Chikmagalur Tour Packages

Often called the Birthplace of Coffee in India, Chikmagalur is a quaint hill station that’s now becoming popular among tourists looking to avoid the mainstream destinations like Ooty and Munnar. The beautiful city is famous for its spice and coffee plantations, pleasant climate, verdant greenery, scenic waterfalls, and sumptuous Malnad cuisine. Chikmagalur also attracts adventure enthusiasts who enjoy trekking in the thick forests of the Western Ghats. The place gets its name from the Kannada words Chikka, meaning young, and Magalu, meaning daughter. Legend has it that the town was offered as dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chieftain of Sakrepatna.

A large part of Chikmagalur is part of Malenad (commonly called Malnad) or the Land of Rains. The town is characterised by hilly and heavily forested areas and is known for its heavy rainfall and abundant plantations.

History 

Chikmagalur was part of the Chandra Dhrona Hill Range and was covered in dense forests. It has also been associated with the Hoysalas, often considered their birthplace. Some people believe that the small village of Angadi in Mudikere may have been the original capital of the Hoysalas. They ruled the region and built several architectural marvels like the Amriteshwar Temple and Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Kadur.  

After their downfall, the region came under the rule of several dynasties, including the Kadambas, Vijayanagara rulers, Wodeyars, and the Marathas, until it fell into British hands.  

Baba Budan, a Sufi saint, is believed to have introduced coffee to India when he smuggled 7 coffee beans from Yemen, hiding them in his beard. He planted these seeds in the Chandragiri Hills, which are now known as the Baba Budangiri Hills.  

Chikmagalur was once part of the Kadur district, and it was its main town. After 1947, Kadur became one of Chikmagalur’s main towns and the district was also renamed as Chikmagalur.  

Geography

Chikmagalur is part of the Chandra Dhrona mountain range, a prominent section of the Western Ghats, and is characterised by several mountain peaks, including Mullayyana Giri, Kudremukha, Kemmangundi and Devaramane. The Mullayan Giri peak in Chikmagalur is the highest in Karnataka, rising to 1,930 metres.

Chikmagalur features a diverse range of forest types, from dry, grassy shola forests to evergreen forests teeming with teak and rosewood. The region is also home to major rivers, including the Tunga, Bhadra, Hemavati, Vedavathi, and Netravati.

While the region is home to several endemic species of flora and fauna, Chikmagalur is also part of a delicate ecosystem that is being continuously under threat from unchecked tourism and thriving plantation-based agriculture. It is for this reason that we continually request our guests to be mindful of the environment when choosing Chikmagalur tour packages.

Economy

Chikmagalur’s economy is largely driven by tourism and agriculture, viz., coffee cultivation. The region is the second-largest coffee producer in India. Besides coffee, Chikmagalur is also known for horticulture, specialising in commercial crops like spices, coconut, areca, banana, mango, and jackfruit. Chikmagalur also produces paddy and millets, such as ragi and jowar. Some of the popular pulses grown in Chikmagalur include hyacinth beans, field beans, horse gram, and green gram.

Call us at +91 9940882200 to learn more about our Chikmagalur tour packages

• Coffee was first introduced in India in Chikmagalur, almost 400 years ago (even before the British), when Baba Budan smuggled seven coffee beans from Yemen and planted them in the Chandragiri Hills.
• While most tour managers will list around 8 to 10 waterfalls, locals will tell you that there are at least 57 waterfalls, some of which are perennial.
• Chikmagalur is often mispronounced as Chik-Mangalore, as in Little Mangalore. However, these two places are vastly different. While Mangalore is hot and humid, Chikmagalur is cool and pleasant year-round.
• Chikmagalur or Chikmagaluru literally means Younger Daughter’s Town. Apparently, the town was given as a dowry to a local chieftain’s younger daughter.
• Hiremagaluru, meaning Elder Daughter’s Town, is a neighbouring village, about 4 km from Chikmagalur.
• Chikmagalur is home to Mullayangiri, the highest peak in Karnataka.
• Until 1947, Chikmagalur was part of Kaduru District and its capital. The district was renamed to Chikmagalur, and Kadur became one of its towns.

