Chikmagalur District

About Chikmagalur District

Chikmagalur District comes under Mysore Division. The District is divided into seven taluks and the headquarters of there taluks are located at Chikmagalur, Kadur, Tarikere, Mudigere, Koppa, N.R.Pura and Sringeri. These taluks are grouped into two Revenue Sub-Divisions viz., Chikmagalur Revenue Sub-Division and Tarikere Revenue Sub-Division. Chikmagalur Revenue Sub-Division comprises of the taluks of Chikmagalur, Mudigere, Koppa and Sringeri, while Tarikere sub-division has jurisdiction over the taluks of Kadur, Tarikere and Narisimharajapura.

District, internationally renowned for its coffee literally means ‘The Younger Daughter’s Town’ and encompasses an area of 7,201 sq. km. The district spans across the latitudinal parallels of 12° 54’ 42’‘and 13° 53’ 53’’ north and the longitudinal meridians of 75° 04’ 46’‘and 76° 21’ 50’’ east. Shimoga, Davangere, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka mark Chikmagulur’s geographic boundaries.

Located 251 km from Bangalore, the name literally means ‘Younger Daughter’s Town’. It is said to have been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna. The town enjoys a salubrious climate and is famous for the sprawling tea and coffee estates. Some interesting excursions include Sringeri, Kemmannagundi, Amrithapura, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Kudremukh.

Chikmagalur is situated in south western part of Karnataka. Carved against a mountainous canvas this beautiful malnad district is full of surprises lofty peaks delightful dales racing rivers sparkling streams captivating cascades and the bracing mountain air - a balm to the work-weary. Climb high above the world where the mountains seem to touch the sky. Marvel at the unspoilt beauty of the snow-white coffee blossoms. To add adventure to enchantment this hilly district has some exciting trekking routes in the Western Ghats.

In Chickmagalur district, the major commercial crop is coffee. Other commercial crops are Pepper, Cashew nuts etc mullain giri, the highest peak in Karnataka is 12 Kms away from Chickmagalur. Number of rivers originates from the hills of Chickmagalur district and flow in all the seasons. Rivers such as, Bhadra, Tunga, Hemavathi, Netravathi & Vedavathi. Several minerals are found in the district such as iron, magnetite, granite etc.major iron ore company in Asia is located at Kudremukha in Mudigere taluk of Chickmagalur district.

One of the major iron ore companies in Asia is located at Kudremukh. Chikmagalur is a center of education, trade, and commerce. Chikmagalur has a healthy climate and contains monuments of all religions. Kodandarama Temple combines Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture. There is also a Parashuram Temple and a Kali shrine. A cave associated with Nirvanaswami is situated 44 km north-east of Chikmagalur. It is visited by scores of pilgrims.

The district is dotted with many holy spots and abounds in legends associated with stories from the great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Right from ancient times the numerous ‘agraharas’ have been lively centers of educational and cultural pursuits. Dating back to the early centuries of the Christian era are numerous epigraphs which give a vivid pictures of the rise and fall of empires in the state.

History

Chikkamagaluru is the region where the Hoysala rulers started and spent the early days of their dynasty. According to a legend, it was at Sosevur, now identified with Angadi in Mudigere Taluk that Sala, the founder of the Hoysala dynasty, killed the legendary tiger, immortalised in the Hoysala crest. However, scholars have found lot of inconsistencies in this story and it seems to be more of a folklore. However, it is known that Veera Ballala II (1173 - 1220 CE), the great king of Hoysala empire, has built the Amriteshwara temple at Amrithapura in Tarikere Taluk.

Coffee was introduced into India through the Chikkamagaluru district when the first coffee crop was grown in the Baba Budan Giri Hills during 1670 AD. According to the article Origins of Coffee, the saint Baba Budan on his pilgrimage to Mecca travelled through the seaport of Mocha, Yemen where he discovered coffee.

