Chikmagalur

Get ready to feast your eyes with the charm of wild and natural beauty at Kudremukh National Park. This place is notable as one of the most visited Chikmagalur tourist places and offers a refreshing getaway. It is appreciated for its scenic splendor and houses some of the most gorgeous flora and fauna in the state of Karnataka. The word Kudremukh means a horse face and gives the name to the peak located in this park which is often hailed as a thrilling trekking place. Kudremukh National Park is a delight for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure lovers who wish to escape the worries of life in the most wonderful surroundings. This place is nestled between beautiful tea and coffee plantations and offers a rejuvenating trip in the midst of mesmerising wilderness and it is also one of the famous stops while trekking to Kudremukh Peak• Location: South Kanada, Udupi, Chikmagalur, Karnataka• Best Time to visit: December to February are the best months to visit Kudremukh National Park • Entry fee: INR 200/ USD 3 for Indians and INR 1000/ USD 15 for foreigners• Timings: The advisable time to visit here is from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. • Distance from Chikmagalur Bus Stand: It is approximately 130 kilometres away from Chikmagalur Bus Stand

Situated at a distance of 20 km and 23 km respectively from Chikmagalur and Baba Budangiri, Mullayanagiri is Karnataka’s highest peak with an altitude of 1950 meters. There’s a small temple located on the topmost summit of this Mullayanagiri peak within which you have a small statue of Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy. According to the regional mythology, Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy observed meditation for years at the cave on top of the Mullayanagiri peak. This is the reason why the peak got its present identity. The old Kannada literature, however, relates the term ‘Mullai’ to the forests. The caves at the top of the Mullayanagiri hills are not so deep and has an entrance which directly leads you to the temple’s garbhagudi. Adventure buffs have a lot of things to do here as the destination serves as a hub for trekking, mountain biking, and road biking. Nestling amidst the Nilgiris and the mighty Himalayas, the panoramic beauty of Mullayanagiri is astounding. This is what makes the Mullayanagiri peaks as one of the most appealing destinations for intermediate trekkers. The trekking route to the topmost summit of Mullayanagiri starts from Sarpadhari which extends up to 3 km. It is relatively steep; yet you can easily cover the distance within 1.5 hours. There’s a Nandi statue, small streams, and a cave with a small water source to adore on your way. As there are no food or water reserves, you need to carry enough of them with you. Otherwise, you need to hold on your hunger and thirst until you reach the Lord Shiva temple located at the top. History of Mullayanagiri - Once there was a saint named Tapasvi Mullapa Swamy. Locals of the regions in and around the Mullayanagiri believe that he used to meditate at the top summit of this Mullayanagiri hill. In this manner, the mountain got its current identity. In the early days, when the asphalt rock and concrete steps were totally absent, people used to climb the summit by a trail known as Sarpanadi or Sarpadari. This is not so famous trails in modern days.

Bababudangiri is an amazing trek in the mountains of Chikmagalur, located at a distance of 250 km from Bangalore, making it ideal for a weekend getaway. Starting on the hiking trail from Sarpadhari (alternatively from Attinagundi), you can see the peaks of Budangiri (1895 m) and Mullayanagiri (1930 m) looming at a distance. Together, the two mountains appear like a crescent moon, therefore known as the Chandra Drona Range. Trekking enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to on the Budangiri hike. Trails snake through dark forests of shola trees, occasional moraine-filled rocky stretches, and miles of serene green grasslands on the rolling hills. Come on this trek to take in all the spectacular vistas of the enclosing slopes of the Nilgiri Hills, try your luck at spotting wildlife when crossing through the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, and test your stamina at negotiating a few steep inclines. Some of the highlights on this trek are- walking on the Blade Ridge on the way to Mullayanagiri, camping and campfire in the forest clearings, ancient cave explorations, and stunning hillscape photography from several viewpoints along the way. Blooming of the kurinji flowers in the low lying slopes of the Nilgiris is a rare seasonal attraction in these parts of the hills.The flowers blossom at an interval of every 12 years, cloaking the entire vicinity in shades of blue, giving the Nilgiri hills its name! The Budangiri mountain is also an important pilgrimage for Hindus and Muslims for the legacy of the Sufi saint Baba Budan and the hindu deity Dattatreya. Baba Budangiri Temple/MosqueThe Baba Budangiri shrine is important to both Hindus and Muslims. You will find the grave of Baba Budan- the Sufi saint, after trekking to the flat top of hill. From the Dargah of the islamic saint, a stairwell rises up to the Dattatreya Caves- believed to be inhabited by the hindu deity Dattatreya Swami. Fascinating stories associated with these mythical figures circulate among pilgrims here. The Islamic saint is known to have been sent by the Prophet Muhamamd to India and the deity Dattatreya is believed to be the embodiment of Brahma-Vishnu-Maheshwar.You will be thrilled to hear about a peculiar connection between coffee plantations in the Nilgiri Hills and the Sufi saint coming from faraway Middle-east. Legend has it, the saint had returned from his Hajj to Mecca with seven raw cocoa beans which he planted in the soils of these mountainsides! A sweeping view of the Chikmagalur valley from the shrine can be found down below. 3 km ahead of the religious site, the Manikyadhara Falls is another brilliantly scenic place that you can check out.Baba Budangiri TrekThe Baba Budangiri trek has two viable flag-off points, the trailhead at Sarpadhari and the one at Attigundi. Going by any of the routes, trekkers will first reach the Mullayanagiri mountain-- the highest peak in Karnataka and furthering from here to Baba Budangiri. The trail will demand you to carefully negotiate steep uphill stretches and walking on a moraine-filled ravine. The block cliffs of Mullayanagiri soon comes into sight after crossing Sarpadhari, surrounded by thickets of shola trees.The enthusiastic shutterbug in you has to jump to life on finding the striking contrast of resplendent green forests, and grasslands against the black rocked cliffs on this trail. Upon reaching the mountain-top, you will be greeted with a spellbinding birds-eye view of the valley lying below.

