Perched at 3,400 feet at the foothills of Mullayanagiri, Chikmagalur is an enchanting hill station in Karnataka that exhibits the best form of green nature and pleasant environment letting everyone escape from the rambunctious noises of the city. Fondly called as ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’, it is one of the most popular places to visit near Bangalore and Mysore. Dotted with overflowing streams, rolling hills, lush green forest, tall mountains, aromatic coffee plantations and pleasant weather, Chikmagalur has everything you wish to explore as a traveller. Apart from exploring within the city, one can also check out the nearby scenic hill stations that give you the opportunity to explore the natural beauty as part of Chikmagalur tour packages. If you are looking for that peaceful & secluded retreat, then check out the list of best hill stations near Chikmagalur below.
Kemmanagundi
Kemmangundi is an amazing hill station located in Tarikere taluk of Chikmagalur district. Placed at an altitude of 1434 m on the Baba Budan range, it is one of the must-include places in Karnataka tour packages, and among the best places to visit near Bangalore. This small hill station is named after the Mysore King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and he made it as his summer retreat. Known for its sprawling hills, beautiful gardens, pleasant weather, and spectacular views, the place attracts a large number of tourists, especially nature lovers. Raj Bhavan, Hebbe Falls, Z Point, Rock Garden, Kalhattagiri Falls, Baba Budan Hill, and Bhadra Tiger Reserve are some of the important places to visit in Kemmanagundi. Besides, the place is also well-known for trekking routes, mountain trails, and other adventure activities.
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Kalasa
Kalasa is undoubtedly one of the most scenic hill stations around Chikmagalur with a bunch of temples spread across the town. Surrounded by the scenic Western Ghats, it is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Karnataka, and among the best places to visit in Sringeri. The hill station has derived its name from Sri Kalaseshwara temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a must-visit in Kalasa. Girija Kalyanam is one of the biggest festivals celebrated with great pomp and fervor at Kalasa that begins on the new moon and continues to the full moon. Kalasa is usually part of a three-stop temple tour that also includes Sringeri and Horanadu. The temple town of Kalasa is also known for the five sacred water bodies or Pancha tirthas – Vasistha Theertha, Naga Theertha, Koti Theertha, Rudra Theertha, Amba Theertha. Visitors can also enjoy the climb to Duggapan Katte, from where they can enjoy views of the entire temple town of Kalasa and the vast spice, tea and coffee plantations.
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Sakleshpur
Situated at an altitude of 3061 feet in the Malnad region of Karnataka, Sakleshpur is one of the best hill stations near Chikmagalur and among the best places to visit near Mangalore. This small hill town is surrounded by lush green hills covered with coffee, cardamom, pepper, and areca plantations. Sakleshwara Temple, Agni Gudda Hill, Manjarabad Fort, Betta Byraveshwara Temple, Pandavar Gudda, Magajahalli Waterfalls, Agni Gudda, and Hemavathi Dam are some of the popular Sakleshpur tourist places. Saklespur is also known for popular trails like Kumara Parvatha Trek and Bisle Reserve Forest Trek. The fascinating mountains, pleasant weather and breathtaking beauty in the Western Ghats region of Sakleshpur will completely refresh you.
Book Here : Sakleshpur Tour Packages
Kudremukh
Kudremukh is a very small hill station and a mining town located in the Western Ghats of Chikmagalur. Perched at an altitude of 1894m, Kudremukh Peak is one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats and among the top places for trekking in Karnataka. The peak gets its name owing to the unique shape of the peak, which resembles the face of a horse. Hiking in the rainforest-covered slopes that lead to the summit of the peak which greets with some of the most exotic views, is an exciting experience that one must try as part of Chikmagalur packages. The Kudremukh hills are the source of 2 rivers, including Tunga and Bhadra. Kudremukh is known for its tropical wet evergreen forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. The main attraction in this town is the Kudremukh National Park, which is home to several rare species of flora and fauna including spotted deer, lion-tailed macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, leopard, peacock, common langur, etc.
Book Here : Coorg Tour Packages
Agumbe
Situated at an altitude of over 2100 feet, Agumbe is one of the most popular places to visit in Karnataka, especially in the rainy season. Agumbe is also known as the Cherrapunji of South India as it receives the highest amount of rainfall in Southern India. It is also called Hasiru Honnu, which means green gold, as it is home to several rare species of medicinal plants. Agumbe Hill is one of the four peaks in the Western Ghats that borders the mainland and divides it from the coast of the Arabian Sea. Agumbe is surrounded by a rich biodiversity, and adjacent to one of the last surviving lowland rainforests. Sunset View Point, Udupi, Jomlu Theertha Falls, Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Jogi Gundi Falls, Kudlu Theertha Falls, and Kunchikal Falls are some of the prominent places to visit in Agumbe. It is the place where RK Narayan filmed his novel Malgudi Days. Agumbe is also the base station for several hiking trails, including Narasimha Parvatha Trek. If you are a nature enthusiast who loves to relax and rejoice with friends, then do visit Agumbe.
Must Visit : Hill Stations in Karnataka
Kyathanamakki
Kyathanamakki is a serene hill station located near Horanadu in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is one of the offbeat places for hiking near Bangalore, and among the top places to visit in Chikmagalur. Located near Kudremukh, Kyathanamakki is the perfect place for those looking for a weekend getaway from Bangalore with the urge to escape the fast-paced life of the city. The picturesque landscape adorned with lush green meadows, and meandering streams leave you in awe. Also, the rolling hills are hugely popular for their breathtakingly beautiful views of sunrise and sunset also draw many tourists. Besides, a thrilling 4×4 off-roading experience through the rolling, lush hills of Kyathanamakki is a must-do activity here for adrenaline junkies.
Also Read : Must Visit Hill Stations near Bangalore
Charmadi
Charmadi or Charmady is a small scenic hill station in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. The place is well-known for its picturesque mountain pass with the same name. Charmady Ghat is one of the most scenic and dangerous (to drive) Ghats of Karnataka, and among the prominent places to visit near Mysore. Stretching over 25 km, it connects the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Chikmagalur, and it is renowned for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance. This ghat section has 12 Hairpin curves and receives very heavy rainfall of over 7000 mm during the monsoon. The ghat is a popular destination among nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and tourists who flock to experience its unique charm. One of the major attractions of Charmadi is Ballarayanadurga, an ancient fort located atop a hill at a distance of 10 km from Sunkasale. Charmadi Ghat is also blessed with a waterfall named Bandaje Arbi. The real beauty of Charmadi can be seen only during the rainy season, when all the seasonal waterfalls come alive.
Coorg
Often referred to as ‘The Scotland of India’, Coorg is a breathtaking hill station snuggled amid the lush green mountains and gorgeous valleys in Karnataka. Its stunning landscapes, covered with sprawling coffee plantations, evergreen forests, alluring peaks, and an unending stretch of tranquillity make this hilly abode one of the most popular hill stations near Chikmagalur, and among the must-include places in Karnataka tour. The evergreen forests of this pristine hill station are home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that boast some exotic wildlife in India. These wildlife habitats offer a lifetime opportunity to be with nature. Dubare Elephant Camp, Barapole River, Abbey Falls, Chettalli waterfalls, Namdroling Monastery and Madikeri Fort are some of the top places to visit in Coorg.
Book Here : Coorg Packages
