Tourist places in and around Chikmagalur
Kemmanagundi
55 km north of Chikmagalur, this is a scenic hill station, situated on the Baba Budan range at a height of 1,434 m. 8 km from Kemmanagundi are the Hebbe Falls where the water gushes down from a height of 168 m in two stages. The Kalhatti Falls are 10 km from Kemmanagundi. The water here cascades down a height of 122 m. There is also a local temple here, constructed in a gap between rocks.This is one of the most scenic spots on the Baba Budan Range, located almost 58 kms from Chikmagalur. This scenic hill station is best explored by trekking and spectacular sunsets and well-maintained gardens are a must-watch here. Among the several attractions here, Raj Bhavan is a guest house offering spectacular views of the surrounding areas, especially the sunset. The Z Point is accessible by a 30 minute trek and is another vantage point to catch spectacular views of the neighbouring areas. The Rose Garden is a paradise for horticulturists and is the site of a large variety of roses cultivated and maintained by the Horticultural Department. The Hebbe Falls are located away from the Raj Bhavan and are particularly impressive for the streams that cascade down 168 meters in two stages - Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe. The Kallathi Falls are also beautiful, with the water gushing down 122 meters. There is also an old Veerabhadra Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed in a gap between rocks which can be approached after crossing the waterfall.
55 km north from Chickmagalur town on the Baba Budan range is the scenic hill station of Kemmannugundi called K.R hills, after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar - IV who made it his favourite summer camp. Situated at a height of 1434 meters and surrounded by thick green forests. K.R Hills makes and ideal health resort. Beautifully laid out ornamental gardens, salubrious climate throughout the year and the panoramic view of mountains and valleys are just a few of the attractions.
Kemmanagundi Hill Station
Kudremukh
95 km southwest of Chikmagalur is the secluded hill station of Kudremukh. Situated 1894 m above sea level, the Kudremukh hills overlook the Arabian Sea and are chained to one another with deep valleys and steep precipices. There is rich flora and fauna here, waiting to be discovered. Caves asking to be explored. Ruins and traces of old civilizations inviting a study. Lovely, unspoiled places to camp. Can any trekker resist Kudremukh? This place is also rich in iron-ore deposits.Located almost from Chikmagalur, this range derives its name from its horse-face shape. The entire range is a series of continuous hills connected to each other by valleys and precipices. Kudremukh is truly a trekker's paradise and leaves much to be discovered with its numerous caves and excellent trekking routes. Don't miss the sunrise from the lush green slopes! The hills are also the site of the Kudremukh National Park, which houses animals like tigers, leopards, wild dogs, gaurs, wild pig and lion-tailed macaque. However, remember that owing to the dense forest growth, sightings of animals require considerable patience! Also located nearby are the Hanumana Gundi Waterfalls, which at a height of 100 ft is definitely a pretty picture. Another famous and visited waterfall is the Manikyadhara Falls, which is sacred to both Hindus and Muslims.
95 km south - west of Chickmagalur town and situated on the southwest border of the district, this range meaning horse-face and overlooking the Arabian Sea, is a well-known mark for the navigators. The broad hills chained to one another with deep valleys and steep precipices are replete with fascinating natural beauty. Situated 1,894.3 meters above sea level, Kudremukh is rich in iron ore deposits. The Kudremukh iron ore company conducts mining operations, beneficiation and transportation of the ore as slurry through pipeline to the port at Mangalore. This has given new life to the region and has converted this isolated tract in the inaccessible Malnad into a humming modern township.
Amruthapura
About 10 km form Tarikere, this little town has a 800-year-old temple dedicated to Amrutheswara.67 km north of Chikmagalur, Amrithapura is known for the splendid Amrithapura temple built in 1196 AD by Amriteshwara Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala ruler Ballala II. 20 kms. to the west of Tarikere town is Somapura, another of the pancha-kshetras on the banks of river Bhadra.
Sringeri
Sringeri is a pilgrim center, known for its Vidyashankara Temple. It has 12 zodiac pillars on each of which the sun's rays fall according to the time of the year.This highly-revered spot was established by Adi Shankaracharya and is home to two of the most popular temples. The Sharadamba Temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning and wisdom. Earlier constructed in wood, the temple was ravaged by fire, and thereafter constructed in Dravidian style. The Vidyashankara Temple was built by the founders of Vijanagara Empire and combines Hoysala and Vijayanagara style of architecture. The alcoves of the temple are carved with Jain, Buddhist and Hindu mythological characters. The main sanctum has 12 pillars dedicated to the 12 zodiac signs. Highlight of this hall is the fact that the sun falls on the respective pillars according to the months. Another place worth visiting here is the Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham, which was established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya as a centre of learning and spiritualism.
Sringeri, 90 km west of Chickmagalur town on the banks of river Tunga, is a city with epic associations. The place is said to have been named after Rishyashringa who figures in the Ramayana as the chief priest at the great sacrifice of King Dasharadha. Widely known for the Jagadguru Shankaracharya Math of the Adwaitha School of philosophy. Sringeri also has an ancient temple of Vidyashankara. Constructed on a picturesque spot parallel to the river Tunga, the temple is a fine example of artistic transition from Hoysala to Vijayanagara style. Built around 1357 A.D., the imposing granite structure encloses friezes of elephants, lions, pouranic scenes, dancers in various poses etc. and figures big and small of various Hindu gods enshrined in niches with ornamental towers. The garbha - griha has a linga called Vidyashankara installed in the memory of Guru Vidyatheertha. To the north of this temple is a more recent temple built by skilled craftsmen of the 20 the century and houses the highly venerated Sharadamba image. The new temple is built in the Dravidian style. A small 14 th century temple of Janardhana close by is attributed to the Vijayanagara period. Sringeri also has an old Jain Basadi dedicated to parshwanatha Theerthankara.
