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A Complete Chikmagalur Travel Guide
One Indian travel destination I visit nearly every month is Chikmagalur – because it’s my hometown! Well, everyone goes back to their hometown, but I’m lucky to have been born in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Chikmagalur, the lush heart of India’s Western Ghats, is on the bucket list for folks in our home state of Karnataka. But it’s often overlooked by international tourists and people from other Indian states
Explore Chikmagalur with a local’s guide, offering travel tips on getting around, where to stay, dining, and ideal visit times
Index
- Why Visit Chikmagalur
- Coorg Vs Chikmagalur
- Best Time to visit
- How many days to spend
- How to get there
- How to get around
- Places to see and avoid
Is Chikmagalur worth visiting?
Yes, Chikmagalur located in the Karnataka state of India, is definitely worth a visit for its lush greenery, mountains, trekking trails, waterfalls, wildlife, and historical temple architecture.
The area is peppered with homestays nestled amidst coffee estates, areca plantations and spice gardens, with some places even offering tea estates. So shopping for spices and rare commercial commodities such as beetle nut is a thing to do in Chikmagalur. Remember to follow bargaining tips while shopping.
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with nothing but the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, Chikmagalur is the place to be. Head deep into the rural areas for the most immersive experience.
You can trek to Karnataka’s tallest peak in Chikmagalur. An hour’s drive can take you to the starting point for river rafting. If you’re lucky, wild animals may cross your path when you return later in the night.
If you’re planning a 3-week trip to India (which I highly recommend), be sure to include Chikmagalur – travel through Karnataka for 21 days, as we’ve recommended in one of our options for exploring India over three weeks.
Why is Chikmagalur famous?
The never-ending Western Ghats mountains offer fantastic hiking trails with breathtaking views. Waterfalls along the way provide a refreshing break. The reserved forest is the habitat of impressive animals like tigers, leopards, robust Indian gaurs, elephants, and deer. You’ll also find the world’s largest venomous snake, the King Cobra, here, along with many other snake species. Spotting this wildlife isn’t as rare as seeing a mermaid, but it’s not as simple as finding an Indian Rhesus Monkey either. There are safaris that can guide you on trails to witness these magnificent creatures.
Not to brag, but the truth is, one of the most beautiful bird species, the “Hornbill,” is a regular visitor to my house itself! The melodious singing of peacocks is a common sound in the Chikmagalur region, along with the delightful tunes of 300 other bird species.
Not only that, Chikmagalur is known for “Malnad delicacies” in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
What is special about Chikmagalur?
Situated within the mighty Western Ghats of India, a major part of Chikmagalur is often referred to as “Malenaadu” or “Malnaad,” which translates to the “Land of Hills.” The forests here are mostly wet-evergreen, which is what makes Chikmagalur district a verdant paradise. Some areas also boast dry deciduous forests, providing a habitat for various species of wild animals.
In Chikmagalur, you’ll find the origins of five significant rivers: the Tunga, Bhadra, Nethravathi, Hemavathi, and Vedavathi. These rivers are quite significant in Karnataka.Indeed, Chikmagalur is renowned as the first place in India where coffee was cultivated.
Travel to Chikmagalur for it’s legendary Coffee
Countries in the Middle East, such as Yemen and Saudi Arabia, and the beautiful African nation of Ethiopia, have been credited as the birthplaces of coffee. In fact, there are historical records that indicate attempting to remove raw coffee beans from these countries for planting elsewhere was punishable by death.
However, an Indian Sufi monk named Baba Budan, who was on a pilgrimage to Mecca, managed to obtain seven coffee seeds from Mocha Airport during his return journey to India. He had fallen in love with the coffee served to him in Yemen. He brought these seeds to Chandra Drona Parvatha and planted them there. As a result, coffee cultivation flourished, and Chikmagalur turned into a coffee haven, with many of us becoming coffee enthusiasts. The hill where it was first grown was renamed “Baba Budan Giri.”
So Chikmagalur is known to be the first place in India where coffee was grown.
Thus Chikmagalur may not be considered among Indian travellers as offbeat place. But foreign tourists, Chikmagalur is really a less explored and one of the best places to visit in India.
There is any hardly colonial trait in Chikmagalur
Typically, in places as green as Chikmagalur, which thrive with an abundance of spices and have a reputation for pleasant weather, one might expect it to have been occupied by colonizers. However, due to its mountainous location and relative isolation from the outside world during the British era, Chikmagalur remained under the control of local rulers. Consequently, you won’t find many colonial remnants in the town.
