Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is a town located in Chikkamagaluru district in Karnataka, located in the foothills of Mullayanagiri range the town is known for its coffee and tea estates. The nearest airport to this town is Bajpe airport of Mangalore. Distance from Chickmagaluru to Bengaluru is 242.9 km and travel time is around 4 h 2 min via NH 48. Distance from Chickmagaluru to Kadur, Karnataka is 40.2 km and takes around 51 min via NH173. Distance from Chickmagaluru to Kunigal, Karnataka is 173.2 km and travel time is around 2 h 50 min via NH 48. Jungle Forest Stay experience in Chikamangalur Bangalore is awesome. Distance from Chickmagaluru to Mangaluru, Karnataka is 151.3 km and travel time is around 3 h 38 min via NH234. Distance from Chickmagaluru to Hornadu, Karnataka is 89.3 km and takes around 2 h 15 min via Chikkamagaluru-Sringeri Rd and Kalasa Balehonnur Road. Distance from Bangarapet to Chickmagaluru, Karnataka is 322.5 km and travelling time is around 5 h 21 min via NH75. Distance from Chickmagaluru to Hoovina Hadagali, Karnataka is 238.9 km and estimated travel time is around 5 h 22 min via Shimoga - Harihar - Hospet Road.



Chikkamagaluru literally means "The town of the younger daughter" (Chikku-magal-uru) in the native Kannada language. The town is said to have been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakarayapatna and hence the name. About 5 km from Chikkamagaluru there is a town called Hiremagaluru which means "The town of the elder daughter", too.

Nestled at 3,400ft in the Sahyadri mountains of the Western Ghats, Chikmagalur is situated in the south-western part of Karnataka. Barely 250km from state capital Bangalore, it lies at the foothills of the Baba Budan range and offers an ideal getaway for those looking at a quiet weekend. Typical of Ghat topography, the town offers unending vistas of mountains, streams, and coffee and pepper plantations. A number of rivers, such as Bhadra, Hemavathi, Tunga, Netravathi and Vedavathi, originate in the hills surrounding the town. Chikmagalur today serves as the headquarters of a district by the same name. It was here that coffee was first cultivated in India in 1670 by Baba Budan, a Muslim saint who brought coffee seeds from Yemen, and after whom the mountain range to the north of the town is named. Later taken up by European planters, coffee production and trade has since been Chikmagalur's mainstay.

Tourist Places Near Chikkamagaluru: Amruthapura, Ayyanakere, The Bababudan Range, Sri Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy's Darga, Ballala Rayana Durga, Balehonnur and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary are few Tourist Attractions around Chikkamagaluru.

Kodandarama Temple
Kodandaramaswami Temple is a Hindu shrine located at Hiremagalur near Chikkamagaluru, in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka. The temple deity is called Kodandarama, as Rama, and his brother Lakshmana are depicted holding arrows.

The temple is State protected and appears to have been constructed in three stages, with its garbhagrha and sukhanasi structures in the Hoysala style. The remaining portions are additions in Dravidian style. The present navaranga is of the 14th century. While the mukhamandapa may be of the 16th century. The outer walls of the garbhagruha and vestibule are raised on a square basement which consists of six cornices. The outer walls of the navaranga and mukhamandapa are built with brick and mortar. The projection of the vestibule appears to be of the 17th century.

Amruthapura
Amruthapura 67 km from Chikkamagaluru is known for the splendid Amriteshwara temple built in 1196 AD by Amriteshwara Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala ruler Ballala II. The temple is an excellent specimen of Hoysala style, with some features which are unique in design and execution. The entire temple is built using black soapstone quarried from a small hill called Annegudda, 20 km away. Amrithapura village is only 10 km from Tarikere.

Ayyanakere
Ayyanakere 18 km from Chikkamagaluru is about 18 kms north-east of Chikmagalur town. It is located at the eastern base of the Baba-Budan range, this ancient tank to have been constructed by Rukmangada raya, a chief of Sakrepatna and renovated later in 1156 AD during the Hoysala times. The tank now provides irrigation facility to about 1,500 hectares of land.

The Bababudan Range
Originally called Chandra drona parvatha, Baba Budan Giri Range is one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. Peaks in the Baba Budan Giri Range include Mullayanagiri (1930 meters) and Baba Budan Giri (1895 meters). The peak, Baba Budan Giri is named after the Muslim saint Baba Budan. It is believed that the saint Baba Budan brought back seven seeds of coffee from his pilgrimage to Yemen and planted the seeds around his shrine, which soon spread to other regions.

