Nestled in the highlands of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is a little town surrounded by a large expanse of coffee farms, stunning landscapes, and incredible natural beauty. In addition to its warm atmosphere and beautiful weather, Chikmagalur offers a wide range of year-round activities and attractions that draw large numbers of visitors. In Chikmagalur, there is no lack of employment opportunities. You can purchase or simply unwind by the waterfalls. Rafting the Bhadra River is one of the numerous exhilarating sports that can be done here.
Check out the five best things to do in Chikmagalur are given below:
Rafting in Bhadra River
Karnataka’s Chikmagalur is an adventurer’s dream come true. It is 45 kilometers from the Bhadra River, which puts it halfway between popular hill towns and animal sanctuaries in the Western Ghats including Sakleshpur, Kudremukh, and Charmadi Ghat.
The Bhadra river, which is fed by the Somavahini, Thadabehalla, and Odirayanahalla rivers, rises in the Western Ghats and runs through the Deccan Plains via the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, offering stacks a breathtaking view of the verdant Western Ghats, charming villages, and forests. The rafting experience takes 1.5 hours to finish, and the rapids stretch over 8 km.
Temperature: 21 to 30°C
Duration: 1 to 2 days
Cost: Starting at INR 1200
Kemmanagundi
The Kemmangundi, also known as the KR hills, is a hill station with stunning gardens and an array of fragrant plants that provides an ideal winter getaway for those who enjoy the outdoors and adventurous activities. A place for hiking, picnics, and outdoor excursions. A few spots you really must see are the Shiva Temple, Jade Point, Hebbe Falls, and Kalahasti Falls.
The name Kemmanagundi alludes to the popular red dirt in the area. The king of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, was on his summer holiday. Absorbing himself entirely in the splendor of the surroundings, he offered the Karnataka government his resort.There are a lot of things to do in this area, including hiking trails and gorgeous waterfalls. You can visit any time of year because the weather is lovely all year round.
Temperature: 23 to 30°C
Duration: 1 to 2 days
Best Time: September to May
Baba Budangiri
The Baba Budan range, part of India’s Western Ghats, is located in the district of Chikmagalur in north Karnataka. Famous for housing the shrine of Sufi saint Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar, popularly known as Baba Budan, Baba Budangiri is a hill in the Baba Budan range. It is a well-known pilgrimage destination that is visited by large numbers of pilgrims, who are both Muslims and Hindus.
Because of the belief that the temple here is connected to the Hindu deity Guru Dattatreya, these well-known mountains are sometimes referred to as the Dattagiri mountains. These mountain ranges, which are located between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris, proudly display one of the tallest peaks. According to legend, Sufi Baba Budan planted coffee in the highlands of Chikmagalur district, marking the beginning of coffee cultivation in India.
Baba Budangiri highlands are famous not only for trekking and climbing but also for their unique woodlands. There is a fantastic walk between Baba Budangiri to Mullayanagari. Adventurers can also go into the woods and witness the ancient shrine of Deviramma Betta. Sitalayanna Giri offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains.
Four kilometers from Budangiri to Galikere, seven kilometers from Budangiri to Manikyadhara Falls, six kilometers from Attigudi Junction to Baba Budangiri, and twelve kilometers from BabaBudangiri to Mullayanagri are the most popular hiking routes.
Temperature: 21 to 30°C
Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Mullayanagiri
The Mullayanagiri Peak, which is the highest peak between the Nilgiris and the Himalayas, is situated in the Baba Budan Giri range of the Western Ghats at a height of 1930 meters above sea level. It is only 45 minutes from Chikmagalur and provides visitors with a serene haven from the heat, which averages between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. With its rough cliffs and lush meadows, the mountain is well known for its pure beauty. Trekkers also highly regard the mountain’s great trekking. Not to be overlooked are the neighboring coffee farms of Mullayanagiri.
Since Mullayanagiri is home to several excellent hiking routes, it is well-known as a top location for adventure seekers. In addition, you can engage in other enjoyable sports like road and mountain biking. Both travelers with an adventurous spirit and those seeking isolation will find this place ideal. The town closest to the Mullayanagiri range is Chikmagalur. The little caverns at the base of the mountain are open for exploration. At the summit of the mountain sits a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. On a clear day, you can view the Western Ghats in their entirety from the peak.
Temperature: 21 to 30°C
Timings: 24 hours.
Time Required: 1 day
Entry Fee: Free
Hirekolale Lake
With a lake in the backdrop and towering green mountains surrounding it, Hirekolale Lake has established a strong reputation as a popular tourist attraction. When the sun sets and the saffron hue of the sunlight fills the scene, the beauty of this lake is enhanced. The only purposes for which this lake was made were to supply water to Chikmagalur and facilitate irrigation in all of the nearby communities. It is situated 50 km from the city, from where the well-known Mullayanagiri hills can be seen.
The scenery on the trip to Lake Hirekolale is breathtaking, like a postcard. Beautiful mountains from the Western Ghats encircle the breathtaking lake. For individuals looking to add some lively sunshine to their extensive journey album, the facility offers an amazing ambiance as well. If you are considering a trip to Chikmagalur, you absolutely must not miss Hirekolale Lake, since it is an amazing man-made sight. It will provide you with the ideal space to unwind after a hectic day in the city.
Temperature: 21 to 30°C
Timings: 24 hours
Duration: Less than 1 hour
Entry Fee: No entry fee