Places to Visit in Chikmagalur | Complete list by an Insider

Are you looking for lovely places to visit in Chikmagalur? From the impressive hills to waterfalls nestled in the forest, lesser-known yet stunning temples to a factory for banana chips, you’re about to uncover a host of delightful places in and around Chikmagalur within this post.

Before you go through our list of places to visit in Chikmagalur

• Chikmagalur is the main district centre within Chikmagalur district.
• The list covers activities district-wide, not just in the town.
• We Explored all these spots due to being a hometown resident. Hence you can’t add all the below places for in a short two or three-day trip.
• Choose your favorites from the list below based on the days you’ll be in Chikmagalur and your interest.
• Some spots mentioned below require private vehicles for access.
• Accommodation providers can arrange transport if needed.
• Dress comfortably and modestly for treks and temple visits.
• Go through our post on Travel Resources before you book any activities in Chikmagalur. Not every website that offers estate tours or trekking are legit.

Check our “Chikmagalur Travel Guide” for to know where to stay, how to get around and other practical info.

1. Hit hiking trails in Chikmagalur

Lots of folks go to Chikmagalur for its lush hills. Hiking trails wind through thick forests and farms. Every hike ends at a peak with a breathtaking view of the rolling Western Ghats. Valleys, rivers, fields, and coffee and arecanut plantations dot the foothills. During winter (October to January), fog adds a touch of mystery, momentarily concealing the stunning mountain beauty, only to reveal it soon after.

Famous hiking trails in Chikmagalur

i. Mullayanagiri peak

Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, attracts tourists to Chikmagalur. The trek can be a bit challenging?not as tough as my experience in Petra, though.

But no worries about the sweat! The trail offers stunning views amidst the clouds. If you’re interested in the ‘Sarpa Daari’ trail, take a look at India Hike’s article. Camping is an option, but I wouldn’t recommend it due to the extreme cold and winds at night.

ii. Baba Budan Giri

Baba Budan Giri, a revered site for both Hindus and Muslims, rests atop a scenic hill. Passing through a cave housing a Dargah of a Muslim saint to reach Dattatreya’s spot reflects India’s religious harmony. The annual Datta Yaatra and Sufi saint’s memorial day draw huge crowds, but they bring a unique vibe to the place.

iii. Ballalarayana Durga Fort

The Ballalarayana Durga Fort hides a hidden gem.

Ashrith loves this trail the most in Chikmagalur because finding a fort wall in such a remote place is amazing! The uphill trek takes roughly 3 hours, equally challenging as Mullayanagiri. Above all, it’s a monsoon favorite, so expect leeches and lush greenery.

iv. Ettina Bhuja

Ettina Bhuja, shaped like an Ox’s shoulder, stands tall at 1300 meters in Chikmagalur’s Mudigere region within the Charmadi range. Despite its moniker, it’s less known compared to Mullayanagiri. Locally known as Shishila Gudda trek, its distinct shape is visible just five minutes into the trek from the temple.

Starting from either Shishila or Byrapura, the latter is preferred if staying in Chikmagalur or Mudigere. Both paths offer scenic routes through forests and meadows. The trek is mostly easy, except for the final stretch on a steep rock, with a narrow path allowing only one person at a time.

v. Kudremukh trekking trails

Kudremukh, in Kannada, translates to “horse’s face,” owing to the peak’s unique shape. Historically known as Samseparvath, it was accessed from Samse village. The entire trail is known for vivid flora and fauna.

Shola” refers to the grasslands and shrublands visible in the Western Ghats. To reach Kudremukh peak, you’ll trek through these shola forests. This forest teems with wildlife like deer, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar giant squirrels, leopards, common langurs, and more. If lucky, you might spot them along the trek. During the monsoon, expect leeches with every step in this area.

One intriguing aspect here is the waterfalls and streams. You’ll cross several streams on your way up, occasionally getting your shoes wet.

To trek to Kudremukh Peak and Netravati Peak, you need permission from Karnataka’s forest department. It’s best to stay in either Kalasa and arrive a day before if you plan to go trekking in Kudremukh.

vi. Narasimha Parvatha

Narasimha Parvatha, close to my grandparents’ place in Sringeri, is one of Chikmagalur’s lesser-known treks. It doesn’t make it to many folks “Places t visit in Chikmagalur” list.

Named after the fierce Hindu god Narasimha, the 5km trail leads to the birthplace of River Nalini and a small pond. Many camp overnight. Start at 5 am, reach the top by 8 am. It’s best to stay in Sringeri or Sirimane as the journey from Chikmagalur to the Narasimha Parvatha trail’s starting point can take about 2 hours.

Apart from these, ask your host for nearby trek suggestions. There are many more like Meruthi Hill and Amedikkel. I’m sure every homestay owner knows a lesser-known trail close to their place, rarely explored by many.