You can come across mansions that are over 300 years old, exuding grandeur in local style infused a little with colonial style. Even today, estate owners have a keen eye for designing their houses beautifully, with sloped roofs and spacious courtyards that offer stunning mountain views.
The unimaginably detailed, stone temples of Hoysala time remain un-harmed by invaders and can take you to the world of ultimate sculptors.
Should I Travel to Chikmagalur or Coorg?
Chikmagalur and Coorg may appear similar in photos, with their extensive coffee plantations and lush green hills reaching up to the clouds. Coorg is located about 140 km to the south of Chikmagalur. Both regions cultivate spices, boast enchanting waterfalls, and offer hiking trails, all while experiencing heavy rainfall. They are both situated in the Western Ghats, but they exhibit distinct cultural and fauna differences.
Should you travel to Chikmagalur or Coorg?
Chikmagalur and Coorg can’t be simply compared in terms of one being better than the other. While they do share some similarities, they are distinct in their traditions, culture, and architecture. Chikmagalur is known for its prominent wildlife, while Coorg offers a more relaxed atmosphere with leisurely hiking trails to explore.
These two places have things in common but also come with their own unique vibes and quirks.
| Chikmagalur | Coorg | |
| Language spoken | Kannada, Tulu and English | Kodava and English |
| Known for | Landscape, Coffee estates, wildlife | Coffee estates, mist covered hills, Tibetan Monasteries. |
| Food | Chicken and a lot of veg food | Wild boar and less vegetarian food |
| Amenities and Crowd | Decent amenities for tourists, Famous among folks from Karnataka and less popular among other state domestic tourists and foreigners. | More famous, better amenities and more crowded |
Best Time to visit Chikmagalur
The best time to visit Chikmagalur is from October to March when the weather is pleasantly cool, and the surroundings are lush and green. During these months, you can also witness the fascinating process of arecanut curing. It’s quite a spectacle to see how people climb tall trees to cut the beetle nut bunches and leap to adjacent trees.
If you want to experience one of nature’s most aromatic phenomena, plan your trip to Chikmagalur in February or March during the coffee flower blossom season. It’s my absolute favorite time to be at home as the white coffee flowers with their long, slender petals bloom in full. The sweet scent attracts bees, and simply breathing in the air is a delightful experience. The estate looks like it’s adorned for a celebration. The full bloom lasts for a day or two and gradually gives way to the actual coffee beans.
When is not the best time to travel to Chikmagalur?
April to August isn’t the ideal time for visiting Chikmagalur. Towards the end of March, summer sets in and lasts until the first week of June. I remember our summers used to be cooler, but that’s not the case anymore. More than the temperature, the tourist crowd increases during summer due to Indian school vacations.
The monsoon season arrives by the first week of June and reaches its peak in August. It becomes challenging to trek in the hills, and setting up tents on hilltops is almost impossible. However, the entire landscape is a stunning bright green. Paddy fields are sown, creating a lush green carpet next to the fully grown dense forests in monsoon. It’s not a bad time at all for those who enjoy watching the rain while indulging in fresh jackfruit from the farm. Some organizations even organize hiking in the rain events!
The only thing I dislike about traveling in the Malnad regions during the monsoon is dealing with blood-sucking leeches.
How many days are enough for Chikmagalur?
Chikmagalur is a popular weekend getaway for people from nearby cities like Mysore, Bangalore, and Mangalore. However, I would recommend spending a minimum of four full days in Chikmagalur. One day can be dedicated to trekking, while the other three days are needed to explore places beyond the mountains and relax. So, staying for four to seven days in Chikmagalur is a great idea.
I also know many individuals who run homestays in the Malnad region and often host guests for a whole month! If you’re looking to disconnect from the digital world or immerse yourself in nature while pursuing your interests, Chikmagalur is an excellent choice for slow travelers as it is inexpensive.
Check out our post “Awesome Places to visit in Chikmagalur” to know why you can explore the green region for almost about 10 days
How to get to Chikmagalur?
Chikmagalur enjoys excellent road connectivity. Hence a road trip or a bike trip is easily doable and also super fun. You must take the regular caution while driving on the windy roads and be extra attentive like you would do in any part of India!
Regular bus services are available to and from Chikmagalur, connecting it with Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, and numerous other major district headquarters in the state.
It’s worth noting that you don’t necessarily have to limit yourself to Chikmagalur town as your destination. There are other smaller towns in the district within a two or 1.5-hour drive from Chikmagalur where you can easily experience similar attractions and activities.
