Chikmagalur is a town located in the Chikmagalur district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Located in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range, the town with its favorable climate and coffee estates attracts tourists from around the state. Home to the highest mountain range of Karnataka, Mullayanagiri, Chikmagalur is also a popular trekking option from Bangalore (245 km). Whatever you do in Chikmagalur, you are bound to fall in love with nature all over again. If you are planning to visit this coffee-heaven, these are the experience you must take:
The Mullayanagiri Trek
Standing tall at 1930 Metres, Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka. It is, without a doubt, the best place to view a sunrise from. It is a part of the famous Bababudangiri Range, 25 Km away from Chikmagalur. The peak is almost always covered with clouds and surrounded by a chilly breeze. Travelers can take their vehicles very near to the peak and then climb close to a 100 steps to reach the peak. All the effort seems worth when one reaches the top. There is nothing all around other than mist and you literally feel at the top of the world!
A walk through the coffee plantations
Let’s admit it. Chikmagalur is all about coffee. No matter where you are or in which direction you look, you either see a coffee plantation, a person savouring his coffee drink, or people in general talking about coffee. If you are a nature lover and a coffee enthusiast, there is no way you can resist a walk through the coffee plantations. The best time to visit the coffee plantations is from Mid-December to Mid-January. This is when the coffee beans are plucked and the plantations can be viewed in all their beauty.
Kudremukh National Park
Literally translated to ‘Horse’s Face’, Kudremukh hill is named after the shape of the peak. It is the second largest National Park in Karnataka and covers an area go 600 Square Kilometres. At a distance of 96 Kilometres, although it is a bit away from the town of Chikmagalur, its rich diversity of both flora and fauna attracts thousands of traveler every year.
Kalhatti Falls
The Kalhatti falls are located around 50 Km from the main city of Chikmagaluru. Like a lot of destinations in India, this waterfall has its place in myths and legends as it said a renowned sage prayed here for a long time and the water flowing here has healing powers of its own. That’s why it has a temple built right next to it.
You can climb the slippery rocks leading to the waterfall to enjoy the cool, cascading water. Stop here for some time to enjoy the wilderness around you.
Bababudangiri hills
Capable of mesmerising even the seasoned travelers with their beauty, Bababudangiri hills are the not-to-be-missed-at-any-cost destination near Chikmagalur. The best time to visit is from September to March. The beautiful grasslands on these hills will make you want to build a little hut for yourself and stay here forever! Although going on picnics is a thing of past, Bababudangiri hills will make you want to revive the picnic culture. You will want to take out your food and sit on the soft grass, trying to find words to admire the beauty around you. The most interesting fact about them is that India’s first coffee plantation was established on the slopes of Bababudangiri hills.
Ayyanakere Lake
The second-biggest lake in Karnataka, Ayyanakere, is located 20 Km away from Chikamagalur. After you have watched the sunrise at Mullayanagiri peak and descended to Chikamagalur, you should visit the lake in the evening to relax and watch the sunset. If you are too mesmerised by the sunset and don’t wish to leave, you can also set up camps alongside the lake for the night. Catch some fishes from the lake and cook under the moonlight.