20 Places to Visit in Chikmagalur: Explore Coffee Plantations, Waterfalls, and Temples

Ever wondered where you can wake up to the smell of fresh coffee while mountains hug you from all sides? Chikmagalur is that place. This Karnataka gem offers endless coffee estates, peaks that touch clouds, and waterfalls that steal your breath away. Finding the best places to visit in Chikmagalur can feel overwhelming because there’s just so much packed into this corner of India. This guide breaks down 20 must-see spots, from coffee plantations to ancient temples, making trip planning actually enjoyable instead of stressful.

Coffee Estates

Understanding Chikmagalur without walking through its coffee estates is impossible. These plantations aren’t just farms; they’re the beating heart of everything this place stands for.

1. Coffee Plantations

Walking through a coffee plantation here feels almost meditative. Visitors walk under towering silver oak trees, learning how tiny beans transform into that morning cup of joy. The guides show everything from pulping to drying, and nothing beats sipping freshly brewed coffee right at the source.

Best Time for a Tour:

November to February works brilliantly because you catch the post-harvest processing in action.

Key Highlights:

Guided walks that actually teach something, proper coffee tasting sessions, and incredible plantation homestays surrounded by coffee plants.

Things to Know:

Staying at a homestay in Karnataka within these estates is highly recommended. Waking up to that view is unforgettable.

Once visitors soak in the coffee culture, the mountains start calling. Chikmagalur’s peaks rank among the best places to visit in Chikmagalur for trek lovers.

Trekking Peaks & Viewpoints

Chikmagalur’s trekking trails are a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Each peak offers a unique panorama, from mist-covered valleys to sprawling coffee estates below. Popular routes like Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri challenge your stamina while rewarding you with breathtaking sunrise views.

2. Mullayanagiri Peak

At 1,930 meters, Mullayanagiri doesn’t just give views; it gives perspective. This is Karnataka’s highest peak, and yes, the trek challenges a bit, but reaching the top makes every steep step worthwhile. A small ancient temple up there adds a spiritual layer to the whole experience.

Best Time to Visit:

September to March brings clear skies and comfortable trekking weather. Skip the monsoon unless slippery trails sound fun.

Key Highlights:

Karnataka’s highest point with 360-degree views that make jaws drop.

Entry Fee:

None. Just bring energy and good shoes.

3. Baba Budangiri

This mountain range tells a beautiful story of religious harmony. Named after the Sufi saint Baba Budan, the place draws both Hindus and Muslims to the Dattatreya Peetha cave shrine. The drive itself is stunning with winding roads and sweeping vistas. If timing works out, visitors might see the Neelakurinji flowers painting the hills blue. They bloom once every 12 years, so that’s genuinely rare.

Best Time to Visit:

September to February.

Timing it with Dattatreya Jayanti or the Urs festival adds the full cultural experience.

Key Highlights:

Religious harmony in action, that scenic drive everyone talks about, and those legendary blue flowers.

Things to Know:

The terrain gets rugged. Comfortable shoes aren’t a suggestion; they’re essential.

4. Kudremukh National Park

“Horse’s Face” is what Kudremukh means, and the peak’s shape explains why. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a biodiversity goldmine. Trekking through shola grasslands and evergreen forests, visitors might spot the Malabar giant squirrel if they’re quiet and lucky. The final view of that mist-covered, uniquely shaped peak makes the challenging trail feel like a small price to pay.

Best Time to Visit:

October to February, or just after monsoon for trekking. They close the park during peak monsoon for safety.

Key Highlights:

UNESCO status, challenging trek with stunning rewards, and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Entry Fee:

Yes, and prior permission from the Forest Department is mandatory for trekking. Plan ahead.

5. Kemmangundi (K.R. Hills)

The former Maharaja of Mysore developed this gem, and his taste shows. Kemmangundi is gentler than other peaks with manicured gardens, fragrant roses, and peaceful streams. It’s genuinely one of the top places to visit in Chikmagalur for family outings because everyone can enjoy it without needing trekking expertise.

Best Time to Visit:

Year-round, though September to March feels most pleasant.

Key Highlights:

Those Raj Bhavan gardens, rock gardens, and nature walks that don’t leave you gasping.

Entry Fee:

A small fee for the garden area. Worth every rupee.

