CHIKMAGALUR

Southern India owes its taste for filter coffee (say kaapi to do it like the locals) to this unspoilt stretch of land. Filled with coffee plantations and misty peaks, Chikmagalur district offers a breathtaking landscape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This is one of the wettest regions of India due to which the green cover is omnipresent which in turn make this a perfect place for endangered species of flora and fauna, including the famed King Cobra. On any hike in this region, you will run into hidden waterfalls fast flowing with spring mountain water and the summits are perfect rewards for a hardworking hiker. The quaint little temple towns are perfect base points to explore the mountains around them. The nearby temple complexes of Belur and Halebid reflect the magnificence of the land and are specimens of some of the best architectural style in India. Ever heard of stone carved chains? Head to Belur and Halebid to see what they are like. The food abounds with the taste of the rainforests around. There is just so many things to do in Chikamagalur and around. At the end of it all, you can reflect about it over a perfectly brewed cup of steaming hot coffee.

THINGS TO DO IN CHIKMAGALUR

Nature lovers will never run short of things to do in Chikmagalur and anything less than 2-3 days here would be insufficient.

  • Baba Budan Giri (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baba_Budangiri ): One of the most well known centres of Sufism, the Baba Budan Giri hill along with the Sufi shrine are a huge draw among Indians. It also presents really good hiking trails around. Legend has it that coffee was smuggled into India and was first planted here.
  • Kemmangundi, Kudremukh and Mullayanagiri: These are the holy trinity along the Western Ghats and are extremely well known for their scenic beauty and trekking trails. You may have to take permission from the Forest Department before you venture out on some of the trails.
  • Sringeri, Horanadu and Kalasa : These old world temple towns are a great way to experience the religious fervour in India. They also serve some heartwarming food free of cost, everyday. A visit to one of them is highly recommended.
  • Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (http://www.junglelodges.com/river-tern-lodge/): Situated along the mighty Bhadra River, this sanctuary offers a unique wildlife safari on a boat. This is one authentic wildlife experience you do not want to miss!
  • Belur and Halebid temple complex: The capitals of the once mighty Hoysala Kingdom, Belur and Halebid are on the verge of being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stunning temple structures lined with intricate stone carvings will have you spell bound for sure. The temples open at 07:00 hrs (IST) and remain open till 20:30 hrs (IST).
  • The omnipresent waterfalls: Given its high altitude, many a rivers and tributaries give birth here creating many waterfalls along the way. Carry some spare clothes with you when you travel along this landscape, because one of these waterfalls may just tempt you into an unplanned mid day bath.

USEFUL INFORMATION

  • Chikmagalur district is on the hilly Western Ghats and is always cooler than the rest of Karnataka. The monsoon season is from June to August and it rains like there is no tomorrow during this time. December and January are the winters; pack some warm wear if you plan to be there during that time.
  • Chikmagalur is a popular weekend getaway from Bangalore and most hotels need prior booking, especially over weekends. The region has many homestays and it is advisable to base your stay in one of the beautiful homestays and rent a vehicle for your daily visits. We recommend staying at the Gonakal Homestay.
  • The temple towns of Belur and Halebid are 225 Km from Bangalore, and 150 Km from Mysore and can be covered as a day tour from either Mysore or Bangalore.
  • When you are in the coffee land, don’t forget to drink a cup of freshly brewed filter coffee. You will be able to get the freshest of coffee beans, grown and processed right there and made with lots of love. Don’t miss out on the Malenad (literally means the land of rains in the local language Kannada) cuisine which is unique and filled with flavours from the rainforest. For the brave ones, we recommend the Red Ant chutney!

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