Exciting trekking trails, high-summits, coffee estates; Chikmagalur is a place that has it all. With a never-ending list of things to do in Chikmagalur, this whimsical city of Karnataka has a lot of picture-perfect attractions as well.
This blissful city is often visited by families, groups of friends, and even couples.
Are planning on taking a family trip to Chikmagalur or a weekend getaway with friends?
Whatsoever be your motive, the city is dotted with a lot of places to visit as well as things to do that will keep you engaged throughout your trip.
Here are 15 best things to do in Chikmagalur with family, friends, or your better half:
Things to do in Chikmagalur with Family | |
Things to do in Chikmagalur with Friends | |
Things to do in Chikmagalur for Couples |
Things to do in Chikmagalur with Family
For those who thought that Chikmagalur is not a family destination, this is going to be a myth-buster for you. Here are some of the best things to do in Chikmaglur with family.
1. Have a picnic at the majestic Hebbe Falls
Karnataka is home to several majestic waterfalls and one of the best amongst them is the Hebbe Falls. This is an exotic wonder of the city and a rejuvenating place. Many travelers and people from nearby cities gather around the fall and enjoy their time.
If you too are traveling with your family, having a picnic at Hebbe Falls is a must-do thing in Chikmagalur in the monsoon. You will find several families flocking around the fall and enjoy their meals. Young children play in the water whereas others click pictures to capture the wonderful moments.
While you are here, make sure that you explore the nearby area. It is fun doing that!
Location of Hebbe Falls: Chikkamagaluru District, Kesavinamane, Karnataka 577131
Timings: From 6 am to 6 pm (Monday to Sunday)
2. Offer prayers at Sharadamba Temple
This tranquil hill station has something for everyone and if you are looking for a pilgrim spot, Sharadamba Temple is the place for you. Dedicated to goddess Saraswati, this temple is one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur. The temple adorns the Dravidian Style architecture with detailed carvings and finest craftsmanship.
Visit the temple with your family and offer your prayers to the lord. Because while you are here, enjoy the presence of the Tunga River nearby. It makes the environment blissful.
Location of Sharadamba Temple: Harihara St, Sringeri, Karnataka 577139
Timings: 6 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm (Monday to Sunday)
3. Seek blessings at Horanadu Temple
One of the most visited temples in Chikmagalur; Horanadu Temple is popular for its sculptures and location. With the Western Ghats on the backdrop, it is simply a breathtaking attraction of the hill station. Visitors should not skip visiting this place and do not forget to take the 3-course meal prasadam from the temple.
Visiting and seeking blessings from the lord at this temple is one of the best things to do in Chikmagalur for families.
Location of Horanadu Temple: Mudigere – Taluk, Chikmagalur – District, Hornadu, Karnataka 577181
Timings: 6:30 am to 9 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Take a look at Chikmagalur tour packages
4. Enjoy a new sport at Chikmagalur Golf Club
You never get too old to take a “Shot at Gold”. While enjoying at various attractions in the city, try not to miss out on visiting Chikmagalur Golf Club. Considered as one of the finest things to do while in Chikmagalur winters are to enjoy golfing at this club.
Not only will it relax your mind and rejuvenate you; but can help you in exploring your “sport’s side.” You would find a lot of people trying their hand in this sport. Many experienced players can also be found here grooming their skills.
Do try a few rounds it is a fun activity to do in Chikmagalur.
Location of Chikmagalur Golf Club: 154, Chikmagalur, Karadihallikaval, Karnataka 577101
Timings: From 6:30 am to 6:30 pm
5. Explore the coffee museum
Coffee Estates are an integral part of Chikmagalur. The expansive estates throughout the city can be explored with your family. Enjoy a guided tour to the best places but apart from this another wonderful thing to enjoy in Chikmagalur in the monsoon is visiting the Coffee Museum.
This museum is dedicated to coffee plantations and it educates the visitors about the history of coffee and its plantation. A coffee lover or not, a tour of this museum will surely give you an insight into this popular hot drink.
Location of the Coffee Museum: Dasarahalli, Karnataka 577101
Timings: From 10 am to 6 pm
Things to do in Chikmagalur with Friends
If you are planning a weekend trip with friends to this majestic city, then here are the top things to do in Chikmagalur within 2 days.
6. Trek to the summit of Mullayanagiri Mountain Peak
The highest peak in Karnataka, Mullayanagiri offers a breathtaking view from the summit. What’s more important is that this is a moderate to difficult level of trek. Many people enjoy this activity because trekking to the Mullayanagiri summit is one of the best things to do in Chikmagalur in the summers.
Away from the hustle-bustle of the cities, this is a refreshing spot with a plethora of mesmerizing sites on offer. Climb the mountain by following the narrow paths and click some breathtaking pictures from the top.
Now imagine doing all of this with your close friends!
Location of Mullayanagiri Mountain: 22 km from Chikmagalur
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset (Monday to Sunday)
Choose from our Chikmagalur tour packages available from Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Coimbatore.
7. Hike up to the Jhari Falls
If you don’t feel comfortable trekking, then heading to Jhari Falls can be an ideal thing to do. Apart from the enticing view offered by Jhari Falls, one can indulge in hiking. One of the best activities to do in Chikmagalur.
Approximately 23 km from the city, this is a bit offbeat destination where you can enjoy with your friends. Click some pictures, have a meal, enjoy playing in the water, and more. If you and your friends are searching for a place away from all the chaos, then this is the ideal spot.
Location of Jhari Falls: 23 km from Chikmagalur
Timings: From 7 am to 5 pm (Monday to Sunday)
8. Trek to the Kemmangundi Peak
If one place wasn’t enough for you to trek to, here is another option that will satiate your hunger for more. Kemmangundi Peak offers the best trail to trek in Chikmagalur. This trekking trail is considered to be a 3-4 level trek because of its height and route.
