Chikmagalur, commonly called the 'Coffee Land of Karnataka,' is one of Karnataka's most beautiful hill stations in the Mullayangiri Range. With its many coffee plantations, Chikmagalur has a constant aroma of coffee in the air. Chikmagalur is famous for its steep mountains, lush forests, and calm surroundings. Chikmagalur is a famous trekking destination with several superb hiking paths, including the Mullayangiri, Baba Budangiri, and Kemmanagundi treks. Here are the top weekend gateways around Chikmagalur.
Top 7 Weekend Gateways Around Chikmagalur
Here are some of the best places to visit around Chikmagalur for a weekend getaway.
Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh National Park, nestled in the Himalayas, is famous for its diverse flora and wildlife. This area has many animals, including leopards, tigers, squirrels, and mongooses. As a result, it is usually populated with wildlife photographers and animal conservationists. For long-distance travelers, Forest Rest Houses within the park offer excellent lodging.
Kudremukh National Park spans a 600-kilometer square region designated a national park in 1987 and is one of the state's best-protected national parks. The Kudremukh National Park is a natural treasure, with high-rising peaks covered with flora and attractive hiking paths. Kudremukh and its beautiful neighborhood attract both nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Baba Budangiri
The Baba Budan Range of India's Western Ghats is located north of Karnataka's Chikkamagalur district. Baba Budangiri in the Baba Budan Range is famous for its Sufi Saint Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar tomb. It is a popular pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Muslims, and visitors gather in large numbers. This mountain range has one of the tallest peaks.
The Baba Budangiri Hills are popular for their forests, trekking, and hiking trails. A fantastic hiking trail connects Mullayanagari with Baba Budangiri. In addition, you can go into the jungle to witness the old Deviramma Betta shrine. Sitalayanna Giri provides breathtaking views of the neighboring mountain ranges. It is one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur in 1 day.
Mullayanagiri, Chikmagalur
Mullayanagiri mountain is in the Baba Budan Giri Range of the Western Ghats at 1930 m above sea level. It is the highest point between the Himalayas and Nilgiris providing tourists with a serene retreat. It is known for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty, featuring green pastures, jagged rocks, and a trek popular among adventure seekers.
Mullayanagiri is also renowned for its coffee farms. Mullayanagiri is a popular attraction for adventure enthusiasts, particularly hikers, because of its abundance of excellent treks. Other exhilarating sports available include mountain biking. The location is ideal for people seeking tranquility as well as those seeking adventure. Chikmagalur is the closest town to Mullayanagiri. You can also visit Shiva Temple on the top.
Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls near Chikmagalur is the most beautiful of Karnataka's 35 waterfalls. This spectacular waterfall is in the lovely Kemmangundi hill area. Hebbe Falls' water contains medicinal plants with curative qualities, attracting many visitors here for a dip. Hebbe Falls drops magnificently from 551 feet height onto slippery black rocks in two stages known as Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe.
The Dodda Hebbe fall is the larger of the two, while the Chikka Hebbe fall is the smaller. Many visitors claim that the water treats skin disorders. Hebbe Falls is one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur in 2 days, providing a fantastic retreat from the hectic cities. October to February is the best time to visit Hebbe Falls.
Bhadra Dam
The Bhadra Dam, built on the Bhadra River, is surrounded by lush foliage and is a magnificent place to see. Many tiny islands along the river are habitats for migratory species. It is a renowned tourist attraction that also serves as a source of energy and irrigation for the inhabitants. Nearby attractions include the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kudremukh, the Baba Budangiri Hills, and Mullayanagiri Hills.
With its breathtaking surroundings, Bhadra Dam provides an excellent respite from the city's utter chaos. You can enjoy the stunning spectacle of the neighboring hills and swaying plants. You can also see the diverse fauna and dense tropical trees in the adjacent Bhadra Fauna Sanctuary. Kayaking, boating, and other water sports are popular here.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary spans 490 square kilometers and stretches over Chikmagalur and Shimoga. You can marvel at the panoramic views of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, bordered by the Western Ghats hills. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur for family.
You can visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary if you're a nature lover seeking to see some exotic animals. You can also go on a Jeep safari and see rarely seen chital spotted deer, sambar, and muntjac, as well as birds like Munia and Bee-eaters and reptiles like Indian Rock Pythons and King Cobra. March to May is the best time to visit the sanctuary, as even the rarest animals come to drink water from the river.
Kemmangundi
Kemmangundi near Chikmagalur is famous for its tranquil surroundings and panoramic views. This lovely hill station also served as a summer getaway for Mysore King Krishnaraja Wodeyar. It is one of the best weekend gateways near Chikmaglur because of its gorgeous gardens and outstanding scenery.
Raj Bhawan in Kemmangundi provides stunning sunset views, making it a photographer's dream. It is also a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, with stunning waterfalls, bubbling streams, and green valleys. Some famous places in Kemmangundi include Z Point, Hebbe Falls, Rose Garden, Mullayanagiri, and Baba Budangir.
Conclusion
The beauty of Chikmagalur extends beyond its limits, providing many weekend escapes. The weekend gateways around Chikmagalur appeal to any traveler's interests, whether basking in nature's peacefulness or touring historical monuments. Weekend gateways in and around Chikmagalur display the region's unique biodiversity and offer the proper balance of leisure and excitement, making them a great choice for a relaxing vacation.
