Plan Your Travel To Chikmagalur
Places To Visit In Chikmagalur
Baba Budangiri
To the north of Chikkamagalur district of Karnataka, lies the Baba Budan Range of the Western Ghats of India. Baba Budangiri is a mountain in the Baba Budan Range and is renowned for its shrine to the Sufi Saint, Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar (also known as Baba Budan). This is a famous pilgrim site for both Hindus and Muslims and is often flocked by travellers. This famous mountain range is also known as Dattagiri Hill Range, as the shrine here is believed to be associated with Hindu God Guru Dattatreya. This mountain range proudly exhibits one of the highest mountain peaks, with altitude lying between that of the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. Legend has it that via the Chikamagalur district, coffee was first brought into India when the coffee crop was grown in Baba Budangiri Hills by Sufi Baba Budan during 1670 AD.
Baba Budangiri Hills are famous for their unique forest range in addition to hiking and trekking. Mullayanagari and Baba Budangiri have an amazing trekking trail in between. In addition to this, all the adventure lovers can hike through the forest to see the ancient shrine of Deviramma Betta. Sitalayanna Giri offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The most well-known trekking trails include- Baba Budangiri to Mullayanagri of 12 km, Budangiri to Gaalikere of 4 km, Budangiri to Manikyadhara Falls of 7 km, and from Attigudi Junction to Baba Budangiri of 6 km.In ancient times, Baba Budangiri Range was also called the Chandra Drona Parvatha. The Baba Budangiri Range includes- Mullayanagiri (height is 1930 meters or 6317 feet) and Dattagiri/ Baba Budangiri, (height 1895 meters); which are the highest peaks of the state of Karnataka. Collectively these peaks are named Chandradrona Parvatha Shreni due to their naturally formed shape of a crescent moon. Mullayanagiri (or Mullayangiri/Mullainagiri) is the highest peak in this Baba Budangiri Range. Kurinji is a unique species of flowers which bloom in these hills once every 12 years to witness which people from all over the world come down to this place.
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Ballalarayana Durga Fort
Ballalarayana Durga is a hill fort in Chikmagalur that is situated in the village of Bettabalige between the towns of Kottegehara and Kalasa. Boasting of rich history and cultural significant, the vantage point is perched at a height of 1509 metres and offers some of the best panoramic vistas and picturesque views in the region. Cosily tucked up in the Western Ghats, it can only be reached through a trek amidst the dense forests. Although the hill fort is currently in ruins with only periphery walls, a few arches and a basement, it is a major tourist destination, a popular picnic spot in addition to being an ideal campsite.
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Belavadi
Being a national heritage site and one of the prime attractions in Karnataka, Belavadi is just 29 km from Chikmagalur. It is a scenic village surrounded by a lush landscape that makes it a perfect place for one to relax. The village of Belavadi is believed to have a lot of historical significance due to the presence of the Veer Narayana temple which was constructed by the Hoysalas and for the legend of Belavadi Mallamma who was a fearless warrior and queen who fought against Shivaji, the Maratha King thereby winning his admiration in the 17th century AD.
Belavadi has now been divided into two parts with almost all the people residing in the new town which lies in the north-eastern direction. At present, almost nobody resides in the old Belavadi. This beautiful village should fall on your list of must-visit places. It is a perfect getaway for you to unwind and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In case you are planning a trip to Chikmagalur, this is one place you would not like to miss out on.
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Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Covering a vast area of over 490 sq.kms, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over the districts of Shimoga and Chikmagalur, 38 km west of the Chikmagalur town in Karnataka. Surrounded by hills of the Western Ghats on all sides, the view of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary looks like a scene right out of a movie!
Shopping in Chikmagalur
When in Chikmagalur, it is essential to take back home varieties of locally grown coffee beans and berries. Head to the National Coffee Research Station or Panduranga Coffee 1938 to get your hands on some exclusive varieties of some of the best coffee in the country. Apart from the famous coffee, do get some popular arts and handicrafts at Nature Craft, a popular souvenir store here. Market Road is a popular shopping area here. Although you won't find large brands and big stores here, the small shops and stalls make it a unique experience for your time shopping in Chikamagalur.
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Coffee Museum
Located in Chikmagalur, the Coffee Museum is a unique repertoire of the coffee business, right from growing to the brewing of the beans. This museum was built to reconstruct the thematic display of the history of coffee and the processes including picking, grinding and drying using which the bean was made. The museum offers one of the best coffee descriptions in the world. Except for a coffee tasting experience, it gives an all-inclusive experience. The coffee evaluation and training centre is situated on the same ground as the coffee museum. Nestled in a lush green environment, a short stairway leads one towards the coffee encyclopedia.
The initiative of the Coffee Yatra Museum was taken forward by the Coffee Board of India. Offering an interesting approach towards the coffee business, the excellent documentary provided by the museum shows the origin and the growth of coffee in the region. One entire floor comprises of a gallery which showcases pictures in clean glass cases. Short video presentations are also shown which makes the story of coffee easy to absorb. A laboratory where one can observe the grinding and the equipment used for processing coffee shown by an in-house expert is present inside the museum. This interesting place is worth visiting for every traveler out there who is planning a trip to Chikmagalur anytime soon.
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Coffee Plantations
Taking a tour of the resplendent coffee plantations is one of the most essential things to do in Chikmagalur. Aside from reveling in the fresh aromatic smell of coffee beans and relaxing amidst the verdant green plantations, the estates owners arrange frequent tours where you can learn about the history of coffee and other details.
Ghatikallu
The name ‘Ghatikallu’ refers to a peak that offers panoramic views of the valley. A two-hour drive from Chikmagalur takes one to Ghatikallu, a gem in the crown of the Western Ghats. Surrounded by lush green valleys and acres of coffee and areca nut plantations, this place in Chikmagalur district has everything that a nature lover could ever wish for: streams, waterfalls, hills, thick forests and above all, its resounding quietude. Travellers come all the way here seeking the bliss of camping, star-gazing, trekking and river walks. There are also many stunning homestays and resorts here.
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Hirekolale Lake
Situated amidst the huge mountain ranges covered in green with the lake in the backdrop, Hirekolale Lake has been able to gain a lot of prominence in becoming the favourite spot for travellers. The beauty of the lake enhances when visited during sunset as the saffron colour of the sunrays gets reflected thereby making the place appear magical. This exquisite manmade lake is situated at a distance of 10 km from Chikmagalur and 50 km from Kemmangundi from where one can view the popular hills of Mullayanagiri. The sole purpose of the development of this lake was to supply water to the town of Chikmagalur and assist in the irrigation of lands in all the villages situated nearby.
A drive to the Hirekolale Lake is mind-stirring with a perfect picture postcard setting. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains in the Western Ghats thereby making it a breathtaking destination. The place also provides an ideal setting for the photography lovers who wish to add a pleasant sun shot to their big album of travels. This man-made lake is a stunning delight for every tourist in Chikmagalur and should not be missed out on if at all you are planning a trip to the town. The Hirekolale Lake is going to provide you with a perfect getaway to unwind away from the busy life of the city.
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Inam Dattatreya Peetha
Located in a cave on the Baba Budan Giri Hills, what makes this holy site interesting is that it is visited by both Hindus and Muslims alike. The cave is believed to have provided shelter to Guru Dattatreya and Hazrat Dada Hayath Mir Khalandar. Another highlight of visiting the site is the journey there. Visitors can either trek up the hills or take a 2-wheeler or a car to reach the cave. The three-day annual celebrations known as Urs is celebrated here in the third month of the Islamic calendar. Hindu devotees visit during the Kartik Poornima celebrations.
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