2. Have relaxed days in Chikmagalur.

Weekenders from nearby cities often weigh the choice between Coorg and Chikmagalur for a relaxed two-day nature break. While we’ve outlined many activities and spots in Chikmagalur, doing nothing can be just as wonderful. Book a cosy homestay nestled in the forest or opt for a fancy resort.

Much like Kyoto’s bamboo-lined paths, the towering arecanut trees along Chikmagalur estate’s pathways form a distinctive avenue.

Some find pure solace just wandering through tea estates! Sometimes, I wish we had strawberries here like they do in Nuwara Eliya amidst their beautiful tea estates. Enjoy serene walks for fresh air, wander through coffee plantations, and return to relish some delicious Malnaad dishes.

For a holistic touch, there are Ayurvedic nature cure centres available to enhance your Chikmagalur vacation.

Ayurvedic Ashrams in Chikmagalur are

Panchajanya Ayurveda Ashrama – It’s nestled amid arecanut plantations near Koppa, perfect for those keen on adding Yoga to their retreat. They cultivate most medicinal plants and craft medicines onsite.

Arogyaniketana Ayurveda Ashrama – We head to Arogyaniketana Ayurveda Ashrama for Snehapaana and Panchakarma treatments. Situated in Hariharapura, a small town close to the riverbank, their treatments are top-notch.

3. Take Plantation Tours

Chikmagalur owes its plethora of plantations to its amazing weather and fertile soil, perfect for diverse crops. The high altitude, rainfall, and hilly terrain create an ideal environment for growing coffee. An interesting fact: Chikmagalur sits at about 1090m, while Salzburg is at 424m! The hills and pleasant weather also nurture tea, betel nuts, spices like pepper and cardamom, various fruit trees, and timber.

When visiting Chikmagalur, exploring these diverse plantations stands out as one of the key experiences. These tours offer fascinating insights into the region’s agricultural richness, making them must-visit places in Chikmagalur, irrespective of your background in farming.

What plantation tours can you take in Chikmagalur?

Coffee and Areca Plantations tours are a must take when in Chikmagalur. Arecanut plantations often include or have spice plants. For example, Pepper creepers commonly grow on tall areca trees, allowing for a delightful combined tour of spices and areca nuts. Tea estates are also famous, but not as mucha s Darjeeling.

Coffee estate tours in Chikmagalur

Staying in coffee estate homestays? Your hosts might guide you through their estate. Witness the plants and their seeds, learning the growing and picking process. However, not all estates have curing centers. To observe bean pulping, curing, roasting, and grinding, visit dedicated facilities providing coffee tasting tours.

Chamundi Curing Works and Sargod are the most famous ones. But these curing facilities often entertain only a few visitors. It’s crucial to check in advance whether they are open to visitors before planning your visit.

Otherwise, you can explore paid tours like the Coffee Museum, Bean Breeze Coffee Tour, and Amyra Farms Coffee Estate Walking Tour for guided experiences.

Areca Plantation Tours in Chikmagalur

On the route to Koppa, Sringeri, or Mudigere from Chikmagalur, you’ll pass vast arecanut farms. Yet, these are private estates barring random visits. Though no formal tourist areca plantation tours exist in Chikmagalur, your host can arrange one.

The picking and curing season runs from October to March. Hosts may arrange informal visits to their or their friends’ estates upon request during this time.

A captivating sight at arecanut plantation is seeing people in shorts and a Haale Toppi (traditional headgear) scaling a 30-meter tall areca tree. They deftly cut the bunches and bend the tree to reach the next one. It’s both scary and thrilling to watch!

Tea Plantation Tours in Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur might not lead in India’s tea production, but tea estates hold importance in the area. Kelagur Tea Estate in Mudigere, for instance, provides paid tea plantation tours. Personally, we often bring friends and guests to Balanoor Estate due to our connections there. Upon prior request, they can host a small group of visitors.

4. Go on Jungle Safaris

Chikmagalur hosts the hub of the Western Ghats’ lush forests, teeming with diverse wildlife. Chikmagalur’s forests shelter tigers, leopards (including the elusive black leopards), elephants, and Indian Gaur. Encounters of elephants and Indian Gaur straying into farmlands are common. We’ve spotted Indian Gaurs on our own farms, and our estate workers often see leopards during their nighttime rounds.

Where to go for Jungle Jeep Safaris in Chikmagalur?

In Chikmagalur, you can enjoy jungle safaris at spots like Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhagavati Nature Camp in Kudremukh National Park. Hop onto a safari jeep or even an elephant ride for a close encounter with wildlife. To truly immerse yourself in the forest and safari adventures, we recommend staying at these camps for at least a night to experience the wilderness firsthand.

