Are you planning a trip to Chikmagalur and want to know places to visit in Chikmagalur, then you have come to the right place.
About me
Hello, I’m Ahetesham Sait, a passionate traveler. What I am going to share in this article is my personal experience, which I had at these places. This will give you an idea of how to plan your trip.
Chikmagalur is the most famous tourist destination in South India. A paradise for travelers and nature lovers, it offers misty mountains, stunning waterfalls, and many heart-warming tourist places.
So without wasting your time, let me tell you which are the best tourist places in Chikmagalur, where you can visit.
Places to visit in Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur, also known as the Land of Coffee, is 242km away from Bangalore. Mullayanagiri Peak, Baba Budangiri Hill, Jhari Falls, Manikyadra Falls, Honnammana Halla Falls, Hirekolale Lake, Siri Cafe, Hebbe Falls, and Kemmanagundi are some of the tourist places near Chikmagalur.
So let me tell you about all the places to visit in Chikmagalur district in terms of category.
Hills in chikmagalur
Here are some mountains you can add to your bucket list.
Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri is also known as Chandradrona. It is about 33km away from Chikmagalur. The route to Baba Budangiri from Chikmagalur is full of amazing views, lush greenery, misty roads, high mountains, and waterfalls.
This place is named after the Sufi saint Baba Budan. It is said that he brought coffee to India from Yemen. This place is religiously holy for both Muslims and Hindus. Know more about Baba Budangiri
Direction: 33 km from chikmagalur, and it takes 1hr 7 min.
Timings: The Hill is open for 24 hours. If you want to go to Religious Place, then it is 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Entry fee: No Entry fee
Mullayanagiri Peak
Mullayanagiri Peak is the highest peak in Karnataka, With a height of 1,925 meters (6,316 ft), and the 23rd highest peak of the Western Ghats. Situated in the Baba Budangiri Range. It is 33 km away from Chikmagalur. The route from Chikmagalur to Mullayanagiri is full of beautiful views, lush greenery all around, and misty roads.
To reach the Mullayanagiri Peak, you have to trek a little from the parking and climb 500 steps. It will be fun to climb these steps and the surrounding mountains and greenery will encourage you to climb.
Direction: 22km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 49 min.
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: No Entry fee
Kemmanagundi
Kemmanagundi is a popular hill station of Chikmagalur. It is 64 km away from Chikmagalur. Here you will get to see high mountains, Z point, a botanical garden, a sunset viewpoint, and mist all around.
From here you can trek to Z Point and you will also get to see many other tourist spots on the way to Kemmangundi.
Direction: 64km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 1hr 53 min.
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: No Entry fee
Rani Jhari
Rani Jhari is a hidden gem of Chikmagalur, which is not known to many travelers but it is a most visited place. It is at a distance of 70 km from Chikmagalur.
Rani Jhari Viewpoint offers amazing views, lush greenery all over, high mountains, and water falling from those mountains, and the most interesting part is that reaching this viewpoint is very easy only a 500-meter trek. If you don’t want to trek then you will get 4×4 vehicles also. Know more about Rani Jhari
Direction: 70 km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 2hr.
Timings: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Entry fee: No Entry fee
Kyatanamakki
Kyatanamakki hill station is a lovely spot, near Kalasa in Chikmagalur which is 92 km away from Chikmagalur. There are two options to reach the top of Kyatanamakki, trekking and off-road fun in a 4×4 jeep.
You will also get to see small waterfalls in between. Kyatanamakki Top is about 3 km away from the parking area. The experience of going to the top will be superb fun adventure, and easy.
Direction: 92 km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 2hr 38 min.
Timings: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Entry fee: No Entry fee
Devaramane
Devaramane Hill or Betta is located in Mudigere taluk in Chikmagalur which is 51 km away from Chikmagalur. You will see mountains all around, and also see the temple of Kalabhairaveshwara here.
The best part is that to reach the top of this hill, you don’t need to do any trekking or hire a 4×4 jeep, instead you can reach the top in your vehicle.
Direction: 51 km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 1hr 25 min.
Timings: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Entry fee: No Entry fee
These are some hills in chikmagalur you can visit on your chikmagalur trip. this list will keep updating and I will add more hills to it
Waterfalls in chikmagalur
Here are some waterfalls you can add to your bucket list.
Jhari Falls
Jhari Falls is a famous waterfall in Chikmagalur. It is also known as Buttermilk Falls. This waterfall comes between the Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri route. It is 23 km away from Chikmagalur.
