Please your senses with the exotic smell of coffee at the famous hill station of Karnataka, Chikmagalur. Popularly known as the “Coffee Land of Karnataka”, Chikmagalur has serene hills, lush green mountains, exciting wildlife sanctuaries, cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and many architectural beauties that quench the thirst of all kinds of travelers.
This less explored hill station is bestowed with everything one needs to satiate their emotional as well as the physical state of mind and boasts a refreshing yet soothing atmosphere that will make you fall in love with this place time and time again. While you can plan your trip to Chikmagalur at any time of the year, there are a few places that you shouldn’t miss at any cost. We have here listed the best tourist attractions to explore on your Chikmagalur tour.
01. Kudremukh National Park
An ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature admirers, and experience seekers, Kudremukh National Park, widely popular for its scenic beauty, offers a calm and peaceful atmosphere to tourists to relax and unwind amidst the pristine environment surrounded by magnificent hills, lush greenery, eye-catching landscapes, and dense forests.
Perched at a distance of 96 km from Chikmagalur in the Western Ghats and positioned at an altitude of 1894 meters above sea level, the Kudremukh National Park boasts an impressive variety of flora and fauna that attracts thousands of tourists from far and wide every year.
Sprawling over an area of 600 square feet, it is considered as the second largest national park in Karnataka and is definitely a perfect weekend getaway option for all looking some time away from the city life.
Eucalyptus, Grevillea Robusta, and casuarinas are a few of the best species of colorful plants and flowers that are found here. Combine it with an array of wild animals such as tigers, leopards, gaurs, bears, barking deers, spotted deers, pigs, langurs, sambars, jackals, mongoose, sloth bears, Malabar giant squirrels, porcupines, etc to make your visit to this park memorable for you and your family members as well. Alongside them, you can also spot a diverse range of birds including the imperial pigeon, Malabar whistling thrush, Malabar trogon, and great pied hornbill at this reserve.
Treat your eyes to Kadambi Waterfalls and Hanumangundi Waterfalls at the Kudremukh National Park to add more bliss to your overall experience. The park also invites people to indulge in trekking to make their visit more fun and adventurous. What else? Here you can also enjoy a short stroll around the tea and coffee plantations or simply choose to sit silently to soak in the unparalleled charm and magic that is hard to get anywhere else.
- Entry Fee: INR 200 per person for Indians and INR 1000 per person for foreigners
- Timings: It is open for its visitors throughout the year. However, the recommended timings for trekking and experiencing the natural wonders are from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: October to May
- Ideal Duration Time: 3-4 hours
02. Hebbe Falls
Witnessing the beautiful, cascading waterfall falling from a height of 168 meters is something that everyone adores and that is why one should not miss a visit to Hebbe Falls on their visit to Chikmagalur.
Considered as the most stunning waterfall in the city, Hebbe Falls, encompassed by lush green vegetation, verdant forests, and aromatic coffee plantations, provides a breathtaking view of the Kemmangundi hill station to its visitors and boasts pleasant weather to soothe your inner soul.
Nestled amidst the Kemmanagundi Hills and 10 km away from the main city, Hebbe Falls, owing to its unparalleled charm and surreal setting, lure wanderers and nature admirers in large numbers.
The water of these falls is believed to contain all the properties of medicinal herbs, which gives another reason to people to flock to this place and take a refreshing dip in the white water. Here you can also discover various adventurous activities to keep yourself occupied all the time. You can also enjoy a picnic with your family here.
One can reach the Hebbe Fall either by enjoying a trek of 8 km or through a 4-wheeler vehicle. Although the route is a bit tedious, it is worth all your effort. Please avoid trekking during the rainy season as the route becomes slippery, thus making it difficult and a little unsafe for you to reach the destination.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Hebbe Falls in Chikmagalur.
