Chikmagalur Adventures Guide: Treks, Waterfalls, Coffee Tours and Safaris

Among the most exciting places to visit near Bangalore, Chikmagalur is located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and is famous for its green coffee estates, beautiful hills, enviable weather, and lots and lots of thrill! In this blog, we’ll take you through the many adventure activities this place near Bangalore has to offer – right from mountain biking and treks in Chikmagalur, to neighbourhood waterfalls, temples, coffee plantation tours, and adventure safaris.

Trekking in Chikmagalur

Mullayanagiri Trek

Mullayanagiri, 1,930 metres ASL, is the highest peak in Karnataka where trekkers go for an invigorating experience. The trek starts from Sarpadhari and takes you through dense woods, rocky terrains as well as steep slopes. From the summit there are panoramic views which can only be described as awesome with The Western Ghats being stretched out before your eyes.

BabaBudangiri Trek

Adventure lovers should take part in this trek named after a Sufi saint called Baba Budan. The path leads you through coffee plantations intermixed with grasslands and rocky paths. Here one gets to see three hallowed caves worshipped by Hindus and Muslims alike. It’s a unique experience because of its serene environment and spiritual ambiance.

Kudremukh Trek

Its name means Horse face is derived from its unique shape of this peak christened Kudremukh .The ascend to Kudremukh is challenging but rewarding as it opens into awe-inspiring vistas of rolling hillocks blanketed under thick vegetation interspersed with waterfalls. This area also hosts a variety of wildlife due to which it has become an enchanting spot for nature lovers.

Waterfalls in Chikmagalur

Hebbe Falls

One famous waterfall found around Chikmagalur is Hebbe falls which presents an adventure in itself since it involves driving through the rough terrain on a jeep then trekking for a short distance. The falls plunge from a height of 551 feet creating a mist all around it. A dip in these cool waters would be just perfect to get refreshed after the strenuous walk.

Kalhatti Falls

Another fascinating place to visit is Kalhatti Falls, also known as Kalahasti Falls and it’s visited by adventurers. You can simply reach the falls by walking through the forested area which will take you only a few minutes of your time. The specialty of this fall lies with Veerabhadreshwara temple situated behind this waterfall inside rocks. It’s an intriguing destination because of its natural beauty as well as religious sensitivity.

Abbey Falls

Madikeri in Coorg, Karnataka is where Abbey Falls are found and it is known as a beautiful tourist attraction. It falls from approximately 70 feet while it enjoys being surrounded by coffee plantations and spice farms. The waterfall is very impressive during the rainy season when the amount of water is at its highest. Not far away, there is a forest path which leads to a suspension bridge just in front of the fall that would offer you an ideal position for taking photographs. In case you love nature, then this place will be a fantastic destination for you and your friends since it contains everything related to nature.

Coffee Plantation Tours in Chikmagalur

Coffee is synonymous with Chikmagalur, so no trip here would be complete without touring the coffee plantations. Some estates provide guides who show how coffee beans are taken from the field and processed into a steaming cup of Joe. All your senses will be involved while walking through aromatic coffee fields, watching plucking of berries and sipping recently brewed espresso.

Wildlife Safari in Chikmagalur

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildlife lovers will love Bhadra wildlife sanctuary which offers exciting safari experiences here .It consists of diverse flora and fauna including tigers, leopards elephants, numerous bird species among other animals .For Jeep safaris and boat safaris are also available where one can enjoy scenes from wildlife in their natural habitat.

Adventure Sports in Chikmagalur

Bhadra River Rafting

The Bhadra River is one the finest river rafting destinations, more so in the monsoons when it swells. Rapids from Class II to IV are on offer to riders of all abilities – beginners and experts alike. The surrounding greenery and beautiful landscape make it even better.

Mountain Biking

The hilly terrains and picturesque trails of Chikmagalur make it perfect for mountain biking. Several companies conduct guided cycling tours that pass through coffee estates, forest tracks, and rough patches. This way you can adore nature’s elegance while enjoying adventure at its best.

Paragliding

Paragliding gives an excellent view of Chikmagalur’s scenic beauty from above as if one were a bird flying up high in the sky. It is an experience like no other to glide above the lush valleys and rolling hills. Even first-time flyers have nothing to worry about since good instructors shall ensure safe but thrilling flights.

Stargazing and Camping in Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is relatively unpolluted, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and camping. Most campsites in Chikmagalur are either located amidst coffee plantations or near scenic spots such as Mullayanagiri or Baba Budangiri.

Exploring Ancient Temples of Chikmagalur

Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu

When you visit Halebidu, you will be stepping back into time with each step that you take inside the ancient Hoysaleswara Temple. You cannot help but admire this temple built in the 12th century which has very elaborate engravings as well as intricate sculptures adorning it throughout its length and breadth. Getting there gives travellers a sense of the local cultural heritage, as well as allowing them to immerse themselves in the past.

Belur Temple

Another impressive architectural piece is Chennakesava temple in Belur. It is evident that the Hoysala dynasty was very skilled from these carvings and sculptures which depict various Hindu mythological tales. The beautiful garden surrounding it contains several smaller shrines making this place a peaceful and enchanting one.

Off-Roading and Jeep Safaris

The rough terrains of Chikmagalur are ideal for off-road enthusiasts. Some safari operators even offer jeep safaris that traverse through coffee estates, forests among others. This way you can uncover hidden gems within Chikmagalur while also experiencing the thrill of navigating through such terrains.

Bird Watching

Chikmagalur is home to numerous bird species due to its rich biodiversity and varied habitat types. Some of these birds are rare or endangered species. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Mullayanagiri forests are the best spots for bird watching in the area; guided bird watching tours are also available where you learn about avian life here.

Culinary Adventures

Exploring local cuisine itself is an adventure. The Malnad region has many delicacies which form part of Chikmagalur’s varied culinary delights. Missing out on some popular Malnad dishes like Akki Roti, Neer Dosa or the unique Chikmagalur biryani would be a shame. Besides, tourists staying at homestays or resorts may get cooking classes on how to make these traditional recipes thereby making their trip become more than just adventures but a culinary adventure too.

Conclusion

The reality is that Chikmagalur is much more than just beautiful scenery; it offers a multitude of adventures to be explored. Be it the dense forest and trekking, or rafting through the river or even soaring above hilltops, adventure is always there. In addition to this, Chikmagalur boasts of rich biodiversity, ancient temples and vibrant coffee culture which add on its significance as a one in its kind destination.