Things to Do in Chikmagalur

Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, India with a towering height of 6330 feet This panoramic hilltop is nestled in the eastern region of Chandra Drona range of Western Ghats, and flanked by the famous Himalaya and Nilgiri mountains. This lofty summit is a trekkers’ paradise and presents a stunning sight from the zenith of the peak, especially at sunrise and sunset time.

A small temple is located at the top of the mountain. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple has been one of the important pilgrimage sites for hundreds of Lord Shiva’s devotees.

However, this peak is not favorable for trekking during monsoon. Hence, if you are keen to trek this hill, spring and summer seasons are the best.

The spectacular landscape of Mullayanagiri is accessible by car and other road-based vehicles.

Baba Bundangiri is yet another mesmerizing range nested in the Western Ghats of Chikamalagur district. This place was named after Baba Bundan, a holy Sufi saint whose shrine is established here. The shrine attracts both Hindu and Muslim pilgrims to pay their homage in this blessed seraphic. It is a beautiful mountainous site where the trekking trails are entrenched to boost the enthusiasm of adventure scouts. The place is delightfully close to other tourist attractions, like enthralling caves, refreshing waterfalls and lakes, making it a multifaceted tourist spot.

Sringeri Mutt is a venerated spiritual abode commemorating the hermitage of Rishi Vibhandaka, the famous revered sage and his son, Rishyashringa. Adi Shankaracharya, the pioneer theologian of Advaita Philosophy in Hinduism, established this spiritually rich sanctuary to teach his disciples. The Mutt enjoys a natural elevation of 2204 ft and a serene ambiance, which enhances the beauty of this sublime place. Moreover, the bank of Tunga River is also at close proximity to this sanctuary, accentuating the legendary heritage of Sringeri Mutt.

Hebbe Falls emanates from the well-known Kemmangundi Hill station of Karnataka. This forceful rapid cascading down the hills from the height of 551 ft is a breathtaking sight for the tourists. This enthralling waterfall is all the more spectacular to watch during monsoon, when the rainwaters add to the strength of the fall and makes it more potent. The trail to Hebbe Falls is a bumpy ride through the dense mountains and can be spanned by a robust four wheeler.

This sensational cascade is situated at Kalhattipura in Chikmalagur district of Karnataka, almost 10 kilometers from Kemmangundi hill station. The waterfalls, falling from the crest of Chandra Drona hill at a height of 400 ft, enhance the scenic beauty. This sublime place also harbours the Veerabhadreshwara temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has exquisite architectural engravings and attracts innumerable pilgrims during the annual religious fair, which is conducted in the months of March and April.

Kalasa, the revered temple town enshrining Lord Shiva is a special attraction for devotee pilgrims, who travel to this blessed land on the banks of the mighty Bhadra River. This place also has a special significance because of its ethereal and exquisite temple architecture.  Kalasa is also known for it’s exceptional scenic beauty, wherein the temple is entrenched in the base of the hilltop and girdled by the waters of Bhadra on three sides. True to the essence of its name, Kalasha has more beauty in its reservoir than what meets the ordinary pair of eyes.

Hanuman Gundi Falls in Chikalamagur is a spellbinding cascade that falls from a height of 22 meters, weaving a captivating sight around itself. It is believed that Sanjeevani Hill was located here and that Lord Hanuman arrived here searching for the miraculous tree, which could cure the fatally wounded Lakshman. This place is located 20 kilometers from Kundremukh and has a magical scenic appeal. This gives the tourists a wonderful opportunity to trek towards the fall and bathe in its refreshing water.

Kundremukh, which literally means horse shape, derives its name from the unique horse shape pattern discernible in the side view of the mountain. Kundremukh National Park is one of the largest sanctuaries with an area of 600.32 square kilometers and hails from the family of wet evergreen forests. The place promises exquisite natural beauty, wildlife diversity and thrilling adventure for the tourists.

Gangamoola Hills is one of the scenic ranges from the hilly chain of Western Ghats of Chikamalagur district. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Located 1458 meters above the sea level, it is blessed with abundant rainfall of around 575cm that accounts for its dense vegetation. The lofty hills of Gangamoola rainforest are the fountainhead of three mighty rivers, namely Bhadra, Tunga and Netravathy. Thus, this versatile location is the ideal gate away for nature lovers.

Anchored against a beautiful hilly backdrop of Kundremukh ranges and Lakya river, Lakya dam is the perfect site for facilitating family outings and picnics. This dam extends over an area of 572 hectres and has a remarkable height of 100 meters. Further from this strategic location of this dam, one can also view the Kundremukh forest area and access other well known tourist spots in the surrounding area. Lakya Dam enjoys an excellent road connectivity and is accessible through cars and jeep.

Madagadakere Lake is one of the largest lakes situated in a small ethnic village of Yemmedoddi, near Shivgiri forest in Chikamagalur, India. It is a calm and serene water body where the tourists can enjoy boating or viewing sunset from its banks. The specialty of the place is also accentuated by the belief that the lake was formed by a magical rain shower. This lake is lucratively close to other tourist attractions, like Shivgiri forest which is favourite trekking destination for the adventure scouts.

Jamalabad fort was erected by the legendary Tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan. Entrenched in the hills of Kundremukh, this fortified structure was built 1700 ft above sea level, out of a massive granite mount. This fort can be accessed via a narrow path of 1876 steps leading to the base of the fort. This intimidating path to this historic fortress inspires the adventurer trekkers to come all the way to Jamala fort.

Amidst in the picturesque beauty of Horanadu, Annapoorneshwari Temple is considered to be one of the most important religious sites for the people of Karnataka. It is said to be the ancient temple of Goddess Annapoorneshwari of this region. The name Annapoorneshwari means that one who provides food. According to history, this temple was built by Safe Agasthya. He was the first person to install the idol of the goddess in this temple. That’s why, later on this temple was renamed as Adi- Shaktyatmaka Shree Annapoorneshwari Temple.

Step inside the temple to see the beautiful idol of the goddess Annapoorneshwari made of gold.

Legend has it that whoever visits this temple is blessed that he will never go hungry in his life. With respect to this story, till date the temple authorities feed every visitor who comes in the temple’s premise.

Hence, if you are visiting this temple you can be sure that you are not going to return back hungry. 

In the midst of the exquisite beauty of Baba Budan range, Kemmangundi or K.R. Hills is located. This range received the name K.R. Hills after the ruler of Wodeyar, KrishnaragaWodeyar made this hill station his favorite summer camp. Blessed with thick forest, flora and numerous sunset points, this hill station is the perfect retreat for travelers. One of the most popular peaks of this region is Z-point offering bird view of Shola grass lands of the Western Ghats. Other than these, waterfalls like Kallathagiri and Hebbe are considered as the best picnic spots of Chikmagalur.

For adventurous junkies, Kemmangundi has lots of mountain peaks and thick forest paths for exploration.

All in all, Kemmangundi is a perfect treat for everyone who comes to Chikmagalur. 

Located in Belavadi village, Veera Narayan Temple is considered as one of the finest examples of unique Indian architectural design. Built in the 13th century, the architectural structure of this temple has followed Trikuta style. It is huge and spacious.

Step inside the temple to see the slanting slopes of the entrance. The flares of steps that leads inside the temple has two elephant statues installed on its either sides. The outer walls of the temple are covered with beautifully carved running pilastersand decorative towers on the top.

Hence, visit this temple to admire the stunning architectural work of ancient India.