11 Best Places to Visit in Chikmagalur (2020 Guide)

Chikmagalur is one of the most beautiful hill stations located in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri Range in Karnataka, a state in southwest India. With Karnataka tour packages you can enjoy a memorable trip to this promising city. The epitome of beauty is surrounded by various scenic spots. Mullayangiri is the highest peak in Karnataka and one of the most excellent spots to enjoy a stunning view of the sun rising from behind the mountains.

The fresh aroma of coffee diffused in the atmosphere, dense greenery, mesmerizing waterfalls, and a peaceful environment makes Chikmagalur an amazing tourist destination. Due to immense production of coffee, this city is popularly known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka.

Chikmagalur offers splendid scenic views and is home to several wild animals. No wonder, the destination is quite famous among adventurers and nature lovers. The city also boasts of several trekking spots such as Mullayanagiri trek, Kemmanagundi trek, and Baba Budangiri trek that are popular among the adventure enthusiasts. Explore best trekking places in India.

There are many things to do in Chikmagalur. Let’s take a look at the best places, where you can enjoy your vacation.

These are the BEST Places to Visit in Chikmagalur

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Get away from the hustle-bustle of city life and enjoy a peaceful trip to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, a heaven for nature lovers. This Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 490 square kilometers and has the highest tiger population along with rich flora. The Sanctuary is also home to various endangered birds and wild animals such as deer, leopard, etc. Climb the Kallathigiri Mountain to enjoy the mesmerizing view from the top of the hill.

Read more: Wildlife in India

Location: Behind Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tarikere, Lakkavalli, Karnataka 577115

Things to Do: Jeep Safari, Mountain Climbing, and Wildlife Photography.

Distance from the city center: 79 km

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple

One of the most famous Hindu temples in Chikmagalur district, it is located on the bank of river Bhadra. It is devoted to the goddess Annapurna – the Goddess of food. Pay homage at the temple and seek blessings of Maa Annapurna. You can also meditate at the tranquil environment or enjoy the natural beauty around.

horanadu annapoorneshwari temple image — Source: Flickr

Location: Mudigere – Taluk, Chikmagalur – District, Hornadu, Karnataka 577181

Things to Do: Pay Homage, Meditation, Photography.

Distance from the city center: 90 km

Mullayanagiri Peak

Mullayanagiri Peak is located in the Chandra Drona range and attracts numerous adventure seekers every year. The altitude of the peak is about 2000 meters. Mullayanagiri Peak has amazing natural trekking trails, surrounded by dense flora and is renowned as the highest peak in Karnataka in Chikmagalur. There are several points at this peak that offer breathtaking views while trekking. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and camping along with the trekking here.

Location: Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, India.

Things to Do: Trekking.

Distance from the city center: 22 km

Baba Budan Giri

Baba Budan Giri is a renowned peak and a tourist destination that was named after the Muslim saint Baba Budan. The peak is also known as Chandra Drona Parvatha and has 3 caves that are considered pious. These peaks are covered with rich greenery and have various varieties of flowers. Baba Budan Giri is known for its amazing forest range and is also famous for hiking and trekking along the natural trails. It is one of the best spots to visit in Chikmagalur for the adventure freaks.

Location: Chikmagalur taluk, Karnataka, India.

Things to Do: Trekking, Meditation.

Distance from the city center: 33 km

Hebbe Waterfalls

Enjoy a perfect day with friends by visiting the amazing Hebbe Waterfalls.It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy natural scenery. Enjoy trekking at the natural trails that lead to the wonderful waterfalls. It is believed that its water contains medicinal herbs that cure various diseases. Biologists and scientists across the globe visit this place to research on the medicinal property of the water. The height of the fall is about 170 m high.

Read here: Top Waterfalls Destinations in India

Location: Kesavinamane, Karnataka 577131

Things to Do: Photography.

Distance from the city center: 65 km

Sri Veeranarayana Swamy Temple

This ancient temple depicts three shrines together. Seek blessings of the Lord Veeranarayana, Yoga Narasimha, and Gopalkrishna at this famous temple, enriched with ancient Hoysala architecture. The design of the temple allures the visitors by its beautiful artwork. The temple is also revered among the Hindu devotees as it is mentioned in Mahabharata where Bheema killed Bakasura and protected the villagers. Apart from its interesting story and magnificent architecture, the e temple commands a visit.

Location: Belavadi, Karnataka 577146

Things to Do: Pay Homage, Photography, Explore History.

Distance from the city center: 30 km

Coffee Museum

Explore the Coffee Museum and know the history of coffee plantations in South India. The museum runs under the Coffee Board of India and exhibits various documents and maps that provide information about the processes and other coffee growing regions in India. Get complete knowledge about the coffee-making process starting from plucking and ending to powdering of the coffee beans.

Location: Dasarahalli, Karnataka 577101

Things to Do: Explore the Museum, Photography.

Distance from the city center: 6 km

Kallathigiri Falls

Kallathigiri Falls is one of the most enchanting waterfalls located near Kemmanagundi, Tarikere taluk of Chikmagalur district, Karnataka. The highlight of the Kallathigiri Falls is that there is a temple between the falls, which attracts a large number of devotees. The fall is surrounded by plush natural beauty and also offers natural trekking trails. Visitors can also enjoy camping here for a thrilling experience.

Location: Chikmagalur, Kallathgiri, Karnataka 577129

Things to Do: Pay Homage, Trekking, Photography, Camping.

Distance from the city center: 53 km

Sharadamba Temple

Located along the banks of Tungabhadra River in Sringeri town, Sharadamba Temple is an 8th century magnificent Temple devoted to the goddess of wisdom. According to Hindu mythology, the place had remained a practice spot for an 8th-century Indian philosopher and theologian Adi Shankaracharya. The temple is situated in Chikmagalur and is one of the most divine places of the state. Many parents bring their children to seek blessings of the goddess of wisdom. There is a gold sculpture of the goddess inside the temple, which was earlier made up of sandalwood.

Location: Harihara St, Sringeri, Karnataka.

Things to Do: Pay Homage, Witness the Architecture.

Distance from the city center: 86 km

Mahatma Gandhi Park

If you are looking for a pleasant trip with your loved ones then Mahatma Gandhi Park is the right place to visit. Let your little ones enjoy the toy train ride until you prepare for a delightful picnic. Roam around the park, click amazing photographs, and enjoy the musical fountain. The park is an excellent short family getaway, where you can enjoy with your little ones. Kids can also enjoy several rides, boating, gaming, and many more in the park.

Location: Mahatma Gandhi Park, Rathnagiri Bore, Chikmagalur, Karnataka 577101.

Things to Do: Toy Train Ride, Picnic, Photography.

Distance from the city center: 4 km.

In a nutshell, Chikmagalur is a vacationer’s paradise. Offering a host of attractions for nature –lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike, the place commands your visit for a memorable trip.

Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple

Located near the River Tungabhadra, this famous Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple showcases a wonderful blend of the Hoysala and Dravidian style of architecture. Its facade and interiors are elegantly engraved. The main sanctum of the temple has idols of Lord Rama, his younger brother Laxmana, and his wife Maa Sita. What makes these idols exceptional is the fact that these are carved out of a single rock. The major festival celebrated here is Rama Navami and devotees across the country flock here to celebrate the festival.