Trip to Chikmagalur

Monsoon onset on Western ghats called for a quick road trip to Chikmagalur, the queen hill station of Bengaluru.

Hironkale lake

Very close to our lovely homestay, Hironkale Lake is a popular destination spot for picnics and also for early morning serenity. We strolled into the compound to be greeted with peacock squawking, all hidden in the dense jungle surrounding the lake. One can easily pass their time with Bird watching activities , or just breathing in the cool air.

Mullaynagiri

Mullaynagiri is the highest peak of Karnataka and also the second highest peak of Western ghats. A winding road with steps will lead to the top of the peak – basically “sarpadandi” or serpentine roads. The peak is usually covered with mist-like clouds and puffer jackets are most recommended! Car parking, however, is a chaos as mostly everyone parks on the sides of the narrow roads.

Baba Budan Giri

“Baba Budan Giri” is named after Baba Budan, who is said to have brought coffee to India for the first time. Hence this valley is dotted with numerous coffee plantations. Baba Budan’s shrine is visited by Muslims pilgrims. ‘Dattatreya peetha’, which is located at the same place, is visited by Hindu Pilgrims,. Thus this place is unique in all respects!

A lot of trekkers come to enjoy the beautiful view from the peak. The light and shadow drama in the valley is absolutely mesmerizing.

One can trek to Manikya Dhara falls and Jhari falls which are on the way to Baba Budan Giri. Jhari waterfalls is reached by jeep ride (300₹ pax for both ways)

Rani Jhari peak

The final stretch to Rani Jhari is where the paved world dissolves, leaving only the raw, rhythmic pulse of the Western Ghats. About two kilometers from the edge, your signal bars will vanish. You will be bound to submit to mist-heavy silence. This is a road that demands respect—a bone-jarring, rocky ascent that tests the mettle of even the most seasoned drivers. If the clouds have recently burst or the monsoon has left its slick, muddy signature, it is a path best left untraveled. At the summit, the “parking lot” is nothing more than a clearing anchored by weather-beaten shack without any toilets. A steaming cup of tea and a bowl of spicy Maggi are the only luxuries which is served here. As Rani Jhari remains tucked away from the typical tourist circuits, the peak is blissfully devoid of crowds. It is just you, the wind, and an untamed horizon.

Hebbe falls

Hebbe falls is the jewel in the crown of Kemmanugudi town. The 9 km Jeep trek from the government resort is pure Jurassic Park—a rugged, bone-rattling ascent that brilliantly keeps the crowds at bay and the wilderness beautifully preserved. Once we reach, we have to hike 2 Km to reach the waterfalls. One can carry bathing trunks and a suit to have a dip in the chilly water. Please note that there are no changing rooms and please carry your own water bottles/food. Jeeps wait for close to an hour before heading back. Jeep ride costs around 500₹ pax for both ways.

How to reach :

By road: Tourists can travel to Chikmagalur by road. KSRTC ply its frequent bus service in the region. The best way to travel from Bangalore, which generally takes close to 5-6 hours.

By air: The nearest airports are in Bangalore. Taxis are available from the airports to Bangalore or one can hitch a ride on the bus.

By train: The main train junction is Kadur. Taxis and buses are available to complete the 45 min journey from Kadur to Chikmagalur.

Did you visit Chikmagalur? What places did you like?

Reach me on Facebook or Instagram if you have any questions regarding the travel to Chikmagalur. 

Please travel responsibly and do not litter. Happy Travelling!