A hill station located in Karnataka, southwest of India. Elevated at 3200 feet, backdrop of majestic Mullayangiri ranges and lush greenery sprawling across city. Chikmagalur is translated as “young daughter’s town”.  It was among unexplored destination for longer duration, off late due to its favorable weather and picturesque landscape, it has turned into a gateway for tourists. As it is located in environ untouched you must visit, less crowded place and aromatic coffee in air, makes it a place for lifetime. This place will amaze you water cascading from plethora of waterfalls in city. Entire region is covered with abundant flora and fauna density. Chikmagalur can bewilder you with its offerings. If you are a sport enthusiast you can trek on so many surreal landscapes. If you are a food connoisseur then delectable food and aromatic coffee will leave you satiated. If you are a nature admirer then solitude and tranquility will not disappoint you. If you are a photographer then hone your skills. Chikmagalur in one stop destination for every genre. It’s has several stories attached to its coffee origin and waterfall origins. A land gifted by saints and their devotion, it has been bestowed with pleasant weather throughout year. It has several resorts and hotels built between dense forests and majestic view of Mullayangiri hills. There are estates and coffee plantation tours organized by several private properties, don’t forget to indulge in tasting some. Let’s dive in to understand Chikmagalur more.

HISTORY

“Young daughter’s town” it has derived it’s name from a very intriguing history. This town was gifted as a dowry to youngest daughter of legendary chief Rukmangada who ruled Sakrepatna. Another part of town was gifted to eldest daughter now known as Hiremaglur. It’s also believed Baba-Budan a Muslim saint came to Chikmagalur with coffee beans. Hence he gifted it with salubrious climate and coffee cultivation. Many citizens believe coffee was first made and produced in Chikmagalur in whole world. 

CULTURE, FOLK DANCE AND FESTIVALS

Chikmagalur is much more just then a hill station and coffee plantation. As one of the most alluring and tranquilizing place it is rich in culture as well. Inhibiting traditions and rituals from days of Mahabharata and Ramayana, it is believed Agraharas was a educational and cultural center. 
Folk dances are prominently performed of several occasions DOLLU KUNITHA AND VEERAGASE KUNITHA are two gutsy and elegant dance form. State takes pride in performing and nurturing these dance forms along with Bharatnatyam. Several folk dramas and cultural events are organized in city extremely captivating. 
KAILASH FAIR is celebrated with grandeur devoted to Lord Shiva. Citizens believe Lord Shiva appeared here in the form of Lingam stone. Suggi babba, Kori Katta and Bhuta Kola are three another festival celebrated for deities Shiva and Parvati. Dance forms like Alu Kunita and Bete Kunita are performed. 

CURATING COFFEE

As tale unfolds Baba Budan Giri sow 7 coffee seeds which he bought with him from Mecca. After that coffee was grown in region by Maharaja Krishna Raja. He gave land and established norms in region to cultivate coffee. Chikmagalur is a place  with invigorating aroma, don’t miss opportunity to take a whiff of some. 
PANDURANGA COFFEE is liked with cow milk, it is extremely strong and aromatic. They are home grown beans in backyards. Available at Taj Gardens Retreat. 
ARABICA COFFEE is little brown in color can be considered as a bed coffee. It’s a punch of refreshing sweetness and coffee. Available at Eagle Eye Holidays.
VANILLA COFFEE is vanilla seed dipped in coffee and served with a blend of coffee and vanilla in one cup. Available at Jungle Greens.
BLENDED COFFEE  is a mixture of two coffees. Arabica coffee and robusta coffee are painstakingly  roasted and mostly served as cold coffee with a dash of cinnamon. Available at Woodway State. 
MYSORE COFFEE extremely strong and roasted with perfection and impeccable care makes it a go for headstrong desires. Available at Riverwoods. 