7. Spend a little on Shopping in Chikmagalur

In Chikmagalur, known for its lush evergreen forests, bustling shopping streets are rare. Yet, you can find unique, exceptional items here that are hard to come by elsewhere.

Things to buy in Chikmagalur

Haale Toppi, the iconic cap worn by Malnad farmers, snugly fits the skull and is crafted from Areca leaf sheets. Workers in Chikmagalur’s farms rely on these for protection from heat, rain, and falls while working in trees. Find them at local markets in small villages.

Coffee Powder: Chikmagalur’s go-to choice for first-timers. The town’s famous Panduranga coffee brand is widely available in local grocery stores.

Spices: . If you’ve had a look at our post on shopping in India, you’d understand the importance of grabbing some spices during your visit. Chikmagalur is the spot for spices! It’s renowned for its cardamom and pepper, and they’ve got excellent finest betel nuts, turmeric and nutmeg too.Often, homestay owners have them for sale, or you can drop by Vijayanarasimha N S in Sringeri or Spicehub in Chikmagalur town for a flavorsome shopping spree.

Areca Leaf Plates, made from Areca leaf sheaths, are disposable and 100% eco-friendly. They’re crafted by many in Malnad, with origins in Malnad (Chikmagalur and Uttar Kannada)

Sringeri Banana Chips: Popular snacks made from green bananas with a spice blend, offering a satisfying crunch and unique asafoetida scent. Maratha is a renowned brand found in many stores, often allowing samples.

During Chikmagalur’s monsoon, grab dried raw jackfruit chips. They’re like french fries but deep-fried, salted, and sprinkled with red chili powder for crispiness.

Lavancha Root Items encompass a range, like Lavancha indoor sandals, jewel boxes, or items made from the root itself. Lavancha root is valued for its medicinal properties.

Things not to buy in Chikmagalur

Beware of counterfeit sellers when buying sandalwood or forest-related items in Chikmagalur. Some illegally offer items like antlers, tiger nails, or elephant hair, punishable offenses. Avoid these to avoid trouble. Though Chikmagalur isn’t known for chocolates, you might spot locally promoted ones, often not worth buying.

8. Make day trips from Chikmagalur

Greenery is never too much, but if you desire a blend beyond the forest, consider day trips from Chikmagalur to explore fascinating ancient temple towns or long drives.

Places to visit near Chikmagalur as part of a day trip

Day Trip to Sringeri

Sringeri, a serene temple town, is a standout among places to visit in Chikmagalur. You don’t have to be deeply religious to appreciate its tranquility. It’s a unique temple where you can find a peaceful spot for yourself. Nestled by the Thunga river, it features an 8th-century temple founded by the esteemed Hindu scholar Sri Shankaracharya. While the Shardamba temple draws attention, the Vidyashankara Temple, built entirely of stone in the 1340s A.D., embodies Sringeri’s beauty.

The footbridge across the Thunga river to Guru Vana, the serene Guru Mandir for uninterrupted meditation, and the eager big black fish awaiting puffed rice? it’s a surreal scene overlooking the Thunga.

Adding to this, the temple offers complimentary and delicious meals to all visitors. Craving something different? “Akshaya mess” is a quaint spot serving delightful Malnaad dishes.

After temple visits, visit the renowned Sirimane waterfalls, easily accessible by car but involving a walk down about 100 steps to reach

If you’re staying overnight, opt for the 3km hike through dense forests to Maghebylu falls near Sirimane falls on the next day. Additionally, explore the Narasimha Parvata trail, starting 10km from Sringeri, for a lesser-explored adventure.

A day at Kalasa-Horanadu

If you want to visit one of the rarely explored yet beautiful places in Chikmagalur, you must wake up early on one day to watch the sunrise at Panchamikallu on the way to Kalasa. The small Jain Basadi is magnificent and one of the spectacular places to watch the sunrise.

From here, you can head to Kalasa. Kalasa and Horanadu are significant for Hindu worshippers, offering more than temples. The drive offers breathtaking views around the temple areas. Amba Teertha, near Kalasa, alongside the lively Bhadra River, boasts sculpted rock formations. When she is calm, you can dip in, but be cautious. The asphalt road ends 2km before; a dirt track leads the rest and it is best to walk it.

Other must-visit spots during your Kalasa day trip from Chikmagalur include Kyatanamakki hills and a scenic drive through tea estates. Kyatanamakki resembles Tyrol’s meadows, one of my favorites.

Regular vehicles reach the foothill, but a 4W jeep is needed for the top. It’s gaining popularity after featuring in two Kannada movies, so weekends might be best avoided here.

Things to do in Horanadu

The Horanadu temple, a notable spot among Chikmagalur’s places venerates goddess Annapoorneshwari, known as the “Goddess of Food.” They offer free meals, Anna Santharpane, daily. Don’t miss their special dish, Pumpkin Saambar, a rare treat.

