Chikmagalur Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

The Kodanda-Ramaswamy temple is one of the most famous sites in Chikmagalur town. This state-protected monument is dedicated to Lord Ram. St. Joseph's Cathedral has an eye-catching, shell-shaped portico. To the town's north is Rathnagiri Bore, a hillock that offers majestic views of Mullayanagiri, Karnataka's highest peak. Rathnagiri Bore has now been converted into a garden and is called Mahatama Gandhi Park. Manikyadhara Falls is a popular waterfall near the renowned pilgrim centre of Baba Budangiri Dattatreya Peetha.

The area surrounding Chikmagalur is rich in ancient architecture, which can be seen today in the form of numerous temples and shrines that dot the landscape. The ancient Chennakeshaya temple, dating back to 1150 AD, is very close at Marle, 12km from town. The Baba Budan range houses the Inam Dattatreya Peetha, a laterite cave which is now an important place of worship for both Hindus and Muslims, some 28km from town.

The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is to the north-west of Chikmagalur. Surrounded by hills, the reserve houses a diverse wildlife population. Kemmangundi, at a height of 4,705ft and 55km north of Chikmagalur, is a scenic hill station. It was Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar's favourite summer camp. Just 10km from Kemmangundi are the Kallathigiri Falls or Kalahasti Falls. To Chikmagalur's south (95km) is Kudremukh (horse face), a mountain peak that overlooks the Arabian Sea. The Kudremukh National Park is the largest declared Wildlife Protected Area (600 sq km) of a tropical wet evergreen type of forest in the Western Ghats.

Activities:

Chikmagalur is a trekker's paradise as its countryside offers several excellent hikes. Also recommended are stays at coffee or pepper plantations, a popular weekend accommodation.