Popularly known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’, Chikmagalur is situated in the foothills of the Mullayangiri Range and is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Karnataka. Chikmagalur has a perpetual fragrance of coffee lingering in the air with it plenty of coffee plantations. Famous for its tall mountains, lush green forests and its tranquil environment (apart from its coffee production), Chikmagalur is a very popular tourist destination and is a quick retreat for the people of Karnataka.
Being the largest producer of coffee in the country, Chikmagalur is mainly all about its coffee. So if you’re a coffee enthusiast as well as a nature lover, taking a walk through one (or a few) of the numerous coffee plantations in the city is a must-do activity. Many of these coffee estates not only allow visitors to take guided tours through the plantations, but they also provide home-stays right within the estates, so you can literally wake up to and end your day with the smell of coffee in the air.
Chikmagalur is a very popular trekking spot and boasts of many incredible trekking trails, such as the Mullayangiri trek, the Kemmanagundi trek, and the Baba Budangiri trek. Mullayangiri is the highest peak in all of Karnataka and is the best place to get a perfect view of the sun rising from behind the mountains.
Mullayanagiri
Perched at an altitude of 1930 m above the sea level, Mullayanagiri peak is located in the Baba Budan Giri Range of Western Ghats and is just 45 minutes from Chikmagalur. It serves as the highest peak between the Nilgiris and the Himalayas offering its visitors a peaceful getaway with temperature ranging between 20 – 25 degrees Celsius. Known for its serene ambience and nature’s raw beauty, this peak is adorned with verdant grassland, rugged rocks, and a good trek path is also quite popular among adventure lovers. Mullayanagiri is also known for coffee plantations that are situated nearby.
Mullayanagiri is best known as a hub for adventure enthusiasts, especially trekkers as this destination is adorned with perfect trek trails. The starting point of this 4 km trek is Sarpadhari which is a steep trail. One can also engage in other thrilling activities such as mountain biking and road biking. The place is perfect for those looking for solitude as well as visitors with an adventurous streak. Chikmagalur serves as the nearest town to Mullayanagiri peak. You can explore the small caves, which are located just below the peak. There is a temple of Lord Shiva on the hilltop. Standing atop the peak on a clear day, you can see the Western Ghats in their full-fledged glory.
Rafting in Bhadra River
Located in Karnataka, Chikmaglur is a haven for adventure-seekers. It is situated 45 kms from Bhadra River which is equidistant from well-known hill stations and wildlife regions in the Western Ghats such as Sakleshpur, Kudremukh, Charamadi Ghats.
River Bhadra originates in the Western Ghats and flows across Deccan Plateau through the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary providing rafters with a spectacular view of the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, quaint villages and plantations. It is fed by the tributaries Somavahini, Thadabehalla and Odirayanahalla. The rapids span out over a distance of 8 km and the rafting activity takes 1.5 hours to complete.
Kemmanagundi
A hill station of widespread views and scents of beautiful gardens, Kemmanagundi or KR hills offer a perfect summer retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The area also has trekking, nature walks and picnics. The Royal Horticulture Society of Karnataka is located here and has some of the most beautiful gardens. The Rock garden, Z point, Hebbe falls, Kalahasti falls and the Shiva temple are a few must-see attractions here.
The name Kemmanagudi means red soil which the region is popularly known for. It was a summer retreat for the Mysore King Krishnaraj Wodeyar IV. Completely awestruck and mesmerised by the beauty of the surroundings, he donated his resort to the government of Karnataka. This place has a lot to offer right from the beautiful waterfalls to nature treks. The weather is lovely throughout the year, and you can visit it all year round.
Baba Budangiri
To the north of Chikkamagalur district of Karnataka, lies the Baba Budan Range of the Western Ghats of India. Baba Budangiri is a mountain in the Baba Budan Range and is renowned for its shrine to the Sufi Saint, Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar (also known as Baba Budan). This is a famous pilgrim site for both Hindus and Muslims and is often flocked by travellers. This famous mountain range is also known as Dattagiri Hill Range, as the shrine here is believed to be associated with Hindu God Guru Dattatreya. This mountain range proudly exhibits one of the highest mountain peaks, with altitude lying between that of the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. Legend has it that via the Chikamagalur district, coffee was first brought into India when the coffee crop was grown in Baba Budangiri Hills by Sufi Baba Budan during 1670 AD.
Baba Budangiri Hills are famous for their unique forest range in addition to hiking and trekking. Mullayanagari and Baba Budangiri have an amazing trekking trail in between. In addition to this, all the adventure lovers can hike through the forest to see the ancient shrine of Deviramma Betta. Sitalayanna Giri offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The most well-known trekking trails include- Baba Budangiri to Mullayanagri of 12 km, Budangiri to Gaalikere of 4 km, Budangiri to Manikyadhara Falls of 7 km, and from Attigudi Junction to Baba Budangiri of 6 km.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Covering a vast area of over 490 sq.kms, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over the districts of Shimoga and Chikmagalur, 38 km west of the Chikmagalur town in Karnataka. Surrounded by hills of the Western Ghats on all sides, the view of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary looks like a scene right out of a movie!
Source: Holidify