Temples & Churches
The Kodandarama Temple is protected by the State and is one of the most fascinating of all monuments. Created as a blend of Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture, images of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are placed in the inner sanctum. Smaller shrines are located within, which have idols of other gods and goddesses, including Lakshmi, Hanuman, Garuda and Ganapati. The temple is particularly active during the annual jathra festival held in February and March. St. Joseph's Cathedral is one of the prime attractions of Chikmagalur known for its eye-catching shell-shaped portico.Amruthapura
Located north of Chikmagalur town, Amruthapura is known for the beautiful Amrutheshwara Temple, built in Hoysala style. The temple is flanked by coconut trees and showcases circular carvings in the outer walls. The temple has a single vimana (spire) and a large open mandapa. The main sanctum is square and is richly adorned with carvings of demons. The temple's most enduring feature are the rows of pillars that support the ceiling in the inner sanctum. Also watch the floral designs on the ceilings and the panels depicting carvings from Hindu epics including those from Ramayana and Mahabharata.Horanadu
Located almost 100 kms from Chikmagalur, Horanadu is located amidst picturesque forests and valleys. This tiny temple town is known for the Annapoorneshwari Temple, which has an idol of the beautiful goddess made in gold. An interesting feature of this temple is the practice of providing a three course meal to everyone who visits it. This temple symbolizes the faith that anyone visiting it would never have shortage of food. Note that all men visiting the temple are required to remove their shirts and cover their shoulders with a towel or shawl.Set amidst enchanting natural scenery, Horanadu is 100 kms southwest of Chickmagalur and has an ancient temple of Annapoorneshwari, which has been renovated recently. With the installation of the new image of Adi Shakthi, now the temple is called Adi-Shaktyatmaka Shri Annapoorneshwari. The place attracts lots of pilgrims who are provided free boarding and lodging by the temple.
Baba Budan Range
En route from Chikmagalur before you reach Kemmannagundi, Baba Budangiri Peak is one of the highest in Karnataka. It is considered holy by both Muslims and Hindus and is believed that coffee was introduced to India by the Muslim saint, Baba Budan who in the 16th century smuggled in seven coffee beans in his belt from West Asia and planted them here. This is also one of the most frequented trekking spots. The highest spot in this hill is Mullaiyangiri, which houses 3 caves sanctified by 3 sages and containing their tombs. The top of the peak also houses a temple and provides views of the Arabian Sea on clear days. It is not possible to drive to the top of the hill, though you can attempt to trek the distance.To the north of Chikmagalur town is the Baba-Budan Range or Chandra Drona Parvatha as it was known in olden times, which has one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. The loftiest point of the range is Mullaiyanagiri, which is 1,926 meters above sea level. The three large caves here said to have been sanctified by 3 Siddhas contain their icons and 'gaddiges' (tombs) and an annual jatra is held here in their honour. The enthralling scenery around makes this a much frequented pilgrim center. Seethala Mallappana Kanive to the left side is said to have been hallowed by Sidha Seethalaya and contains a Matha and the dual shrine temple of Seethala-Mallikarjuna. The Baba-Budan range has taken its name from the 1,895 meters high Baba-Budan Giri, situated just 28 kms north of Chickmagalur town. A beacon lighted here during Deepavali can be seen at Chickmagalur. The peak takes its name from the Muslim saint, Baba-Budan, who took up residence here for more than 150 years ago and brought the coffee seeds for the first time from Yemen. At a short distance from here are the three famous waterfalls with epic associations - Gada Theertha, Kamana Theertha, Nellikayi Theertha. The Pandava prince Bheema with his 'gada' created Gada theertha according to a myth, to quench the thirst of his mother during their exile. Pilgrims, who bathe in the Nellikayi Theertha formed by Manikya Dhara waterfall, leave behind one item of their clothing as per a local belief.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Located 38 km north-west of Chikmagalur town, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is almost entirely surrounded by hills and has the tributaries of the Bhadra River flowing through it. The uniqueness of the sanctuary stems from the huge variety of butterflies. The sanctuary is also a great place to spot the Indian bison, elephants, tiger, spotted deer, birds and reptiles such as cobra and python. More than 250 species of bird life, many of which are unique to the Western Ghats, are also spotted here.Note - October to February is best time to visit this sanctuary 38 km northwest, this sanctuary is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, Chital, Sambar, Elephants and Tigers are some of the wildlife found here.
The district with dense tropical evergreen forests interspersed with lush grassy slopes is endowed with a rich and varied fauna, abundantly seen at the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, 38 kms north - west of Chickmagalur town. The sanctuary surrounded by hills has the tributaries of the Bhadra River flowing through it. The western border of the sanctuary abuts the backwaters of the Bhadra Reservoir, with a catchment area of 1,968 kms. surrounded by scenic hills and steep slopes. A diverse and exciting range in wild life is found here - bison, elephants, tiger, panther, sambhar, spotted deer, wild beer, porcupine, birds like the peacock, parrot, partridge, pigeon, etc. and reptiles such as cobra, python etc. All these wild beasts can be viewed while driving along the 150 km long roads maintained inside the sanctuary.