Chikmagalur is among the most beautiful but unexplored hill stations in Karnataka. Mountains, waterfalls and coffee plantations make it a paradise for nature lovers. The aromatic fragrance of coffee floats in the air incessantly.
This hill station is a tranquil place where you can go for a stroll in the lush green forests, tea estates and coffee plantations. Chikmagalur also boasts numerous trekking trails.
Among the many natural tourist spots in Chikmagalur, there's Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka. Some other places to visit around Chikmagalur are Hebbe Falls, Baba Budangiri and Kemmangundi. You'll also find many religious and historical places to visit in Chikmagalur.
From the viewpoints around, you can admire views of sunrise, sunset and surrounding valleys. And at the waterfalls, you can marvel at the beauty of nature. Chikmagalur also has lakes like Hirekolale Lake and Ayyanakere. They're the best places to visit in Chikmagalur in the evening.
So, here's the list of places to visit in Chikmagalur for 2 days. Take your time and enjoy your Chikmagalur tour.
Chikmagalur Places to Visit in 2 days
Day 1 Chikmagalur Places to Visit
- Mullayanagiri
- Jhari Falls
- Baba Budangiri
- Manikyadhara Falls
- Hirekolale lake
- Coffee Museum
Day 2 Chikmagalur Places to Visit
- Hebbe Falls
- Kemmangundi
- Z point
- Ayyanakere Lake
- Amrutesvara temple
- Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary
1. Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls is a stunning waterfall and one of the most sought destinations in the town. The waterfall is also considered to have medicinal properties. The place is shrouded in dense forests and attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
You can enjoy nature's beauty by trekking to the waterfalls. You'll find exotic coffee estates and rich flora and fauna on its way. The trail is considered to be a favourite among the trekkers.
The not-so-adventurous tourists can take the forest jeep to explore the depths of the area. The ride through the narrow and steep path to the falls is well worth the time. Hebbe Falls is the perfect location to unwind.
- Things To Do: Sightseeing, Trekking, Jeep Safari
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Ideal Duration: 2 hours
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 65 km
2. Z Point
Z Point is a trekking spot close to Hebbe Falls. A visit to this place ensures not just relaxation but also mental peace. It's a great place for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers too.
The trek to Z Point consists of thickets, waterfalls and steep hills. And the viewpoints along the way provide breathtaking views of its picturesque beauty that allure everyone's eyes. The views across the verdant landscapes can help anyone relax.
It's one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur in the summer. The walk is pretty thrilling, and the cool breeze at the peak and the sunset views are alluring. The desire to stay at the peak forever can be intense.
- Things To Do: Trekking, Mountain Biking, Photography
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
- Ideal Duration: 2 hours
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 44 km
3. Mullayanagiri
Mullayanagiri is one of the best places to visit near Chikmagalur for adventure enthusiasts. Amidst its peaceful ambience and raw beauty, you can engage in activities like biking, trekking and others. It's among the popular trekking spots around the town.
It’s the highest peak in Karnataka and offers an enticing view of the valleys, a captivating sunset, and a cool breeze. It's a beautiful spot from where you can get a bird's eye view of the hilly landscape and Chikmagalur. You can feel the cold breeze as you climb up the hills.
- Things To Do: Camping, Trekking, Mountain Biking
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 44 km
4. Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri is another of the high peaks near Chikmagalur. It's close to Mullayanagiri and is a favourite among hiking and trekking enthusiasts. The grasslands and dense shola forests also offer a variety of plants to explore. And the viewpoints provide striking views of the plains. You might even spot the wildlife at the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary from the top.
The place is also renowned for the shrine of Sufi Saint, Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar (also called Baba Budan). Both Hindus and Muslims worship him. The caves in the vicinity also are considered religious.
- Things To Do: Pilgrimage, Trekking, Photography
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 33 km
5. Kemmangundi
Kemmangundi is a hill station near Chikmagalur with mesmerising views and beautifully laid out ornamental gardens. Mysore King Krishnaraj Wodeyar IV used this place as his summer retreat, and it still offers a perfect retreat for nature lovers.
The Raj Bhavan guest house is a popular point in Kemmangundi. It has a children's park and gardens for kids. You can enjoy breathtaking sunsets and sunrises and treat your eyes with soothing views of the enchanting mountains and valleys. These hills and valleys are also suited for trekking and picnics while offering eye-soothing landscapes.
- Things To Do: Trekking, Picnic, Relaxation
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Ideal Duration: 2 hours
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 61 km
6. Ayyanakere Lake
Ayyanakere Lake is a beautiful tourist spot for solo travellers, couples and friends alike. It's a kind of place that offers a laid-back atmosphere for you to relax and unwind.
It’s considered the biggest lake in the district, with lush greenery and verdant hills all around. Nothing is more romantic than witnessing the sunset in the evening with your partner. You can also indulge yourself in various recreational activities like fishing and camping.
A visit to Ayyanakere Lake provides a delightful experience you will cherish for long. Its charm makes you loosen your soul and set it free.