Famous for its natural wonders, Chikmagalur District houses the magical Hebbe Falls. Located near the popular hill station of Kemmangundi, iti is among the most beautiful waterfalls in Karnataka. Hidden inside the Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, Hebbe Falls is a heavenly delight for nature lovers. With coffee estates surrounding the Hebbe Falls, the journey to the Falls will leave you in awe. The mild gust of coffee and dense forests around will make you feel like a little butterfly wandering around the beautiful falls.Nature lovers and wanderers are attracted in large numbers to Hebbe Falls. The famous hill station, Kemmangundi is located at a distance of 10 km. from the falls. In search of a unique waterfall, tourists from Kemmangundi often visit Hebbe Falls via a four-wheeler ride. There are cab services in Kemmangundi that ride through the bumpy roads surrounded by the pukka and dense forests. Some adventure seekers trek to Hebbe Falls to enjoy the realm of natural beauty. The trek passes through some of the magnificent views of the forests and coffee estates. One can hear the sound of the falls gushing with the ground from a distance. During the rainy season, the trekking path becomes a little uneasy as it becomes slippery and leeches can be found in large numbers almost everywhere. Hebbe Falls is among the most magnificent natural places in Chikmagalur District. It forms a natural jacuzzi which is filled with medicinal substances. These medicinal herbs are considered to offer healing qualities. This special attribute of the falls makes it a place of attraction for curious biologists.

Escape into the serene surroundings at Kemmangundi in Chikmagalur which is known for its panoramic views. This beautiful hill station is popularly known as KR Hills and was known as the summer retreat for the Mysore King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. One of the best places to visit in Chikamagalur, this place is known for its beautiful gardens and spectacular views.For the most enchanting visit, Raj Bhawan in Kemmangundi offers a gorgeous view at the time of sunset making it a pure photographer’s delight. It is also a hotspot for nature lovers with beautiful waterfalls, gurgling streams and verdant valleys. Some of the famous attractions that one must not visit in Kemmangundi are Z Point, Rose Garden, Hebbe Falls, Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri etc.  • Height: It is at a height of 1434 metres above sea level• Location: Kemmangundi, Tarikere taluk of Chikkamagaluru• Best Time to visit: The months from September to May remain the most pleasant time to visit here• Distance from Chikmagalur Bus Stand: Kemmangundi is at a distance of 60 kilometres from Chikmagalur

The Kallathigiri Falls, also known as the Kalhatti Falls, is a magnificent natural abode located 50 kilometres away from Chikmakagalur. This waterfall is a perfect destination for leisure mongers and thrill seekers alike, and is popular among both locals as well as tourists. The fall gushes down the majestic Chandra Dona Mountains from a height of about 400 feet.The Kalhatti Falls is the first major waterfall around Chikmagalur, and easily the most distinctive one. Water drops from an overhanging ledge, allowing people to take showers beneath it. The falls contain the headwaters of the river Sharavathi. Apart from being a natural goldmine, the Kalhatti Falls also has a poignant religious significance. It houses the renowned Veerabhadra Temple, or Veerabhadreshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple welcomes thousands of pilgrims to its shrine throughout the year. Owing to its legendary history, the waters from this waterfall is considered to be holy by locals, and is said to cure several diseases.The waterfall provides a number of opportunities to pass one’s time. The rolling green surrounding is a well-known photographer’s delight. One might also delight in taking the short trek up to the Falls. The trekking trail is fairly easily, and suitable for both beginners as well as expert trekkers. The trail is marked by a number of figures and idols of various Gods and Goddesses, and contains an abundance of natural flora and fauna. The Fall is also a perfect spot to hold picnics with family and friends.

