Karnataka · India
Chikmagalur
The birthplace of Indian coffee in the Western Ghats — misty Malnad hills of coffee estates, Karnataka's highest peak Mullayanagiri, waterfalls and trekking trails.
Chikmagalur is coffee country: the Baba Budangiri hills where coffee first came to India, Mullayanagiri treks, Hebbe Falls, estate stays, and rustic Malnad food.
Plan your trip
Chikmagalur Tour Itineraries
Timed, walkable day plans — plus the best season to go.
Where to shoot
Chikmagalur Photo Spots
Medium crowdEntry Free
Baba Budangiri
- Best timeEarly morning, when the ridges are sharp and clear before the mist and the day's traffic arrive.
- ColorsRustCreamGreen
Medium crowdEntry Nominal (jeep extra)
Hebbe Falls
- Best timeLate morning in the months after the monsoon, when sunlight reaches the pool and the falls are still full.
- ColorsYellowWhiteForest green
Low crowdEntry Free
Hirekolale Lake
- Best timeLate afternoon into sunset, when the water is calm and the hills glow and reflect in the lake.
- ColorsWhiteTealRust
Medium crowdEntry Nominal
Kemmangundi
- Best timeLate afternoon at Z-Point for the sunset over the valleys; early morning in the gardens, when mist hangs in the hills.
- ColorsRustCreamForest green
Medium crowdEntry Free
Mullayanagiri
- Best timeEarly morning, before mist covers the summit and the day's visitors fill the steps.
- ColorsRustWhiteForest green
For the feed
Trending Wear in Chikmagalur
Modern, Instagram-friendly looks
Rooted in the city
Chikmagalur Traditional Wear
Local, cultural, handcrafted outfits
Taste the city
Food to Eat in Chikmagalur
Trusted tables
Where to Eat in Chikmagalur
About Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur, officially Chikkamagaluru, is a small town in the Malnad hills of Karnataka, in the Western Ghats. It is known as the place where coffee first came to India: the Sufi saint Baba Budan is said to have planted seven coffee beans from Yemen on the hills north of the town in the 17th century. Today the slopes around the town are covered in coffee estates, shade trees and forest, and the Baba Budan range above them includes Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka.
Most of what visitors come for lies outside the town, so plan your days by road. Drive up to Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri early in the morning, spend an evening at Hirekolale Lake, and give a full day to Kemmangundi and the jeep ride to Hebbe Falls. In between, stay on or near a coffee estate, drink the local coffee where it is grown, and try Malnad food like akki roti, kadubu and a peppery koli saaru.
Questions
Chikmagalur — FAQ
What is Chikmagalur famous for?
Chikmagalur is famous as the birthplace of coffee in India, its coffee estates and its hills. It is home to Mullayanagiri, Karnataka's highest peak, as well as Baba Budangiri, Kemmangundi and Hebbe Falls.
How many days are enough for Chikmagalur?
2–3 days is enough for Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri, Hirekolale Lake and a coffee estate. Add a day for Kemmangundi and Hebbe Falls, which are further away and take most of a day on their own.
What is the best time to visit Chikmagalur?
September to March is the best time, with green hills, cool mornings and clear views after the rain. April to June is warmer, and June to September brings heavy rain, mist and slippery roads. See the best time to visit Chikmagalur for a month-by-month guide.
How do I reach Chikmagalur?
Chikmagalur is about 245 km from Bengaluru by road, usually a 5–6 hour drive, and buses run from Bengaluru and Mangaluru. The town has a small railway station on a branch line from Kadur, and the nearest major airport is Mangaluru, about 150 km away.
Do I need a pass to visit Mullayanagiri?
Since September 2025, private vehicles going up to Mullayanagiri, Seethalayanagiri and Baba Budangiri have needed a pass booked online in advance, with a daily limit and morning and afternoon slots. Rules can change, so check the district tourism website before you go.