Chikmagalur is recognized as the coffee land of Karnataka and boasts a delightful mixture of stunning scenery and the fragrance of coffee. Situated at the foot of the Mullayanagiri mountain range, this hill station is renowned for its serene ambiance, dense green forests, and the Yagachi River. Some of the top attractions in Chikmagalur include Kemmangundi, Kudremukh National Park, Mullayanagiri, Hebbe Falls, and Baba Budangiri, while there are plenty of other sites to explore beyond these locations.
Visitors to this location are encouraged to partake in a range of must-experience activities, including a tranquil stroll through the coffee plantation and a scenic nature walk. These tours offer an excellent opportunity to appreciate the lush greenery and relax in a natural environment, providing unforgettable moments to cherish forever. For coffee aficionados, this destination is a paradise. Additionally, exploring the hills on foot through trekking trails is a popular and recommended activity in this hill station.
Tourist attraction of Chikmagalur
- Mahatma Gandhi Park
- Coffee Museum
- Mullayana Giri
- Kudurekha Jamly
- Inam Dattatreya Peetha
1. Mahatma Gandhi Park
Ratnagiri Bore, or M G Park, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Park, is situated in the northern region of Chikmagalur. Inaugurated on 1st January 1967 by the then Vice President of India, Mr. Zakir Hussain, this stunning garden is located in the shadow of Mullayanagiri Hill, providing a beautiful backdrop. Visitors to this park can delight in the serenity of lush greenery, making it a tranquil destination.
The park features numerous attractions for individuals of all ages, making it a popular tourist spot for family vacations and picnics. It boasts well-maintained flower beds, manicured lawns, and a nursery with a vast variety of flowering plants. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful and secure ambiance at the park, and there are numerous fun activities for children to keep them entertained.
Layout of Mahatma Gandhi Park
Nestled amidst a verdant expanse of grass and trees, the Mahatma Gandhi Park is a well-maintained destination that offers plenty of seating areas for relaxation. The park features a prominent statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the entrance gate and boasts well-designed pathways, steps, and lawns that are regularly maintained. Various types of colorful flowers and plants are thoughtfully arranged to enhance the park’s beauty, and a pond with statues and a lovely fountain adds to the charm.
Visitors to the park can enjoy several exciting attractions, including a popular treehouse and well-crafted caves. An amphitheater has been constructed on the grounds to accommodate mini outdoor stage activities. The park offers swings, slides, and other outdoor games to keep children entertained. Additionally, the MG Park boasts an open-air gym and a toy train track as other exciting features.
History of Mahatma Gandhi Park
Mahatma Gandhi Park was opened to the public on January 1st, 1967, with the then Vice President of India, Mr. Zakir Hussain, presiding over the inauguration. Initially, the park served as a favorite spot for morning joggers and walkers and even had an aquarium that attracted nature enthusiasts. However, due to disturbances caused by unruly elements, the park had to be shut down by local authorities for some time. Subsequently, the park underwent a significant renovation and was reopened, now featuring a beautiful new look, and continues to be known as the Mahatma Gandhi Park today.
Things to do at Mahatma Gandhi Park
1. Toy Train Ride: You can enjoy a ride of the Ratnagiri Toy Train inside the Mahatma Gandhi Park. It is a prominent attraction for both kids and adults. The train takes you for a round of around 1 kilometer around the park allowing you to explore the park while enjoying the fun ride.
2. Open Air Gym: Mahatma Gandhi Park has an open-air gym for both kids and adults. It is a perfect spot for fitness enthusiasts who can exercise in the lap of nature.
3. Kids Zone: Kids can enjoy a variety of swings and slides in the park.
4. Caves: Artificial caves have been maintained in the park where visitors can have fun exploring the insides of the attraction.
5. Treehouse: The park houses a treehouse that offers a beautiful view of the park.
6. Eateries: There are some small shops inside the park where you can purchase refreshments and local eatables from them.
7. The park offers a view of the Chikmagalur district central prison.
Entry Fee and Timings of Mahatma Gandhi Park
Entry fees of Mahatma Gandhi Park is INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children. The Toy Train ticket costs INR 15 per person per round.
Timings of Mahatma Gandhi Park are 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on all days of the week. Although the park is open throughout the year yet months from September to March would be the best time to visit it. These months are perfect according to the climate and weather conditions of the region.
