Chikmaglur is a town in the Chikmaglur district of Karnataka State. It is known for Coffee plantations, and hill valleys. The city lies in the Bababudan Giri hill range. Chikmaglur district is ideal for adventure seeking tourists, nature lovers and the district hosts many temples that are worth visiting. The district shares its borders with Hassan, Manglore, Tumkur and Chitradurga districts. Chikmaglur is well connected to all these districts mentioned before by road and the nearest airport is in Mangalore. Bangalore is at 250kms distance from Chikmaglur. By train if you want to reach, then, get down at Kadur station nearby, which is just 40kms drive from Chikmaglur. Kannada is the spoken language here.
Places to see: Chikmaglur provides good view points on top of hills, temples, and also historical places. You would be greeted by coffee plantations wherever you go. Hill points: Most famous hill points are Bababudan Giri, Mullayan Giri, Kemmannu Gundi, and Deveeramman Betta. Bababudan Giri is also known for a Sufi Shrine and a Datta Peetha (pedestal). The place is in controversy till the date. That apart, you can cherish the scenic beauty of the place. Remember to visit the Manikya Dhara Falls nearby. Mullayan Giri is the highest point in that hill range, and also considered as the tallest peak in the entire Karnataka State. It is about 16kms from Chikmaglur. You will have to leave your vehicle at a nearest point to reach the peak. Trekkers will have a good time passing through the narrow road towards the peak. Don’t forget to watch the Arabian Sea and the sun set from atop. Kudremukh is about 95 kms drive form Chikmaglur. It is known for Iron ore mines. Kemmannugundi has a well maintained garden and you can enjoy a beautiful sunset over there. Remember to visit the two waterfalls nearby: Hebbe falls and the Kalltgiri Falls. Temples: Sringeri, Hornadu, Kalasa, Amritapura and Belavadi temples are worth seeing. Sringeri is known for the Shankara Peetha (founded by Adi Shankara), Sharadamba temple and the Vidya Shankara temple (consists of twelve Zodiac pillars). It is situated on the banks of river Tunga and is about 90kms from Chikmaglur. All these temples have beautiful, soothing ambience surrounded by rivers, and forests. The two famous Hoysala temples (Belur and Halebeedu) are connected to Chikmaglur. These temples are best examples for the Hoysala architecture. Agumbe is 3 hours drive from Chikmaglur. Cherish the fresh Chikmaglur coffee and buy the packed powder for the one you have left at home! It is the hometown for the ‘Coffee day’ –a popular café joint having outlets in all major cities of India.
