Did you ever have the dream of getting up in the hills, covered in mist, surrounded by the smell of fresh coffee and a beautiful trail right outside your door waiting just for you? That is the beauty of Chikmagalur all about. It is located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, and it is a famous hill station among tourists with coffee farmlands, waterfalls, temples, serene lakes and various other things to do in Chikmagalur. You can take a tour of plantations, climb a mountain or go to visit a temple. Take your passion, a camera and a good pair of shoes and sightsee the famous things in Chikmagalur.
Top 12 Things to Do in Chikmagalur
Just imagine the foggy mountains, numerous coffee plantations, ancient temples, and falls that are singing to nature. The following are the top things to do in Chikmagalur. They are all experiences not to miss.
1. Trek to Mullayanagiri Peak
In case you are fond of mountain expeditions, begin with Mullayanagiri Peak. It serves as the highest point of Karnataka, and it offers an extensive overview of the Western Ghats. The climb is not hectic, and it pays off in mist, fresh air and a serene atmosphere. It is just like communicating with nature.
Where to Try: Mullayanagiri hill, 20km from Chikmagalur town.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Highlights: Beachfront, panoramic, sunrise, bazaar, and a photography heaven.
2. Visit Coffee Plantations
One of the best things to do in Chikmagalur that should not be skipped would be to take a tour around the coffee farms. You will be able to see green fields and birds and the odours of roasted beans. Numerous tours demonstrate the coffee-making processes and allow trying fresh combinations. This is among the unique and famous things in Chikmagalur, which brings your senses to wake.
Where to Try: Chikmagalur Coffee Estate Trails.
Entry Fee: ₹200- ₹500 (price may vary depending on the tour) per person.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Highlights: Coffee tasting, photography, and coffee culture.
3. Explore Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls is a famous tourist attraction and one of the Chikmagalur famous things in the depths of the coffee estates. The waterfall has a distance of 168 metres and forms a mist which appears magical. You have to take a jeep trip through the rough trail and through the thick woods to get to it. The path is as entertaining as the waterfall.
Where to Try: In the area of Kemmangundi, 60 Km above Chikmagalur.
Entry Fee: ₹400- ₹500 per person
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Highlights: Off-road jeep ride, waterfall bath, and photography.
4. Visit Baba Budangiri Hills
A pleasant drive will lead you to Baba Budangiri Hills, where the wind will tell you legends of the place. The name of the hills is after the Sufi saint, Baba Budan, who introduced coffee to India. The landscape is really pleasant with smooth meadows, caves, and foot paths, which are very serene. One can consider visiting here as one of the best things to do in Chikmagalur, in regard to hikers and individuals who like being at peace.
Where to Try: 33 km from Chikmagalur.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Highlights: Dattatreya Peetha, trekking paths, and panoramic views.
5. To Explore Kudremukh National Park.
Kudremukh National Park will shock you in case you are a lover of nature. It is among the ideal tours in Chikmagalur for those who love adventure. The fact that one of the peaks resembles a horse gives this name the definition of being a horse face. It has lush forests, clear streams and herds of deer that make it one of the favourite things to do in Chikmagalur among nature photographers and hikers.
Where to Try: Kudremukh, 95km from Chikmagalur.
Entry Fee: ₹200 for Indians, ₹1000 for foreigners.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Highlights: Game viewing, hiking, and photo taking.
6. Savour the Tranquillity Hirekolale Lake
During sunset, the orange and pink sky is reflected on the water in Hirekolale Lake as a painting. It happens to be a very serene view, and it is also one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur for a 2-day trip. The peaceful surroundings and cool air are excellent for evening picnics or even spending time at the water watching the clouds pass by, making it one of the most calm things to do in Chikmagalur.
Where to Try: 10km south of Chikmagalur town.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Highlights: Sunset photography, boat rafting, picnic site.
7. Take the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Safari
In case you desire to view wild animals, then you must visit a safari in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the best places to visit near Chikmagalur. Covering an area of 490 sq km, the sanctuary has tigers, elephants, leopards and numerous birds. It is one of the best things to do in Chikmagalur for families and people interested in wildlife.
