Situated in southwest region of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is around 200 km from the capital city Bangalore. Nestling amidst Baba Budan Giri Hills, the town is at an altitude of 1037 m above sea level. From a tourist point of view, it is tough to find such a magnificent place in such solitary. Embracing lofty hills, splendorous waterfalls, religious places, and having magnificent hill stations close by, Chikmagalur is among the most visited places in Karnataka. The name ‘Chikmagalur’ means ‘The town of younger daughter’. It is said that the land was given as dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada which got it the peculiar name. Chikmagalur is a well known for its tea and coffee estate. The quantity and quality of Coffee, tea from Chikmagalur has been appreciated all over the country.

Main Attractions :

Kemmanagundi

Situated at a height of 1434 m above sea level, Kemmanagundi is at a distance of 55 Km from Chikmagalur. The main attraction of the hill station apart from the places to visit is the absolutely enamoring climate here. It remains the same throughout the year. The places to visit in Kemmanagundi are Hebbe falls, Kallathi falls, Rose Garden and Raj Bhavan. Trekking is the best way to move around in this pristine hill station as this lets you explore many beautiful places that are a yet untouched. The scenic beauty in and around, mesmerizing sunrise and sunsets and magical climate have all helped it being called as ‘The Ooty of Karnataka’.

Kudremukh

Kudremukh is a great spot for excursions from Chikmagalur. Situated at a distance of 95 Km from Chikmagalur and nestling at an altitude of 1894 meters above sea level, it is a hill station apt for trekking. ‘Kudremukh’ means ‘Face of a Horse’. It is named so, because the peak is in the shape of a horse face. Rich in both flora and fauna, most parts of the hill station are still unexplored. The Kudremukh hill bordering Arabian Sea, is dotted with numerous caves and excellent trek routes which makes it a great attraction among the tourists. The view of sun rising from behind the lush green slopes, is truly a sight to behold.

Sringeri

Sringeri is an important pilgrim destination in Chikmagalur. Sringeri is most visited for Sri Sharadamba Temple and Sri Vidyashankara Temple. Sharadamba Temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, goddess of learning and wisdom. The temple has grown enormously in the last decade or so. Earlier the entire structure was built of wood, but after a fire accident, it was reconstructed in complete Dravidian style. Sri Vidyashankara temple was built by the founder of Vijayanagar Empire, Vidyaranya to commemorate Pontiff Vidhyashankara. Do not forget to look at the twelve pillars inside Sri Vidyashankara Temple which represent 12 signs of zodiac. They are arranged in such a way that sun rays fall on them according to the specific time of the year.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the major tourist attractions in Chikmagalur district. Situated around 275 km from Bangalore, it covers an area of around 492 sq. Km. The region earlier was called Jagara Game Reserve Sanctuary but it was renamed to Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary in 1974. In 1988, it became the 25th member of Project Tiger. The main fauna attractions of the park are tigers, leopard, sloth bear, giant squirrels, elephant and gaur. The park is a good place for bird watching as well. Black napped flycatcher, king vulture, great horned owl, and billed stork are few avian members that you will see in Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary. The unique aspect of the sanctuary is the huge variety of butterflies here. Inside the park, there is high peak as well named Kallahathigiri which is around 1875 meters tall. This gives a good option for indulging in trekking inside Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

Amruthapura

67 kms north of Chikmagalur, Amrithapura is known for the splendid Amrithapura temple built in 1196 A.D by Amriteshwara Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala ruler Ballala II. Delicacy of touch, originality of design and fine features have made this temple one of the notable structures of the Hoysala period. 20 kms. to the west of Tarikere town is Somapura, another of the pancha-kshetras on the banks of river Bhadra.

Angadi (Mudigere)

Angadi which means a market place or shop is 18 km south of Mudigere Town. This place has been identified as Sasakapura or Sosevur which was the original home of Hoyasalas who rose to great power in South India. The shrine here has pillars of granite with cylindrical shafts and hemi spherical mouldings. Three other ruined temples were dedicated to Keshava, Veerabhadra, and Mallikarjuna.

Coffee Plantations

Sprawling coffee plantations dot the landscape of this hill station. As a major coffee producing hub of the country, it hosts a number of coffee curing centers where the raw coffee is dried, shelled, winnowed, graded and packed. When coffee bushes blossom in April, the whole area is filled with the exquisite fragrance of the brilliant white flowers. The Central Coffee Research Institute is located in the district.

The Baba Budangiri Hills

The Baba Budangiri hills are named after the Muslim saint, Baba Budan, who took up residence here in the 17th century. The Baba Budan Shrine is revered by both the Hindus and Muslims and thousands of devotees throng the shrine for the blessing of the peer. A complex of three caves can be found here, believed to have been sanctified by 3 revered siddhas whose icons and ‘gaddinges’ (tombs) are located in the caves.

Best Time To Visit:
The best time to visit Chikmagalur is between the months of September and March

Fairs And Festivals:
Navrathri festival: This ten-day festival is celebrated here on the occasion of Durga Puja.

How To Reach:
By Air:The nearest airports are at Bangalore and Mangalore.
By Rail:The closest railheads are at Kadur and Hassan.
By Road:Chikmagalur is well-connected by a vast network of roads to Bangalore and Mangalore