- Timings: Open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit: October to January
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
03. Kavikal Gandi View Point
Revel in the picturesque beauty of the majestic displays of nature at Kavikal Gandhi View Point in Chikmagalur. Offering a feast to your eyes and soul, Kavikal Gandi View Point or Horse Shoe View Point is a popular tourist spot from where you can overlook the entire Chandra Drona range along with admiring the spectacular views of the haze-covered city and the surrounding areas.
One can also find a deity of Lord Hanuman at the foot of the hill and atop the location, there is also a painting of Swami Vivekananda that is worth watching.
Perched in close proximity of Baba Budangiri and Mullayanagiri and 18 km away from the city center, the Kavikal Gandi View Point is presently gaining popularity among the people as a trekking destination and is also frequently visited by many nature lovers.
Do not forget to bring your camera along whenever you plan to head to this viewpoint as it offers numerous opportunities to capture some amazing pictures that will make you fall in love with this place again.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Kavikal Gandi View Point in Chikmagalur.
- Timings: Although it welcomes its tourists 24 hours a day, the recommended timings are from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: It can be visited at any time of the year.
- Ideal Duration: 1 hour
04. Z Point
Surrender yourself to the captivating views of the Western Ghats at Z Point. Considered as the best trekking point in Karnataka, the Z Point, standing at a height of 1400 meters above sea level, allows people to tuck their soul free in tranquility and offer a serene setting so that you can relax, rejuvenate, and unwind in the lap of nature.
A haven for adrenaline junkies, the trek of the Z Point, which is approximately 3 km long, starts from Kemmagundi Raj Bhavan. En route to the top, you will also come across Shanti Waterfalls, which is a great place to enjoy a refreshing plunge in the water.
It is said that until Shanti Waterfalls, the trek is easy and can be accessed by everyone. But after that, it gets a little difficult as the road that takes you to the vantage point becomes comparatively narrow. However, the experience you get after trying your hand at this thrilling trek is something that cannot be explained in words and pays for all your hard work.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit the Z Point in Chikmagalur.
- Timings: It is open for its tourists 24 hours a day.
- Best Time to Visit: September to May
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
05. Mullayanagiri
Counted as the topmost tourist destination to visit in Chikmagalur, Mullayanagiri boasts an excellent location with a mix of admiring landscapes, picturesque valleys, emerald coffee gardens, and a magical setting. It is a romantic gem in this charming hill station and has everything you need to take some time off from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Strategically located between the Nilgiris and the Himalayas, Mullayanagiri is a wonderful spot for all who want to experience natural beauty at its best. The 1,950 meters high altitude makes it an excellent getaway for tourists to overlook the bird’s eye view of the stunning hill station and the surrounding areas from the top of the peak. Look at the other side and you will get to see the breathtaking scenery along with a picture-perfect setting of the countryside.
The excitement grows multi-fold if you enjoy a trek through its narrow roads that enables you to discover its unrivaled beauty as you go up. Although things get tougher as you carefully walk on the hills, the feeling you get once you make your way to the top is something that cannot be explained in words.
As the tallest mountain of the Karnataka region, Mullayanagiri provides an amazing trekking experience to adventure buffs in South India. Here you can also try your hand at camping, mountain biking, and hiking as well to bring out the best of adventure in you.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Mullayanagiri in Chikmagalur.
- Timings: Since it is open 24 hours a day, it can be explored by tourists at any time. However, it is advised to not visit it at night due to safety reasons.
- Best Time to Visit: September to April
- Ideal Duration: 3 hours
06. Kallathigiri Falls
Another attraction that has made its name on the list of the top sightseeing places in Chikmagalur is Kallathigiri Falls. Situated 50 km away from the city, Kallathigiri Falls or Kalhatti Falls hypnotizes everyone with its unmissable charm and has a pristine environment with plush natural beauty, and numerous mountains at the backdrop.
Owing to its pure, refreshing, and revitalizing elements of nature, it is frequently visited by locals and tourists and is undoubtedly a great spot for both leisure travelers and adventure seekers as well.