• Choose plantation homestays instead of hotels and resorts for a front-row Malnad experience with immediate access to plantations, home-cooked food, and exclusive access to hidden waterfalls.
• Chikmagalur looks magical during monsoon, but trekking can be risky. Also, many trails are closed during the rainy season
• A lot of viewpoints, like Baba Budangiri, are infested with monkeys.
• Don’t forget to include a jeep safari in your Chikmagalur tour package itinerary.
• Check with your hosts about the small and little-known waterfalls in and around your homestay. These are likely to be less crowded and cleaner.
• Carry steel bottles as plastic and packaged food are generally discouraged near the forests. Single-use plastic is also banned in Chikmagalur.
• Carry closed shoes or long socks with you as leeches are common in Chikmagalur.
• Carry a basic hygiene kit that includes hand sanitiser, as public washrooms are not up to the standard in places like Baba Budangiri.
• Carry an umbrella or raincoat as it is common for the weather to change throughout the day.

Coffee and spice plantations are at the heart of every Chikmagalur travel experience. Irrespective of whether you plan to stay in a plantation homestay or a resort, a visit to a coffee plantation is definitely an agenda item in every Chikmagalur tour package. Coffee was introduced to Chikmagalur in the 17th century when Baba Budan smuggled coffee beans from Yemen and planted them in the Chandra Drona hills. The hill is now renamed Baba Budangiri in his honour. While Baba Budan introduced coffee to the region, credit goes to the Europeans who pioneered large-scale plantations. The earliest plantations were built on land offered by the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar.

Chikmagalur is the second-largest coffee producer in India and an integral part of its economy and geography, covering around 200,000 hectares of coffee plantations. The region grows two varieties of coffee: Arabica and Robusta.

As part of your plantation experience, you can join a guided walk around an estate to learn about the different varieties of coffee, the seasonal activities that take place at the plantation, and experience the journey of coffee from bean to cup. You can also join the owners for a coffee tasting session, where you will learn how to select a good coffee and the art of making the perfect cuppa.

And if you are lucky enough, join the plantation staff as they go picking ripe coffee cherries and the local customs associated with the practice. Since the berry-picking season for Arabica is different from that of Robusta, check with our tour manager for the best time to book your Chikmagalur tour packages.

Other plantation-based experiences include guided nature treks, birdwatching, and visits to hidden streams and cascades. Some popular plantations offering estate tours include Thippanahalli Estate, Honnamma Estate, and Nagojanahalli Estate. Don’t miss visiting the Coffee Museum in Chikmagalur for an educational tour about coffee production in India.

The Chandra Drona hills are the source of many perennial and seasonal rivers, including the Tungabhadra, Netravathi, and Hemavathi. As rainwater gushes downhill, they pass through several streams and rivulets, creating multiple waterfalls. While there are over 57 waterfalls in Chikmagalur, only a few are famous among tourists for their height and scenic views.

Hebbe Falls is one of the region’s most famous waterfalls . This two-tiered cascade falls 551 feet and is surrounded by dense forests filled with medicinal plants. Locals believe that taking a dip in its waters heals the body and mind. To reach Hebbe Falls, you must take a jeep safari into the forests, followed by a 1.5 km trek.

Jhari Falls, also called Buttermilk Falls, gets its name from thick frothy water that resembles buttermilk. As it steps down multiple rocky tiers, the water takes on a milky-white appearance that starkly contrasts with the surrounding lush greenery. The waterfall is accessible through a jeep safari, or you can join a local for an adventurous hike, as you will be led through a gated coffee estate for a scenic view of this 328-foot-high cascade.

Kallathigiri Falls is home to the iconic Veerabhadreshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is situated directly under the cascades. Water falls 400 feet from an overhanging ledge, allowing people to bathe beneath it. Locals also visit the place to meditate in the serene atmosphere, blending adventure with spirituality.

Manikyadhara is another famous waterfall in the Baba Budangiri Hills, attracting pilgrims and nature lovers. Locals believe that a perennial stream appeared here after Baba Budan and his followers prayed for water. The cascades are believed to be never-drying and considered to have healing powers. Baba Budan’s shrine is located close to the Manikyadhara Falls.

