Have you ever heard about Chikmagalur? It is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Karnataka. Now you can explore this stunning hill station with your family, friends, partner, colleagues, and solo through ASAP Holidays’ ultimate travel guide to Chikmagalur. Here we will talk about everything about Chikmagalur Hill station including its history, the best time to visit, way of reaching, nearby attractions, and much more.
Karnataka is a true hidden gem of India. It is still untouched and undiscovered. Chikmagalur is among the offbeat locations in India which is less crowded and absolutely stunning. If you plan a family vacation or a friend trip to Chikmagalur, this blog is going to help you plan a perfect trip to Chikmagular hill station.
Location of Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur or Chikkamagaluru is a town located in the southern part of Karnataka. It is situated in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range, the highest peak in Karnataka. Chikmagalur is best known for its phenomenal landscapes, natural beauty, coffee plantations, and pleasant weather. All these factors make it a widespread tourist destination for nature lovers and trekkers.
Geographical Coordinates
Latitude: 13.3161° N
Longitude: 75.7721° E
It is approximately 245 km away from Bangalore and is well connected by rail and road. Mangalore International Airport is 150 km from Chikmagalur and the nearest airport to Chikmagalur.
Best time to visit Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Karnataka. Nature lovers and trekkers choose this location for their adventure trips from different parts of the country. You can explore this place throughout the year. Every season has a different view and experience to offer. The best time to visit Chikmagalur is during the cooler and more pleasant days from September to March. It is among the best tourist places near Bangalore within 300 kms.
Autumn (September to November)
- Weather: Mild and pleasant.
- Highlights: This period is ideal for outdoor activities, trekking, and exploring the coffee plantations. The post-monsoon season ensures lush greenery and scenic beauty.
Winter (December to February)
- Weather: Cool and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 32°C.
- Highlights: Perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and enjoying the pleasant climate. The misty mornings and chilly evenings add to the charm of the hill station.
Spring (March to May)
- Weather: Starts warming up but remains pleasant.
- Highlights: While it gets warmer, it’s still a good time to visit if you prefer fewer tourists. The coffee blossoms during this period, adding a unique fragrance to the air.
Monsoon (June to August)
- Weather: Heavy rainfall.
- Highlights: The monsoon season brings heavy rains, making the region lush and green but also prone to landslides and slippery conditions. It’s less ideal for sightseeing but can be beautiful if you enjoy the monsoon ambiance and don’t mind the rain.
How to reach Chikmagalur
Being a popular tourist destination in India, Chikmagalur is easily accessible via different modes of transportation including air, road, train, bus, and private cabs or taxis.
By Air
- Mangalore International Airport is the nearest airport which is approximately 150 km from Chikmagalur.
- Kempegowda International Airport is another airport which is approximately 245 km from Chikmagalur.
- From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chikmagalur.
By Train
- Chikmagalur Railway Station is the major railway station in Chikmagalur which is well connected to Bangalore and other major cities of Karnataka.
- Kadur (40 km) and Biru (47) are the other nearest railway stations to Chikmagalur.
- Private taxis and buses are available to reach the town center.
By Road
- From Bangalore
- Distance: Approximately 245 kilometers.
- Route: Via NH75 – takes around 5-6 hours.
- Buses: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators run regular buses from Bangalore to Chikmagalur.
- Taxis: Available for hire from Bangalore to Chikmagalur.
- From Mangalore
- Distance: Approximately 150 kilometers.
- Route: Via NH73 – takes around 3-4 hours.
- Buses: Regular KSRTC and private buses.
- Taxis: Available for hire from Mangalore to Chikmagalur.
- From Mysore:
- Distance: Approximately 180 kilometers.
- Route: Via NH173 and NH275 – takes around 4-5 hours.
- Buses: KSRTC and private operators run buses on this route.
- Taxis: Available for hire from Mysore to Chikmagalur.
Local Transport
- Taxis: Readily available for local sightseeing and travel.
- Auto-rickshaws: Common and affordable mode of transport within the town.
- Buses: Local buses run by KSRTC and private operators for nearby tourist spots and plantations.
Best Places to Visit in Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is one of the most breathtaking tourist destinations located in the Karnataka state. This place is famous for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, temples, hiking trails, and more. Here is the list of some best places that you must visit in Chikmagalur:-
Mullayanagiri
Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka which offers panoramic views of the valley and great trekking opportunities. Here you can enjoy various fun activities like trekking, photography, and nature walks.
Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri is best known for its religious significance and caves. This mountain range offers a panoramic view of the valley. Trekking, visiting the shrine of Baba Budan, and exploring the Manikyadhara Falls are the major attractions of Baba Budangiri.
Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh National Park is home to rich flora and fauna. Here you can enjoy wildlife watching, trekking, and wildlife and nature photography.
Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls is known for its breathtaking view and heavy water flow. This stunning waterfall is located in the middle of coffee plantations. You can do trekking to the falls, swim, and enjoy the natural beauty.
Kallathigiri Falls
Kallathigiri Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Karnataka cascading down from Chandra Drona Hill. You can here do various things including trekking, exploring the surrounding forest, and visiting the nearby Veerabhadreshwara Temple.
Key Takeaways
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, an adventurous trek, or a deep dive into the world of coffee, Chikmagalur promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. Its blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality ensures that every visit leaves a lasting impression. So if you want to experience the magical land of Karnataka, pack your bags for Chikmagalur and make some unforgettable memories with your family and friends. We hope this ultimate travel guide for Chikmagalur helps you in planning a perfect trip to Chikmagalur.
FAQ
- Hebbe Waterfalls
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Jahri Waterfall
- Mullayanagiri Peak
- Kallathigiri Falls
- Shri Annapoorneshwari Devi Temple
- Coffee Estate / Plantation Homestays & Resorts
- Baba Budan Giri
- Hirekolale Lake
- Sringeri Sri Sharadamba Devi Ammanavara Temple
- Mahatma Gandhi Park
- Kudremukh
- Chikmagalur Golf Club
- Jhari Waterfalls Path
- Z Point
Monsoon season is the best season to see the real magic and beauty of Chikmagalur. So plan your trip from July to August at the peak of monsoon. Also, you have to be very careful while traveling to Chikmagalur during the monsoon season. Avoid close exposure to waterfalls and rivers.
Yes, 2 days are sufficient for exploring Chikmagalur. It is an offbeat location that is less crowded which makes it easy for travelers to explore in 2 days.
Ooty is quite a popular tourist destination and experiences a massive number of travelers. Whereas, Chikmagalur is still untouched and less commercialized which makes this place more peaceful for nature lovers.
Activities include trekking, wildlife safaris, coffee plantation tours, bird watching, boating, and exploring historical temples.
