Chikmangalur

7/8/20251 min read

photo of white staircase
photo of white staircase

🌄 Top Sightseeing Places in Chikmagalur

🟢 1. Nature & Viewpoints

  • Mullayanagiri
    Highest peak in Karnataka (1,930 m) with panoramic views. Ideal for sunrise treks and biking.

  • Baba Budangiri Hills
    Sacred mountain range known for its caves, pilgrimage site, and foggy hills. Great off-road experience.

  • Z Point (Kemmangundi)
    Trekking trail offering dramatic valley views and stunning sunsets.

  • Hirekolale Lake
    Serene lake surrounded by hills. Ideal for peaceful evenings and photoshoots.

🔵 2. Waterfalls

  • Hebbe Falls (near Kemmangundi)
    550 ft fall split into two stages: Chikka Hebbe and Dodda Hebbe. Jeep ride + short trek required.

  • Kalhatti Falls
    Waterfall cascading over a temple – spiritual and scenic.

  • Jhari Falls (Buttermilk Falls)
    Hidden gem accessed via jeep ride through plantations.

🟡 3. Coffee & Plantation Experiences

  • Coffee Estate Tours (multiple locations)
    Visit to Arabica and Robusta plantations with bean-to-cup experiences, nature walks, and tastings.

  • Coffee Museum
    Run by the Coffee Board – showcases the history, processing, and global impact of Indian coffee.

🟣 4. Adventure & Trekking

  • Mullayanagiri–Baba Budangiri Trek
    Popular ridge trek offering breathtaking views and moderate difficulty.

  • Kemmangundi Trek
    Takes you through forested trails, Z Point, and ridge views.

  • Ballalarayana Durga Trek
    Offbeat fort trek with camping options and spectacular Western Ghats views.

🔴 5. Temples & Heritage

  • Sharadamba Temple – Sringeri
    A famous Shankaracharya peetham temple near Chikmagalur (ideal for 1-day excursion).

  • Amrutesvara Temple (Amruthapura)
    12th-century Hoysala architecture temple with intricate carvings.

  • Deviramma Temple
    Scenic and spiritual hilltop temple, visited during Navaratri.

🟠 6. Offbeat / Day Trip Ideas

  • Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
    Jungle safaris to spot elephants, tigers, leopards, and birds.

  • Ayyanakere Lake
    Karnataka’s second-largest lake with hill backdrop — perfect for sunrise/sunset.

  • Belavadi Temple
    Another Hoysala masterpiece known for its precision carvings and cultural richness.

🧭 Suggested Chikmagalur Tour Packages

🟩 2-Day Chikmagalur Nature & Coffee Tour

  • Mullayanagiri → Baba Budangiri → Hirekolale Lake

  • Coffee Plantation Visit → Coffee Museum → Hebbe Falls

🟨 3-Day Chikmagalur Explorer

  • Day 1: Kemmangundi → Z Point Trek → Jhari Falls

  • Day 2: Mullayanagiri → Baba Budangiri → Sunset at Hirekolale

  • Day 3: Coffee Estate Walk → Sringeri Temple or Bhadra Wildlife Safari