Close to Horanadu stands a 210-year-old Hallimane. It’s a step into ancient Malnaad houses!

This well-preserved ticketed house represents a typical Malnaad dwelling. The short main door, adorned with a paddy rice Torana, transports you back in time. While the exterior may not astonish, inside, they display a neat collection of traditional cooking gear and old wooden furniture for visitors to explore.

Day trip to Kudremukh

I’ve previously highlighted trekking trails in Kudremukh among the recommended places to visit in Chikmagalur. Additionally, I strongly suggest exploring Kudremukh town for a day trip experience.

I visited Kudremukh with my folks, and we were like, “Look at all this green! It’s like the world has got all its green covered.” Kudremukh, with its rolling hills, waterfalls, and Indian gaurs, is like heaven on earth. Every time I talk about it, my heart feels heavy. It used to be a hub for iron ore mining, and in my book, it was India’s top-notch township while it was active.

Kudremukh, once a thriving iron ore town, turned into an abandoned ghost city after KIOCL shut in 2013. Elephants took over, snakes roam the homes, but the hill charm remains.

Once a bustling iron ore town, became a deserted ghost town post-KIOCL’s closure in 2013. Elephants now roam, snakes inhabit the homes, yet the hill’s allure endures.

What is there in Kudremukh for people to see now?

Driving to the center of the abandoned town itself is a fantastic experience. You drive through the forest, which surprises you with sudden openings to green pastures lined with rolling hills.

Sometimes, the mountain peaks come into view. It’s very likely that you’ll encounter majestic and robust Indian Gaurs blocking the roads?stay patient and in your cars, as they are wild animals. Then there are waterfalls within the forest, such as Kadambi and Hanuman Gundi. The birthplace of rivers Thunga, Bhadra, and Netravati, located in a cave called “Gangaa Moola,” offers an extraordinary hiking trail.

Take a drive through Charmadi Ghat

Have you heard of Narada, a sage-divinity known as a travelling musician and storyteller from Hindu mythology? He is often depicted journeying above the clouds in our stories, high above the mountains.

If you can’t imagine that, think of those angels shown in movies who sit on the clouds. The Charmadi Ghat, with mountains on one side, a deep cliff with valleys, and mountains enveloped by clouds, feels like the very place where Narada or Angels sit on the clouds to watch over us.

Why is Charmadi Ghat famous?

Charmadi Ghat is a captivating stop among the top places to visit in chikmagalur. This place is renowned for its breathtaking vistas, abundant greenery, and during the rainy season, cascading streams from the rocks add to its charm. The roads wind narrowly and deeply, offering an exhilarating drive experience.

You know, the journey’s as cool as the destination at Charmadi Ghat. But if you fancy more than just driving, head towards Karkala from Chikmagalur via Charmadi. It’s a trip that needs more than a day, taking you through Charmadi and into Dakshina Kannada District. There, you’ve got amazing Jain monuments at Karkala and our top pick temple, Varnga.

Travel in and Around Hasan

While traveling to or from Chikmagalur via cities like Mysore, Bangalore, or Mangalore, your route typically goes through Hassan. Hassan is famous for the Hasanamba temple, which opens only once a year for three days during Deepavali, primarily attracting religious devotees. It’s also renowned for the Belur temple, a UNESCO Heritage site known for exquisite carvings and remarkable black soapstone architecture. Nearby, Halebidu is another excellent stop on the way to Chikmagalur.

Besides these, the distinctive ruins of Shettihalli Rosary Church stand out. Constructed by French missionaries in the 19th century, it served as a place of worship until the Hemavati Dam’s construction partly submerged it. In the monsoon, rising water levels partly submerge the church, creating a striking sight as its structure emerges. A popular tourist spot, it captivates visitors with its eerie presence amid the waters. In summer, it remains a ruin without water around.

Places to avoid in Chikmagalur

Though not a top choice for many non-local or foreign visitors, Chikmagalur is affected by mass tourism.

Kemmanagundi, a popular hill station, gets overcrowded, especially with families arriving in large buses. Trekking trails to Z Point and Kallathigiri falls can get unbelievably packed. We recommend skipping Kemmannagundi on your Chikmagalur trip.

Another spot to avoid is the Betta Byraveshwara Temple near Mudigere. It’s a beautiful, simple black stone temple overlooking the valley, with nearby mountains perfect for hiking. However, since a famous Kannada movie, Love Mocktail 2, filmed a song here, Instagram content creators have swarmed in, disrupting the serene vibe. The place gets crowded with people wanting to dance and pose at the temple, leading to increased littering due to rising tourist numbers.

Similarly, Jhari Falls and Devaramane viewpoints have faced a similar fate, so it’s best to skip these spots in Chikmagalur.

Found our list of places to visit in Chikmagalur useful? Let us know in the comment section below!