Last Updated on August 18, 2024 by Rodrigo @ OutofYourComfortZone

Located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is much more than just a hill station, for it is surrounded by tranquil beauty, lush green coffee plantations, and breathtaking landscapes. 

This pretty destination is home to a huge variety of activities that nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and culture seekers would be attracted to. We will talk about the top five things to do in Chikmagalur, which would make your visit memorable.

 

List of 5 Best Things to do in Chikmagalur:

 

   1. Hebbe Falls:

First of the list has to be these magnificent waterfalls in Chikmagalur. Hebbe Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls of this location, situated deep in the heart of dense forests and coffee estates. To reach here, one takes a bumpy ride in a jeep and then a short trek that leads up to the falling water of these waterfalls. 

The view of the water falling from a height of 551 feet is simply the most enthralling sight for nature and photography lovers. 

 

 

Another should-visit waterfall for tourists is the Jhari Falls, locally known as the Buttermilk Falls, which provides a calm ambiance perfect for picnics and leisure activities altogether. The sound of running water, the lustrous greenery, and the air complete the experience of rejuvenation.

Hebbe Falls has been, for quite a long time, one of the major landmarks of Chikmagalur. The local tribes consider these falls as a place that holds great reverence. 

Fast forward through the years, Hebbe Falls has turned into one among the places of interest, attracting far-and-wide tourists who throng to witness the beauty of the falls and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings too. It has an impact on environmental conservation. 

The falls are an integral resource to the flora and fauna with the water supply; it hence forms a vital zone of the ecosystem. But with infrastructure being built and the overload of too many tourists, it definitely gives a dire threat to the said ecosystem.

On one hand, the popularity of Hebbe Falls has fuelled the local economy because it provides a livelihood for tour guides, homestay owners, and small vendors in the area. Tourism has flourished; providing jobs, it has accelerated the growth of the region as a whole.

In effect, Hebbe Falls—Chikmagalur has been a real gem of Karnataka, showcasing the pristine beauty of nature. People visited to connect with nature, rejuvenate the mind, and be in awe of the splendor of the Western Ghats. 

If responsibility towards the environment is fostered and green tourism is practiced presently, then Hebbe Falls will go on mesmerizing visitors generation after generation.

 

   2. Malkangiri Peak: 

This is the land of adventure pursuit activities, and multiple activities can be done here to get those thrills. Trekking enthusiasts might take up a trek to Malkangiri Peak, the highest peak of Karnataka, offering wide-angled views of misty valleys and rolling hills. 

The trek would be moderately difficult with winding trails through dense forests and grasslands, finally topped by watching sunrise from the summit. Well, the Bhadra River is a must-try if anyone is looking for an adrenaline rush from white water rafting. 

It’s a river with thrilling rapids and breath-taking landscapes, making for a perfect combination for any kind of adventure enthusiast to have a never-forgettable rafting experience.

Malkangiri Peak is one of the most beautiful natural wonders at Malkangiri District, Odisha, India. The towering peak, 4,700 feet above sea level, makes it a place of interest among nature lovers and adventure-lovers too, for it offers a panoramic view all around one.

The towering presence would strike anyone right from your approach to the Malkangiri Peak against the clear blue sky. A smattering of mystery lies perched on the peak, surrounded by dense forests and greenery that reaches down to its base. 

The track up the summit is pretty challenging, laboriously steep, and rugged in nature that tests the endurance even of the most seasoned trekkers. But all of that comes with its own bounty when one gets to the top and sees panoramic views of valleys lying down below.

From the top of Malkangiri Peak, one can see winding rivers, tumbling waterfalls, and dense green forests stretching beyond towards the limitless horizon. The absolute, unsullied beauty of the scene staggers one, and its serene quietude can easily engulf any person standing on the peak.

For the soul that likes to have some adventure, Malkangiri Peak provides ample scope for trekking, rock climbing, and camping. Turf and trails run rugged through this terrain, speaking volumes in activities that get your adrenaline pumping fast enough to satiate even the most adventurous souls amongst us. 

You will come across unique flora, fauna, hidden caves, and rugged cliffs as you go about exploring this peak, adding to the feeling of excitement and wonder.

Historical and cultural attractions are also attached to the top of the Malkangiri Peak, as one believes that ancient tribes and civilizations once inhabited this peak, whose remnants in the form of rock paintings and carvings one gets to see here. 

Visiting these archaeological places thus makes an additional mystery-laden experience for going to Malkangiri Peak.

Well-off, this Malkangiri Peak is but a true gem of nature that offers a complete sensory experience for every kind of visitor. It has everything to offer, from its majestic peaks to green valleys and ancient ruins, for everybody’s view and liking. 

Be it the nature buff, the adventure seeker, or simply the history enthusiast, a visit to Malkangiri Peak is sure to create a difference and leave one with wonderful memories to be treasured forever.

 

   3. Baba Budangiri: 

Baba Budangiri is one of the holy mountains in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. This peak is named in the honor of the Muslim saint, Baba Budan, an important saint who introduced coffee into India in the 17th century. Pilgrims of Hindu and Muslim faiths flock to the mountain to visit the shrine of the saint.

The air is crisp and clean amidst the view of the mountain with its picturesque beauty, greenery all around, falling water, and dense forests covering its slopes. This has made it a good place to be for nature lovers and trekkers who want to get out of the hustle and bustle of city life.

