Karnataka · South India

Chikmagalur travel guide

Karnataka’s highest peaks and coffee

Chikmagalur
Prof. Mohamed Shareef from Mysore · CC BY-SA 2.0
Best time
Sep–Mar
How long
2–3 days
Stay a night
₹1,200–10,000
Food a day
₹350–1,500
Nearest railhead
40 km away
Nearest airport
150 km away

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About Chikmagalur

Where coffee came to India — estates, Mullayanagiri peak, waterfalls and the Hoysala temples of Belur.

Things to do in Chikmagalur

  1. Mullayanagiri Peak

    3 h · Free

    Mullayanagiri Peak is Karnataka’s highest point, located in the Chandra Dhrona Hill Ranges of the Western Ghats. The summit features a small temple and a police radio relay station, offering wide views of the surrounding hills.

    Tip: Spot the police radio relay station at the peak

  2. Baba Budangiri

    2 h · Free

    Baba Budangiri is a mountain range in the Western Ghats known for the shrine of the Sufi saint Baba Budan, where coffee was first introduced to India. The area features extensive coffee plantations and a crescent-shaped hill range that houses a shared pilgrimage site.

    Tip: Wear sturdy walking shoes if you plan to explore the trekking trails around the peaks.

  3. Hebbe Falls

    3 h · ₹400 entry

    Hebbe Falls is a waterfall located inside a coffee estate near Kemmangundi. It drops from a height in two stages known as Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe. Visitors reach the falls through a jeep ride across the estates.

  4. Jhari Falls

    2 h · ₹300 entry

    Jhari Falls is a scenic waterfall in Chikmagalur, Karnataka, where mountain water flows in a wide, thin white layer over steep rocks. Also known as Buttermilk falls, the final stretch of the journey involves a fun jeep ride through the terrain.

    Tip: Hire a taxi from Kadur or Chikmagalur to reach the starting point

  5. Belur Chennakeshava Temple

    2 h · Free

    The Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, Karnataka, is a historic Hoysala architectural masterpiece completed in 1117 CE. It is renowned for its intricate and detailed stone carvings depicting various mythological themes.

    Tip: Dress respectfully as this is an active place of worship.

  6. Halebidu

    2 h · Free

    Halebidu is home to the renowned Hoysaleswara temple in Chikmagalur, Karnataka. Visitors can explore the ancient temple complex, which is celebrated for its intricate stone carvings and architecture.

    Tip: Hire a local guide to learn about the stories behind the carvings.

Where to stay in Chikmagalur

  • Estate homestays

    ₹2,500–6,000

    Coffee estates with home food.

  • Chikmagalur town

    ₹1,000–2,500

    Cheap and central.

What to eat

  • Town Canteen benne dosa

    restaurant · veg

    Butter dosa institution.

  • Malnad cuisine

    local dish · veg

    Akki rotti and kadubu at homestays.

Good to know

  • The Mullayanagiri road is single lane; go early.

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Chikmagalur travel guide: best time, things to do, how to reach · JrnyLoop Blog