Chikmagalur

Distance: 251 km from Bangalore, 170 km from Mangalore

How to reach there: From Bangalore – frequent KSRTC buses are available, by train to Arsekere, Kadur(40 km) or Berur and then taking a bus or auto to Chikmagalur, by private vehicle. If you are driving the fastest route is via Hassan which is on NH 48.

Journey time: By bus around 7 hours from Bangalore. Train and private vehicle may take little less time.

Where to stay:

Budget:

Hotel Rajmahal

Indira Gandhi Road,

Chikmagalur – 577 101

Tel: 08262-236415, 236451, 236452

Tariff Range: Rs. 160/- to Rs. 750/-

Hotel Mount Palace

Indira Gandhi Road,

Chikmagalur – 577 101

Tel: 08262-237050

Tariff Range: Rs. 350/- to Rs. 450/-

Hotel Malnad Paradise

Indira Gandhi Road, Chikmagalur – 577 101

Tel: 08262-234531, 234532, 232218

Tariff Range: Rs. 350/- to Rs. 450/-

Hotel President’s Palace

Near Bus Stand,

Koppa,

Chikmagalur – 577 580

Tel: 08265-222267

Tariff Range: Rs. 100/- to Rs. 300/-

Mid Range:

Soundarya Residency

Indira Gandhi Road,

Chikmagalur – 577 101

Tel: 08262-235257

Tariff Range: Rs. 140/- to s. 390/- +Tax

The Planters Court Hotel

P. B. No. 109,

K M Road,

Chikmagalur – 577 101

Tel: 08262-235882

Fax: 0826-231169

Tariff Range: Rs. 810/- to Rs. 1848/-

Muthodi Nature Camp

For reservations, contact:

Deputy Conservator of Forests,

Bhadra Wildlife Division,

Chikmagalur – 577 101

Tel: 08262 – 234904

Fax: 08262 – 228026

Email: dcfbhadra@blr.vsnl.net.in

Tariff Range: Indians: Rs. 250/-

Foreigners: Rs. 500/-

8-bed dormitory: Rs. 400/-

Luxuary:

The Taj Garden Retreat

K M Road, Jyothinagar

Chikmagalur – 571 102

Tel: 08262 – 220202, 220404

Email: tgrgm.chk@tajhotels.com

Web site: www.tajhotels.com

Tariff Range: Rs.4500/- to

Rs.5250/-+Taxes

Nature Craft Homestay

For Reservation Contact : 9886165220, 9886485524

Eagle Eye Holiday Home

Hoscodu Estate,

Via – Sangameshwarpet.Between Bhadra and Muthodi Wildlife SanctuaryKadavanthi Post,Chikmaglur – 577 136.Karnataka, India,Phone: 08262 – 252153

Rooms, Cottages, Villas: – Rs. 1500/- per person per day

Tree House, Executive Villas: – Rs.1750/- per person per

day with all meals, along with complimentary package.

Silent Valley Resort

Thodlu, Kalasa-Kudremukh Road,

Chickmagalur district, Kalasa – 577124

+91 9901798000

+91 824 2211672

+91 8263 274801/02

The Serai

Mugthihalli Post 577 133,

K M Road, Chikmagalur

Note: One good way to tour Chickmagalur is to stay in Chickmagalur town and hire a car for daily excursions.

Where to eat: In Chikmagalur I have found the places to eat is at the resturants near the KSRTC bus stand. The resturant there give very good food at very reasonable price.

Chikmagalur is the district headquaters of Chikmagalur disctrict of Karnataka. It is located at the foot hills of Mullayanagiri range. Chikmagalur literally means “The town of the younger daughter” in local Kannada language. There is nothing much to see in the town apart from the Mahatma Gandhi park on the outskirts of the city. One can hire a vehicle and go on daily excursions or check in a resort if you would like to enjoy natural view all the time. I will list the sightseeing places in and around Chikmagalur as follows:

1. Mullayanagiri: Mullayanagiri located in the Baba Budan Giri Range of the Western Ghats is the highest peak in Karnataka standing at 1930 meter or 6317 feet. It is also a favourite spot of the trekker fans.

2. Baba Budan Giri: Baba-Budan Giri is located around 28 km from Chikmagalur town. Here the the darga of the Muslim saint Buba Budan is located and one can also see the caves which is the final resting place of the saint. Near there is a small falls known as MANIKYA DHARA, which said to posses medicinal effect. Also, you can view a temple from there atop another hill where Prayer is done once in a year during diwali.

