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Introduction
Chikmagaluru is a district located amidst the western ghats of Karnataka.Chikamagulur is famous for coffee. The first coffee in India was cultivated here in Chikamagulur.
And chikamagulur is one of he biggest producer of coffee in the world. Being the coffee capital of India is great, but the question is why you must visit Chikamagulur, because Chikamagalur has got sprawling greenland, Breathtaking waterfalls, mesmerizing mountain ranges, exotic stays and of course coffee plantation.
Explore One of The Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Chikmagaluru
01) Hebbe Waterfall :
At Hebbe fall its all about the journey and the destination.Hebbe falls is located inside the Bhadra wildlife sanctuary. To Hebbe falls, you will have to take a jeep ride for about 6 km and walk another half a km to finally reach Hebbe falls. The ride would cost around Rupees 400 per person for two may travel.
It might seem expensive at first but by the end of your visit i will all worth it. The jeep ride takes you through the thick forest stretch which is a great experience. One you are at the Hebbe Falls, he efforts you have put in to reach this fall will be worth it. 170 meter tall waterfall will leave you spell bound. You can play in the waterfall and enjoy being close to nature.
02) Jhari Waterfall (Buttermilk Fall) :
Jhari waterfall also referred to as buttermilk fall is situated between Baba Budangiri and Mullayangiri. You should definitely stop here when travelling to Baba Budangiri. The waterfall is located inside a private estate and to reach this waterfalls, you will have to take a jeep ride.
The two way jeep ride would cost around Rupees 700 for a group of 7 people. This jeep wide would be very memorable as you will go through the off road trails. Once you reach the waterfall, you will be mesmerized by its beauty. The black rock and green surroundings make it look stunning.
This waterfall is called buttermilk waterfalls, because it looks like buttermilk flowing from the top. This is the best place to get into the water and chill for some time. There is a natural pool at the bottom of the waterfall which is the safest point to play in the water.
03) Bhadra Tiger Reserve :
If you are a wildlife enthusiast than you should definitely visit Bhadra wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve. Bhadra tiger reserve spans about 500 sq km. It is spread across two districts Shivamoga and chikamagulur. As per the forest department they are around 30 tigers and 20 Leopards in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary.
So forest Safari in Bhadra has a high probability of tiger and Leopard spotting. If you are visiting Bhadra wildlife sanctuary then the best option to stay would be river Teru Lodge, which is maintained by forest department.
The stay itself is so good that you won’t be disappointed even if you don’t spot wild animals. You can opt for either Jeep Safari or boat Safari. Bhadra Dam is another must visit place when you are here.
04) Mullayangiri Peak :
If you got only one place to visit in Chikmagulur is incomplete without visiting this mesmerizing place. Mullayangiri is the highest peak in Karnataka and the view you get from here are just beyond words Mullayangiri gets its name from a small temple located at top.
The temple is dedicated to Mullappa Swamy, a saint who meditated at the cave near the summit. The road to Mullayangiri peak is one of the most scenic roads you will find in India, make sure you have good driving skills as driving on these narrow roads could be tricky, especially when there is thick fog.
From the parking, one will have to walk for about 10 min to reach the peak. If you are feeling adventurous then you can also trek to Mullayangiri. The trek distance is 3 to 4 km with a moderate difficulty level. Once you are on the top can enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding hills.
05) Baba Budangiri/ Dattatray Peeta :
Do you know how coffee was introduced to India ? The history unfolds here at Baba Budangiri in Chikmagulur. There was a saint called Baba Budangiri while he was returning from Haj, he discovered Coffee to introduced its taste to India. He wrapped seven unroasted coffee beans around his belly and planted them in the hills of Chikmagulur.
Chikmagulur’s weather favored the growth of Coffee and in no time this place became the Coffee capital of India. It is said that, baba budan used to sit and meditate here on this hill.
There is also another interesting fact about this place. There are footprint of shri Guru Dattatreya next to the Shrine of Baba Budan. That’s why this place is equally worshipped by hindus and Muslim alike.
Hindu call the place Datta Peetha while muslim refers it as Baba Budangiri most of the time. This place would be covered in the thick fog. You will definitely love the weather here.
There is a small waterfall called Nanikya Dhara just, 3 km from Baba Budangiri. The waterfalls are small, but what will blow your mind is another place called Galikere which is 4 km from Baba Budangiri. If you are visiting Chikmagaluru Post monsoon then don’t forget to visit Galikere.
06) Hirekolale Lake :
Hirekolale Lake is one of the unknown yet very beautiful place in Chikmagalur city. It is a beautiful man made lake which was built for providing water to the town and for irrigation purpose. You can see the Mullayangiri peak from here.
Not only that, if you observe carefully you can also see the curvy roads that would lead the Mullayangiri. It is a perfect place for photography, the backdrop of the Mullayangiri hills, clear skies and calm water would make a great spot for photography.
The best time to visit Hirekolale lake would be in the morning or evening you can enjoy a peaceful time with the nature.
07) Exotic Stays and Coffee Plantation Tour :
Chikamagulur is filled with so many exotic stay option that are not only beautiful but also pocket friendly. You can choose to stay in one of two guest houses that is surrounded by Coffee plantation usually, these resorts or Guesthouses offers coffee plantation tours.
Where you can learn more about coffee. In the morning you can take a walk inside the coffee estate for a relaxing experience. Even if you are not staying in these private estates you can still opt for the coffee plantation tours offered by many Coffee estates. We would highly recommended you to visit the coffee museum, maintained by the coffee board. Here you can learn everything about coffee.
08) Kallathigiri Falls :
On the way to Kemmangundi, you will find kallathigir falls. It is a cascading waterfalls from Chandradrona Hills. It flows right opposite veer Bhadreshwar temple. To reach the temple you will have to cross the water stream. You can stop here for 15-20 minute, before proceeding to Kemmangundi.
09) Z Point, Kemmangundi :
Kemmangundi is close to Hebbe falls and it is around 40 km from Chikmangaluru city. Kemmangundi is famous for its red soil. Once you are at Kemmangundi you have two option the first option is to visit Rajbhavan park and enjoy your time with the beautiful surrounding hills, the second option is to challenge yourself for the 2 point trek.
The panoramic views from the summit are spectacular. On your way to 2 point you will find shanti falls. Shanti falls would be very beautiful during the monsoon but at other times of the year, it would be mostly dry.
Once you reach the Z point you will be greeted with a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. The rock garden in Kemmangundi is still a very nice place to spend time with your family.
10) Mallandur Sunset Shooting Point :
Mallandur is a small village 20 km from Chikmagulur. Near this village there is a small Hillock from where you will get the best view of the surroundings hills. While you see green hills on one side, you will see paddy fields on the other. If you are visiting the place during monsoon or past monsoon you will be delighted with the beautiful countryside roads.
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