Sri Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy's Darga
Sri Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy's Darga on the Baba budan hills is respected by both Hindus and Muslims. A cave here is believed to have been sanctified by the residence of Shri Dattatreya swamy and Hazarat Dada Hayath Mir Khalandar and other saints. Nearby are the famous waterfalls - Gada Theertha, Kamana Theertha and Nellikayi Theertha.

Ballala Rayana Durga
The ancient ruins of the Hoysala fort are located on top of a hill in Ballalarayana Durga. One can have a amazing view of the Western Ghats from the parapet of this ancient fort.

Balehonnur
Balehonnur 45 km from Chikkamagaluru is located on the banks of river Bhadra in Narasimharajapura taluk, the famous Shrimad Jagadguru Rambhapuri Veerasimhasana Mahasamstana Peeta (matha) and the Veerabhadra Temple are the main attractions here. The Veerabadra temple attached to the matha has metallic images of Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali.

Belavadi
Belavadi 29 km from Chikkamagaluru, also known as Ekachakranagara is a village. Belavadi is a land of rich historical references; this ancient village is dotted with temples and shrines. The most excellent among these is the Veeranarayana temple - a fine example of Hoysala architecture. Belavadi is only 10 km north-west of the Hoysala capital of Halebid.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is 38 km, north-west of Chikmagalur town. The sanctuary is surrounded by Mullayanagiri, Hebbe Giri, Gange Giri and Baba Budan Giri hills and has the tributaries of the Bhadra river flowing through it. The various wildlife can be found in this sanctuary like Gaur, Elephants, Tiger, Leopard, Sambar, Chital spotted deer, Boar, Porcupine, Muntjac, birds like the Peacock, Parrot, Partridge, Pigeon, Munia and Bee eaters, and reptiles such as King Cobras and Indian Rock Pythons.

State Protected Monuments in Chigmagalur
State Protected Monuments officially reported by Archeological Survey of India in Chigmagalur, Karnataka is listed below

State Protected Monuments in Chigmagalur
  • Iswara, Yupasthambha and Kodanda Ramaswami temple
  • Siva Temple
  • Siddeswara Temple
  • Channakeswara Temple
  • Markandeswara Temple
  • Someswara Temple
  • Lakshmikanta temple and Lakshmisha monuments
  • Jain Basti
  • Keshava Statue
  • Kalaseswara temple
  • Yoganarasimhaswamy temple