One of the main attractions for visiting Baba Budangiri is a cave where he is believed to have meditated for several years. The cave now serves as a quiet, serene place for contemplation and reflection for pilgrims who visit the place seeking the blessings of the saint for their families and near and dear ones.

Small shrines dot areas surrounding the cave, with various Hindu and Muslim deities enshrined in these temples or mosques, where different religious beliefs amicably coexist.

The climb to the top of Baba Budangiri is not for those with faint hearts, so the climbs are very steep and full of rocks. The panoramic view from the top makes the effort very well worthwhile. On a clear day, one can see far away on all sides, hills, and valleys rolling down and stretching as far as the eye can see.

Other than the religious and natural importance, the coffee plantations of Baba Budangiri are among the major attractions. Just the right cool climate and fertile soil make it apt for the growth of coffee beans. The richness in flavor and aroma makes them highly valued. Visitors get a chance to go for a plantation tour, know the entire process of making coffee, and even taste freshly brewed coffee themselves.

In short, Baba Budangiri is a local permutation of spirituality, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Whether you are a religious pilgrim seeking his blessings, a nature-loving person trying to get a peaceful retreat, or a coffee lover bent on tasting some of the rarest beans in the world, Baba Budangiri has something for everyone. This holy mountain visit will indeed be imprinted in one’s mind and soul forever.

 

   4. Coffee Museum Chikmagalur: 

The Coffee Museum is wrapped inside the greenery of Chikmagalur and represents the richness in history and culture that prevailed while producing the coffee in India. It is one such unique museum that takes the visitors around the world of coffee, from their origin to becoming a worldwide liked beverage.

From the first step one takes into the museum, freshly ground coffee beans present themselves as a tolerant welcome to an immersive and fascinating experience. In its design, the Coffee Museum displays almost the entire production process, from bean to cup, revealing the various techniques and methods in existence over the ages.

At best, the collection of antique coffee-making equipment—whether it be vintage roasters, grinders, or brewing devices—certainly would not be out of place. It is not just dirty hunks of metal but unrehearsed; rather, it is interesting for opening a window to history and giving visitors appreciation for the skills and ingenuity that really shaped this industry over the many centuries.

It also provides interactive exhibits to enlighten the vivid types of coffee beans and their different characteristics in tastes and Flavors. Furthermore, there will be an explanation on the best brewing methods to lay out the special trait of the blend. Visitors can also take part in the coffee-tasting sessions to learn nuance from the different brews and understand how discerning quality in a cup of coffee is done.

Beyond the educational aspect, something the Coffee Museum does is kind of raise a monument to all those coffee makers and laborers who work unselfishly to put the tantalizing beverage onto our tables. This shows us how much human hard work and effort are involved in the growing and harvesting of the coffee beans alone, thereby legitimizing ambitious standards set within the industry for sustainable and ethical production methods.

The Coffee Museum in Chikmagalur has never operated simply as a place for learning about coffee; rather, it represents an epitome of this cultural and culinary tradition that captured millions of hearts globally. 

From being a coffee aficionado to one who just loves the rich history associated with the beverage, there is definitely the potential of leaving visitors in awe with respect to this art of coffee making. So, when one does visit this beautiful region of Chikmagalur, one should definitely include it in the bucket list.

 

   5. Jhari Waterfalls: 

Located right in the middle of green forests, Jhari, India, it is the stunning Jhari Waterfalls. The natural beauty is their secluded paradise of peace away from the mundane routine and hence one of the most likable spots amongst the lovers of nature and adventure.

The thick foliage gives out, roaring with the rushing waters, excited at what lies ahead. Then, within the beat of a heart, it is there: Jhari Waterfalls, cascading off a towered cliff and issuing a wonderfully striking sight both in boasting action and beauty of nature.

That sight of crystal-transparent water falling into the pool below takes one’s breath away. In itself, it is a clean emerald green pool, quite small actually-an oasis in the midst of nearly nowhere, reigning with invitations to take a refreshing plunge and cool off from the sweltering heat of an Indian summer.

The passage of time is easily overlooked as one gets lost amidst the greenery and the soft pattern of falling water. With its refreshing mist, this waterfall cools the body and soul, therefore making it quite an ideal resting place immediately after rejuvenation.

For the more adventurous souls, at Jhari Waterfalls, one will have enough scope for exploration and pumping of the adrenaline for real. In-house and outer boundary hiking trails extend to stunning viewpoints on the falls from the top that give a bird’s eye view of this wonder.

This will also utterly spoil the rock-climbing enthusiasts because these steep cliffs around the waterfall provide ample opportunities to scale and conquer newer heights. One may also be able to swim and dive if one wants to get even closer under this powerful stream.

Whether one likes it or not, one thing is definite: a visit to JhariWaterfalls differs definitely. Be it an adventurer seeking fun and thrill or someone desirous of some moments of silence in the lap of nature, this yonder haven in the heart of Jharkhand renders an unforgettable experience to all who have been so lucky to behold its splendor.

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Concluding…

Chikmagalur offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure and rich cultural heritage, providing unforgettable experiences for all types of visitors!

Whether it’s exploring stunning waterfalls, climbing challenging mountains or immersing yourself in the coffee culture, this region of the Western Ghats is a true treasure of Karnataka.

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