MUST TRY DELICACIES 

Food connoisseur can be bowled over by exemplary cuisine of Chikmagalur. Not only landscape beauty and aromatic coffee it has lot more to offer. Filter coffee, Pathrode, Jack fruit dishees, Akki roti, Hesarubele Carrot Kosambari, Huli Avalakki and Chemnikayi Kadubu are few famous delicacies of town. Don’t miss to indulge and satisfy your taste buds. There are several local restaurants and quaint cafes in Chikmagalur to serve authenticity of city. 

PLACES TO VISIT

KUDREMUKH NATIONAL PARK: Kudre means horse and mukh means head so Kudremukh means horse head. It is believed to have shape of horse head. Located at 1800 feet elevation this national park is major attraction in Chikmagalur. Yearly favorable weather and containing several tiger and fauna reserves. It is a mammoth national which is subdivided in 4 parts and have 3 rivers flowing within. Take a whole day in itinerary to cover this scintillating park. 

HEBBE FALLS: A natural blessing for Chikmagalur, hebbe falls are is tranquil, serene and surreal experience in majestic mountains. Copious herbs and coffee plantation in nearby area and water gushing through it, and water flowing contains natural herbs. To reach here you need to cover a trek of 8 kilometers. Famous picnic destination is also known for trekking and camping.

DATTA PEETA (BABA BUDANGIRI): Named after Muslim saint Baba Budangiri this place is also known as Chandra Drona Parvath. It has several high mountain rises, Mullayangiri is the highest mountain peak in this region. It has three caves and it is a religious place in Chikmagalur. 

MULLAYANGIRI: It is one of the major and best tourist attraction of Chikmagalur. The stunning hills and environs plantation makes you feel like you are sitting on nature’s lap. It is one of the best trekking sites in entire south India. Do indulge in trekking or just tread across to imbibe so many hidden natural beauties. 

KALHATTI FALLS: Chikmagalur is contains many waterfalls that even on your way to city, you might see water gushing through narrow steep mountains. Kalhatti waterfall is a nature delight, water cascading with full flow and Drona hills cover surroundings. There is a small Shiva temple. You can just go and appreciate spellbound nature. 

BHADRA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: Bhadra wildlife sanctuary is a  national tiger reserve located at northwest of Chikmagalur. It has 33 tigers and several flora and fauna species. It is considered to be a day outing. 

MANIKYADHARA FALLS: Manikyadhara waterfall is another major tourist attraction of Chikmagalur. A place for family and friends it has pristine therapeutic water cascading  through rocks in Shola forest. It is believed Sufi saint Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar visited this place and couldn’t find water, so he prayed and waterfall cascaded. Hence it is a holy place and water remains cold throughout year. 

KADAMBI FALL: Located near Kudremukh national park, this fl is another fall to take you near to nature. Who needs a companion when you are accompanied by mesmerizing nature. Kadambi fall is one such place, lush green forests and calmness around makes it desirable. 

MAHATMA GANDHI PARK: Also known as Ratnagiri Bore, thid is a forest which was converted into a park. A well designed and curated park shares forest with Mullayangiri site. Gandhi park is located just near Nehru rose garden with view of 250 species of roses. 

 KODANDA RAMASWAMY TEMPLE: If you are captivated by architectural exquisite sites then this is your place. A temple built in 14th century built in Hoysala design has three different parts- Navgraha Shrine, Mukhamantapa and last entrance of this temple. 

BHADRA RIVER: If you want to see pristine water and just relax then you can go and visit to Bhadra river. Rafting is also organised by many operators. 

HOW TO REACH 

• AIRPORT: Nearest airport to Chikmagalur is Mangalore airport at a distance of 113 km. Hire a cab right outside airport. 
• RAILWAY: It has its own junction falling on South Western Railway Zone. If you are unable to find a direct train then you can hop at Mangalore junction. 
• ROAD: National Highway 75 connects to Chikmagalur. Buses from Bangalore and Mangalore operate on almost daily basis. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

September to May is the best time to visit Chikmagalur. 
• SUMMER: Temperature hovers from 23°c to 34°c ( sunny days)
• RAIN: Temperature hovers from 15°c to 24°c ( Moderate rainfall)
• WINTERS: Temperature hovers from 12°c to 20°c ( Pleasantly cold)