Educational Institutions

Nursing Colleges in Chikmagalur

• Ashraya Institute of Nursing Science, Chikmagalur
• Nightangle School of Nursing, Chikmagalur
• Ramakrishana School of Nursing, Chikmagalur
• Sharada Nursing Institute, Chikmagalur

Other Institutions

• Chikmagalur Law Colleges
• Chikmagalur Nursing Colleges
• Aln Rao Ayurvedic Medical College
• Adichunchanagiri Institute Of Technology
• Govt. First Grade College, Kadur
• Dist Instit Of Education & Training
• Almn College Of Education
• Rajiv Gandhi Kendriya Sanskrit Vidyapeet
• Dacg Govt Polytechnic
• Sjm Polytechnic
• Sri Jagadguru Renukacharya Iti
• Karnataka Iti
• Govt First Grade College, Ajjampura
• Govt First Grade College, Chikkamagalur
• Govt First Grade College, Koppa
• D. S. B. Govt First Grade College, Mudigere
• Govt First Grade College
• I D S G College
• Kalleshwara Swamy First Grade College
• M E S M L M N College Of Education
• M E S Msps Women S College,chikmagalur
• M L M N College Of Education
• Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial College Of
• S J M First Grade College
• Sri Jagadguru Marugharajendra College
• Sri Jagadguru Chandrashekhara Bharathi
• S. T. J College For Women
• S J M College Of Arts & Commerce
• I D S G Govt College Of Degree
• D. I. E. T.
• Govt First Grade College, N. R. Pura
• Sri. J. C. B. M. College, Sringeri
• Govt First Grade College, Kadur

Tourist Attraction

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (Muthodi):Built at a distance of approximately thirty-eight km northwest, this wonderful sanctuary is worth a view for nature freaks. Gaur, Chital, Sambar, Elephants and Tigers deserve mentioning.

Kemmanagundi: Lying at a distance of nearly fifty-five north of Chikmagalur, this is a scenic hill resort. It is located atop Baba Budan range rising almost to an elevation of 1,434 m. From Kemmanagundi, Hebbe Falls is only eight km away. This beautiful waterfall gushes from a height of 168 m. Kalhatti Falls is only ten km from Kemmanagundi. The cascading waterfall ascents to a loftiness of 122 m. Amidst the rocks, a temple has been erected locally.

Kudremukh, a popular hill resort is only ninety-five km south west of Chikmagalur. Its rich variety of wild flora and fauna must be explored by all tourists from all over the country.
Amruthapura is truly a tourist heaven. Lying almost ten km from Tarikere, this small town houses an ancient temple. This eight hundred year old temple is consecrated to `Amrutheswara`.

Sringeri: No one can miss a visit to Sringeri, a center for pilgrimage. Vidyashankara Temple is a special attraction of the place. It has twelve zodiac pillars on which rays of the sun fall according to the equinoctial time.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral: It is an interesting tourist locale. Its primary appeal lies in the captivating `shell-shaped portico`.

Mullayanagiri: Mullayanagiri is part of the Baba Budan Giri Hill Ranges here. It stands 1930 meters tall and is the tallest peak in Karnataka. Its height is famous mostly for watching sunsets from. It is 16 km from Chikkamagaluru town.

Baba Budan Giri (Datta peeta): To the north of Chikkamagaluru town is the Baba Budan Giri Range or Chandra Drona Parvatha as it was known in the ancient times, which has one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. The peak takes its name from the Muslim saint, Baba Budan, who resided here more than 150 years ago.

Manikyadhara Falls is a waterfall near the famous pilgrim centre Baba Budan Giri Dattatreya Peetha where water spills down like small pearls giving the visitors a memorable shower bath.

Kallathigiri Falls: Just 10 km away from Kemmangundi is Kallahathigiri falls, also known as Kalahasti falls.

Hebbe Falls: This beautiful waterfall is over 10 km away from the famous hill station, Kemmangundi. Here water streams down from a height of 168 meters in two stages to form Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls).

Belavadi: Located 29 km southeast of Chikkamagaluru town on the Chikkamagaluru-Javagal road and 10 km north

Amritapura: 67 km north of Chikkamagaluru, Amrithapura is known for the Amritheshwara temple built in 1196 A.D by Amriteshwara Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala ruler Veera Ballala II.

Kalasa: It is surrounded by lofty hills of the Western Ghats and is looked upon as one of the pancha-kshetras on the banks of the Bhadra.Kalasa is 92 km southwest of Chikkamagaluru and situated on the banks of the river Bhadra.

Shanti Falls: This is a beautiful waterfall on the way to Z-Point in Kemmangundi.

Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy Darga: Situated on the Baba Budan Giri is the Inam Dattatreya Peetha venerated by the Hindus and the Muslims alike. A laterite cave here is believed to have been sanctified by the residence of Dattatreya Swami as well as Hazrat Dada Hayat Mir Khalander.