Bangalore to Chikmagalur Trains & Timings

Train Name (Num) Departure Arrival Running days
Rani Chennamma (16589) 9:15 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
12:49 AM
Kadur(DRU)
All days
Karwar Express (16523) 8:30 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
1:20 AM
Hassan(HAS)
All days
Kannur Exp (16517) 8:30 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
1:20 AM
Hassan(HAS)
All days
HOSPET PASSR (56909) 10:15 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
2:38 AM
Kadur(DRU)
All days
YPR PVR EXP (06541) 6:00 PM
Yesvantpur Jn(YPR)
3:00 AM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
MON, THU
JRU HPT PASS (56911) 11:30 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
3:36 AM
Kadur(DRU)
All days
GOLGUMBAZ EXP (16535) 7:00 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
4:00 AM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
All days
AJMER EXPRESS (16210) 9:50 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
6:25 AM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
TUE, THU
GANDHIDHAM EXP (16506) 9:50 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
6:25 AM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
SAT
JODHPUR EXPRESS (16508) 9:55 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
6:25 AM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
MON, WED
SBC JODHPUR EXP (16534) 5:00 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
6:25 AM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
SUN
GARIB NAWAZ EXP (16532) 5:00 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
6:25 AM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
FRI
MAS HUBLI EXP (17313) 9:55 PM
Yesvantpur Jn(YPR)
6:25 AM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
SUN
MAS VASCO EXP (17311) 9:55 PM
Yesvantpur Jn(YPR)
6:35 AM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
FRI
CHALUKYA EXP (11022) 6:30 AM
Yesvantpur Jn (Rev)(YPR)
9:48 AM
Kadur(DRU)
MON, THU, FRI
CHALUKYA EXP (11006) 6:30 AM
Yesvantpur Jn (Rev)(YPR)
9:48 AM
Kadur(DRU)
SUN, TUE, WED
HAMPI EXP (16592) 10:00 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
10:40 AM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
All days
YPR KAWR EXPRES (16515) 7:00 AM
Yesvantpur Jn(YPR)
11:13 AM
Hassan(HAS)
MON, WED, FRI
SBC SMET PASS (56917) 6:30 AM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
11:18 AM
Kadur(DRU)
All days
SBC UBL PASS (56913) 6:30 AM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
11:18 AM
Kadur(DRU)
All days
SBC UBL PASS (56515) 7:45 AM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
12:40 PM
Kadur(DRU)
All days
HUBLI EXP (12778) 4:40 AM
Yesvantpur Jn (Rev)(YPR)
12:40 PM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
THU
SBC CTA PASS (56519) 7:45 AM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
12:40 PM
Kadur(DRU)
All days
SHIMOGA EXP (16579) 9:00 AM
Yesvantpur Jn(YPR)
12:53 PM
Kadur(DRU)
SUN, SAT
JANSHATABDI EXP (12079) 6:00 AM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
1:25 PM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
All days
YPR TATA EXP (18112) 10:30 AM
Yesvantpur Jn(YPR)
1:49 PM
Kadur(DRU)
SUN
MYS BSB EXP (16229) 10:00 AM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
1:49 PM
Kadur(DRU)
TUE, THU
YPR BKN EXP (16587) 5:00 AM
Yesvantpur Jn(YPR)
3:00 PM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
SUN, FRI
INTERCITY EXP (12725) 1:00 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
4:20 PM
Kadur(DRU)
All days
SBC SMET EXP (16201) 3:30 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
6:54 PM
Kadur(DRU)
All days
BARMER AC EXP (14805) 10:30 AM
Yesvantpur Jn(YPR)
7:25 PM
Hubballi Jn (Rev)(UBL)
MON
YPR HRR EXP (16577) 4:15 PM
Yesvantpur Jn(YPR)
8:38 PM
Kadur(DRU)
TUE, WED, THU
YPR CMGR PASS (56278) 3:15 PM
Yesvantpur Jn(YPR)
8:40 PM
Kadur(DRU)
All days
SBC SMET PASS (56227) 4:30 PM
Bengaluru City(SBC)
9:13 PM
Kadur(DRU)
All days
YPR SKRANTIEXP (22685) 1:45 PM
Yesvantpur Jn(YPR)
9:40 PM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
WED, SAT
SAMPARK KRANTI (12629) 1:45 PM
Yesvantpur Jn(YPR)
9:40 PM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
TUE, THU
VLNK VSG EXP (17316) 2:30 PM
Yesvantpur Jn (Rev)(YPR)
11:40 PM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
TUE
YPR VASCO EXP (17309) 2:30 PM
Yesvantpur Jn(YPR)
11:40 PM
Hubballi Jn(UBL)
SUN, TUE

Sri Veerabhadreshwara Swamy Temple, Kallathgiri

The ancient temple of Veerabhadreshwara is located near the Kalhatti falls, a few kilometers away from Tarikere, in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Veerabhadreshwara Temple is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Kalhatti falls. The temple is constructed in a gap between two rocks. It is a cave temple, built during the Vijayanagara period. The entrance of this temple is flanked by the carved figures of three elephants. The main shrine here is for Veerabhadreshwara, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Sage Agasthya's ashram was located here. This temple is near the famous picnic spot of Kalhatti Falls. It is 20 km from Tarikere and 10 km from Kemmangudi. Tarikere Railway Junction is the nearest Railway Station in the region.

How to Reach Chikkamagalur

By Air: Nearest airport is in Mangalore which is at a distance of 170 Km from here. It takes around 5 hrs to cover the distance by Road. Buses are regular between the two cities. Mangalore Airport has flights of Indian Airlines and Jet Airways connecting it to rest of India. Banghalore and Hubli are other two airports where you can get down for Chikmagalur.

By Rail: Nearest railhead to Chikmagalur is at Kadur and it has connection to many important cities in India. From Bangalore, it takes nearly 3 hrs by an express train. Take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Chikmagalur in about 45 minutes. There are trains that connect it to other parts of Karnataka as well. You can also get down at Berur which is around 50 minute drive away from here.

By Road: Chikmagalur is well connected by NH 48 that connects it to all the major cities in Karnataka. The route via Hassan is the fastest. Bangalore is at a distance of 240 Km. There is regular KSRTC bus service between Bangalore and Chikmagalur. During weekends, it is advisable to take tickets in advance as KSRTC busses run full and it is not easy to get tickets. It will tak nearly 5 hrs to cover the distance. You can approach Chikmagalur from Mysore as well which will take around 4 hrs 30 min.

Distance from Chickmagaluru to Male Mahadeshwarabetta, Karnataka is 310.3 km and travel time in this route is around 6 h 11 min via Kollegala-Male Mahadeshwara Betta Road. KSTC Bus Services are available. Distance from Bengaluru to Chickmagaluru is 242.9 km and takes around 3 h 55 min by road via NH75. Distance from Chickmagaluru to Kushalnagar, Karnataka is 124.9 km and takes around 2 h 38 min via Belur - Somvarpet Road.