Widely renowned as the most distinctive waterfall in and around the city, the Kallathigiri Falls invites people to bask in nature’s magnificence and feel the water gushing down through an overhanging ledge. The major highlight of the Kallathigiri Falls is the Veerabhadra Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.
You can also try your hand at trekking to add a fun factor to your visit. The trekking trail is quite easy here and can be enjoyed by beginners too.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Kallathigiri Falls in Chikmagalur.
- Timings: Open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days
- Best Time to Visit: April to June
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
07. Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple
Visit the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple in Chikmagalur to spend some time at a place that is surrounded by holy and divine vibes. Situated on the banks of River Bhadra, the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple is a popular Hindu temple that is dedicated to the devotees of Annapoorna, who is also believed to be the Goddess of the food.
Perched amidst the natural bounties of the Western Ghats, the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple offers immense serenity to all those who are true believers of the presiding deity and boasts a kind of atmosphere that helps you to calm your restless mind, far away from the chaotic life.
Located 100 km away from Chikmagalur, the temple, dating its history back to 400 years ago, has been serving free food and shelter to people from the time of its construction, thus, keeping the motive alive.
Here you can see several parents bringing their newborn child for the naming ceremony. Also, it is believed that seeking the blessings of Annapoorneshwari when the kid is all set to step out of the home for the formal education brings prosperity to the life. Such is the trust of people over there.
Akshaya Thadige is the major festival that is celebrated with great zest and endeavor in the month of April and May at the temple every year. Since it marks the birth of the Goddess Annapoorna, it is considered auspicious for everyone. Other festivals such as Rathotsava (between February and March) and Navaratri (between September and October) are also enjoyed at the temple. That simply means that if you happen to visit this city at such times, it would be great to be a part of these celebrations.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple in Chikmagalur.
- Timings: Open from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM on all days
- Best Time to Visit: It can be visited at any time of the year.
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
08. Hirekolale Lake
Be sure to take some time off for Hirekolale Lake in Chikmagalur whenever you’re on your Chikmagalur tour. Perched amidst the huge, beautiful mountain ranges with a stunning background at the backdrop, Hirekolale Lake has been able to gain the attention of tourists from all over the world and presents a delightful experience to holidaymakers of all ages. It is a man-made lake that takes you one step closer to nature and also allows you to soak in the serenity, far away from the city life.
Perfect for individuals, couples, and families with children, the Hirekolale Lake offers a serene retreat to people coming to have a fun-filled time with their loved ones. Here you can choose to sit by the lake and admire the captivating scenery for hours.
This place looks best when visited at the time of sunset as the hues of the sun rays get reflected, thus adding a charm to its magical setting. One can also click the amazing pictures of the sun from different angles to bring some memories back home.
Do not forget to carry food and water bottles along as there are no eateries available in and around the lake. So, in case you feel hungry, you can have something to serve your appetite at that time.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Hirekolale Lake in Chikmagalur.
- Timings: It is open for its tourists 24 hours a day.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Ideal Duration: 2 hours
09. Coffee Museum
No trip to Chikmagalur is complete without visiting the Coffee Museum and your visit is no different. Also referred to as the Coffee Yatra Museum, the Coffee Museum is one of its own kinds of museums in South India that presents an idyllic getaway option to all interested in exploring the amazing coffee plantations on their Chikmagalur tour and is indeed a must-visit place for coffee connoisseurs.
Situated at Dasarahalli locality of the city, the Coffee Museum is a place that invites people to experience the fresh aroma of original coffee and see how it is being processed. Right from the origin of the coffee beans to the entire process of drying, roasting, tasting, grading, grinding, and brewing to cater to everyone’s taste, it showcases the complete history of the coffee plantations.
