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Chikmagalur [1] is a city in Karnataka. It is known for its coffee plantations and Bababudan Giri ranges.

[edit] Understand

Chikmagalur (Chikka-magaluru) got its name from the younger (meaning Chikka) daughter (Magalu) of local ruler. This district consists both plain and mountain regions divided into seven taluks. The Chikmagalur city is at the foot of highest mountain range in Karnataka, The Baba Budan Hills (Chandra Drona Parvatha). Life supporting rivers of Karnataka and other states - Tunga, Bhadra, Hemavati, Vedavati, Yagachi originate in the western ghat hills of the district. 'Gangamoola' is the source of rivers Tunga and Bhadra located near Kudremukha which was famous for its Iron ore deposits. The district is a great attraction to all kinds of people - trekkers, pilgrims, travellers, tourists, research enthusiasts, naxalites, communal dishormony and hormany lovers etc. The beautiful waterfalls of Kalhatagiri falls, Hebbe falls, Shanti falls, Manikyadhara falls, Sirimane falls and many more rainy season falls has won the hearts of travellers. The Muthodi and Bhadra forests provide habitat to various species of birds and animals and attract tourists. Sringeri, Horanadu, Kalasa, Balehonnur are the famous holy places. The Lakkavalli dam to Bhadra and Yagachi dam near Belur not only meets all the requirements of the people of the district but also supports the ecosystem. Coffee, Tea, Paddy, Arecanuts, Spices are the major agricultural products. The headquarters of the famous 'Coffee Day' is located in Chikmagalur. It is also known as 'Coffee land' since the coffee in India initially grown here and it houses a Coffee Research Station, the first in Asia. Temples of Hoysala art are found at Amrutapura and Belavadi. District of chikmagalur has given birth to famous freedom strugglers, poets, intellectuals and politicians. The constituency of Chikmagalur in Parliament was once represented by former Prime Minister of India late Indira Gandhi.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By air

Nearest Airport is Mangalore airport which is 170 km from Chikmagalur. Bangalore airport is 250 km away.

[edit] By train

Chikmagalur is not reachable by train from other Indian cities. However Kadur has the closest railway station which is 40km from Chikmagalur. For train timings and on-line reservations (within India) visit the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation's website [2].

[edit] By bus

There are buses every 30 minutes from Bangalore. During the weekends these buses run full and getting a ticket can be a bit of a problem unless you book them in advance. KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses are comfortable especially the Rajahamsa (Luxury) buses.

[edit] By car

You can reach Chikmagalur by road from Bangalore. The fastest route is via Hassan which is on NH 48. Now road is good from hassan to chickmagalur.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By autorickshaw

Drivers don't go by meters. They fix a charge for the place you want to go; bargaining is upto you. The more your attire and luggage announce that you are a tourist the greater the chance of drivers ripping you off.

[edit] By taxi

Tourist Cabs are the best choice in case you want to tour the city all day or visit nearby places like Kemmannagundi etc. Costs closer to about Rs. 10 per kilometer

[edit][add listing] See

Chikmagalur is surrounded by Scenic places. Don't miss Giridarshini a small hill station just 6 km from the city in the Mangalore road. The view of the city can be obtained from the top of Mahatma Gandhi Park (also called Rathnagiri hill).

The way from Kaimara to Kemmannugundi is actually a heaven. If you can somehow manage to travel on the top of a vehicle, then it will be a never forgettable event in your life. The beautiful locations in this area include Mullayyanagiri, the highest point in south karnataka, Bababudangiri which is of late very famous for all wrong reasons, Kemmannugundi, Devirammanabetta, Manikyadhaara and so on. In order to see Hebbe falls, you have to take a deviation near Kaimara.

The distance from Chikmaglur to Kemmanagundi is 57 kms but the road is pretty bad so it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach there. And to visit Hebbe falls from there you have to take a local jeep as the road is much worse from the Kemmanagundi to Hebbe falls and it takes whole of 3 hrs to go and visit the falls and come back. So people have to plan properly if you are trying to cover Mullayyanagiri, Kemmanagundi and Hebbe falls on the same day.

In Kemmanagundi there is a rose garden from the deptt of Horticulture from the Karnataka govt which is pretty good for visiting with family. 212.93.39.27 07:23, 1 April 2009 (EDT)

If you are adventurous you can climb the moumtains or camp on one of the peaks. There are no shops or hotels once you cross Kaimara. So you should be accomplished with your own food and water. You can find hotels only in Kemmannugundi.

Towards Balehonnur and Sringeri, the coffee plantations open up to great you. The curvy roads give you some special experience. Kudremukh is also a hillstation nearby. Agumbe is 3 hours drive from Chikmagalur.

The other places nearby are Malayamarutha which is 50 km from Chikmagalur is a famous outing spot. Hirekolale pond is also a place for outing for a day. If you like water, then you should visit Rameshwaram which is a big pond 6 km away from the city.

[edit][add listing] Do

Chikmagalur has many Hill Stations, Waterfalls, Temple Towns and Wildlife, where activities including trekking, fishing or just relaxing can be experienced.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit] ATMs

Various Banks like State bank of Mysore, State bank of India, ICICI bank, Canara bank, corporation bank provide ATM in the city.

Be aware that your bank might charge you a nominal amount for using an out of network ATM.

[edit] Money changers

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Budget

Hotel Kamat, Indira Gandhi Road, Malnad paradise, IG Road. Raj Mahal Hotel, IG Road

[edit] Mid-range

Hotel Soundarya Residency and Hotel Soundarya Deluxe which are situated in Indira Gandhi road, very near to the bus stand are good restaurants. Hotel Mayura Deluxe on Mahatma Gandhi road is also a decent restaurant.

Town Canteen, Ratnagiri Road, Opposite DACG Polytechnic Do not miss the Masala Dosa. One of the famous joints for them, they may beat even Vidyarthi bhavan of Bangalore. Avoid extra butter!!!

Planters Court

[edit] Splurge

Taj Garden Retreat

Eagle Eye Resort

Silent Valley Resort

Serai Spa and Resort

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

Prakash Lodge, Near KSRTC Bus Stand

[edit] Mid-range

[edit] Splurge

The Gateway Hotel, KM Road Chikmagalur

The Serai In Chikmagalur

[edit] Stay safe

Cool place to stay. Life is easy. No busy. No traffic jam.

[edit] Stay healthy

[edit] Hospitals

Dr Lakke Gowda, Prabhat Clinic on MG Road. Dr vinay Gowda, Bashwashwara Clinic IG Road

[edit] Pharmacies

[edit] Cope

[edit] Beauty parlors & hair salons

Fantasy on IG Road equals any state of the art saloons across the major cities

[edit] Gyms

[edit] Post & telegraphs

You have post offices in Basavanahalli, Vijayapura, MG Road & General post office at the end of MG road.

[edit] Get out

• Mangalore
• Hassan

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