Chikmagalur, the Coffee Land of India, is a paradise for nature lovers. It’s a tranquil tourist spot where you can stroll in the lush green forests, tea estates and coffee plantations. It’s a picturesque destination surrounded by a varied landscape.
Among the many natural tourist spots in Chikmagalur are Mullayanagiri, Kemmangundi and Ayyanakere Lake. You’ll also find many religious and historical places to visit in Chikmagalur.
Also, you must not miss a tour of the coffee plantations and tea estates during your trip. The hill station is unexplored and has numerous mountains, waterfalls and coffee plantations to visit. A fruity fragrance of coffee floats all over the town.
So, here’s the list of places to visit in Chikmagalur for 3 days. Take your time and enjoy.
Chikmagalur Places to Visit in 3 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
Day 3 Chikmagalur Places to Visit
- Kudremukh National Park
- Hanuman Gundi Falls
- Sringeri Mutt
1. Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh National Park is home to animals like leopards, bears and gaur. You can also spot tigers, barking deer and giant flying squirrels in the deep forests. In Kudremukh, you can go for bird watching too. The forest has around 200 different bird species.
The Kudremukh peak is a joy for hikers and trekkers. Spectacular views of the blue skies, rolling hills and lush pastures are bound to steal your breath away.
- Things To Do: Bird-watching, Trekking, Jeep Safari
- Entry Fee: ₹200 per person
- Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
- Ideal Duration: 3-4 hours
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 105 km
2. Mullayanagiri
Mullayanagiri is one of the best places to visit near Chikmagalur for adventure enthusiasts. Its peaceful ambience and raw beauty draw the attention of many travellers. It’s also among the popular trekking spots around the town.
It’s a beautiful place to get a bird’s eye view of the hilly landscape and Chikmagalur town. The view from the peak is unmatched. You can also enjoy mountain biking here.
- 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
3. Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri is a mountain range close to Mullayanagiri. It’s a pilgrimage site popular among both Hindus and Muslims. The place is known for the shrine of Sufi saint Baba Budan (Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar).
This mountain range is also popular among trekkers. The viewpoints provide striking views of the plains, and the grasslands and forests offer a variety of plants to explore. You might even spot the wildlife at the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary from here.
- 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
4. Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls is one of the most enchanting waterfalls to visit in Chikmagalur. You can enjoy its beauty by trekking or taking a jeep to the waterfalls. It’s shrouded in dense forests and coffee estates. It’s a great location to unwind.
The walk through the narrow and steep path to the falls is well worth the time. Hebbe Falls is also considered to have medicinal properties.
- 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
5. Z Point
Z Point is a trekking spot close to Hebbe Falls. Encompassed within deep valleys and steep hills, it’s among the best destinations for a short trek on your Chikmagalur tour. The trail has thickets, waterfalls and steep hills. And the cool breeze and the sunset views are alluring.
A visit to Z Point ensures not just relaxation but also mental peace. It’s one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur in the summer.
- 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
6. Kemmangundi
Kemmangundi, lined with mountains and hillocks, is a hill station with mesmerising views and beautifully laid out ornamental gardens. You can enjoy breathtaking sunset and sunrise and treat your eyes with soothing views of the enchanting mountains and valleys.
The hill station is a perfect destination for nature lovers. It’s also a delight for photographers. Mysore King Krishnaraj Wodeyar IV used this place as his summer retreat.
- Things To Do: Trekking, Picnic, Relaxation
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Ideal Duration: 2 hours
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 61 km
7. Hanuman Gundi Falls
Hanumana Gundi Falls, also called Suthanabbi Falls, is a waterfall near Kudremukh National Park. You need to climb down 300 stone steps to reach the base of the waterfall. A tiny, not very deep, pool is formed there.
It’s in a serene location surrounded by lush green forests and hilly terrains. Popular among adventure enthusiasts, it provides you with a laidback getaway amidst forests.
- Things To Do: Trekking, Camping, Relaxation
- Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
- Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 117 km
8. Ayyanakere Lake
Ayyanakere Lake is a kind of place that offers a relaxed atmosphere for you to unwind. Nothing is more romantic than witnessing the sunset here in the evening with your partner. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the lake provides a delightful experience you’ll cherish for long.
The lake offers an excellent opportunity for trekking enthusiasts. You can also indulge yourself in other recreational activities like fishing and camping.
- Things To Do: Fishing, Camping, Trekking
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Ideal Duration: 1 hour
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 28 km
9. Manikyadhara Falls
Manikyadhara Falls is a perennial cascading waterfall and an excellent location for a day trip from Chikmagalur. It’s in an idyllic spot where you can spend quality time with loved ones. Its green and unspoilt surroundings offer a refreshing break from daily life.
Besides its scenic appeal, Manikyadhara Falls is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Muslims. Its water is believed to have healing power.
- Things To Do: Pilgrimage, Trekking, Picnic
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Ideal Duration: 2 hours
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 33 km
10. Sringeri Mutt
Sringeri Mutt is among the popular religious shrines near Chikmagalur, built close to River Tunga. Goddess Sharadamba, an incarnation of Goddess Saraswati, is the presiding deity of this architectural beauty. The idol is made of gold and radiates positive energy all around.
This 8th-century temple was established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. It's one of the must visit places near Chikmagalur within 100 km.
- Things To Do: Pilgrimage
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM
- Ideal Duration: 1 hour
- Distance from Chikmagalur: 122 km
11. Jhari Falls
Jhari Falls, also referred to as Buttermilk Falls, is a spectacular waterfall surrounded by dense forests and coffee plantations. It’s considered one of the most peaceful places in Chikmagalur and attracts many nature lovers, wanderers and experience seekers.
The waterfall is among the popular places to visit in Chikmagalur for family picnics. It’s 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
12. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary or Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary is a tiger reserve among hills. It has a large number of tigers and reptiles. And it’s also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife lovers and photographers.
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.
- 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
13. Hirekolale Lake
Hirekolale Lake is another among the good places to visit in Chikmagalur. It’s in the foothills of the surrounding mountain ranges, and it offers mesmerising views of the landscape in the twilight hours. The hilly backdrop makes it a favourite among photography enthusiasts.
It’s also among the top places to visit in Chikmagalur for couples. You can 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
14. Amrutesvara Temple
Amrutesvara Temple is a small but wonderful temple in Amruthapura near Chikmagalur. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, in his Linga form. The temple also has an idol of Goddess Sharadamba.
More than for religious purposes, people visit Amrutesvara Temple to admire the marvellous carvings and artwork. It’s a beautiful 12th-century temple built in the Hoysala architectural style. And it attracts many architecture enthusiasts and historians.
- 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
15. Coffee Museum
Coffee Museum (or Coffee Yatra Museum) is one of the most interesting places to visit in Chikmagalur. Here, you can witness the history and art of coffee making. Immersed in the fruity aroma of fresh coffee, you can understand the different aspects of coffee processing.
The museum is also a recreational point for everyone. You can find intriguing facts and watch excellent documentaries about coffee.
- 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
Nestled amidst mountains, Chikmagalur is one of the best hill stations in South India to bask in the coolness of fresh air. Whether you want to go for an adventure or looking for a peaceful escape, this place fits the bill. Beautiful trekking trails, vibrant gardens and gurgling waterfalls dot the length and width of the town.
The list above includes all the places to visit in Chikmagalur for 3 days. So, plan a trip with Chikmagalur Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA and take in the beautiful scenery.