Other prominent falls include Honamanhalla Falls, Seethalayanagaru, Shanti, and Shankar Falls.

You can also check with your tour manager or host about small hidden waterfalls in the region when booking Chikmagalur tour packages.

Nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats, Chikmagalur is famous for its breathtaking landscape. Here, you will find mist-draped mountains and coffee plantations stretched across its rolling hills. The region is known for its varied biodiversity, ranging from the grassy sholas of Kudremukh and Mullayangiri to the dense evergreen forests of Bhadra and Baba Budangiri.

The varied geography of this region contributes to its natural beauty, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. From scenic viewpoints and coffee plantations to countless waterfalls and placid lakes, there’s so much beauty in Chikmagalur that you’d be unsure which to visit and which to miss.

Traditional Chikmagalur food features authentic Malnad cuisine characterised by rice-based dishes like Akki Roti and Kaduku, unusual non-vegetarian dishes like Pandi curry (pork curry), and equally unique desserts like Gasagase Payasa (poppy seeds Kheer). Another lesser-known dish in Chikmagalur is the spicy Chigli Chutney, made with toasted and ground red ants, along with coconut, chillies, and garlic.

Malnad cuisine also makes abundant use of locally available ingredients such as bamboo shoots, jackfruit, colocasia leaves, and Hitikida Avarekalu (hyacinth beans). Jackfruit, or Halasinna Hunnu, is a versatile ingredient, used to make Idlis, Papads, Payasams, Dosas, and even deep-fried into fritters. The locals make curries and stir-fries out of raw jackfruit and its seeds.

Nothing compares to sampling Koli Saru or country chicken curry with Neer Dose, Shavige (string hoppers), or Akki Roti. And if you choose summer Chikmagalur tour packages, don’t miss Appe Kayi Saru, a local Rasam made with mangoes and served as a soup.

The Hoysalas, one of Karnataka’s legendary kingdoms, ruled from the Malnad region, of which Chikmagalur is a part. Between the 11th and 13th centuries, they built temples featuring intricate soapstone carvings, some of which are now listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Even the founder of the Hoysala dynasty, Sala, is believed to have derived inspiration to build his empire in Angadi, Chikmagalur.

It is said that, while the Hoysalas defeated the Cholas and ousted them from the region, they were inspired by the grand temples built by the latter. They employed the same artisans who worked on grand Chola temples.

Hoysala temple architecture is similar to Dravidian temple architecture, but distinct in some facets. For instance, the temples sit on a raised platform that usually resembles a star (a stellate plan) and were carved from soapstone (only later ones, as older temples were made of granite). It is believed that the star shape provided more surface area for artisans to create complex, decorative sculptures.

Another key feature of these temples is that they usually have a back-and-forth running column that gives the temple a 3D effect.

The great king Veera Ballala II built the famous Amritheshwara Temple in Amruthapura, a village in Chikmagalur District.

Some of the other key Hoysala sites built in and around Chikmagalur include Belur, Halebidu, and Somnathapura.

Halebidu is a 12th-century Shiva temple commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana and features intricate sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Belur is famous for the Chennakesava Temple, commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in honour of Lord Vishnu. The temple is famous for its lathe-turned pillars and the intricately carved figures called Madanikas, often called the Mona Lisa of Indian Sculpture.

The Lakshminarayana Temple in Hosaholalu is another temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and features intricate designs in its ceiling, including one depicting the nine Avatars of Lord Vishnu.

Other famous Hoysala temples that you must visit with your Chikmagalur tour packages include the Chennakesava Temple in Aralaguppe, the Ishvara Temple in Arasikere, the Lakshmi Narasimha Temples in Haranhalli and Nuggehalli, the Panchalingeshwara Temple in Govindanahalli, the Bucesvara Temple in Koravangala, and the Chennakesava Temple in Somnathpura and Turuvekere, the Bramheswara Temple in Kikkeri, and the Veera Narayana Temple in Belavadi.