3. Kudremukh: Kudremukh is a mountain range featuring a small town near there. It is around 48 km from Karkala and about 20 km from Kalsa. Kuduremukha in Kannada means “horse-face”. This area is very famous for iron ore mining by the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd.

4. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is 38 km from Chikmagalur town and around 275 kms from Bangalore. The sanctuary is surrounded by Mullaianagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri and Babaudangiri hills and has the tributaries of the Bhadra river flowing through it. Animals like tiger, bison,elephant,various birds,reptiles like King Cobra etc. One can stay at “River Tern Lodge” there.

For further details about the Sanctuary, you may contact:

The Deputy Conservator of Forests

Bhadra Wildlife Division ( Project Tiger )

Chikmagalur – 577 101

Karnataka – INDIA

Phone : Office & Fax + 91-8262-28026

Residence +91-8262-30751

E-mail – dcfbhadra@vsnl.com

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests ( Wildlife )

Aranya Bhavan, Malleshwaram,

18th Cross, Bangalore – 560 003

Karnataka – INDIA

Phone : Office +91-80-3341993

Residence +91-80-3344839

Fax +91-80-3346839

E-mail – pccfwl@vsnl.com

4. Kemmangundi: Kemmangundi is a small hill station in the Tarikere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district. It raises around 1434m above sea level. It is located around 53 km from Chikmagalur. Kemmangundi was the summer retreat of earlier king of Mysore Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. There are many guest houses of government department on offer and nature lovers must stay there. The best I found is the Raj Bhavan – located at a higher point it offers a spectacular view of the surrounding hills.

Horticulture Department Guest House (at Kemmannugundi), Ph: 08261 37126.

Horticulture Department, Head Office, Lalbagh, Bangalore-560027. Ph: 91-80-6610181

In and around Kemmangundi:

Z point: Z-point is view point located around 8 kms from the guest houses in Kemmangundi. You have to trek to reach there. One can have a spectacular view from there.

Rose garden: The Rose garden is in Kemmangundi itself. The garden has a huge collection roses.

Hebbe Falls: Hebbe Falls is also around 8 km from Kemmangundi guest houses. You can either hire a vehicle or trek from a particular point.

Kallathi falls: Kallathi falls is small falls around Kemmangundi, around 10 km from there. One should take caution in monsoon season. There is also a small temple over there.

5. Ayyanakere: Ayyanakere is a large beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. It is located around 18 km from Chikmagalur town. On the hillocks there is a small temple built in Hoysala style.

6. Horanadu: Horanadu is a small town with great natural beauty located 100 km from Chikmagalur, 75 km from Sringeri and 330 km from Bangalore. The famous Annapoorneshwari is located here. In this temple whoever visits is given free food and lodging.

7. Kalasa: Kalasa is around 92 km from chikmagalur town located at the banks of river Bhadra. Here the Kalaseshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated. Other temples here include – Hanuman Temple, Venkataramana Temple, Ranjal Mahalakshmi Temple and

Vasishta Ashrama. The Pancha Teerthas a little distance from the town are interesting places. Read more ….

8. Belavadi: Belavadi is famous for the architectural exhibition of the Viranarayana temple built by the Hoysalas. It is located around 29 km from Chikmagalur town. Read more …..

9. Amritapura: Amritapura is located around 67 km from Chikmagalur town and is known for the wonderful Amriteshwara temple. The temple was built in 1196 by Amriteshwara Dandanayaka (commander) under Hoysala Veera Ballala II, Located in the close vicinity of the Bhadra River reservoir.

10. Sringeri: Sringeri located on the banks of river tunga is famous for the first math established by Adi Sharkaracharya, a Hindu saint who propagated Advaita Vedanta philosophy. The Sringeri Sharada Peetham is a big attraction here. Sringeri is located 88 km from Chikmagalur.

11. Mahatma Gandhi Park: Mahatma Gandhi park is a new addition to Chikmagalur town at the outskirts. It is good place to visit in the evening or little before sunset. There is a lotus pond and one can view whole Chikmagalur town from there.

sunset view from Mahatma Gandhi park just outside chikmagalur town

Chickmagalur town view from Mahatma Gandhi park just outside chikmagalur town