Jhari Falls is situated in the middle of a dense forest, going to this Falls is fun in itself, there are 2 options to reach the falls, trekking or jeep, and both will be fun. Know more about Jhari waterfalls
Direction: 23 km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 40 minutes.
Timings: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Entry fee: No Entry fee, If you take a jeep it will be 600rs for 6 people.
Manikyadhara Falls
Manikyadhara Falls is one of the famous waterfalls of Chikmagalur. Manikyadhara means string of pearls. This waterfall also has a religious history. falls is 33 km away from Chikmagalur, and situated on the upper side of Baba Budhabgiri hill.
The views from near this waterfall will be amazing, there will be mountains and valleys. To reach this waterfall, you will have to go down a few steps from the parking. Know more about Manikyadhara Falls
Direction: 33 km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 1hr 6min.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry fee: 5rs
Honnammanahalla Falls
Honnammanahalla Falls is a small and magnificent waterfall that comes on the way to Baba Budangiri from Chikmagalur. It is 21 km away from Chikmagalur.
Honnammana Halla waterfall is located on the way to Baba Budangiri and offers spectacular views right from the road. Water falls from the steps, there is greenery and mist all around, and there is a small temple nearby. This is a must-visit place for travel freaks. Know more about Honnammanahalla Falls
Direction: 22 km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 42 minutes.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry fee: No Entry fee
Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls is a famous waterfall in Chikmagalur. This Falls is 62 km away from Chikmagalur. Visiting Hebbe waterfall is a different experience in itself. It is situated in the middle of a dense forest, water drops from a height of about 551 feet.
This Waterfalls is divided into 2 stages Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe. To reach the falls, one has to hire a govt-approved jeep and cross small streams. Know more about Hebbe Falls
Direction: 62 km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 1 hr 36min.
Timings: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Entry fee: The fee will be required for the jeep, 400rs per person and 4000rs for the jeep
Kallathigiri falls
Kallathigiri Falls is located in a place which is surrounded by greenery and temples all around. The water falling from above the greenery and the temple, this sight looks no less than a miracle.
This waterfall is 53 km away from Chikmagalur. and is also situated on the way to Hebbe Falls.
Direction: 53 km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 1 hr 18min.
Timings: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Entry fee: No Entry fee
Soormane falls
Soormane Falls is a hidden gem near Kasala Village in Chikmagalur. It is 92 km away from Chikmagalur. This Soormane Falls is known for its serene beauty.
surrounded by lush greenery, a calm atmosphere, water falling from a height of 100 feet, and it creates a natural pool for swimming. All these things encourage people to visit this waterfall. Know more about Soormane Falls
Direction: 92 km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 2 hr 34min.
Timings: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Entry fee: 50rs
Kodige falls
Kodige Falls or it is also called Durgadahalli Falls. This is an unexplored place which people do not know about it. It is 68 km away from Chikmagalur. This falls is situated near Rani Jhari, a famous tourist place in Chikmagalur.
This falls is located on private property. There are 2 options to reach this Falls, trekking for 500 meters or hiring a pickup, both options will give different experiences. Know more about Kodige Falls
Direction: 68 km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 1 hr 47min.
Timings: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Entry fee: 30rs
These are some waterfalls near chikmagalur you can visit on your chikmagalur trip. This list will keep updating and I will add more waterfalls to it.
lakes in chikmagalur
Here are some Lakes you can add to your bucket list.
Hirekolale lake
Hirekolale Lake is a beautiful man-made lake. It is 9 km away from Chikmagalur. this lake is one of the famous tourist places in chikmagalur.
lake is surrounded by high mountains and offers amazing views, especially at sunset time. A perfect getaway for Nature lovers and Photographers. Calm waters and a peaceful atmosphere make a perfect escape from city hustle.
Direction: 9 km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 22 minutes.
Timings: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Entry fee: No Entry fee
These are some lakes in chikmagalur you can visit on your chikmagalur trip. This list will keep updating and I will add more lakes to it.
Tea estates in Chikmagalur
Here are some Tea estates you can add to your bucket list.
Samse tea estate
Samse Tea Estate is a famous tea estate in Chikmagalur. This estate has been shown in some Kannada movies. It is located near Kalasa village of Chikmagalur, which is 95 km away from Chikmagalur.
This estate offers good views, hills surrounded by tea bushes, and the Ganpati temple in the middle adds to the beauty of this estate.
