The Chikmagalur region of Karnataka is a treasure- I found this place to be the king of natural beauty, and it’s just 6 hours away from Bengaluru and closer to Mysuru. The main talk is about green stretches and exciting trekking trails. You can trek for three days or so and cover the whole region if the forest department permits. The post-monsoon view is a treat to the eye- whether it’s KR hills, Mullayanagiri or Bababudangiri. There are tea and coffee estates and many forests which make the trek worth it though you can reach all these three places by your vehicle too-but you still need your feet to talk a bit- anything for mother nature-right!

5 Reasons why you must visit Chikmagaluru:

• Chikmagalur lies in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri Range at a height of 3400 feetknown for its vast range of hills,forested areas ,tranquility and huge coffee plantations.

• Kemmanagundi or KR hills has the highest peak of Karnataka, Mullayanagiri.This is around 2000 m in height and is a must trekking paradise for anyone who wants to get started as a trekker .Red soil and rains pose challenge to the trek. The view from top is just over the moon. There’s a Shiva Temple at the top as well.
• Kemmanagundi has beautiful spots and must visit ones like Hebbe Falls, Z Point, Kalhatti Falls which are great visits just post-monsoon.
• Baba Budangiri,the second-highest peak in the mountain range, is must visit for its picturesque hills and valley coupled with endless green meadows.

• A protected area and Project Tiger area, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best tourist spots in Chikmagalur. The Sanctuary is located between the districts of Chikmagalur and Shimoga and is at approx 35 km from Chikmagalur. This is must visit to view the tigers as well as the Bhadra Reservoir.

Location  : Chikmagaluru is 250 kms west of Bengaluru.Mullayanagiri is about 20 km, Bababudangiri is around 30 km and Kemmanugundi or KR hills is 60 kms from Chikmanagaluru.

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Mullayanagiri peak, Bababudangiri, KR hills : Shanthi Falls,Hebbe Falls, KR park, Z point, Kalhatti Falls

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit Jog Falls , Murudeshwar ,Udupi ,Gokarna,Coorg and Sringeri within 400 km range.

Distance Charts:(Chikmagaluru)

• Mullayangiri(25 km)
• KR Hills-kemmangundi(60 km)
• Bababudangiri(30 km)
• Mumbai(870 km)
• Hyderabad(650 km)
• Ooty(300 km)
• Munnar (500 km)
• Cochin(500 km)
• Mysuru(170 km)
• Chennai(600 km)
• Bangalore(250 km)
• Rameswaram(730 km)
• Kanyakumari (780 km)
• Delhi(2250 km)

How to Reach Chikmagaluru:

Road Routes:

Bengaluru-Hassan-Chikmagalur-Mullayanagiri-Bababudangiri-KR hills

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)The late September to Early November is the suggested corridor to view these places in utmost greenery without facing much rainy spells-you don’t want to trek here in even drizzles.

2)Continuing on my first point , Mullayanagiri and all neighboring hills have that red soil which becomes damn slippery after even a drizzle-unless you are in proper boots-you are gonna fear slip roll and then anyhow manage to be at the top.It’s gonna make you think -no treks next time but we adventurous junkies are shameless-we’ll do trek but easier ones in right seasons next time!

3)Have snacks and water with you in a small bad and keep it light when you trek to any of these regions.Have a mini umbrella with you all times-either to get away from sun or from downpour.

4)Bababudangiri has a waterfall coupled with amazing views far and wide-local buses is only way to be here but ,it’s worth it. Green pastures with lots of tea plantations with a trail going to Kudremukh down the line is what you see!

RAIL:Chikmagaluru has a railway station of its own but trains are pretty few.Hassan will be a better stop from where you can catch a state bus.

AIR: Hassan/Mysuru/Bengaluru are some airports close to Chikmagalur.

ROAD: A road from Bengaluru runs straight through Hassan to Chikmagalur on a smooth metaled road,But,the road to Mullayanagiri or KR hills is not smooth, quite rough with lots of patches-maybe because half the year it rains here!KSRTC offers good bus services upto KR hills.

Map:

Time to Visit:

September to January is a good time visit these places.

Spend Time With:

Friends,Groups,Solo,Couple,Family(if used to hilly roads)

Food and Lodging:

Hotels are not there at Bababudangiri or Mullayanagiri but you’ll find some resort or government guest house in KR hills. Chikmagalur is cheap and best for hotels for these places.And have snacks and plenty of water for all these places as there are hardly any shops as such except maybe at peak and KR hills. Chikmagalur has restaurants with local food-shall not be an issue.

Expense:

A 2 day trip to these places cost(only if buses follow your time patterns):

Food:INR 80/person/day(3 times a day)X2
Transport: Private bus will cost some 150 bucks to Mullyanagiri trek base point and Bababudangiri to and fro. For KR hills ,there’s state as well as private buses costing about 120 INR to and fro(In case you book a car to Mullayanagiri to and fro,that can cost you around INR 2500)
Lodging:INR 700/day X1(one night stay at Chikmagalur)
Entry Fees :Zero

Total: 1450 INR(INR 3900 if you book a car for Mullayangiri)

Nearby Attractions(Chikmagalur)

• Mullayangiri(25 km)
• KR Hills-kemmangundi(60 km)
• Bababudangiri(30 km)
• Bangalore(250 km)
• Jog Falls(200 km)
• Hampi(300 km)
• Ooty(300 km)

• Hyderabad(650 km)
• Munnar (500 km)
• Kodaikanal(520 km)
• Udupi(170 km)
• Gokarna(320 km)
• Goa(450 km)
• Cochin(500 km)
• Mysuru(170 km)
• Wayanad(240 km)
• Coorg(130 km)