How to reach Mahatma Gandhi Park
Located to the North of Chikmagalur district, Mahatma Gandhi Park is well connected with its neighboring cities through various modes. Road connectivity to Mahatma Gandhi Park is very good. You can have many transport options to reach there like autos, buses or a cab. The best ways to reach Mahatma Gandhi Park are:
By Air: Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore is the nearest airport to Mahatma Gandhi Park, Chikmagalur. It is about 250 kilometers from Bangalore Airport. From the airport, you can hire a cab or bus to Mahatma Gandhi Park. It is well connected by road and you can reach the park in around 5 hrs from the nearest airport at Bangalore.
By Road: Road connectivity to Mahatma Gandhi Park park is very good. You can hire a cab from top car rental companies in Chikmagalur, or take a bus or an auto to reach this park. State bus services also ply in Chikmagalur, connecting it well with neighboring cities.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Mahatma Gandhi Park is Chikmagalur railway station. It is at a distance of 6 kilometers and is well connected by cabs and other local transport. You can hire cabs, or autos to reach the Mahatma Gandhi Park.
2. Coffee Museum
The Coffee Museum, also known as the Coffee Yatra Museum, is a popular tourist spot in Chikmagalur that offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of coffee. Located in the Dasarahalli area, the museum is just a 13-minute drive from the city center and is a must-visit for coffee lovers and those curious about the coffee-making process. The museum takes you on a journey through the history and technology of coffee production, from the harvesting of coffee beans to their processing, roasting, grinding, and powdering. It is an excellent place to discover the aroma and taste of original coffee and caters to all kinds of taste buds. The Coffee Museum is a perfect weekend getaway retreat in Chikmagalur.
The Coffee Museum in Chikmagalur is a top attraction that offers an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. It covers all aspects of coffee, making it a must-visit place for coffee lovers. You can learn about the history and technology behind coffee production, from harvesting to grinding and powdering. It’s a great opportunity to rekindle your love for coffee and enjoy its aroma. You can also browse through the coffee encyclopedia and watch informative documentaries and short videos. It’s an experience that will leave you captivated and wanting to enjoy coffee for the rest of your life.
A Complete Tour of Coffee Museum, Chikmagalur
Starting the tour of the Coffee Museum, you will be greeted by coffee plants bearing deep green and red berries lining the premises. As you step inside the museum, you will be amazed by the large posters on the walls showcasing interesting information about the “Coffees of India”. Further ahead, you will come across the Coffee Map of India, which highlights both traditional and non-traditional coffee-growing regions in the country, and gives you information about the coffee beans produced in specific areas.
In the Coffee Evaluation Centre, a staff member will guide you through the complicated process of coffee bean processing, which may take some time to explain. After that, there is a separate section where the final product is tasted before it is released into the market. Overall, it’s an informative and exciting tour for all coffee enthusiasts.
Go to the Lower Level of the Coffee Museum where you can discover more about the coffee culture, traditional practices, and various other related aspects. The Coffee Board of India established this museum with the objective of educating visitors about their daily dose of coffee.
In addition, you can watch a Coffee Movie and listen to a coffee song that demonstrates the entire coffee cultivation process in the farmers’ own language. Furthermore, you can visit the Laboratory to learn about the complete coffee grinding process and the specialized equipment used by the experts.
Entry Fee and Timings of Coffee Museum, Chikmagalur
The entry fee to visit the Coffee Museum is INR 20 per person. It is open for its visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days except Saturday and Sunday. The recommended exploration time is approximately 1-2 hours.
How to Reach the Coffee Museum, Chikmagalur?
The Coffee Museum is conveniently located only 5 km away from Indira Gandhi Road and a short distance from Zilla Panchayat Bhavan in Chikmagalur, making it easily accessible by local modes of transportation. Visitors can choose to self-drive or hire a taxi from one of the top car rental companies in the city for a comfortable journey.
It’s important to note that Chikmagalur does not have its own airport or railway station. Travelers arriving by air will need to fly to either Bangalore International Airport or Mangalore International Airport, which are the nearest airports to the city and receive regular flights from around the world. Those who prefer train travel can take a train from any of the major cities in India to Kadur Railway Station, which is the closest railway station to Chikmagalur, located 40 km away. There are plenty of options available outside the Kadur station for commuting within the city at reasonable prices.
3. Mullayana Giri
Chikmagalur, a district in Karnataka surrounded by lush green hills, scenic mountain ranges, and sacred sites, attracts many tourists due to its pleasant weather throughout the year. Mullayanagiri is a top attraction in Chikmagalur that captures the attention of visitors.
Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Chikmagalur, is known for its unparalleled beauty. The view from the top is breathtaking, and adventure seekers flock to the place every year to fulfill their trekking desires. In addition to trekking, visitors can also enjoy road biking and mountain riding activities in the stunning natural surroundings.
