains great connectivity to the neighboring cities of Karnataka and the rest of the country via all modes of transportation and hence can be easily accessed by both locals and tourists alike.
For all those who love traveling by airways, Mangalore International Airport is the nearest airport that receives regular flights from all over the world. So, whether you are a national or international traveler, you can catch a flight to this airport to cover the maximum distance in the least possible time.
The next feasible option is by train. Although Chikmagalur has its own railway station, many people prefer enjoying a smooth and comfortable train journey to Kadur Railway Station to reach Chikmagalur on a budget. From there, you can book a private taxi from the list of top car rental companies in Mangalore to travel in your utmost comfort.
Lastly, if you like road traveling, you can choose to self-drive in your own vehicle from the nearby town to make the most of your road trip. Alternatively, opt-in to travel in private or private buses run by the KSRTC department for the ease of all age groups. Please note that there is also a facility for luxury coaches available. In case it’s an overnight journey for you, you can get the seat reservation done in advance to avoid any discomfort later!