6. Z Point

If you’re already at Kemmangundi, Z Point is right there waiting. The trek is short enough that beginners

If you’re already at Kemmangundi, Z Point is right there waiting. The trek is short enough that beginners manage fine, but the viewpoint? Spectacular. Watching sunrise or sunset from here, with deep green valleys stretching endlessly below, creates memories that stick long after leaving.

Best Time to Visit:

Early morning for sunrise people, evening for sunset lovers.

Key Highlights:

That spectacular viewpoint and a trek that won’t destroy you.

Entry Fee:

Usually included in Kemmangundi’s entry fee.

From these heights, the journey drops down to Chikmagalur’s waterfalls, places where falling water becomes almost hypnotic.

Majestic Waterfalls

The Western Ghats bless Chikmagalur with waterfalls that roar to life during monsoon. Each one has its own personality and its own charm.

7. Hebbe Falls

Deep inside a coffee estate within Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Hebbe Falls plunges 551 feet in two spectacular tiers. Local belief says the water picks up medicinal properties as it flows through herbs and plants on its way down. Getting there involves an exciting jeep ride through the estate, making the whole thing feel like an adventure.

Best Time to Visit:

July to December, when monsoon has just finished and the falls are at their most powerful.

Entry & Access:

You’re entering a private coffee estate, so there’s a jeep ride fee plus entry fee. Budget for both.

Key Highlights:

Two tiers (Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe), and water that locals swear has healing properties.

8. Jhari Falls (Buttermilk Falls)

The name “Buttermilk Falls” makes perfect sense when you see that frothy white water gushing down. Jhari Falls sits in the heart of a private coffee estate, surrounded by dense greenery. People love swimming here, and it’s brilliant for picnics if you want a lazy afternoon surrounded by nature.

Best Time to Visit:

During and after monsoon (July-December) when the flow is strong.

Entry & Access:

Around ₹100 per person, plus a jeep ride through the estate to reach it.

Key Highlights:

That frothy white water that earned it the “buttermilk” nickname, and swimming opportunities.

9. Manikyadhara Falls

Near the Dattatreya Peetha on Baba Budangiri hills, this waterfall carries spiritual weight. The water falls in a continuous stream that looks like a string of pearls (Manikya), and legend says bathing under it can heal skin ailments. The serene atmosphere draws visitors to resorts in Chikmagalur.

Best Time to Visit:

September to February.

Entry Fee:

None.

Key Highlights:

Sacred waterfall, believed healing powers, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely peaceful.

10. Kallathigiri Falls (Kalhatti Falls)

A waterfall thundering down 122 meters right beside an ancient Veerabhadreshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva creates something truly special. That combination of raw natural power and ancient spirituality attracts both pilgrims and tourists.

Best Time to Visit:

September to February.

Entry Fee:

None.

Key Highlights:

Waterfall meets temple, with mythological stories woven throughout.

From the roaring waterfalls, the path shifts to quieter spaces where spirituality and history whisper their stories.

Temples & Heritage Sites

Chikmagalur carries centuries of culture and spirituality in its temples and heritage sites. These aren’t just tourist spots; they’re living connections to the past.

11. Sringeri Sharada Peetham

A short drive from Chikmagalur takes you to one of India’s most important monastic institutions. Adi Shankaracharya established this in the 8th century, and it remains a center of learning and peace. The setting on the Tunga River banks, combined with magnificent temple architecture, draws both spiritual seekers and architecture enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit:

Year-round, though September to March offers the most comfortable weather.

Temple Timings:

Roughly 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Key Highlights:

Ancient monastic institution with a peaceful riverside setting.

12. Amruteshvara Temple, Amruthapura

This 12th-century Hoysala temple deserves way more attention than it gets. While Belur and Halebidu steal the spotlight, Amruthapura quietly showcases intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. The detail work on the soapstone is absolutely stunning, testament to Hoysala artisans’ incredible skill.

Best Time to Visit:

September to March.

Temple Timings:

Approximately 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Key Highlights:

Exquisite Hoysala architecture without the crowds you’d face elsewhere.

13. Chennakesava Temple, Belur

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece you can’t miss. The intricate sculptures here, particularly the famous “Darpana Sundari” (Lady with a Mirror), showcase Hoysala craftsmanship at its absolute peak. Visitors find themselves staring at details for ages, finding something new every time they look.

Best Time to Visit:

September to March for comfortable exploration.

Key Highlights:

UNESCO status and intricate architecture that leaves people speechless.

14. Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu

Near Belur sits another UNESCO site, and though it’s unfinished, many consider the Hoysaleswara Temple the supreme example of Hoysala craftsmanship. The walls are absolutely covered with meticulously carved sculptures. It’s one of India’s most detailed temples, and visitors could spend hours just taking it all in.

Best Time to Visit:

September to March.

Key Highlights:

UNESCO site with incredibly detailed sculptures covering every surface.

15. Kodandarama Swamy Temple, Hiremagalur

Believed to be one of South India’s first temples dedicated to Lord Rama, this ancient site holds deep religious significance. The architecture and peaceful atmosphere offer a welcome break from more crowded tourist spots among the places to visit in Chikmagalur.

Best Time to Visit:

September to March.

Temple Timings:

Approximately 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Key Highlights:

Ancient temple with a tranquil, spiritual ambiance.

After all that culture and adventure, some serenity sounds good. Chikmagalur’s lakes and wildlife sanctuaries offer exactly that.

Lakes and Wildlife Sanctuaries

For a complete change of pace, these tranquil lakes and thriving wildlife sanctuaries showcase Chikmagalur’s diverse ecosystems.

16. Hirekolale Lake

This man-made lake is a photographer’s paradise, especially as the sun sets. The still waters mirror the surrounding hills, including the Mullayanagiri range, creating reflections that look almost unreal. Perfect for a leisurely walk or just sitting quietly and soaking it all in.

Best Time to Visit:

Early morning or evening for the best views and photography light.

Entry Fee:

None.

Key Highlights: Perfect reflections of surrounding hills, stunning sunset views.

17. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildlife enthusiasts absolutely need to safari through Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Part of the Bhadra Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats, this protected area is home to tigers, leopards, gaurs, elephants, and spectacular birdlife. It’s thrilling to glimpse Chikmagalur’s wild heart.

Best Time to Visit:

October to March for the best wildlife spotting opportunities.

Key Highlights:

Tiger Reserve, jeep safaris, rich birdlife and animal sightings.

18. Ayyanakere Lake

Known as the “Lake on the Foot of the Hill,” Ayyanakere is one of the region’s largest lakes. The Chola kings built this ancient lake, and today it sits serenely surrounded by hills and fields. Brilliant spot for picnics and enjoying Chikmagalur’s calm, rural landscape.

Best Time to Visit:

September to March.

Entry Fee:

None.

Key Highlights:

Large ancient lake perfect for picnics and rural scenery.

To complete your understanding of what makes Chikmagalur tick, the Coffee Museum provides the perfect, informative conclusion.

Understanding the Bean: Coffee Museum

19. Coffee Museum

For a structured look at what makes this region special, visit the Coffee Museum in Chikmagalur town. Visitors learn about coffee’s history in India, cultivation methods, and various brewing techniques. Starting your trip here gives context for everything you’ll see in the plantations later.

Best Time to Visit:

Year-round because it’s indoors.

Key Highlights:

Complete history of coffee in India and the bean-to-cup journey.

20. Kyatanamakki Hill Station

This hidden gem in the Kudremukh range offers stunning valley views and great camping opportunities. The drive to Kyatanamakki alone is worth it as you pass through dense forests and coffee plantations. It’s one of those places to visit in Chikmagalur that still feels undiscovered.

Best Time to Visit:

September to March.

Key Highlights:

Scenic views, camping and trekking opportunities, fewer crowds.

From Exploration to Relaxation: Let Malnad Stays Be Your Guide

Now you’ve got this comprehensive list of places to visit in Chikmagalur. The final piece? Finding the right place to relax fter all that trekking, waterfall chasing, and temple hopping. You deserve a comfortable, authentic retreat.

That’s where Malnad Stays comes in. We specialize in booking the perfect resorts in Karnataka and homestays in and around Chikmagalur. Picture waking up in a cozy homestay nestled within a coffee estate, with the aroma of coffee beans drifting through your window. Or unwinding in a luxurious resort with a pool overlooking misty hills.

If you need a family-friendly resort with activities for kids, a romantic hideaway for couples, or an adventurous campsite for your friends, Malnad Stays has a curated portfolio to match. Let us handle your accommodation, so you can focus entirely on exploring these incredible places to visit in Chikmagalur and creating memories that’ll last a lifetime. Start planning your Chikmagalur adventure today.