Translating to Young Daughter’s Town, Chikmagalur is one of the most rampant coffee cultivating spots in India. A retreat for lovers of this beverage and cool misty hills, it is the perfect scenic getaway speckled with heritage spots and adventure activities. Located in southwest India, Chikmagalur is also known for being a melting pot of different religions and cultures. Elevated at the height of 3,400 feet, there are many things to do in Chikmagalur. This place will transport you to a magical land of tranquillity.
Whether you are planning an adventure-filled vacation or a laid-back holiday, there are a variety of things to do in Chikmagalur for both adults and kids. Chikmagalur is also a popular trekking option as it is home to the highest mountain range of Karnataka, Mullayanagiri.
Although Chikmagalur has a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year with the temperature ranging between 14 °C and 32 °C, the best time to visit Chikmagalur is from September to May. Check out this list of exciting things to do in Chikmagalur to make your weekend getaway blissful with your friends and family.
Also Read: Best places to visit in Chikmagalur
Here Are The Top 10 Things To Do In Chikmagalur
1. Refresh Your Taste Buds: Coffee Estates
An easy stroll through the lush green coffee plantations among the deep bushes of wild coffee and eye catching fauna is one of the best things to do in Chikmagalur. You can get a chance to understand the seasons, variety, history and processes of coffee making through the walks organised by the coffee plantation owners. Offering a brilliant atmosphere for both outdoor junkies and those who like some quiet time, this activity will ensure that you get a memorable experience. Along with miles of stunning views and the accompaniment of coffee, birding enthusiasts can also spot various avian species here. If you have never tasted authentic coffee, make sure to visit these coffee estates in Chikmagalur from Mid-December to Mid-January for a true experience. The timings to visit these sites vary depending on the coffee plantation you are visiting.
2. Play A Round Or Two: Golfing
Not many people know that Chikmagalur is an ideal destination for a golfing holiday. With a guest pass, you can access the well maintained 9-hole golf course and an equally impressive club-house at the Chikmagalur golf club. Lying at the foot of the Babubudanagiri range across the Western Ghats, it is a serene setting for golfers to relax and unwind in the soothing environs of the course. Frequented by international golfers as well as tourists, it makes for a perfect weekend retreat. Playing a round or more of golf at these green pastures is among the top things to do in Chikmagalur. Costing INR 70 for the 9-hole and INR 200 for a golf set per hour, it is open every day from 6.30 AM to 6.30 PM.
3. Paddle Your Way Through Nerve-Wracking Currents: River Rafting
Skirting around the hills of Chikmagalur, the river Bhadra is an apt spot to add an adventure twist like white water rafting to your holiday. Besides providing a wonderful backdrop, this 8 km long stretch of sparkling river provides an exhilarating experience of rafting on rapids of levels 3 to 5 and is the best thing to do in Chikmagalur. Suited for both beginners as well as experienced rafting enthusiasts, the Magundi to Balehole segment is the most popular spot filled with ample rapids to manoeuvre. Rope in some adventure loving friends along with you and paddle your way through the nerve-wracking currents in the volatile waters of the river. The best time to visit Chikmagalur to hit the rapids is from June to October when the river is in its most thrilling form. Although the timings can vary according to the tour agencies, the average cost of river rafting in the River Bhadra is between INR 1,800 to INR 3,500.
4. Revitalise Your Body And Mind: Trekking
Trekking is one of the best things to do in Chikmagalur and offers scenic views of nature with an exotic collection of flora and fauna. On your pursuit to the top, you will be passing through waterfalls, coffee estates, dense forests, and grassy meadows. Additionally, the calming ambience of the trail is sure to bring a feeling of revitalisation to your body and mind. With a range of trekking trails for beginners and professionals, Chikmagalur trekking includes Kudremukh trek, Kumara Parvatha trek, Sakleshpur trek, and several others. The trekking trails range between an altitude of 1,000 and 4,000 metres. You can create everlasting memories with your friends and family on these paradisiacal treks. The best time to go trekking in Chikmagalur is from September to March as the climatic conditions are quite favourable. The timings and fees vary according to the tour agencies.
5. Create Unforgettable Memories: Camping
Chikmagalur enjoys the reputation of being blessed with picturesque campsites, making it one of the top things to do in Chikmagalur and one of the most sought after getaways in Karnataka. You can gaze at the starry night, make new memories with your friends and family, share stories around a bonfire, and breathe in the untainted atmosphere of Chikmagalur while camping here. Whether you prefer to indulge in trekking and pitching your tent on the slopes of Kyatanamakki Hill or pair your camping experience with adventure sports in proximity to the Hemavathi river, there is a diverse range of campsites here. The timings and price vary depending on how long you want to stay and on the tour agencies.