Here you can also learn about the type of soil and the technology that is used to blend the coffee in the finest way. The Museum also features excellent documentaries along with short videos so that you can learn and absorb everything easily. All-in-all, it won’t be wrong to say that this place gives you enough knowledge about coffee and takes you on a journey that is hard to forget in your lifetime.
- Entry Fee: INR 20 per person
- Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on all days except Saturdays and Sundays
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Ideal Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
10. Baba Budangiri (Datta Peeta)
The next destination that has gained the attention of people from all walks of life is Baba Budangiri. Named after the Muslim Saint Baba Budan, the Baba Budangiri peak aka Chandra Drona Parvatha is the second highest peak in the Karnataka region that offers jaw-dropping views of the rolling valleys and verdant mountains and has a variety of flowers to soothe your eyes. It’s a prominent place to visit on your Chikmagalur sightseeing tour and boasts several nearby attractions that keep you entertained throughout the time.
Experience a challenging trek to Baba Budangiri to bring out the best of adventure in you. The trail that starts from Sarpadhari goes through several grasslands, dense forests of shola trees, and harsh rocky stretches. On your way, you will also come across the spectacular vistas of the Nilgiri hills that will give you an opportunity to click some amazing pictures for your Instagram feed. One can also spot the wildlife at the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy a panoramic view of the region from the top of the mountain.
At the peak, you will also find a famous shrine that attracts Hindus and Muslims alike and is often flocked by travelers for a truly unique spiritual experience. Also, do not forget to make a visit to the caves here as these are considered pious and hold significant value among the people.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Baba Budangiri in Chikmagalur.
- Timings: It is open for its tourists all the time.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Ideal Duration: 3 hours
11. Hanumana Gundi Falls
Visiting the Hanumana Gundi Falls to experience a perfect dose of nature is undoubtedly the highlight of everyone’s trip to Chikmagalur. Offering a pleasant view of the dense green forests and the surrounding foliage, the Hanumana Gundi Falls allows you to overlook its sheer beauty in its own way. It is a perfect base for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts and can also be visited by couples and families for a half-day excursion.
Located 20 km away from Kudremukh Town, the Hanumana Gundi Falls, which is also known as Suthanabbe Falls, falls on the natural rocks from a height of 22 meters above the ground level, thus giving you a chance to rejuvenate and re-energize your soul. It is advised to visit this place during or after the monsoon season to make the most of your time.
- Entry Fee: Although there is no entry fee to visit the Hanumana Gundi Falls in Chikmagalur, if you want to go to the base of the falls, you will need to pay INR 40 per person.
- Timings: It can be visited by tourists from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days.
- Best Time to Visit: November to May
- Ideal Duration: 2 hours
12. Ayyanakere Lake
Have a great time with your near and dear ones at Ayyanakere Lake in Chikmagalur. It’s the most sought-after tourist place that happens to cover an area of 22 hectares of land and is famed as the second biggest lake in Karnataka that receives a huge influx of tourists all around the year.
The unmatched splendor and beauty of this lake magnify its charm and the lush green surroundings with tranquil settings encourage people to spend some time soulfully, far away from the madding crowd. Unlike other attractions in the city, it remains less crowded and is blessed with excellent weather conditions so that you can enjoy the lake-side picnic with your family.
Nestled against a beautiful Shakunagiri mountain that acts as the backdrop for capturing wonderful photos, the Ayyanakere Lake is a scenic and charming place that offers several recreational activities to keep you engaged throughout the time.
Visit the lake in the early morning to welcome the hues of the sun. Or if you’re not a morning person, you can simply choose to relax and witness the sunset in the evening. Other activities such as fishing and camping can also be enjoyed by the lake for a perfect end to the evening.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Ayyanakere Lake in Chikmagalur.
- Timings: It can be visited at any time from 6:00 AM in the morning to 6:00 PM in the evening.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
13. Mahatma Gandhi Park
An urban park located in the vicinity of Chikmagalur, Mahatma Gandhi Park is a well-maintained park that promises to offer the best of both leisure and the recreational world with lush greenery and large, shady trees all around the place.