Hanumana Gundi Falls: Located 32 km. from the Kalasa, the waterfall has water falling on to Natural rock formations from a height of more than 100 feet (30 m).

Sringeri: 90 km west of Chikkamagaluru town is Sringeri situated on the banks of Tunga, a Vedic Peetha established by Sri Adi Shankara, the exponent of the Advaita philosophy in 9th Century A.D. It is famous for Vidyashankara Temple originally constructed by the Hoysalas and later completed by the founders of the Vijayanagar Empire and Sharada temple, an early 20th. century addition.

Kadambi Falls: This is a waterfall located in the Kudremukh National Park.

Horanadu:Annapoorneshwari Temple, which has been renovated recently With the installation of the new image of Adi Shakti, 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.Horanadu is 100 km southwest of Chikkamagaluru and has an ancient Temple .

Hirekolale lake:Near Chikmagalur town.

Ayyenkere lake: Located 20 kms from Chikmagalur.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Quite a number of hotels have sprang up in Chikmagalur, providing all ease and comfort to the tourists. Accommodation in Chikmagalur is wide, ranging from deluxe hotels and first class hotels with modern amenities. Economy and budget hotels also have developed which are less expensive and affordable. The government also run their hotels in Chikmagalur.

• Hotel Taj Garden Retreat, Chikmagalur is one such hotel that has caught the attention of tourists.(08262-220042/44)
• Devigiri Homestay
• Hotel Southern Star
• Hotel Hassan Ashok
• Malenadu Paradise,I.G.Road Chikmagalur (08262- 234531)
• Usha Lodge, K.M.Road, Chikmagalur (08262- 235704)
• Prakash Lodge, Mallandur Road, Chikmagalur(08262- 230583)
• Woodland Hotel, I.G.Road, Chikmagalur (08262- 230583)

Location info

Chikmagalur is situated in south western part of Karnataka. Carved against a mountainous canvas this beautiful malnad district.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Karnataka Police Tourist Helpline: 112.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Chikmagalur District

October to March is the best time to explore cities in Karnataka — pleasant weather for sightseeing. November to February offers comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration. Summer (April-June) can be hot — plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening.

Timings & opening hours

City attractions have varying hours. Most shops and markets operate from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Temples and heritage sites typically open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Malls and restaurants stay open until late.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fees vary by attraction within the city. Most parks and public spaces are free. Museums: ₹20-₹100 for Indian nationals, ₹100-₹500 for foreign nationals. Heritage sites: nominal entry fee.

Duration needed

2-3 days is ideal to explore the main attractions of the city. A day trip can cover the highlights. Week-long stays allow for in-depth exploration including day trips to nearby attractions.

Safety tips

Karnataka’s cities are generally safe for tourists. Take standard precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid isolated areas after dark, use registered taxis or app-based cabs at night, and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Things to carry

Comfortable walking shoes, camera, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, city map or smartphone with navigation, power bank, light jacket for air-conditioned venues, and identification documents.

Nearby visiting places

Nearby attractions include other cities in the region, historical sites, temples, nature spots, and recreational areas within a day-trip distance.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

The city has its own railway station and bus stand. The nearest domestic/international airport connects to major cities. City buses, auto-rickshaws, app-based taxis, and rental cars are available for local transport.

Things to do at Chikmagalur District

Explore the city’s heritage sites, museums, and markets. Visit temples, churches, or mosques. Enjoy local cuisine at restaurants and street food stalls. Shop for local handicrafts and specialities. Experience the city’s nightlife and cultural events. Take day trips to nearby attractions.

Things to visit & highlights

Historical landmarks and heritage buildings, museums and art galleries, shopping areas and markets, parks and gardens, religious sites, and cultural centres showcasing local art and performances.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get around the city? Auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs (Uber/Ola), and city buses are available in most Karnataka cities. Walking is ideal for exploring compact city centres.

What local dishes should I try? Karnataka cities offer diverse cuisine — try dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, ragi mudde, and local seafood (in coastal cities). Don’t miss the famous filter coffee.

Is the city safe for solo travellers? Karnataka’s cities are generally safe. Take standard precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, use registered transport, and keep valuables secure.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: District Of

Photo gallery of Chikmagalur District

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Chikmagalur District on popular travel photography sites and social media.