Where to Try: 38km to Chikmagalur.
Entry Fee: ₹400- ₹600 per person.
Timings: 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Highlights: Jeep safari, wildlife photography, bird watching, etc.
8. Pay a Visit to The Belur and Halebidu Temple
Chikmagalur is just a few minutes away by a short drive to Belur and Halebidu, the ancient town of temples with the Hoysala architecture. The carvings and sculptures are detailed and depict the lives of gods, kings and warriors. One of the most common ways of knowing art in India is by visiting these temples. So, if you want to seek some spirituality and at the same time observe some marvellous architecture, then visiting here is one of the best things to do in Chikmagalur.
Where to Try: 25-35km towards Chikmagalur.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Highlights: Building carvings, creating a religious vibe, and photography.
9. Jhari Waterfalls Experience
A visit to the Jhari Waterfalls will make you think that you’ve entered some fairy tale, and it is known as the Buttermilk Falls because it appears gorgeously white. The waterfall drops into a dense forest and coffee plantations, which is a great sight to see for travellers. The adventure on a bumpy jeep ride on the narrow trails is a must-experience, and it is one of the excellent Chikmagalur things to do to enjoy with friends.
Where to Try: Baba Budangeri Hills are located nearby.
Entry Fee: ₹400 per person
Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Highlights: Waterfall bath, off-road adventure, and scenic photography.
10. Camp at Ayyanakere Lake
Have a camping experience at Ayyanakere Lake that will help you make beautiful memories on your trip. The lake is huge, ancient and is enclosed by Baba Budan Hills. The starry sky is mirrored in the smooth water, an experience that is serene and mystical, hence making it one of the most desirable things to do in Chikmagalur.
Where to Try: 18 km from Chikmagalur.
Entry Fee: ₹1,000‑ ₹2,000 per person
Timings: Overnight.
Highlights: Bonfire, starry nights, beautiful view of the sunrise, etc.
11. Bhadra River Rafting
Having an experience of Bhadra River Rafting is not just an adrenaline rush, but it is an opportunity to be with nature. When you row along through the sportive rapids, the sound of the water sounds like a song of excitement. Each splash of water awakens a sense of courage during the rafting, with the forest and wildlife surrounding you. The river provides a good adventure, regardless of whether you are new to this or experienced, and it is an experience that will always be remembered.
Where to Try: Bhadra River, close to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Chikmagalur district.
Entry Fee: ₹1,200 to ₹1,800 (in case of a typical 10-12 km trip)
Timings: 8 AM to 4 PM, it is better in the morning.
Highlights: Grade II -IV rapids, rich forest, possibility of wildlife spotting on the banks of the river.
12. Kayaking in Chikmagalur
Kayaking feels like a sweet poem. You row through the smooth waters of the coffee farms and foggy clouds. With every stroke, you can observe birds, sparkling water, and mountain hills, which seem to be silent but charming. It is one of the ideal things to do in Chikmagalur for people who need quietness with a bit of adventure. At the Ayyanake Lake, or the Bhadra backwaters, kayaking makes you take deeper breaths, calm down, and experience the serenity of nature.
Where to Try: At the Ayyanakere Lake, or at the backwaters of the Bhadra Reservoir, Chikmagalur.
Entry Fee: A 1-hour session (including equipment) Entry Fees ₹300 to ₹600.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM or 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Highlights: Small waves, beautiful hills and coffee plantations, sunset/Sunrise panoramas, which are good for capturing pictures.
Conclusion
Chikmagalur is something more than a place. It feels like inhaling fresh air with coffee aromas and clouds that look like cotton candy. From climbing Mullayanagiri to drinking coffee in a plantation, hardly anything here does not refresh any visiting traveller. This hill station will not leave you disappointed, whether you want to have an adventure, to be in peace or to hear stories, the things to do in Cikmagir offer it all. So, pack your bag, choose the best time to visit Chikmagalur, follow the smell of the coffee, and let the mountains tell you what you should do next.
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