Ideal for families with children, the park has astonishing lawns, over 300 types of colorful flowers, and neatly paved paths that make it look unique and different from other parks in the city. It is a go-to place for pleasant afternoons and definitely a not-to-miss attraction on your Chikmagalur tour.
Enjoy a short stroll around the park and soak in the greenery. Sit quietly by the lotus pond and click some photographs to cherish your visit forever. Take your kids on a fun toy train ride until you get everything done for a delightful picnic. There is also a dedicated children’s play area for some family entertainment. Other recreational activities that are available in the park for the enjoyment of little ones are boating, gaming, several rides, etc.
- Entry Fee: INR 2 per person for adults and children
- Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM on all days
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
14. Ballalarayana Durga Fort
Pave your way towards Ballalarayana Durga Fort to know more about the rich history and cultural significance of the region. Considered as the widely popular tourist attraction in Chikmagalur, the Ballalarayana Durga Fort is famous among the history buffs and boasts of an exciting trekking trail for adventure enthusiasts.
Dating its history back to the 12th century, the Ballalarayana Durga Fort features awe-inspiring architecture along with lush greenery that makes this place a delight for nature lovers and also offers magnificent views of the Western Ghats from atop.
The most outstanding feature of this fort is its quaint surroundings and the ambiance that gives you a chance to disconnect yourself from the temporal world for some time. Enjoying a trek to this location is undoubtedly exciting yet challenging and if you’re interested in admiring the beautiful sunset, you can visit it in the evening to capture the most captivating views that are difficult to get anywhere.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Ballalarayana Durga Fort in Chikmagalur.
- Timings: It can be visited by tourists from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM every day.
- Best Time to Visit: November to May
- Ideal Duration: 2 hours
15. Seethalayanagiri
Whether you are seeking peace, looking for ways to connect with nature, or in search of an exciting road trip to a location that will make you forget everything, Seethalayanagiri can be the right place for you. A perfect spot for honeymooners, Seethalayanagiri is a picturesque, green hill that presents its tourists with the kind of views that will take your breath away and you would want to visit it every time you come here for a short or a long trip.
On the top of the peak, one can dance to the sounds of birds chirping. There are also a variety of vibrant flowers and orchids that you can witness inside the cave. Not only this, but people can also offer their prayers at Seethala Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, which is located atop the hill. What else? The trek to Seethalayanagiri is as amazing as the destination.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Seethalayanagiri in Chikmagalur.
- Timings: It can be visited by the tourists from morning to evening i.e., from 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
Other than these places, the city of Chikmagalur has a lot more to offer to its tourists. These include Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kadambi Falls, Bhadra Dam, Kyathanamakki, Madu Gundi Falls, Kodandarama Temple, Doddabale Siddaragudda Peak, Sirimane Falls, Sharadamba Temple, Jhari Waterfalls, Manikyadhara Falls, Sri Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi, Belur, and more. You can also visit Sringeri Mutt, and Sringeri Sharada Peetha to enjoy it to the fullest.
To have the best time of your life on your Chikmagalur tour, you can book an all-inclusive Chikmagalur tour package with us. We at Chikmagalur tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, present our tourists with a variety of travel packages that cater to everyone’s needs and other preferences. Depending on your holiday duration, our team of experts also helps you to cover the best sightseeing places in Chikmagalur so that you can make the most of your trip.
When you travel with us, you don’t have to worry about anything. Because, at Chikmagalur Tourism, from flight booking to hotel reservation to shortlisting the tourist attractions you would like to explore and any other activity that comes under traveling, we take care of everything. For your convenience, our team has also curated a list of top car rental companies in Chikmagalur from where you can hire a taxi to commute to the desired location at your own comfort. In case you want to know more about our services, we request you to fill in the Contact Us form.