While you enjoy this thrilling activity in Chikmagalur, there are several narrow trails, steep climbs, in-route waterfall, forests, and a lot more. After conquering all these challenges when you reach the top, it feels completely worth doing it.
Location of Kemmangundi Peak: 62 km from Chikmagalur city
Timings: It is only allowed to climb the mountain from 6 am to 1 pm
9. Take some panoramic pictures at Baba Budangiri
You would not have to think or search for thrilling things to do in Chikmagalur with friends because there are a plethora of activities to indulge in. Apart from those already mentioned above, you can plan on trekking up the Bababudangiri peak. Located in the Western Ghats, this place is known as the home of Sufi Saint Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar. This attracts a lot of devotees to the city.
More importantly, Bababudangiri’s height of 1865 m makes it a thrilling trekking destination for people, especially youngsters from the nearby cities. On weekends you might find a crowd doing the same thing.
Location: 33 km from the city
Timings: From 8 am to 5 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Also Read:
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10. Enjoy river rafting at Bhadra River
If you have a group of friends who are adventure junkies, then visiting Chikmagalur would be the right thing to do. One of the best things to do in Chikmagalur on 2 days trip, is to enjoy rafting at the Bhadra River. If you are visiting here during monsoons, the river brims with water and rapid currents.
Worry not! The river rafting offered at Bhadra is suited for beginners as well as experienced rafters. This is a wonderful activity in Chikmagalur enjoyed for a stretch of 8 km and throughout the expedition, you will face level 3 to level 5 rapids. So enjoy this thrilling activity at Chikmagalur in August and September with friends; but with utmost caution!
Location: Starting of the rafting point is 85 km from Chikmagalur city.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Check here the exclusive list of Chikmagalur tour packages.
Things to do in Chikmagalur for Couples
Finding an ideal place to visit in Karnataka for a couple is not a difficult task at all. One blissful and serene place to visit in Chikmagalur. And if you want to enjoy yourself with your partner here, below-listed are some top-notch things to do in Chikmagalur for couples.
11. Enjoy a romantic walk at the Coffee Estates
Visiting this quaint city of Karnataka with your better half allows you to enjoy an array of things. Enjoying a romantic walk at the coffee estates is one of them. Being one of the top producers of coffee, Chikmagalur has huge coffee plantations throughout and around the city. The aroma filling your nostrils and the calming environment makes this one of the best things to do in Chikmagalur.
If you are taking a guided tour of any private estate, you can get a coffee tasting session as well. For coffee lovers who wanted to taste the authentic freshly brewed coffee, right from the estates; this activity is for you.
Location: Throughout and around the city.
Timings: Depends on the manager or owner of the estate.
12. Enjoy with your spouse at the Kalhatti Falls
You might think, how is visiting Kalhatti Falls an ideal thing to do in Chikmagalur with your spouse? But once you reach the waterfall, this question would just wash away from your mind. A peaceful, clean, and picture-perfect attraction of Chikmagalur; Kalhatti Falls is an amazing place for couples.
Apart from enjoying the peaceful environment near the falls, trekking offered here, couples can enjoy clicking pictures followed by offering prayer at the Veerabhadreshwara Temple nearby. The couple-friendly Kalhatti falls has everything to give you a great time here!
Location: Manchethevaru, Karnataka 577129
Timings: Open 24×7
13. Take a jungle safari at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Do you have an adventure-loving partner? Would you like to visit the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary? One of the finest attractions of Chikmagalur that offers a plethora of things to do is this wildlife sanctuary. Often visited by families, friends, and even newly-wed couples, this wildlife sanctuary makes for a great place for vacations and weekend trips.
The sanctuary is nestled in the Western Ghats that makes it an even better place to visit with beautiful landscapes all around. From spotting gaur, tigers, barking deer, sloth bears, to birdwatching more than 250 species of birds; this wildlife sanctuary will keep you engaged throughout your trip. And that’s the reason why it is one of the best activities for couples in Chikmagalur.
Location: Behind Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tarikere, Lakkavalli, Karnataka 577115
Timings: There are two safaris: Morning safari can be enjoyed from 6:00 am to 8:30 am and the evening safari can be enjoyed from 3:30 pm to 6 pm
14. Enjoy the easy Kudremukh Trek with your spouse
Want to try something new, something different with your spouse? You might have done a lot of tricky and enjoyable things as a couple but while visiting Chikmagalur, do not miss out on the Kudremukh Trek.
One of the best things to do with your partner in Chikmagalur is the Kudremukh Trek because it not only offers a challenging trail to walk on but the spellbinding view of the surroundings while on the summit. You have to hike through the dense jungle, climb hills, and do a lot of adrenaline-rushing activities en-route.
So, do you have it in you as a couple to trek the third highest peak of Karnataka?
Location: Mudigere Taluk Chikmagalur district, Karnataka
Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
15. Get some memorable clicks at Alekan Falls
Every couple loves visiting places that would give them a calming environment so that they could spend some quality time with each other. While visiting Chikmagalur, if this is what’s on your mind, then consider visiting Alekan Falls. One of the best attractions of Chikmagalur for couples, this waterfall is beautiful, peaceful, and comparatively offbeat. Everything that you would think of. This is a magnificent 90 ft. tall cascade offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding.
Take a dip in the pool of water at the foothill of the waterfall or simply dip your feet in the cold water; enjoy your time at this wonderful place. Offering an array of things to do with your partner, Alekan Falls can be your weekend destination for sure.
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