Overview
Nestled in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range in Karnataka, Chikmagalur is the historic birthplace of coffee in India. Its rolling valleys exhibit a blanket of dense, emerald-green coffee estates cascading under towering peaks. Off the beaten path compared to neighboring Coorg, it caters deeply to trekkers aiming for Karnataka's highest peak (Mullayanagiri) and those seeking serene, isolated homestay experiences deep within active plantations. Elaborate cascading waterfalls like Hebbe and Jhari dot the rugged landscape.
Best Time to Visit
September to May. The coffee estates bloom with delicate white flowers toward March and April.
How to Reach
- By Air: Mangalore Airport (110 km) is the nearest access point.
- By Train: Kadur (40 km) and Hassan (60 km) are the closest broad gauge railheads.
- By Road: Just a 4-5 hour drive directly from Bengaluru via the scenic NH75.