A must-visit attraction in Chikmagalur is the Mullayanagiri hills, the highest peak in the Western Ghats, located around 20 km from Chikmagalur and 23 km from Baba Budangiri. Standing tall at 1950 meters above sea level, Mullayanagiri offers a serene atmosphere with lush green fields, rugged rocks, and misty weather that enhances its charm.
The caves at the summit are not very deep, leading directly to the temple’s garbhagudi. Unfortunately, entry to this has been closed by the priests living there.
The stunning natural beauty of Mullayanagiri attracts adventure enthusiasts, who can indulge in road biking, mountain riding, and trekking. The 3 km trek from Sarpadhari is steep, with an inclination of 60 degrees, and can be covered in 1.5 to 2 hours. Professional trekking guides can take you to the summit for around INR 2000 or more, offering a complete tour of the place. You can also book full-day treks that include camping facilities and meals.
As you ascend, you can enjoy the Nandi statue, a small stream, and a cave with a small water source. Early morning is the ideal time to witness the beautiful sunrise and breathtaking views of Mullayanagiri and the Western Ghats.
History of Mullayanagiri Chikmagalur
Tapasvi Mullapa Swami is credited with the current recognition of Mullayanagiri hills. According to legend, Tapasvi Mullapa Swami meditated for several years in the caves near the summit of Mullayanagiri in Chikmagalur.
In the past, the trail to the top did not have asphalt or concrete steps. Instead, people used the well-known Sarpanadi or Sarpadri path to reach the summit.
Things to carry while going to Mullayanagiri Chikmagalur
Make sure you bring enough snacks and water bottles during your trek to the summit of Mullayanagiri. There are no shops along the way, but you may find some near the Shiv Temple if you’re fortunate. It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing and keep your load light to make trekking and long walks more comfortable. Keep a first aid kit with you in case of an emergency. Due to the altitude, the weather may suddenly change, so it’s a good idea to carry a light sweater, raincoat, and sunglasses with you at all times.
Location of Mullayanagiri Chikmagalur
Mullayanagiri is located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka state. It is a part of the Chandra Dhrona hill range of the Western Ghats and is around 35 kms or 1hr 15mins from Chikmagalur via Bababudan Giri road.
Entry fee and timings of Mullayanagiri Chikmagalur
There is no entry fee to Mullayanagiri. Although there are local jeep drivers to take you to your destination; however, fix the charges for a one-way trip or a return trip as the charges may differ. It is best to climb the mountain during the day to avoid any mishap.
Best time to visit Mullayanagiri Chikmagalur
The pleasant weather of Chikmagalur welcomes tourists all through the year. However, September to May is the best time to visit the peak and indulge in trekking.
The summers here can turn out to be exasperating, and the heavy monsoon downpours can blur your view. So, plan the trip during winter with temperatures varying between 15-32 degrees Celsius.
4. Inam Dattatreya Peetha
Inam Dattatreya Peetha is a revered religious site located on Baba Budangiri hills. It serves as a burial site that was once the abode of Hazrat Dada Hayath Mir Qalandar and Guru Dattatreya, making it a significant place for both Hindus and Muslims. The annual Urs festival in the 3rd month of the Islamic calendar and Kartik Poornima in late October and early November are celebrated with enthusiasm by both communities at this pilgrimage.
The scenic and picturesque journey to the mountains is another reason why people from different parts of the world flock to this place. One can either trek to add some thrill or travel by 2-wheeler/4-wheeler to reach the location and enjoy the enchanting view.
Entry Fee and Timings of Inam Dattatreya Peetha, Chikmagalur
There is no entry fee to visit Inam Dattatreya Peetha in Chikmagalur and it is open for its visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days. The recommended exploration time is 30-minutes to 1 hour.
Best Time to Visit Inam Dattatreya Peetha, Chikmagalur
Inam Dattatreya Peetha and Chikmagalur can be visited throughout the year, although the best time to visit is between September and March. During this period, the weather is pleasant, making it more comfortable for tourists to explore the sightseeing places, including Inam Dattatreya Peetha. It is recommended to avoid visiting the site on Sundays as it can be crowded.
Ways to get to Inam Dattatreya Peetha
Reaching Inam Dattatreya Peetha in Chikmagalur is convenient and easily accessible for both locals and tourists. It is located only 12 km away from the city center, and one can reach it through local modes of transportation like an auto-rickshaw, bus, or private/shared taxi. In addition, Chikmagalur Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, has provided a list of top car rental companies in Chikmagalur that visitors can use to book a cab and travel with ease and convenience.
