Chikmagalur is in Chikkamaguluru district in Karnataka. This is the famous hill station. Chikmagalur is known as Coffee Land. Word Chikmagalur means Land of Younger daughter. A small story related to this name. Rukmangada; Chief of Sakrepatna gifted this land as dowry on the occasion of his young daughter. Hiremagulur place is gifted by Rukmangada to his elder daughter. Coffee cultivation is started in 1670 by Babu Budan a Muslim Saint. He bought coffee seeds from Yemen. This place is famous not only for coffee plantation but also for Pilgrimage, Trekking and Wildlife.
What to see in Chikmagalur:
Mahatma Gandhi Park: Earlier it was a forest but now it is converted in to a garden. In the amphitheatre several cultural, music, art events conducted. More than 250 varieties of rose plants are available. Toy attracts children.
Baba Budan Giri Hills: This place is famous for trekking and Hiking. It is also a pilgrim place to both Hindus and Muslims.
Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple: There are 3 parts in the temple. In the 14th century Navagraha was built, in 16th century Mukhamanatapa was built and in 17th century entrance of the temple was built. This was built in Hoysala architectural style.
What to see around Chikmagalur:
Central Coffee Research Institution: with the intension to give the solutions to the problems such as leaf diseases which are affecting coffee plants. It is situated in Chikmagalur and it was established in 1915. Area occupied by this institution is 130 hectares. Out of these 130 hectares, 80.26 hectares are used for the cultivation of Robusta and Arabian coffee. It is located 34kms away from Chikmagalur.
Mullayanagiri: It is the highest peak in Karnataka. This place is one of the best places for trekking. It is situated 22kms away from Chikmagalur.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located 38kms away from Chikmagalur. Large varieties of Flora and Fauna can be seen here. Area covered by this sanctuary is 29.90 sq.miles. More than 120 plant species can be found here. Few are Toddy Palm, White Teak, Kadam, Slow Match tree etc… Major attractions of fauna are spotted deer, Sambar, Jackal, Wild dog, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar etc…
Hebbe Falls: It is located 60kms away from Chikmagalur. But from Kemmangundi, Karnataka it is just 10kms away. These waterfalls are divided into 2 falls such as Chikka Hebbe means Small Hebbe and Dodda Hebbe means big falls.
Getting to Chikmagalur: This place is well connected with road ways. From the cities such as Hassan, Hubli, Mangalore, Bangalore buses are available to reach Chikmagalur. Kudur is the nearest railway station which is located 40kms away from Chikmagalur. At Mangalore, nearest airport is located which is 160kms away from Chikmagalur.
Getting around Chikmagalur: Autos, Taxis, Jeep and buses are available to visit the places around Chikmagalur. To enjoy the nature and to visit the places of tea and coffee plantations preferring jeep is the best option.
Best time to visit Chikmagalur: Knowing pleasant and best season to visit this place is essential to visit the places in and around Chikmagalur. Best time to visit Chikmagalur is between September to April.
Where to stay in Chikmagalur: Budget, midrange and luxury hotels are available to stay in Chikmagalur. Few resorts are also available to stay in Chikmagalur. Both midrange and luxury hotels are providing recreation facilities for the children. Best hotels in Chikmagalur are The Gateway hotel KM Road, Coffee country stay, The Serai Mugthihalli.
Where to eat in Chikmagalur: Plenty of restaurants are available to eat in Chikmagalur. In this place visitors can find five star hotels also. All the restaurants serve local cuisine. Name of this local food is Malanadu. Famous food in this place is kaikadbu and Akki Roti. Both Indian and international cuisines are available in Chikmagalur.