Not many know that Chikmagalur is a haven for adventure lovers, offering plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities. For one, there are plenty of trekking trails where you can spend time with nature and capture splendid views of the rolling hills from the summit. The Mullayangiri trek is undoubtedly the most challenging and thrilling, as you get to climb the highest peak in Karnataka. You can also camp in these sights for a front row view of the mesmerising flora and fauna.

If you love water-based activities, sign up for river rafting on the Bhadra River. Every year, thousands of river rafters visit Chikmagalur during the monsoon to navigate the churning white rapids.

If river rafting is not your thing, how about kayaking on the placid waters of the Bhadra dam? Paddle through the waters at your own speed while admiring the scenic greenery around you.

If you are looking for family-friendly adventure activities, how about trekking to the Hebbe Falls or embarking on a nature trail to Kemmangundi? A jeep safari within the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is definitely worth the money, as you can spot exotic birds, majestic elephants, and even predators like tigers and leopards.

Learn about Chikmagalur’s topography and plant life while strolling through a plantation tour. If you love biking, don’t forget to include it in your Chikmagalur tour packages itinerary.

Chikmagalur is home to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kudremukh National Park. As part of the Western Ghats, the region is home to several endemic species, including the Malabar giant squirrel, sloth bear, and over 250 bird species.

The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India’s oldest and an important participant in Project Tiger. You can stay in one of the many lodges and resorts within the reserve and/or opt for a one-day safari, where you will be driven to the Lakkavalli or Muthodi ranges for a close encounter with its inhabitants, like the elusive jungle tiger or the majestic lions. The Muthodi Nature Camp is especially popular among school kids and nature lovers. You can stay in the 2 large dormitories that can accommodate up to 16 people.

As part of your Chikmagalur tour packages, you can also head to the Bhadra Dam Viewpoint or enjoy a boat ride on the Bhadra River while admiring the beautiful birds that are abundant within the reserve.

Chikmagalur is at the heart of Malnad, a geographic region that covers the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and is characterised by deep slopes and high mountain ranges. Agriculture, especially coffee, spice, and areca nut farming, is the lifeline of the Malnad people. To the uninitiated, Malnad is the shortened version of the Kannada Malenadu, meaning land of hills or land of rains, depending on how Male is pronounced.

The region is also famous for Hoysala architecture, with beautiful temples like the Chennakesava Temple in Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu. As part of your Chikmagalur tour packages, you can explore these temples.

While food is an integral aspect of Malnad culture, there are so many other aspects you must experience. You can visit the region’s old forts and heritage sites, or join locals in their rural hamlets. Don’t forget to indulge in some spiritual activity with a visit to the Belur or Sringeri Math.

Chikmagalur is part of the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, a region characterised by high-altitude peaks and deep valleys. It is home to the Mullayangiri and Baba Budangiri peaks, which are among the highest in Karnataka.

The Mullayangiri Peak is the highest in Karnataka, towering over its neighbouring hills at 1930 metres above sea level.

The Chandragiri Peak is another popular peak that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and coffee plantations.

Kemmangundi, or Z-Point Peak, is iconic for its picturesque sunrise views and cliff-edge thrills.

Other famous viewpoints included in your Chikmagalur tour packages are Baba Budangiri, Hirekolale Lake, and Kavikal Gandi.

Chikmagalur, due to its high altitude, has a pleasant, moderate climate throughout the year. However, the district also has varied microclimates. For instance, some areas in Malnad are known to have high humidity and rainfall. But places like Mullayangiri and Baba Budangiri are cooler than the surrounding plains. Yearly temperature ranges between 14°C and 32°C, depending on the weather and season. Read on to learn more about the different seasons and the best time to choose our Chikmagalur tour packages.

Summer is hot in Chikmagalur, although it is comparatively pleasant when compared to surrounding regions like Mangalore and Udipi. The average temperature ranges from 30°C to 32°C, and may reach 35°C during the peak of summer. This is the time when coffee flowers blossom, filling the air with a sweet, intoxicating scent similar to jasmine, peaches, and orange blossoms. Coffee flowering, however, occurs for only 2-3 days between March and April, transforming the landscape as the entire plantation appears like a white snowfall. If you’d like to experience this magical smell, we suggest checking with our tour manager when booking Chikmagalur tour packages.

