Chikmagalur is a scenic and serene hill town located in the Mullayanagiri range in the state of Karnataka. This town is known for its lush green forests and tall mountains. The presence of a large coffee plantation in this town only adds more greenery to this extremely scenic town. According to a myth this town was gifted to the younger daughter of the chief of SakrepatnaRukmangada as dowry. Apart from its natural beauty this town is also popular for religious sites such as Kondadarama Temple, Joseph’s Cathederal, Jamia Mosque etc. So if you are looking to enjoy natural beauty as well as to gain an understanding of the cultural aspects of the society then “Chikmagalur” is certainly a town that you need to visit.
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How to reach Chikmagalur ?
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Chikmagalur Map
By train:
The nearest railway stations are Kadur and Hassan. A newly constructed railway line connects Chikmagalur to various cities in the state via Kadur.
By road:
A number of state owned buses connect this town too many other places in and around Karnataka. Additionally, a number or private buses provide service from Mangalore, Hubli, Bangalore to Chikmagalur. Bangalore and Hubli are starting points that are located in close proximity to Chikmagalur.
a. How to reach Chikmagalur from Bangalore : The shortest route to reach Chikmagalur from Bangalore is via NH75 as depicted in the map above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
b. How to reach Chikmagalur from Hubli : The fastest route from Hubli to Chikmagalur is via NH 48 and the route map is depicted above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
By flight:
The closest domestic airport is the Mangalore airport while the closest international airport is the Bangalore airport. It is the Bangalore airport that is well connected to all major Indian cities.
Climate and the best time to visit Chikmagalur Hills
This scenic town has cool climatic conditions with temperatures during summer (March to May) varying from 32 degrees minimum to 35 degrees maximum. While during winters which begins in December and ends in February the temperature varies from 14 degrees minimum and 32 degrees maximum. During monsoons which begin in June and end in September the rainfall received is heavy and it is during this period that beautiful waterfalls can be observed. With the overall climatic conditions in Chikmagalur being moderate this beautiful town can be visited throughout the year.
Places to Visit Around Chikmagalur
Baba BudanGiri: Located 28 kilometers north of Chikmagalur, this peak was named after the Muslim Saint Baba Budan. Some others say that this peak has a close connection with Guru Dattatreya, a Hindu god and hence the place is considered holy by both the Muslims and the Hindus. There are three caves in this peak. You will also get a view of a variety of exotic birds from this peak. The Manikvadhara waterfall is located nearby. The dual shrine temple of Seethala-Mallikarjuna is another prime attraction, situated closely.
Horanadu: This is the site of the ancient temple of Goddess Annapoorneshwari, which has been renamed as Adi-ShaktyatmakaShriAnnapoorneshwari. The reigning idol of the temple has four hands, each holding Gayathri mantra, Chakra, Sri Chakra, and Shanka. The surrounding dense woods and verdant valleys are a real treat for the eyes.
Kudremukh and Kudremukh National Park: This national park overlooks the azure Arabian Sea. This place is rich in iron ore deposits. It is named so due to the peculiar shape of the Kudremukh peak.
Kemmangundi: Beautifully encompassed by thick forests, this was the summer camp of the Wodeyar King, KrishnarajaWodeyar. This place is surrounded by Baba BudanGiri range. Rich in vegetation, it has some amazing gardens that offer clear vistas of the towering mountain peaks and the picturesque valleys. The beautiful Kallahathigiri falls is located within a short distance. On crossing the waterfall, you will come across the old Veerabhadra temple, devoted to Lord Shiva.
Other places of interest include Halebid, Belur, Hassan, Bhadra, Sakleshpur, Sringeri, Sravanabelagola, KukkeSubramanya, Agumbe, Mangalore, and Karkala These places consists of innumerable attractions.
Accommodation – Hotels, Resorts and Home Stays in and around Chikmagalur :
Click on the link here to check out the places to stay near Chikmagalur, Karnataka on Google Maps.
Also Read: TEN POPULAR HILLS STATIONS AROUND BANGALORE