How to reach Chikmagalur by flight?
If you’re flying in, the closest airport is Mangalore Airport. Bangalore airport is about 300km away but this airport is connected well with both domestic and international airports. From either of the airports you must come to city centre and can take a bus to Chikmagalur. AC and sleeper coach buses over a night journey is a good idea from either of these airports to Chikmagalur.
Which railway station is near to Chikmagalur?
The closest railway stations to Chikmagalur is Kadur. Most express trains make a stop only at Birur, while slower trains do stop at Kadur. From either of these railway stations, it’s about an hour’s drive to reach Chikmagalur town. Taxis await customers right outside the train station.
You may want to read “Best Travel Resources for Planning your Trip” before you start booking your flights/trains and accommodations.
How to travel in and around Chikmagalur
The best way to explore Chikmagalur and its surroundings is by hiring a private taxi or driving yourself. While there is some bus connectivity to nearby places, nothing beats the experience of driving along the slopes and curves of the region. Additionally, some hiking trail starting points may not be accessible by public transport. It’s best to contact your accommodation host before your arrival and request a cab and driver. Most hosts offer in-house cab services or can connect you with a local driver.
If you’re driving yourself, it’s important not to get overly excited. Locals like us have often had to deal with reckless driving from tourists. Most of the time, the roads are quite empty, with thick, dense forests on either side or cliffs on one side. While the misty mornings and chilly evenings may make it feel like you’re on the “Germany Autobahn,” please resist the temptation to overspeed. The roads are winding and narrow, and it’s crucial to drive safely and responsibly.
Where to travel next from Chikmagalur?
From Chikmagalur, it is best to head to Mysore or coastal regions such as Goa. If you want to explore some offbeat places in Karnataka, head to the Shimoga district – it is home to India’s third tallest waterfall. Many foreigners go to SHimoga to study frog species. There are hundreds of temple and beautiful places like Agumbe to see.
Where to stay in Chikmagalur
The Chikmagalur district is quite vast, around 7,200 sqkm. You can stay in Chikmagalur town or explore nearby spots like Balehonnur, Mudigere, Koppa, or Sringeri, nestled in the mountains. Chikmagalur offers more amenities and comfy lodging options
As of now, there are no major hotel chains in the area. You’ll most likely find charming family-run homestays that serve delicious local cuisine or upscale resorts located on the outskirts of Chikmagalur.
To be honest, I’ve never stayed in any hotels in Chikmagalur because I head home, but these recommendations are genuine and based on the reviews from our friends to whom we’ve suggested these places.
Just so you know, these places tend to fill up quickly during Indian festivals, long weekends, New Year, and Christmas. If you’re planning to travel to Chikmagalur during these times, be sure to book your hotel a month in advance.
Luxury resorts in Chikmagalur
- The Serai – Super famous among weekend tourists, a luxury abode in the middle of coffee plantations, designed by famous architects.
- Trivik Hotels & Resort -The next popular option in the outskirts of Chikmagalur, near Mullayanagiri.
- Java Rain Resort – On the hill, surrounded by coffee plantations, and most rooms have wide window glass so that you can enjoy the views from everywhere.
Mid-Budget Homestays in Chikmagalur
- Prakruthi Home Stay near Balehonnur – This is where our wedding guests stayed. It’s an ancestral property turned into a homestay, owned and run by a couple. The rooms have wooden ceilings and are located away from the main road. You’ll certainly find true bliss in their vast front courtyard or the beautiful garden filled with bougainvillea.
- Creep Ginger- Vintage Home, Bommalapura – A friend of ours, who only hunts for heritage homes, stayed here and loved it. It’s located near Koppa and is close to many hiking trails and temples
- Villa Wodeyarmutt near Sringeri – Away from main road, but famous for their food.
- Kotibetta Homestay, Kalasa
- Chandradrona Stays, Haliyur – Run by our friend Meghavi and her family – She knows how to cook best Malnad Non veg food!
Places to see in Chikmagalur.
Chikmagalur has a lot of cool places to check out. You can also go on day trips from there, and there are plenty of things to see and enjoy along the way. It is also easy to head to near by district such as Hasan to see some UNESCO Heritage sites too.
Like I always say, we don’t sugarcoat anything here. When you visit Chikmagalur on peak tourist season, there are certain places you should avoid – They may be beautiful, but it looses it’s charm due to overcrowding.
All these places to see and not to see in Chikmagalur are listed under a separate post here.
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