Summer is also an ideal time for adventure activities such as trekking, river rafting, and hiking. The Sheetalagiri–Baba Budangiri-Mullayangiri trail is best explored in summer.

Chikmagalur looks beautiful during the monsoon, with rains carpeting the place in verdant greenery and its many cascades thunderously overflowing. You can trek to one of the many waterfalls in the region, or ask your homestay hosts to guide you to the local watering spots that spring up only during the monsoon.

Heavy rainfall is occasional, but the season is characterised by light showers and patchy fog, creating a charming atmosphere. Monsoon is also a photographer’s dream as rain-soaked clouds drift over mountain peaks, making every frame cinematic.

The lakes also look rejuvenated and fresh – nothing compares to spending quiet evenings around Hirekolale and Ayyankere lakes.

The only downside to choosing monsoon Chikmagalur tour packages is that incessant rains may cause landslides, disrupting trekking plans. Roads are often closed, and activities like trekking and hiking are suspended due to safety concerns, as walking is not feasible. Leeches and other insects are also common during the monsoon.

This is peak season and definitely the best time to choose Chikmagalur tour packages. The average temperature during this season ranges from 17°C to 12°C and may even drop to 10°C. Nights are warm and cosy, the perfect time to snuggle under a blanket with a hot cup of coffee or chocolate for company. This is also the perfect time to immerse yourself in Malnad culture through popular folk festivals like Bhuta Kola and Suggi Habba, as well as spiritual gatherings like the Kaildasa Fair.

At GT Holidays, we can help you put together an itinerary that’s customised to your budget and taste. Below are some of the top attractions in and around the city that we can include in your Chikmagalur tour packages.

Karnataka’s highest peak offers the perfect trail to adventure lovers as they get to journey through grasslands, dense forests, and mist-laden paths. Towering at over 1900 metres above sea level, Mullayangiri Peak is a moderately challenging trek that takes you through stone-paved paths and narrow ridges. But the view from the summit is worth the effort, as you get to witness a panoramic vista of the Western Ghats, including surrounding coffee plantations, rolling hills, and distant peaks. Did you know Mullayangiri Peak gets its name from a local sage called Mulappa Swamy, who is believed to have meditated in the caves below the summit?

The hill is named after Baba Budan, a Sufi saint credited with introducing coffee to Chikmagalur. The hill is home to a small shrine dedicated to Baba Budan, and is sacred to both Hindus and Muslims. He was also a social reformer who protected the locals from the landlords and even healed them with medicines from the Chandragiri Hills. The hills where he introduced the coffee beans are now renamed after him and are home to the rare Kurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years. You can either trek to the peak or hire a taxi to reach the shrine.

The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, which covers Chikmagalur and Shivamogga districts, is famed for its varied flora and fauna. The sanctuary includes a 492.46 km2 protected area and the Project Tiger reserve that houses over 30 tigers, black leopards, and other vulnerable species. It is considered one of India’s successful wildlife projects, having relocated villages, fostered a diverse range of animals, and protected the forest’s deciduous tree species. As tourists, you can explore certain ranges within the sanctuary, join forest officers on a jeep or boat safari, and even stay within the reserve’s lodges and resorts.

Kudremukh is Karnataka’s third-highest peak, getting its name from the unique horse-face-shaped peak. The Kudremukh peak stands at over 1,894 metres above sea level and is popular as a trekking trail. Kudremukh, Netravathi, and Kodacheri are among the most popular treks that lead to the panoramic summit.

But most tourists visit the area to explore the Kudremukh National Park, which was recently declared as one of the 13 global mega-biodiversity hotspots. The park is home to several indigenous species, including 42 mammals, 52 reptiles, several butterfly species, and a few endangered species such as leopards, lion-tailed macaques, and tigers.

You can visit the park to join a trekking group, explore the park’s many waterfalls, or join a jeep safari package to Jamalabad Fort, Kudremukha, or Singsar.

This magnificent waterfall drops from over 500 feet and is divided into two sections: Dodda Hebbe, or Big Hebbe, and Chikka Hebbe, or Small Hebbe, respectively. The water here traverses through the deep jungles filled with herbs and other medicinal plants. Taking a dip in the Hebbe Falls is believed to relieve people of skin-related ailments. To reach Hebbe Falls, one must walk the entire way. 

