Let’s get right to it: the call of the Hills is no joke, and it’s amplified (because really, who ever wanted to drive for 7-12 hours just to go to the hills for a weekend?) when Bankokoor is a 4-5 hour drive away from the silicon drama of Bangalore. We’re not even talking about ‘hills’ here, we’re talking about the emerald heart of Karnataka, we’re talking about that air that smells well… different—rich, earthy, tinged with the scent of roasted coffee beans. So, welcome to Chikmagalur, a coffee state of mind, or the ‘coffee land of Karnataka’. Chikmagalur isn’t just a place you like to go; it’s a vibe, and a vibe that is unmatched whether you are in a sophistical clique or down to earth. It’s a place where fine misty mornings are spent hunkered into the clouds, and you can view the whole valley with a single coffee or tea in hand; afternoons spent cascade hopping; and the sunsets, well, every sunset here is worthy of its own award show. If you are looking for a solid excuse to escape city life, then here is your ultimate Why you should visit Chikmagalur , filled with all the things to do that will convince you to start booking your weekend getaway from Bangalore before you’re done reading.
Why Chikmagalur Needs to Be Your Next Escape
It’s true that coffee plantations take the number one position as the main ‘attraction,’ but to think that’s all Chikmagalur has to offer would be to lose out on the big picture. Coffee plantations are just one of the things you’ll find in Chikmagalur, one of the many aspects of an area in the Western Ghats packed with diverse experiences. Chikmagalur has everything from breathtaking treks that touch your soul, to the tranquillity of sitting in the lap of nature. The tools for either adventure are at your disposal: the adventure-sport lover looking for some adrenaline will find it here, the backpacker will find solace in the loneliness of a serene homestay, and the tourist will always get a hot bed and a full itinerary. The list of Chikmagalur tourist places is variedly long, in fact, I might even venture to say that it’s limitless. Whether you are mapping your trip or winging it, whether you drive or bike, it won’t matter – because I guarantee every inch of every turn will be another part primed to be a postcard……a breathtaking area, a stream option that you didn’t see before and should have, a field of wildflowers, a view that should be framed. Let’s start talking about what makes Chikmagalur so special.
1. Kadur
For many, the journey begins not in Chikmagalur town, but at Kadur Junction Railway Station. As the nearest significant railhead, this is where the city is truly left behind. The difference is instantaneous the moment you step off the train, board a local bus or hop into a cab and whisk away for the last 45 minutes. Then the magic begins. It is pure South Indian pastoral perfection, acres of vibrant sunflower fields literally stretching their necks for the sun and groves of coconut and areca trees all around charred by naked electric poles, and when the famous spice plantation is revealed, pepper vines creep their way around tall silver oaks. So this transfer is not just a transfer, this is your lovely welcome to the Malnad region to begin your unforgettable journey setting the scene for beauty ahead.
2. Mullayanagiri
Let’s start with the biggest one. The Mullayanagiri Trek is not just an activity but a pilgrimage for every trekker in southern India. In case you weren’t aware, Mullayanagiri Peak is the highest peak in the world between the Himalayas and Nilgiris, so getting on to its summit is hard to replicate. The culmination of the trek and driving up is a thrilling drive and moderately challenging trek, but the views from the top are nothing short of phenomenal. You are treated to a 360 horizon of green peaks and rolling ocean-like clouds below. The trek becomes even better if you start the trek in the early hours to catch the colorful sunrise show with oranges and pinks painting the sky, and a golden hue warming up the entire Baba Budangiri range. It’s one of those experiences that tangibly reminds you how big and beautiful our world is.
3. Honnamnalla Halla Waterfalls
Honnamnalla Halla Waterfalls is pretty well hidden along the main road and would be easy to miss unless you have looked it up beforehand, but usually there is just a small sign next a small temple pointing to the hidden waterfall. The exciting part is a short, but great climb over smooth; large boulders while crossing small streams. In exchange for the effort you will receive a lovely waterfall spouting into a small, natural pool called and it’s size considered, the smallness and seclusion makes it cute. The water is refreshingly cool – very nice, after the hike to have a quick foot dip. Perfect stop for those who want to see a piece of nature and avoid the huge tourist attractions.
4. Galikere Lake
Set high upon a plateau and surrounded on all sides by towering hills, Galikere Lake is somewhat of a secret in the midst of romance. The name reveals a hint about its identity, “Gali” meaning wind in Kannada. And what would the name suggest? Lots of intense, sweeping winds and enchanting ambiance, especially when the winter fog blankets it. The interesting part – regardless of how much rain falls, the lake never overflows. It is an area of mystery! It can be a perfect place to pause and contemplate. Climb one of the nearby hills for a full view, enjoy a packed lunch in the landscaping, and let the wind caper its narrative. It is simply peace.
5. Hebbe Falls
Tucked away beneath coffee and tea estates farther inside, finding the Hebbe Falls almost seems like searching for a location that you didn’t expect. And that adventure is highlighted by travelling to it on a rugged jeep through plantations, which brings a smile to your imagination. And now you can hear it—the incredibly loud rumbling sounds of the water crashing down from a height of almost 160 meters in two beautiful well ordered tiers. At the bottom of the falls, the pool is nestled among thick green flora, which looks almost fake like a storybook illustration—definitely unreal. Swimming depends on the season and water flow which is a shame, but standing at its edge and feeling the mist hit your face is refreshing in another way. It is an ideal spot to set up your picnic, take in some negative ions, and simply be.
6. Coffee Estate Stay
You haven’t fully experienced Chikmagalur until you’ve slept in a coffee estate, because that experience is at the heart of the experience. The experience begins by waking up in a delightful homestay to the sound of birds instead of cars; the sounds of chirping birds instead of the honking of cars. After that, it’s walking the rows of coffee plants, the Arabica berries and Robusta berries turning red, and listening to the story of the coffee-making process from bean to cup. And then, there’s nothing like drinking a freshly brewed cup of coffee from beans that came from meters away; it will definitely ruin all other coffee for you. And this experience is nothing but peace of mind, and is one of the reasons that it is considered a perfect honeymoon destination. This is slow travel, at its best.
7. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
For an entirely different experience, visit the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. While it’s not technically a zoo, it’s a functioning ecosystem, and a place to explore! Imagine how fun this could be on a jeep safari while hoping to spot spotted deer, giant elephants, or if you are really lucky, maybe a leopard with its spots! You will hear sounds of the jungle, exotic birds chirping, rustling leaves, calls of animals not far, but only until you stop the sounds, and you will have a moment like no other! There is also boating on the reservoir if you want an alternative experience of the beautiful, lush green surroundings from water level. This surely is required for nature walking lovers, and certainly, a good option for remembering the wild side of the Malnad area.
Wrapping Up:
So let’s go back to that first question, Why visit Chikmagalur?
It’s not “just” the Instagram selfies you’ll undoubtedly get at the peaks (which will be great!!). It’s that feeling of peace that gets into your bones when you sip that estate-grown coffee on a misty morning; it’s the soreness in your legs, after a meaningful trek, and the feeling of majesty when you stand above the clouds.
It’s connection — to nature, to a slower way of life, and to yourself.
This coffee land of Karnataka is more than a place on a map; it is a feeling – it is an insatiable desire to explore a space that is both exciting and calming. The hills are calling. And they smell like coffee this time.
Your next Chikmagalur adventure is calling, what are you waiting for?