Hotels, Boarding, Lodging & Accomodation in Chikmagalur

Adichunchanagiri Institute of Technology (AIT)

The Institute is located in the famous Chickmagalur city which is 240 kms from Bangalore, capital of Karnataka and well connected by bus routes to all the major cities and towns of the state. The nearest railway station is at Kadur (or Birur) on Bangalore - Bombay broad guage line, which is 35 kms away. Chickmagalur is reasonably cool and pleasant for major part of the year. The city is surrounded by the famous coffee plantations, hills of western ghats, world famous sculptures of Belur and Halebeedu temples, ancient historic Sharda - Shankara Peetha at Sringeri, Annapoorneshwari temple at Hornadu, Kemmannugundi Hill stations and Bhadra wild life sanctuaries.

Adichunchanagiri Institute of Technology
Chikmagalur, Karnataka - 577102
Phone Number: 91-8262- 220444, 9448480343

Bangalore to Chikmagalur Tour Packages

Distance between Bangalore to Chikmagalur is 236 km. Travel Time by road is 4 hrs. Bangalore to Chikamangalur Tour Pakages are offered by KSTDC. Centered in Badami House, Bangalore KSTDC offers various packages to different estinations across Karnataka.

KSTDC Chikmagalur Package Tour

Temples in Chickmagalur

Amrutesvara Temple is located in a restful spot near the Bhadra River reservoir, in the Malnad region. Horanadu Annapoorneshwari in Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Kalaseshwara Temple is located in Kalasa town in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Kodandarama Temple is situated in Hiremagalur, which is a town in the Chikkamagalur district. Uttameshwara Shiva Temple is located in Koppa Taluq in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Veera Narayana Temple is situated in Belavadi village in the Chikmagalur district, Karnataka.

Hemavati Dam and Reservoir

The Hemavati river in Karnataka is an important tributary of the Kaveri. The Hemavati River starts in the Western Ghats at an elevation of about 1,219 metres[2] near Ballala rayana durga in the Chikmagalur District of the state of Karnataka, in southern India. It flows through Tumkur, Hassan District where it is joined by its chief tributary, the Yagachi River, and then into Mysore district before joining the Kaveri near Krishnarajasagara. It is approximately 245 km long and has a drainage area of about 5,410 sq km. A dam across the Hemavati was completed in 1979, above Gorur in Hassan district, and downstream from the Yagachi confluence. The dam is 58 meters in height, and 4692 meters long, impounding a reservoir of 8502 hectares.

The Shettihalli Rosary Church, which was submerged during the construction of the dam can be seen only when the dam height is low during the summer months. The church was constructed by French Missionaries in the 1860s, and has a mighty and magnificent structure in the Gothic Architecture. In 1960, when the government decided to build the church, the church was abandoned. When the water level is low, sometimes coracles are used to go inside the church.

Amrutesvara Temple, Amruthapura

The Amruteshvara temple also spelt "Amrutesvara" or "Amruteshwara", is located in the village of Amruthapura, 67 km north of Chikmagalur town in the Chikkamagaluru district of the Karnataka state, India. Located 110 km from Hassan and 35 km from Shimoga on NH 206, Amruthapura is known for the Amruteshvara temple . The temple was built in 1196 C.E. by Amrutheshwara Dandanayaka (lit, "commander") under Hoysala King Veera Ballala II.

The temple is a built according to Hoysala architecture with a wide open mantapa (hall). The temple has a original outer wall with enique equally spaced circular carvings. The temple has one vimana (shrine and tower) and therefore is a ekakuta design, and has a closed mantapa (hall) that connects the sanctum to the large open mantapa.

It is medium-sized Hoysala temple with certain vastu features similar to the Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi in mandapa structure and size. The open mandapa has twenty nine bays, and the closed mantapa has nine bays with a side porch that leads to a separate shrine on the south side. The shrine is square in shape has the original superstructure (shikhara) which is adorned with sculptures of Kirtimukhas (demon faces), miniature decorative towers (aedicule). Below the superstructure, the usually seen panel of Hindu deities is absent. The base of the wall has five mouldings which according to art critic Foekema is an "older Hoysala style". The Sukanasi, the tower on top of the vestibule that connects the sanctum to the closed mantapa (the Sukanasi appears like the nose of the superstructure), has the original Hoysala emblem of "Sala" fighting the lion.