In this Tea Estate, will also get to see the tea Factory where we can visit and see the process of preparing tea. Know more about Samse Tea Estate
Direction: 95 km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 2 hr 33min.
Timings: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm
Entry fee: No Entry fee
Kelagur tea estate
Kelagur Tea Estate is a hidden gem in Chikmagalur which is situated near the famous tourist place Rani Jhari. It is located at a distance of 63 km from Chikmagalur.
The special thing about this estate is that it gives the Munnar vibes in Chikmagalur. Kelagur tea estate is known for its Rolling green hills, high-quality tea production, and calm atmosphere. It is a perfect place for nature and tea lovers. Know more about Kelagur Tea Estate
Direction: 63 km from Chikkamagaluru, and it takes 1 hr 34min.
Timings: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Entry fee: 10rs
These are some Tea estates in Chikmagalur you can visit on your chikmagalur trip. This list will keep updating and I will add more Tea estate to it.
National park and wildlife sanctuary in chikmagalur
You will also get to see Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in Chikmagalur. You can include this in your chikmagalur trip.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Muthodi Chikmagalur, is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. it spans over 490 square kilometers.
Muthodi is 32 km from Chikmagalur, from here tourists will get a safari to explore Bhadra Tiger Reserve.
Bhadra Tiger Reserve offers sightings of large animals, lush greenery, and flowing rivers, that connect to nature. Also, this wildlife sanctuary is a great spot for bird watching, many colorful birds will fly around.
large animals census of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
| Tiger | 40 |
| Leopard | 22 |
| Elephant | 203 |
| Gaur | 186 |
| Chital | 780 |
| Sambar | 518 |
| Bonnet macaque | 248 |
| Wild boar | 470 |
| Muntjac | 749 |
Kudremukha National park
Kudremukha means Horse Face. Kudremukha National Park is spread over 600.57 square kilometers. This place is a famous tourist place in Chikmagalur. Many Kannada movie scenes have been shot here. It is 106 km away from Chikmagalur, and this route connects to Dakshina Kannada.
If you want to enjoy Kudremukha National Park, then you will have to go on a road trip from Kudremukha to Dakshina Kannada. Here you will get to see mind-blowing views of mountains, stunning waterfalls, and this national park is also home to many animals like leopards, bears, gaur, sambars, jackals, tigers, mongooses, spotted deer, wild dogs, barking deer, and giant flying squirrel.
So these are some places to see in chikmagalur, you can plan your trip accordingly. I will try to explore and add more places.
The best time to visit chikmagalur
I And some travellers like me believe, and some big websites write that the best time to visit Chikmagalur is September to February. At this time the weather in Chikmagalur is pleasant and perfect to explore all the area.
For adventure seekers and waterfall lovers, during monsoon June to August would be the best option for these people. But I don’t recommend visiting during the peak monsoon season because many waterfalls are closed during that time.
How many days are required to visit Chikmagalur
This length depends on your interest and trip plan. If you want to see the main tourist attractions then 2 to 3 days will be enough, if anyone wants to explore Chikmagalur a bit then it will take 3 to 4 days. or 1 week is enough for places to visit in Chikmagalur including some offbeat and adventure spots.
FAQ
Which month is best for Chikmagalur?
I, and some travelers like me believe, and some big websites write that the best time to visit Chikmagalur is September to February.
How many tourist places are there in Chikmagalur?
Mullayanagiri Peak, Baba Badan Giri Hill, Jhari Falls, Manikyadra Falls, Honnammana Halla Falls, Hirekolale Lake, Siri Cafe, Hebbe Falls, Kallathigiri Falls, Kemmanagundi, Kodige Falls, Rani Jhari, Soormane falls, Tea estate, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kudremukh national park.
How many days to cover Chikmagalur?
depends on your interest and trip plan. If you want to see the main tourist attractions then 2 to 3 days will be enough.
Which river flows in Chikmagalur?
Bhadra, Tunga, Netravati, Hemavati, and Vedavathi
Is Chikmagalur worth visiting?
Yes, Chikmagalur is a beautiful hill station, its height from sea level is about 3,400 ft. Here you will find high mountains, stunning waterfalls, and many more amazing places.
Conclusion
In this blog post, I have tried my best to provide all the needed information about places to visit in Chikmagalur. Chikmagalur is a beautiful hill station known for its beautiful views, stunning waterfalls, and pleasant weather. You must plan a trip to Chikmagalur with your friends, family, or your partner. It is worth to visit.