- Things To Do: Fishing, Camping, Trekking
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Ideal Duration: 1 hour
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 28 km
7. Jhari Falls
Jhari Falls, also referred to as Buttermilk Falls, is considered one of the most peaceful places in Chikmagalur. This spectacular waterfall flows over steep rocks to form a little pool at the bottom.
Dense forests and coffee plantations surround the waterfall. And it attracts many nature lovers, wanderers and experience seekers for a visit. It's also among the popular places to visit in Chikmagalur for family picnics in the lap of nature.
Jhari Falls is close to Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri, and you can visit it along with them.
- Things To Do: Picnic, Swimming, Trekking
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
- Ideal Duration: 1 hour
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 23 km
8. Manikyadhara Falls
Manikyadhara Falls is another of the popular waterfalls to visit in Chikmagalur. It's an excellent location for a day trip, offering a refreshing break from daily life. It's among the best places to visit in Chikmagalur in 2 days.
You can spend quality time with loved ones in its green and unspoilt surroundings. Nature lovers adore this waterfall. It’s frequented by trekkers, too, as it's one of the stops for the treks near Baba Budangiri.
Besides its scenic appeal, Manikyadhara Falls is also a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Muslims. Its water is believed to have healing power against many ailments.
- Things To Do: Pilgrimage, Trekking, Picnic
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Ideal Duration: 2 hours
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 33 km
9. Amrutesvara Temple
Amrutesvara Temple is a 12th-century temple in Amruthapura village. Though it appears to be small, it holds a lot of wonderful things for visitors. The beautiful architecture of this temple attracts architecture enthusiasts and historians.
The temple is built in the Hoysala architectural style and has Lord Shiva in his Linga form as the presiding deity. It also has an idol of Goddess Sharadamba.
More than for religious purposes, people visit Amrutesvara Temple to admire the marvellous carvings and artwork. This temple is one of the interesting places to visit from Chikmagalur. It stays cool inside despite the heat beating down on it.
- Things To Do: Exploration, Picnic, Relaxation
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 4.30 AM to 10.30 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 64 km
10. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary) is a tiger reserve among hills. Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, this wildlife sanctuary is a haven for wildlife lovers, photographers and birding enthusiasts. It has a large number of tigers and reptiles. Also, the forest vegetation and trees make the visit worth the time.
The sanctuary has quite a scenic landscape with lush green grasslands and dense forests. It also has over 120 species of trees, housing every kind of avian life. You can enjoy an open-jeep safari, crossing River Bhadra in the wild.
- Things To Do: Sightseeing, Bird-watching, Jeep Safari
- Entry Fee: ₹400 per person (for jeep safari)
- Timings: 6.30 AM to 8.30 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 78 km
11. Hirekolale Lake
Hirekolale Lake is in the foothills of the mountain ranges surrounding Chikmagalur. The place is a favourite among nature lovers and local photography enthusiasts. It offers mesmerising views of the landscape in the twilight hours.
The hilly backdrop and the lush greenery get it to the list of top places to visit in Chikmagalur for couples. You can bask in the serenity of nature amidst the azure waters of the lake.
The backdrop presents a picture-perfect setting for postcards. Surrounding greenery further beautifies this calm and serene lake. You can spend time clicking photographs or just sit by the lake and admire the captivating scenery for hours.
- Things To Do: Photography, Picnic, Relaxation
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Ideal Duration: 1 hour
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 10 km
12. Coffee Museum
Coffee Museum (or Coffee Yatra Museum) is where you can witness the history and art of coffee making. You can understand the different aspects of coffee processing and go on a journey to explore the best coffee in the world.
A visit to the Coffee Museum serves as an educational as well as a recreational tour for people of all ages. You can read intriguing facts, go through the production process and watch excellent documentaries and short video presentations about coffee.
Plunged in the fresh aroma of the coffee, you can witness the first-hand experience of coffee processing in the laboratory inside. You can also see the different equipment used.
- Things To Do: Learn about coffee production
- Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
- Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
- Ideal Duration: 1 hour
- Distance from Chikmagalur: It’s within Chikmagalur
Other Places to Visit in Chikmagalur
You can't miss a tour of the coffee plantations and tea estates when you're in Chikmagalur. Also, if you have time to spare, explore the dozens of small and large waterfalls in the region. Adventure lovers will love the many different trekking trails, too.
Among the other exciting places to visit around Chikmagalur are Kudremukh National Park, Hanuman Gundi Falls and Annapoorneshwari Temple. Sringeri Mutt, Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple and Inam Dattatreya Peetha are a few others you might like.
Nestled amidst mountains, Chikmagalur is one of the best hill stations in Karnataka. Beautiful pathways, vibrant gardens and gurgling waterfalls dot the length and width of the town. Whether you want to go for an adventure or looking for a peaceful escape, it fits the bill.
So, plan a visit to take in the beautiful scenery and bask in the coolness of fresh air. You can explore some of the good places in Chikmagalur in two days and return comfortably to your daily schedule.