Chikmagalur
Set high in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is the birthplace of Indian coffee, a peaceful retreat of mist-covered hills and plantations within easy reach of some of Southern India’s finest temples.
Chikmagalur
According to legend, in the 17th century the Sufi saint Baba Budan smuggled seven coffee beans back from Yemen and planted them in the hills above Chikmagalur, giving rise to India’s first coffee crop. Today the region is still at the heart of the country’s coffee industry, with rolling estates of coffee shaded by tall silver oak and pepper vines covering the slopes of the Western Ghats.
Above the plantations rise the Baba Budangiri hills and Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, while to the west lie the forests of Bhadra Tiger Reserve, home to tiger, elephant, gaur and a rich variety of birdlife. Waterfalls, viewpoints and quiet walking trails make this a wonderful place to slow down after the heat of the plains.
Chikmagalur is also the ideal base for visiting the great Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose intricate stone carvings are among the finest in India. Around four to five hours’ drive from Bangalore, it combines naturally with Hampi to the north and Mysore and Coorg to the south.
Above the plantations rise the Baba Budangiri hills and Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, while to the west lie the forests of Bhadra Tiger Reserve, home to tiger, elephant, gaur and a rich variety of birdlife. Waterfalls, viewpoints and quiet walking trails make this a wonderful place to slow down after the heat of the plains.
Chikmagalur is also the ideal base for visiting the great Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose intricate stone carvings are among the finest in India. Around four to five hours’ drive from Bangalore, it combines naturally with Hampi to the north and Mysore and Coorg to the south.
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Best Time To Visit Chikmagalur
The best time to visit Chikmagalur is from October to March, when skies are clear, days are warm and evenings in the hills are pleasantly cool. This is also coffee harvest season, from around November to February, when the estates are at their busiest and most interesting to explore.
In March and April, the first showers bring the coffee blossom, briefly covering the plantations in white flowers with a scent like jasmine. Temperatures rise through April and May, but the altitude keeps the hills more comfortable than the plains below.
The monsoon arrives in June and lasts until around September, transforming the hills into a vivid green and bringing the waterfalls to life, though heavy rain can make walking trails more challenging.
Best Time To Visit Chikmagalur
Talk to our Experts
They’ll be happy to let you in on their travel secrets, and help you plan a tailor-made trip that’s truly unforgettable.
Chikmagalur (FAQS) NEED TO KNOW
How do you get to Chikmagalur?
Chikmagalur is around four to five hours’ drive from Bangalore, the nearest major international airport, and most visitors travel by road with a private driver. It also links easily by road to Hampi, Mysore and Coorg, so it fits naturally into a longer journey through Southern India.
Please follow the link in order to explore how we can include it as part of a longer tour:https://www.naturalhighsafaris.com/itineraries/wild-karnataka-north-kerala/
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Chikmagalur?
There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to India from the UK, but a number are usually recommended, so it’s best to speak to your GP or a travel clinic at least six to eight weeks before departure. As Chikmagalur is a rural, forested region, it’s also wise to pack insect repellent and wear long sleeves in the evenings, particularly during and just after the monsoon. For the most up-to-date advice, visit:https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries/india#Vaccine_Recommendations
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