Chikmagalur is a hill station that sits at 3400 ft amidst the greenery-filled western ghats of Karnataka. With misty mountains, lush green forests, dashing meadows, mesmerizing waterfalls, wandering streams, vibrant valleys, brimming coffee plantations, and serene environment this place is sure to take your breath away with its beauty. In fact, these variations in the landscape are the sole factor that attracts thousands of trekkers, nature lovers, adventure freaks, shutterbugs, and travellers to this land. Apart from this, you can also find a wide range of wildlife in this area.This blog throws light on places you can visit in and things you can do in Chikmagalur
Interestingly, this place was given as a dowry to Rukmangada the younger daughter of the chief of Sakleshpura. Hence, this place is called “Chikmagalur ” which means “younger daughter “ in regional language Kannada.
It is home to coffee plantations that produce best aromatic coffees, hence it is popularly known as” Coffee Land of Karnataka”.Not just that, the Coffee crop was 1st grown 1670 AD in Baba Budangiri range of Chikmagalur in the whole of India. Saint Baba Budangiri during his pilgrimage tour to Mecca and Yemen, collected various coffee beans and planted it in Bababudangiri.
Besides this, as of now, Chikmagalur is the largest producer of Coffee in the country.
If you are a hardcore coffee fan, then do not forget to sip on some hot cup of flavorsome coffees.
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Best Places To Visit In Chikmagalur
Kyatanmakki Hills
Kyatanamakki Hills the hidden gem which is located in Hornadu is a 4 km pure off-road trail and an absolute paradise for the bikers. What makes it even more amazing is the 360° view of the valley; lush greenery as far as your eyes could see & as the sun goes down the horizon coloring the whole sky into orange is an absolute stunner to watch from the top of the hill.
Ballalarayana Durga
Ballalarayana hills were once home to a grand majestic fort built by the wife of Veera Ballala 1 of the Hoysala Dynasty in the 12th century. This fort was built in Karnata Dravida style architecture and it has a rich history and cultural significance attached to it, but as of now only the ruins of fort i.e. shattered walls, a few arches, and a basement remain. This fort is tucked up in the western ghats region of Chikmagalur and it can only be reached through intense trekking through the dense vegetation.
Do not miss out on the sunset from the vantage point at a height of 1509 meters which offers the best panoramic view of the valley beside it and it is an ideal camping site for people who wants to get cozy with nature.
Ethina Bhuja Trek Chikmagalur
Ethina Bhuja Trek is a lesser-known trail sitting amidst western ghats near Dharmastala temple. The peak of this mighty mountain resembles the shoulders of an ox, hence it is called “ Ethina Bhuja” which means “ox shoulders” in local language Kannada. Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful and adventurous trekking destinations across Chikmagalur to have me-time with nature. However, you will hardly find anyone, as this is hidden and unknown to the masses.
Interestingly, there are 2 routes to Ethina Bhuja Trek.
Know More about Ethina Bhuja Trek.
Kudremukh Trek Is One Of The Best Places To Visit In Chikmagalur
Popularly known for the distinctive shape of the peak, which resembles the horse face. In fact, “ Kudremukh” in native Kannada language means “Horse face”.
Trek begins from Mullodi village, which is 5 km away from Balegal. To reach Mullodi either you need to take a jeep ride from Balegal or if you feel like exploring more you can take a walk. Now that you reach base, you will be allotted with a guide, who will be part of your adventurous journey till you reach base again. It is a 22 km long and hectic trek, hence it is advisable to start as early as possible to gain an advantage.
Once you reach the top, the view of the valley beneath you, as if the green carpet has been laid out on the whole mountain is mind-blowing.
If you are lucky you can spot bison, spot deer, sambar, and peacock while trekking.
Note:- In Kudremukh trek, they allow only 50 people/day.
Kudremukh Trek Information
- Kudremukh Trek Distance – 22 km (to & fro)
- Altitude – 1894 m (6207 ft) above sea level
- Trek Time – 8 to 10 hours
- Kudremukh Entry Fee – Rs. 475 / person.
- Difficulty Level – Moderate
Mullayanagiri Trek
Mullayanagiri, renowned as Karnataka’s highest peak, is located in Baba Budan range of western ghats. The mountain got its name as Tapasvi Mullapa Swamy had mediated in one of the caves just below the peak.
You can reach the summit either through trekking or you can take your vehicle to the top from where the peak is 500 steps away.
If you happen to choose trekking then you need to take the Sarpadhari route. After getting down in Chikmagalur, you can ask any Auto rickshaw guy to drop you near the trekking base and he might charge you around Rs. 150 to 200.
You can start marching towards the peaks, on a small muddy path in between dense forest. The path you take has a narrow stream, waterfalls and at times the trail gets harder as you need to make a 60-degree steep climb to proceed further.
As you get closer to peak the breeze gets colder and the visibility becomes almost blurry as it is covered with dense mist. There is a shiva temple, Nandi statue, and two old colorful caves formed by the mixture of several minerals near the peak. The panoramic view of Chikmagalur city; aromatic coffee plantation; green patches of grasslands; small streams, lugged rocks; Baba Budan Giri peak, and mist everywhere makes this look like a tiny paradise.
Above all, as the sun rises through the sea of clouds, it sure looks magical beyond explanation.
Mullayanagiri Trek Information
- Mullayanagiri Trek Distance – 7 km (to & fro).
- Altitude – 1930 m (6330 ft) above sea level.
- Trek Time – 4 hours
- Entry Fee – NA.
- Difficulty Level – Easy.
Z point Kemmanagundi Trek
It is a short trek that begins from Kemmanagundi Raj Bhavan, located inside a dense forest of western ghats. There is a checkpoint here and you will not be allowed to carry any kind of alcohol or drugs.
The first phase of the trek until Shanti waterfalls is easy. The second phase i.e. trek towards the peak.is a little harder, as the path becomes more slippery; steep and sometimes you need to walk on narrow ridges that have steep valley on one side and big mountains leaning on you on the other side. And what makes it scarier is, there are no fences or railings that support you and one slip can land you right on the bottom of the mountain.
The summit will receive you with the cool breeze no matter what time of the day it is and sometimes strong winds can blow you off the ground. There are many factors like the bird’s eye view of the city; a steep valley with a variety of trees; at certain points walking above the clouds and the view of the sun going down the horizon will make any traveler go crazy.
Z point Trek Information
- Z point Trek Distance – 6 Km (to & fro)
- Altitude – 1500 m (4,921 ft) above sea level
- Trek Time – 4 hours
- Z Point Entry Fee – Rs. 100/person.
- Difficulty Level – Moderate.
Hebbe Falls, Kemmanagundi, Chikmagalur
Hebbe Falls is a beautiful gem that hides inside the Bhadra Tiger reserve in Kemmanagundi hills, Chikmagalur. Falls are set amidst the dense forest and plenty of coffee plantation makes it gain a picturesque edge. Hebbe Falls is formed by freshwater springs that exist on top of mountains. You can spot water cascades down through slippery black rocks from a height of 551 feet.
In fact, it is a 2 tier waterfall, the bigger one is called Doddahebbe falls and the smaller one is called Chikkahebbe falls. Not to mention, the beautiful pool below the falls where you can swim all day long. Above all, the water here is believed to be infused with medicinal herbs, hence good for skin, so never miss an opportunity to take a dip Indeed, this place also acted as a summer retreat center for the Wodeyar Rulers majorly Krishnaraja Wodeyar 𐌠𐌞.
Know More about Hebbe Falls.
Also, read: Places To Visit In Udupi
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