Hi, if you have been feeling tired of the same routine every day and are probably looking for a place to get away from the stresses of daily life and enjoy a break, then Chikmagalur is the place for you. Located in the lap of the Western Ghats of Karnataka, this gorgeous hill station is well-renowned for its vast coffee plantations, an abundance of clouds, and waterfalls that are nothing short of a picture. 

I’ve spent a bunch of weekends here just to watch the sunrise and look for a good cup of filtered coffee. No matter if you’re a thrill-seeker, a lover of nature, or just a person who wants to relax with a book under a tree, you can enjoy Chikmagalur. Moreover, you’ll only enjoy the silence in the air up here. Shall we get started and plan your next vacation?

Top Spots You Can’t Miss in Chikmagalur 

Before we list out the individual gems, here’s a quick note on why these spots rock. Chikmagalur isn’t just about pretty views, though there are plenty of those. It’s a blend of cultural history (we’re talking centuries-old temples and pilgrim trails), raw nature (jungles, peaks, waterfalls), and, of course, coffee. You can trek up to the highest peak in Karnataka, sip a steamy brew right where it was grown, and cool off under a cascading waterfall—all in one day if you’re ambitious (or just really caffeinated). Ready? Here are the top ten places to bookmark—your Instagram feed will thank you later.

1. Mullayanagiri

At 1,931 meters, Mullayanagiri is the tallest peak in Karnataka. Trekking up is a bit of a leg-burner (there are stone steps for most of the way), but the sunrise views? Worth every sweaty step. Pro tip: start before dawn, bring a headlamp, and wear good shoes—those rocks can get slippery. Once you’re at the top, you’ll find two small shrines and panoramic views of green hills dancing in the morning mist. Oh, and don’t skip the chai seller near the summit—hot tea never tasted so epic.

2. Baba Budangiri

Apart from Mullayanagiri, the trip to Baba Budangiri is also a short drive of just a few minutes. The place is a cocktail of mystique and grandeur. The area is named after the royal saint of the 17th century, who had holy powers and is also rich in history. There are plateaus, a dargah from the 18th century, and, of course, the Baba Budangiri peak itself

3. Kudremukh National Park

Forests around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kudremukh are one of the wild animals and wildflowers areas that you should best like. This spot is well known because of its rich diversity, as it became a home to tigers, elephants, and, among others, the shy barking deer. The distance of the peak trek is around 20 km, so remember to take a day off (start early).

4. Hebbe Falls

Picture this: you’re weaving through a coffee estate, and suddenly you hear thunder, only to realize it’s just water crashing down 551 feet. That’s Hebbe Falls for you. You can drive nearly up to the base in a 4×4 (coffee farms own those jeeps), then trek the last mile through the forest. The water’s chilly, but jumping into the natural pool at the bottom is the best wake-up call ever. And yes, the misty spray is Insta-worthy.

5. Jhari (Buttermilk) Falls

Jhari Falls, also known as Buttermilk Falls because of the frothy white cascades, is yet another refreshing place that can be visited. It’s a bit of a walk from the main road, but the way winds through the dense bamboo groves and lanes of coffee bushes. At the natural pool of the cliff’s end, you can have a good swim.

6. Hirekolale Lake

Hirekolale Lake is the place you saw in all those beautiful postcards evenings made of delicate lines of shadows and low hills making perfect reflections in the mirror-like water. This place is very accessible from the city center and there is no need for any hiking, making it the perfect destination if you are traveling with family or just want a calm evening near the water.

7. Manikyadhara Falls

Relax, if you visit Manikyadhara Falls, it’s not going to be like the mass of a crowd like Hebbe and Jhari, which are not so frequented. It’s a sacred place for the local people as they keep a small temple there, so in the morning, you will meet on the way people who are going to make an offering. Here, the water rushes down rocky walls and forms a large and shallow pool.

8. Coffee Plantations

You can’t visit Chikmagalur without setting foot in a coffee plantation. Many estates—like the famous Chamundi or Browne’s—offer guided tours where you’ll learn everything from bean to cup. You’ll wander through emerald-green rows of coffee shrubs, watch workers hand-pick cherry-red berries, and see how they’re dried and roasted. Best part? The tasting session at the end. I still dream about that first sip of fresh filter coffee right where it was made.

9. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

For another dose of wild adventure, head to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s home to tigers, leopards, gaurs, and so many birds that twitchy little twitchers (birdwatchers) can’t get enough. You can book a jeep safari at dawn or dusk—prime animal-spotting times. There’s also boating on the Bhadra reservoir, so you can float past herds of deer or maybe spot an otter. Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens—you’ll thank me later.

10. Kudlu Falls & Trek

And finally, Kudiu Falls is a lesser-known attraction just outside the village of Kudu. A trip to this place is indeed a kind of adventure: you go through a dense forest, cross little streams, and find yourself at a waterfall with so many levels that it goes into clear, shallow pools. No big crowd, the nature is pure and unspoilt. Bring a daypack with some snacks and a bottle of water since there are no shacks here- it is just the pure joy of the off-the-beaten-track place.

Also Read: Places to Visit in Delhi with Friends

Conclusion

And there you have it—ten awesome spots that make Chikmagalur the coffee-scented, mist-kissed paradise it is. Whether you’re chasing peaks, waterfalls, or the perfect cup of joe, there’s something here to steal your heart (and your camera roll). My biggest piece of advice? Don’t rush. Spend a little extra time sipping coffee at a plantation homestay, get lost on a random forest trail, or just lounge by a lake with no plans. That’s the beauty of Chikmagalur: at its best, it’s an unhurried escape.

FAQs About Places To Visit In Chikmagalur