The Hirekolale Lake is a manmade lake situated about 10 km from Chikmagalur town and is famous for its scenic beauty. It was constructed to supply drinking water and irrigate the region’s fields. What makes the lake beautiful is its picturesque surroundings, with coffee estates and the verdant Western Ghats. It is a great place for bird watching, where you can observe egrets, kingfishers, and cormorants. The lake is also a great place for cycling and trekking enthusiasts.

On the eastern side of the Baba Budangiri hills is Ayyanakere, the largest lake in Chikmagalur. Locals believe it was constructed by the 12th-century Sakharayapatna ruler, Rukmangada Raya, and later renovated by the Hoysala kings. Today, the lake supplies irrigation water across the Malnad region. What makes Ayyanakere beautiful are the surrounding mountains, including the picturesque Shakunagiri mountains. This scenic background is especially striking at sunrise and sunset, attracting tourists by the dozens. Devotees also visit the Prasanna Balleshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and built by the Hoysalas.

Situated a few kilometres from Chikmagalur town is Belavadi, a small town that’s home to the beautiful Veera Narayana Temple, built by Veera Ballala II, the powerful Hoysala king. This 13th-century temple features the typical Trikuta architecture, with three shrines attached to a central hall that house multiple deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, and Ganesha.

The Kalhatti (Kallathigiri) Fall is nestled within the Chandra Dhrona Hills and is famous for the Veerabhadreshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The water cascades from over 45 metres and flows to the temple’s base, offering tourists a blend of adventure and spirituality. Locals often visit the Kalhatti Falls, believing that the water has healing properties. The water here is relatively shallow, allowing everyone, including children, to enjoy a refreshing dip.

The Coffee Museum in Chikmagalur, managed by the Coffee Board of India, is a treat for coffee connoisseurs looking to explore the world of Indian coffee. The museum traces the history of these magical beans, explains their journey from berry to cup, and highlights the technological advancements in coffee production over the last few centuries. You can see vintage machinery, different kinds of grinders, weighing scales, and early pulping machines.

This quiet hill station is 55 km from Chikmagalur and sits on the Baba Budangiri hills at an elevation of 1,435 metres above sea level. Surrounded by thick forests, Kemmangundi enjoys a pleasant climate year-round. The town is also home to an ancient Shiva temple featuring intricate soapstone carvings. Another popular attraction in Kemmangundi is the Z Point summit, which offers a vantage point to observe the surrounding Western Ghats.

Nestled in the Western Ghats, Sringeri is a spiritual destination and home to the Sringeri Sarada Peetham, one of the four monasteries established by Adi Shankaracharya. This serene and beautiful town is equally famous for its verdant greenery. The Sri Sarada Temple, the oldest temple in Sringeri, and the 14th-century Sri Vidyashankar Temple are among the places included in your Chikmagalur tour packages. Don’t forget to visit the Srimane Waterfalls, Kigga Village, and the Tunga River banks when visiting Sringeri.

This historic town is situated on the banks of the Yagachi River and is famous for its Hoysala temples. The Chennakesava Temple here is the largest of all Hoysala temples and one of the few intact temples. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple features all elements of a Hindu temple, viz., Garbhagriha, Vimana, Gopura, and Praharam. It also includes other shrines dedicated to Goddess Andal and is known for its intricate sculptures depicting Madanikas, or celestial nymphs, in various dance poses. Did you know it took over 103 years to complete the Chennakesava Temple in Belur

Halebidu and Belur are considered among the precious gems of Hoysala architecture, thanks to the intricate, detailed art carved into soapstone. Although located in the neighbouring Hassan district, it is included in Chikmagalur tour packages because of its proximity to the city. The town was once the capital of the Hoysala kingdom and famous for the Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara temples built by Vishnuvardhana and Veera Ballala II, respectively.

Both temples feature detailed sculptures of various Hindu deities, ornamental pillars, and an exquisitely carved ceiling.

