Chikmagalur Tourism

Chikmagalur (also known as Chikkamagaluru) is a hill town located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Situated at an altitude of 3,400 feet at the foothills of Mulliyangiri range, Chikmagalur is one of the best hill stations near Bangalore and also among the most famous tourist places near Bangalore.

Situated in the Deccan plateau, Chikmagalur city belongs to the Malnad region of Karnataka. The Western Ghats start from this area. The Yagachi River is originated from the surrounding hills. Chikmagalur is famous for its serene environment, lush green forests and tall mountains. Baba Budangiri, Mulliyangiri and Kemmanagundi are among the must include places in your Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

Chikmagalur literally means The Land of the Younger Daughter. It is said to have been given as a dowry to the youngest daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna and there is also a place called Hiremagalur, Land of the Elder Daughter which is a part of the Chikmagalur town now. Some old inscriptions reveal that these two places were known as Kiriya-muguli and Piriya-muguli.

Chikkamagaluru is also famous for coffee and is known as the coffee land of Karnataka. It is the place where coffee was cultivated for the first time in India. It was Baba Budan, a Muslim saint who brought coffee seeds from Yemen in 1670. Later, when the Europeans came to India, they took over the plantations and started trading of coffee and tea.

Chikmagalur is a wonderful destination to visit with many tourist spots, from pilgrimage sites to coffee plantation and wildlife tourism destinations to adventure sports destinations. Hirekolale Lake, Baba Budangiri, Mulliyangiri, Ayyanakere Lake, Belavadi, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Manikyadhara Falls, Amruthapura, Horanadu and Kemmanagundi are the important tourist places in Chikmagalur.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Chikmagalur

Hebbe Falls, Karnataka
Hebbe Falls: This beautiful waterfall is located around 10 km from the main city and offers an amazing view of Kemmangundi hill station. Water gushes down from this stunning fall and form two different waterfalls-Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls). Verdant forest covering the waterfall, makes the ambience of this place, soothing to unwind and distress.

Baba Budan Giri: Also known as Chandra Drona Parvatha, this fabulous spot in the north of Chikmagalur town has many intriguing caves and scenic points that offer spectacular views of the mountains and rolling valleys. Tourists can experience hiking, trekking, and enjoy nature trails at this destination.

Mullayyangiri: This is the highest peak in Karnataka, close to 2000 meters and is surrounded by picturesque valleys and emerald coffee gardens. This mountain peak is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and so, many trekkers trek all the way up to reach the highest point to offer their prayers to the god. Beautiful surroundings of this place combines exotic flora & precarious hills.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: This glorious sanctuary has several species of animals, birds and trees. Some of the famous animals spotted here include Chinkara, four-horned antelopes, jackals, leopards, black bucks, and jungle cats.