The rows of shining lathe turned pillars that support the ceiling of the mantapa is a Hoysala-Chalukya decorative idiom. The mantapa has many deeply domed inner ceiling structures adorned with floral designs. The outer parapet wall of the open mantapa has a total of hundred and forty panel sculptures with depictions from the Hindu epics. Unlike many Hoysala temples where the panels are small and carvings in miniature, these panels are comparatively larger. The Ramayana is sculpted on the south side wall on seventy panels, with the story proceeding quite unusually, in anti-clockwise direction. On the north side wall, all depictions are clockwise, a norm in Hoysala architectural articulation. Twenty five panels depict the life of the Hindu god Krishna and the remaining forty five panels depict scenes from the epic Mahabharata.

Ruvari Mallitamma, the well known sculptor and architect is known to have started his career here working on the domed ceilings in the main mantapa. The large stone inscription near the porch contains poems composed by medieval Kannada poet Janna who had the hororific Kavichakravarti (lit, "emperor amobg poets").

Horanadu Kalaseeshwara Temple

Horanadu Kalaseeshwara Temple is located 92 km south west of Chikmagalur in Kalasa. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, found surrounded on three sides by the river Bhadra. The marriage of Shiva-Parvathi is celebrated here every year.

Trekking Places around Chikmagalur

  1. Mullayanagiri trek, Chikmagalur: Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka. One can reach Mullayanagiri peak top by vehicle or one can also trek to Mullayanagiri peak from down via "Sarpadhari trail". From Mullayanagiri the trek goes to Bababudangiri hills range ending at Manikhyadhara waterfalls. Mullayanagiri peak is almost 20 kms from Chikmagalur town. The whole trek is around 12 kms involves walking at the ridge from Mullayanagiri to Bababudangiri. Here is the complete Mullayanagiri to Bababudangiri trek guide.

  2. Kemmangundi trek, Chikmagalur: Kemmagundi trek is around 60 kms from Chikmagalur or around 2 hours of drive. kemmangundi is a part of Bhadra wildlife sanctuary in Chikmagalur district. Apart from the trek to famous Z-point, Kemmangundi is also known for small waterfalls on the way and house stays.

  3. Bababudangiri: Bababudangiri hill is supposedly an ideal destination to visit if you have time in hand. This place is also a trekking spot for adventure lovers. One leads to Kemmangundi and the other leads to Mullaina Giri which is 8 km from Babbudan giri.

    The shrine of Bababudangiri has a history where dada hayath came to preach and spread the word of Islam and Peace. Baba Budan was also known for his healing skills. The Dattatreya Peeta, another name for Bababudangiri shrine comes in the district of Chikmagalur. Hardly any buses reach this place, but they are the only options available here that will take one to the dargah. If one wants to visit the place, one has to be here during the winter season when the climate is cold and refreshing.

  4. Sakleshpur railway trek: Sakleshpur railway trek is one of the most beautiful treks in south India. It is one of the most famous treks around Chikmagalur district. Though a district in itself, Sakleshpur is situated almost 60 kms from Chikmagalur. The railway trek start from Sakleshpur railway station along the railway line to Yedakumari railway station.

  5. Kumara Parvatha trek: Kumara parvatha trek is said to be the toughest trek in Karnataka. It is also one of the famous treks around Chikmagalur. Kumara Parvatha trek begins from Subrahmanya town which is around 120 km from Chikmagalur.Kumara Parvatha trek is one of the most beautiful, toughest and scenic treks in South India. Kumara Parvatha trek is one of the most beautiful, toughest and scenic treks in South India.

  6. Kudremukh trek: Kudremukh trek is situated around 100 km from Chikmagalur town in Karnataka. Though one of the famous but still not many people attempt this trek, the reason being its location. However, this should be on to do list for treks.

  7. Agumbe Ghat or Narasimha Parvatha trek: Agumbe ghat trek also known as Narasimha parvatha trek is one of most popular among trekkers in South india because of its dense forest, snakes, and wildlife. It is also one of the famous treks around Chikmagalur. Agumbe trek starts from a point called Kigga which is around 90 kms from Chikmagalur district in Karnataka.

  8. Kurinjal Trek: Lying in the Kudremukh national park, Kurinjal trek is another famous trek which is situated around 90 Km from Chikmagalur. Kurinjal trek is around 7 Km one side and it takes around four hours to reach the top and another three hours to come down. The Kurinjal trek can be covered in a single day.

Distance from Chickmagaluru to Hornadu, Karnataka is 89.3 km and takes around 2 h 15 min via Chikkamagaluru-Sringeri Rd and Kalasa Balehonnur Road. Distance from Chickmagaluru, Karnataka to Mangrulpir, Maharashtra is 1,071.1 km and travelling takes around 19 h 47 min via NH 44.

............................. Advertisement .............................