Chikmagalur

Overview:

Stationed at the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range is the popular weekend getaway – Chikmagalur. This small town is in Chikkamagaluru district in the south-western part of Karnataka state in India. The popular hill station of Chikmagalur is renowned for their fertile valleys with coffee plantations and scenic landscapes. The first coffee beans that were planted at Chikmagalur were brought by Baba Budan Giri from West-Asia. The Baba’s shrine is on top of the hills in the region. Until 1947 the district of Chickmagalur was called as Kadur district. Major portions of the district, is 'malnad' which translates into ‘a largely forested hilly region with heavy rainfall’. Chikmagalur City derives its name from the Kannada word "Chikkamagala Uru" which literally translates into ‘younger daughter's town’. Historically the city is believed to have had been presented as a dowry to the younger daughter of the legendary chief of Sakrepatna - Rukmangada. Another part of the district which was bestowed on the elder daughter is called as Hiremagalur. Some ancient inscriptions suggest that these two places were named as Kiriya-muguli and Piriya-muguli. Towards the south of the Baba-Budan hill range lies a fertile valley which is the centre of education, trade and commerce. A salubrious climate is enjoyed by Chikmagalur throughout the year. Venerated monuments of all religions can be found at Chikmagalur. A synthesis of Dravidian and Hoysala styles of architecture is reflected by the Kodandarama temple, the new St. Joseph's Cathedral with its attractive shell-shaped portico and the Jamia Mosque. A 1.22 metre high curious rotund figure of Jademuni can be seen at the Ishwara temple in Hiremagalur, which is now part of Chickmagalaur town. King Janamejaya installed a Yoopastambha during his serpent sacrifice at the temple. There is also a a Kali shrine and a Parashurama temple. Tourists vacationing in south India might also wish to make a short trip to Chikmagalur, which is located at a distance of around 245 kilometers from the state capital. While travelling from Bangalore to Chikmagalur people prefer car rentals, so they can travel comfortably and at leisure. The trip from Bangalore to Chikmagalur by car rentals takes about 5-6 hours by car. Some tourists like to rent a car for the entire duration of their stay in Chikmagalur so that they always have a vehicle at their service, which makes travelling within and around the town easy.

Places of Interest:

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Chikmagalur is Baba BudanGiri. The place is of religious importance to both Hindus and Muslims because it is associated with the saint Baba Budan as well as the Hindu deity Guru Dattatreya. Situated 1895 metres above the sea level, it is also known as Dattagiri.

Another major sightseeing spot in Chikmagalur is Horanadu. Nestled in the Western Ghats, around 100 kilometres from Chikmagalur, Horanadu is famous for a temple dedicated to Annapoorneshwari. The way to the temple passes through valleys and dense forests, thus offering beautiful scenic views.

Manikyadhara Falls near Baba BudanGiri Hills also attracts umpteen numbers of visitors. The name literally translates to ‘a string of pearls’. The water from the falls is considered to have medicinal properties. Yet another tourist spot in Chikmagalur is the Ayyanekere Lake. The cool atmosphere around the lake is both refreshing and invigorating. Other places of tourist interest in Chikmagalur include Kudremukh National Park, Vidyasankara Temple, Kalahatti Falls, Hebbe Falls, and SringeriSharadhaPeetha among others.

Things to do:

A range of adventure activities can be undertaken at Chikmagalur such as wildlife viewing, bird watching, trekking and pilgrimage. Chikmagalur is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The famous Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of approximately 30 kilometers from the city. In the cusp of the lofty hills of the Western Ghats, elephants and tigers are the main highlights of this wildlife sanctuary. Additionally gaur, sambar, spotted deer,, panther, mouse deer, barking deer, wild dog, mongoose, sloth bear, wild boar, porcupine, jackal and langur’s can be spotted roaming around in the sanctuary. It is also a good place for bird watching.

Renowned for its coffee, variants of coffee beans can be purchased at the Market Road in Chikmagalur. Uniquely flavoured varieties of Robusta and Arabica coffee have been developed by the National Coffee Research Station. Tourists with a preference for decaffeinated coffee can purchase the Arabica strain. Renowned for their distinctive strong flavor the Robusta coffee beans of Chikmagalur are even exported to other countries. Chikmagalur is not a place for picking up souvenirs or fancy shopping.

A former royal hill station of the Wodeyars, Kemmannagundi is at a distance of 58 kilometers from Chikmagalur. This interesting hill station offers captivating views with typically aromatic coffee estates snuggled high up in the hills, tall silver oak trees and rolling green hills that rejuvenates your mind, body, and soul.

A multitude of restaurants ranging from small budget hotels to luxurious hotels can be found in Chikmagalur. The various cafeterias that are sprinkled around in the city offer delectable preparations of the fragrant brew.

The main festivals which are celebrated in Chikmagalur with great pomp and show are Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi. Chikmagalur, Suggi Habba, Kori Katta or cock fight and Bhuta Kola are other festivals apart from the other two main festivals.