You cannot visit Chikmagalur without exploring the region’s many coffee estates. Some popular coffee plantations in Chikmagalur include Tata Coffee Plantation, Thippanahalli Estate, Muthodi Coffee Estate, Aldur Coffee Estate, and Bhadra Coffee Estate.

As part of your Chikmagalur tour packages, you will learn about the different coffee beans and learn to tell one from the other, learn about the nuances of harvesting and processing, and witness coffee’s seeds to cup journey. Your tour will also include coffee tastings, joining brewing workshops, enjoying the scenic beauty, and even interacting with the locals who work at the factory.

Mudigere is a beautiful town in the Chikmagalur district, famous for its coffee and spice plantations and known for its shola grasslands. Some of the spices grown here include pepper, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, and areca nut. Tourists can explore the Bettada Byreswara and Nanyada Byreswara temples, Devaramane village, and the Ballalarayana Durga Fort. When in Devaramane, don’t miss the Kalabhairaveswara Temple.

The Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint is situated on the Chandra Dhrona mountain range and is popularly known as the Horse Shoe Viewpoint. It is the perfect place to enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats, especially the Chandra Dhrona range. The picture-perfect landscape and mist-filled mountains make for great photography and are loved by adventure seekers.

Call us at +91 9940882200 to learn more about our Chikmagalur tour packages

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Famous For: Temple

Top Tourist Attractions: Prasanna Chennakesava Temple

A trip to Chikmagalur is incomplete without buying coffee, one of Chikmagalur’s most famous souvenirs. Besides coffee, you can buy locally grown spices like pepper, nutmeg, and cardamom in and around Chikmagalur. Some places let you make your own blend, helping you decide the percentage of chicory, how much to roast, etc. You can buy whole beans or buy coffee powder. Besides coffee powder, you can buy various coffee brewing gadgets, such as moka pots, French presses, and traditional filter coffee makers.

Besides coffee, Chikmagalur is famous for handmade chocolates, including artisanal chocolates infused with coffee and spices. With Chikmagalur nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats, it is not surprising that the region is home to a wide range of medicinal and Ayurvedic herbs and oils.

And if you love the local snacks and food, buy pickles made from unique ingredients like tamarind, nutmeg fruit, bamboo shoots, jackfruit, and citron. Jackfruit papad (Halasina Happala) is also famous in Malnad.

Some local markets where you can buy them include the APMC Market, IG Road, and Market Road.

• As part of the Western Ghats, Chikmagalur is an ecologically sensitive place. Avoid littering plastic in the hill station.
• If you’re travelling during the monsoon, check for weather updates as landslides are common. Also, avoid driving on narrow roads at night, especially when it is raining.
• Chikmagalur is not a mainstream tourist destination. Do not overwhelm your hosts with unrealistic expectations. Speak politely with the locals and do not take advantage of their simple nature.
• Do not carry soaps, shampoos, or other detergents when visiting the waterfalls. You will be polluting the forest water sources that feed the wild animals here.
• The locals here respect the forests and their animals – be mindful when trekking or travelling to remote villages and other places.
• Chikmagalur is about connecting with nature – while the landscape does help create memorable Instagram pics and reels, do be aware of your surroundings.

Chikmagalur is at the heart of Malnad culture, serving as the region’s cultural hub. The Malnad cuisine is renowned for its unique dishes, distinct from the cuisine of interior Karnataka. The region uses fresh, seasonal ingredients such as bamboo shoots, wild mushrooms, Colocasia leaves, jackfruit, and even unusual meats like pork.

Akki Rotti, a rice-based bread, accompanied by chutney or Koli Saru, is a staple. And so is Neer Dose, another thin, lacy crepe that accompanies vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries. A Malnad vegetarian lunch meal is a must-try with our Chikmagalur tour packages, which include different kinds of palya (vegetable dry subji), saru (curry), rasam, and Thambli (a buttermilk-based curry). Some local restaurants will also serve chigli chutney, a spicy, tangy, protein-rich chutney made with red ants.

Shavige or string hoppers are another local favourite served with coconut milk or savoury curries.

As for desserts, you must try local sweets such as Gasagase Payasa, Holige, and Halasina Hannina Kaduku.