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Located between the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, Chikmagalur is a must-visit for all travellers. This charming hill station, known as the coffee land of Karnataka, offers a beautiful blend of rolling hills, verdant coffee plantations, and valleys cloaked in mist. As you follow its winding roads, freshly brewed coffee fills the air, welcoming you to explore its hidden treasures. Whether you're seeking a refreshing trek or craving a bath under beautiful waterfalls, Chikmagalur promises a heavenly experience no matter what. Here's a 3-day itinerary to make your Chikmagalur trip easier to navigate.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your journey of exploration. Start around 6:30 or 7 am for your first destination, the highest peak in Karnataka, Mullayanagiri Peak. You can cover this with a refreshing morning trek or a scenic road trip through the chilly weather. Upon reaching the summit, you'll face breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Be sure to visit the Mullayanagiri Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is open from 7 am to 7 pm. The puja ceremony is held at 7 am and 7 pm for those who wish to attend it.
After spending an hour soaking in Mullayanagiri's beauty, head towards Baba Budan Giri, which is about an hour away. On your way, make a generous stop at Jhari Falls. Approximately 30 minutes from Mullayanagiri, this destination lets you dwell in the beauty of the cascading waterfalls, making it the perfect spot for some memorable moments and stunning photos.
Continue your journey to Baba Budan Giri, an admired mountain in the Baba Budan Range. This site is famous for its shrine dedicated to the Sufi Saint Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar, also known as Baba Budan. Legend has it that coffee was first introduced to India through the Chikmagalur district when Sufi Baba Budan brought coffee crops to these hills in 1670 AD.
The trail between Mullayanagiri and Baba Budan Giri is a must-explore for trekking enthusiasts. Before concluding your morning, witness the stunning Manikyadhara Falls, a hidden gem that adds to Baba Budan Girl's allure.
Mullayanagiri
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Jhari Falls
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Baba Budangiri
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Have lunch at a local eatery before leaving for the Hirekolale Lake. This lake, located at the foothills of Mullayanagiri Hills, is another popular place to visit in Chikmagalur. The vast mountains of the western ghats surrounding the lake further beautify it, making it a favourite among nature lovers.
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fees: Free
After you visit Hirekolale Lake, reach the enchanting Coffee Museum, aiming to arrive by 3 pm. This ensures you have ample time to explore this popular attraction before it closes at 5 pm.
An initiative by the Coffee Board of India, the Coffee Museum, also known as the Coffee Yatra Museum, offers a unique and immersive journey into coffee. From its origins to the intricate processes of growing, picking, drying, and grinding, the museum presents a thematic display that captivates both the mind and senses.
As the day draws closer, spend your evening returning to your hotel. Reflect on the day's adventures and enjoy a restful night's sleep, preparing yourself for the excitement that awaits your tomorrow.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm (daily except on Saturdays and Sundays)
Entry Fees: INR 20 per person
Your first destination for today will be the infamous Hebbe Falls, known for its magnificence. It is 1-2 hours from Chikmagalur. At a height of 168 metres, it ensures a mystical experience for everyone who makes the effort to reach it.
The River Bhadra drops in two stages here. The two parts of the fall are Dodda Hebbe (bigger Hebbe) and Chikka Hebbe (smaller Hebbe). Additional hiking is required to reach the upper portion of the Falls. The fall base forms a small pool, ideal for a dip and short swim, amongst the surrounding greenery. It's at its best Post monsoon season, from August to January.
Once you've done this, continue your journey to the enchanting heights of Kemmanagundi and Z Point. Both promise to captivate your senses, leaving you mesmerised and longing for more.
Hebbe Falls
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Kemmanagundi
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Z point
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
After having another delicious lunch at a local eatery, leave for Ayyanakere Lake and Amrutesvara Temple. If time permits, you can visit both these places; if not, you can leave one for the next day. Explore these popular tourist spots before leaving for the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
Ayyanakere Lake
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Amrutesvara temple
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 4.30 am to 10.30 am and 4 pm to 6 pm
Spend your evening in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Even though it was declared as a project tiger reserve, it offers much more than just tigers. You get to see a variety of flora and fauna that keep you captivated throughout, leaving you with awe-inspiring moments. You can immerse yourself in the wild beauty with a thrilling safari ride, which we recommend booking in advance. Complement your adventure with a visit to the enchanting Bhadra Falls.
Spend the rest of your night back at your hotel with yet another night filled with satisfaction and fuel up your energy to make the most out of your last day in Chikmagalur.
Timings: 6.30 am to 8.30 am and 4 pm to 6 pm
Entry Fees: INR 400 per person (for jeep safari)
Spend your last morning in Chikmagalur visiting the Kudremukh National Park, home to animals like leopards, bears, gaur, tigers, and many more. If you're a bird lover, this place is perfect for you. Let yourself be taken aback by the rare species of birds in this forest, which contains about 200 different species.
The Kudremukh Peak is additionally a joy for hikers and trekkers, providing spectacular views of blue skies, rolling hills, and lush meadows.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Entry Fees: INR 200 per person
Have a final delicious lunch at one of the local eateries and leave for the Hanuman Gundi Falls. Hanuman Gundi Falls, also known as Suthanabbe Falls, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Kudremukh National Park and is approximately 20 km from Kudremukh Town. Watch the fascinating view of the spectacular water falling from 22 metres onto the majestic rocks below. If you wish to soak yourself under nature's natural shower, fear not; it's perfectly safe to do so as long as you stay mindful of not losing your balance.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fees: INR 50 per person
Spend your last evening in the Sringeri Mutt, amongst the most famous shrines in Chikmagalur. Spend the rest of your last day back at your hotel, packing for your trip home the next day. Recollect all the memories and views and go through your photo gallery, reminiscing about the moments you lived in these three days.
Timings 6 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm
Entry Fees: Free
Chikmagalur is a mere five-hour journey from Bangalore. First, travel from your home destination to Bangalore, where you will travel to Chikmagalur to reach your resort.