6. For All The Thrill Seekers: Kayaking
Chikmagalur is famous for hosting a wide set of adventurous activities like kayaking that guarantee you the best time of your life with your loved ones. They are all conducted with the provision of lifejackets and safety protocols. Regarded as one of the best things to do in Chikmagalur to channel your inner adventure junkie, kayaking is available at the Bhadra dam. With no restriction to age groups, any person who is physically fit and sound can avail this activity. The best time to savor the picture-perfect surroundings in Chikmagalur through kayaking is in the month of October as the river will be in its fullest form. Costing around INR 400-500, you can visit this place at any time between 8.30 AM and 5.30 PM.
7. An Electrifying Experience: Jet Skiing
Among the top things to do in Chikmagalur is jet skiing at Yagachi Dam, an electrifying activity that will enhance your overall holiday experience. Offering a diverse range of water sports, the dam is an ideal destination for jet skiing where you can experience a top-notch thrill. With high-quality equipment and trained instructors, your safety is ensured during the activity and enhances your overall holiday experience. A striking destination for all adventure junkies visiting this hill station, jet skiing can be availed from sunrise to sunset and costs INR 300 per person.
8. Breathe In Fresh Air: Jeep Ride To Jhari Falls
Located near Attigundi, a jeep ride to Jhari Falls should top your list of offbeat things to do in Chikmagalur. Also known as the Buttermilk Falls, visiting this place on a jeep will be an unforgettable experience. Not only will you get to breathe in fresh air but also witness the beauty of the dense forests and coffee plantations that you will be passing through. Furthermore, you will also be able to experience the stunning waterfall. There is also a pool which has been formed in the lower part of the waterfall for the tourists to swim and play in the water and relax. The place is open from 8 AM to 5 PM and the jeep ride costs INR 600 allowing a maximum of 6 people.
9. Unwind Amidst Nature’s Beauty: Go Picnicking
A lesser-known gem of nature in Chikmagalur, Kalhatti Falls is one of the most popular destinations amongst religious travellers as there is a revered Hindu temple located beside it. Located within close proximity from Kemmangundi, the waterfall is known as the Kalahasti Falls by the locals. A great spot for a picnic with your loved ones, as well as, a light swim with your gang in the cold waters at the base, the tranquillity here will leave you amazed. It is a perfect place to break away from the monotony of city life and unwind amidst nature’s beauty. Providing a serene environment to its visitors, a picnic at Kalhatti Falls is one of the best things to do in Chikmagalur. The place is open from 8 AM to 6 PM and has no entry fee.
10. A Special Experience: Neelakurinji Blooms
Covered by a spectacular carpet of purplish blue flowers, this stretch of the Western Ghats of India provides a fabulous opportunity to witness neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years. Used by the tribals to assess their age, the botanical name of the shrub is Strobilanthes Kunthiana. These blooms cover the complete hillside, and Chikmagalur is one of the few destinations in India where travellers from all parts of the country converge to see this phenomena. Usually blooming in late April and May, the flower now blooms in the months of September to November as the seasons have become erratic over the years. They last bloomed in 2019, and this phenomena is one of the best things to do and experience in Chikmagalur.
Also read: Top 13 most rare flowers in the world
Why Should You Visit Chikmagalur?
Famous for its dense forests and misty mountains, Chikmagalur is indeed one of the most beautiful hill stations in Karnataka. With places like Jhari Falls and Yagachi dam, and many things to do in Chikmagalur like trekking, and river rafting, it is certainly worth visiting. What adds to the beauty of Chikmagalur is the combination of tranquil environment, lush greenery, and misty mountains.
Offering a plethora of adventure activities, you will also need to keep in mind to carry appropriate clothes while traveling to Chikmagalur. While most travellers are responsible, you can educate and set an example to others who might be littering the place. By doing so, we are going to not only preserve the environment but also encourage a more mature idea of holidaying altogether.
Located in Karnataka, Chikmagalur is a very safe place for tourists. The hill station has friendly locals, low crime rates, and a readily available transportation system round the clock. The cheapest and most eco-friendly way to get around the city is by using the local buses. Amongst plentiful things to do in Chikmagalur, make sure you add these exciting activities to your itinerary to enhance your holiday experience in Chikmagalur.
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