Introduction
Chikmagalur is a hill station in the Indian state of Karnataka in the southwest. To the north, Baba Budangiri, a sacred mountain range in the Western Ghats, has three large caves. Trails through woods and grassland lead to Mullayanagiri Peak. The cascading Hebbe Falls can be found in a field of coffee plantations.
The forested Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, northwest of Chikmagalur, is home to lions, tigers, and leopards. A trip from Bangalore to Chikmagalur is one you should not miss.
Best time to visit Chikmagalur
The winter months of September to April are ideal for a trip from Bangalore to Chikmagalur. With warm weather all year, the beginning of the monsoon season (early July) is also a good time to visit Chikamagalur. However, the area should be avoided during the month of August because it receives a lot of rain.
Chikmagalur in Winter (September – February)
Chikmagalur’s winter season shapes the city’s busiest season and contributes to the year’s highest tourist footfall. Temperatures drop to 14 to 32 degrees Celsius, contributing to cool, comfortable conditions. The nights may become much colder, so woollen clothing is recommended to protect against frostbite.
Chikmagalur in Monsoon (July – September)
The Chikmagalur monsoon season is breathtaking beyond words, as the lush greenery of the region stands out even more. Even the coffee plantations are beautiful during this time of year. During the monsoon season, rainwater fills all the natural streams and waterfalls, making the scenery more beautiful and inviting some fun activities. Nonetheless, because the path to Chikmagalur is via a ghat that frequently becomes slippery due to rains, caution should be exercised as you drive up to the location.
Chikmagalur in Summer (March – June)
The summer months of March, April, and May in Chikmagalur have an average temperature of 32 to 35 degrees Celsius. While these may appear to be high temperatures, it should be noted that Chikmagalur is located in southern Karnataka, which is far cooler than its neighbouring towns, and as a result, it is sometimes viewed as a great spot for a summer getaway from the heat by city residents. Chikmagalur also gets a lot of wind because the sun doesn’t shine as brightly as it does in other parts of Karnataka. This pleasant temperature allows visitors to stroll or cycle the various paths that lead to beautiful scenic locations and enjoy everything Chikmagalur has to offer.
Bangalore to Chikmagalur
There are numerous private and government buses that run from Bangalore to Chikmagalur. If you want to go on a road trip, there are three options. The drive from Chikmagalur to Bangalore is approximately 250 kilometres.
Route 1
Route 1 is the shortest in terms of distance and time. It takes about 4.5 hours and passes through beautiful Hassan town and the historic Belur region. The roads are in good condition and provide a pleasant journey. However, there is often expansion/repair research going on, and it is always healthy and prudent to take that into consideration when planning the trip.
Route 2
Route 2 takes 5 hours to complete. It passes through the popular twin cities of Belur and Halebid.
Route 3
Route 3 is the quickest in terms of distance and time. Chikmagalur is about 6 hours away if you take the NH 48. A pleasant sight on a road trip from Bangalore to Chikmagalur is seeing the landscape change from desolate to one with plenty of greenery on either side.
Places to visit while travelling from Bangalore to Chikmagalur
Kudremukh National Park
Despite the numerous sightseeing opportunities and outdoor activities available, the Kudremukh National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a very popular tourist destination in Chikmagalur.
Mullayanagiri
Mullayanagiri is Karnataka’s highest peak, known for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. The peak, which is often popular with adventure seekers, is adorned with verdant grassland, rough rocks, and a strong trekking track.
Baba Budangiri
The Western Ghats of India’s Baba Budan Range rise to the north of Karnataka district, Chikkamagalur. Baba Budangiri is a peak in the Baba Budan Range that is known for its shrine to Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar (also known as Baba Budan). It is a popular pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Muslims, and visitors flock there on a regular basis.
Coffee Plantations
Taking a tour of the gleaming coffee plantations is one of the most important things to do in Chikmagalur. The property owners schedule regular tours where you can learn about the coffee history and other information, in addition to exposing the new herbal scent of coffee beans and relaxing in the lush green gardens.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the area’s most visited and valued nature centres, named after the river Bhadra, is very close by, with its subtle streams flowing through the middle of the sanctuary.
