5 Best Reasons to Visit Chikmagalur

Chikkamagaluru, also known as Chikmagalur, is situated at an altitude of 3,400 feet at the foothills of Mullayangiri range in Karnataka. The Western Ghats start from this area and also the Yagachi River is originated from the surrounding hills. Chikmagalur is famous for its tranquil environment, lush green forests and tall mountains. Popularly called as the Coffee Land of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is one of the popular summer destinations in Karnataka and also one of the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Here are the top 5 reasons to visit Chikmagalur.

1. ExtensiveCoffee Plantations

Renowned as the Coffee Land of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is well known for its extensive coffee and tea plantations. Coffee Plantations are one of the top Chikmagalur Tourist Places and the plantation walks are considered to be one of the most popular things to do in Chikmagalur. There are so many private coffee estates that allow visitors to take guided tours through the plantations and you can witness the many stages of the production of coffee. There are various home-stays available within the coffee estates, where guests can stay and breathe coffee.

2. Popular Trekking Points

Chikmagalur has established itself as a trekker's paradise and has many popular trekking trails which include Kemmanagundi, Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri. Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka and also one of the best places to experience Chikmagalur Tourism. Situated at an altitude of 1950 m, Mullayanagiri is regarded as the highest peak between Himalayas and Nilgiris and among top sites for trekking places to visit in Chikmagalur. Being the highest peak in Karnataka, it offers some very interesting trails. The trek route to the peak begins from Sarpadaari, which is connected with Chikmagalur by road. Other trekking trails from Mullayangiri are Baba Budangiri, Manikyadhara Falls and Deviramma Temple.

3. Placid Lakes

Chikmagalur is famous for its serene lakes amidst the misty hills. Hirekolale Lake and Ayyanakere Lake are the two popular manmade lakes in Chikmagalur. Ayyanakere Lake is an ancient lake situated at the eastern base of Baba Budan hills. This is the biggest lake in the Chikmagalur district and the second largest lake in Karnataka. Also called as Dodda Magoda Kere,it is one of the prime places to visit in Chikmagalur. The sprawling lake was built to supply water for was agriculture. It supplies water for irrigating 21,560 hectares of land in the region.

4. Enchanting Waterfalls

Nestled in the Baba Budan hills, Chikmagalur is a calm, serene town full of scenic surprises like misty hills, valleys, streams and snow-white coffee blossoms. Besides these, Chikmagalur is also popular for its breathtaking waterfalls. Manikyadhara Falls, Hebbe Falls, Jhari Falls and Honnamana Falls are some well-known waterfalls in Chikmagalur. Manikyadhara Falls is situated in the dense forest of Baba Budangiri hills in Western Ghats of India. With a height of about 30 feet, the waterfall is one of the top Chikmagalur Tourist Places. Hebbe Falls is a wonderful waterfall situated inside Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and is one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur.

5. Pleasant Weather

Situated at an altitude of 1,090 m, Chikmagalur is situated in the Malnad region of Karnataka in the foothills of the Western Ghats. Being a hill station, Chikmagalur has pleasant climate throughout the year but the best time to visit the place is from the months of September till March. The summer season in Chikmagalur begins in the month of March and lasts till May. Though, during summers the town temperature goes up but still the maximum temperature remains under 35°C. Monsoon brings heavy rainfall at Chikmagalur which lasts from June to September. Heavy rains in monsoon makes this hill station more inviting with lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. Winter, spans from December to February, is suitable time for tourists with peasant climate.

From the misty mornings and the downpour during monsoons to the tourist attractions in the place, there are several reasons to visit Chikmagalur. Hirekolale Lake, Baba Budangiri, Mullayangiri, Ayyanakere Lake, Belavadi, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kemmangundi and Manikyadhara Falls are the important places to visit in Chikmagalur.

Hruday Chand is a Travel Blogger by Passion. He is also a food lover and animal Lover.