Bhadra wildlife sanctuary is located in Karnataka at a distance of 38 km from Chikmagalur town. It boasts of a substantially large number of tiger populations and was declared in 1998 as the 25th Project Tiger of India. The sanctuary has an elevation point of 750 m to 1875 m above the sea level. The lofty hill range and green vegetation surrounding it from all sides make it look absolutely stunning.  The lush green vegetation mainly consists of dry deciduous and moist forests. The mesmerizing Bhadra River passes through this sanctuary whistling soothingly, and hence it has given it the name Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread over the area of 490 sq km, it is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and is home to diverse varieties of flora and fauna. You can spot some of the endangered species over here like Malabar giant squirrel and orangutan.The two main reserves in this area are Lakkavali and Muthodi. More than 120 species of trees are grown over here. The highest peak in this sanctuary is Kallahathigiri located at the height of 1875 m. The sanctuary is also a habitat for reptiles like king cobra and Indian rock python.  A giant teak tree known as Jagara is the main attraction of this sanctuary, which is sought to be around 300 years old. Bhadra wildlife sanctuary is one of the must-visit spots in Chikmagalur where you can enjoy various activities such as jeep safari, trekking, bird watching, rock climbing, and water sports at river Bhadra.Flora and Fauna at Bhadra Wildlife SanctuaryBhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is well-acquainted with exotic flora and fauna, preserving them from any harm from human intervention.1. FloraThere are over 120 species of flora spread across the land. It is interspersed with moist deciduous trees, dry deciduous trees, and semi-evergreen trees that serve as a natural habitat for various avian fauna. The tropical dry deciduous forests are acquainted with 47 species of flora.Other commonly spotted species include crepe myrtle, thaasal, kadam, simpoh, teak, Indian laurel, rosewood, kindal, fig tree, white teak, indigo, toddy palm, jalari, Ceylon oak, and axle wood. It poses as a valuable habitat for teak and rosewood.2. FaunaBhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a renowned tiger reserve with 33 tigers inhabiting its periphery. Other than that, the sanctuary is home to gaur, elephant, wild boar, sloth bear, black leopard, jungle cat, jackal, spotted deer, wild dog, sambar, barking deer, common langur,  common palm civet, mouse deer, bonnet macaque, porcupine, small Indian civet, slender loris, pangolin,  the Malabar giant squirrel and flying squirrel.The carnivorous species here include leopard cat, ruddy mongoose, rusty-spotted cat, stripe-necked mongoose, and otters.3. Avian FaunaOver 300 avian fauna frolic in the lands of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. They include shama, ruby-throated pitbull, and red spurfowl, grey junglefowl, painted bush quail, southern green imperial pigeon, and Malabar Trogon.4. ReptilesThere are several reptiles, including exotic snakes that can be found here. The species are abundant with king cobra, common vine snake, common cobra, common wolf snake, bamboo pit viper, Russell's viper,  olive keelback, common Indian monitor, rat snake, marsh crocodiles, and  Draco or gliding lizards.5. ButterfliesSome of the butterfly species fluttering in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuaries comprise of yamfly, crimson rose butterfly, blue pansy, and bamboo tree brown.

Surrounded by the beauty of mountains in the Western Ghats, Hirekolale Lake is one of the most wonderful places to visit in Chikmagalur. This beautiful man-made lake is awe-striking for every spectator in Chikmagalur and must not be missed while visiting Chikmagalur tourist places. It was built as a source to supply water for drinking and irrigation purposes to the town of Chikmagalur. The lake is encompassed by gorgeous surroundings and offers a serene retreat for people coming along with friends and family wishing to have a great time.Hirekolale Lake offers the most mesmerising views of the landscape at the time of twilight when the most number of travelers flock here. It is a delight for photography lovers who are looking to add an idyllic sunset shot to their travel albums. One can also appreciate the exceptional views of Mullayanagiri Hills from Hirekolale Lake.• Location: Hirekolale lake, Chickmagaluru, Karnataka• Best Time to visit: Hirekolale lake can be visited throughout the year. However, tourists are advised to visit this lake during twilight for the best experience.• Entry fee: Free• Timings:  It is open 24 hours• Distance from Chikmagalur Bus Stand: It is located at an approximate distance of 10 kilometres from Chikmaglur Bus Stand.