Chikkamagalur

Chikkamagalur is a land of coffee, cardamom, pepper, vanilla and arecanut plantations in the midst of the lofty ranges of the Western Ghats. It is a perfect blend of nature and wildlife with the Bhadra and Vedavathi rivers and plenty of streams. The region is well known for its wide variety of flora and fauna and is a treat to nature lovers. There are plenty of homestays, hotels and resorts. There is also a forest guest house at the Bhadra Tiger Reserve and the Wildlife sanctuary which requires prior booking. There are lots of places to see in and around Chikkamagalur like the Mullainagiri peak, the Baba Budan Giri Hills, Kudremukh, Kalasa, Horanadu and many more. But when one is looking for a weekend away from all the Urban turmoil and just want to relax, reflect and unwind, finding a good homestay, offering some good local traditional food and a basic accommodation near the river is the perfect treat.



Trekking through the hills covered with coffee plantations can be quite an experience. The forest trees and the many streams that flow through the region present many scenic surprises. The white coffee blossoms with their breathtaking fragrance are such a wonderful treat for trekkers. A morning nature trail in and around any home stay vicinity in the region will be very rewarding as it is a paradise for birds. Red whiskered bulbuls, Bee Eaters, Flycatchers, Indian rollers, Magpie robins, Kingfishers, Jungle fowl, Coucal or Crow Pheasant, Parakeets, Drongos can be seen in large numbers. The Malabar Whistling Thrush can be heard very often and if lucky one can often spot them. In addition it is a retreat for reptiles, amphibians and insects. Giant squirrels can be seen on the higher branches of the forest canopy jumping from tree to tree.




Trekking up to Mullaiyanagiri peak, the tallest peak of the Western Ghats is a great experience. The wind speeds will seem to push as one ascends the peak. The view from above is spectacular. There are well laid stone steps leading to the peak from the bottom of the hill.





Kayaking on the river Bhadra can be a marvelous experience. For first timers on a kayak it can be great fun learning to move the human powered boat as they will find themselves going around in circles! Moving through the waters with forest patches on either side, watching the water birds such as Herons, Cormorants, Darters and other water birds catch their prey or just drying their plumage is a sight that will be cherished for a long time.

The most amazing thing can be a drive through the coffee plantation late in the evening and as dusk sets in, it will seem like one is in paradise! Series of lights start flickering and the entire forest seems to glow with fireflies. This can be the most fabulous experience one can ever have.




Last but not the least, just lazing in the backyard of the homestay on a swing or hammock or trying to climb a tree full of wild ants or watching the scenery from a tree house can be an ideal holiday with family and friends. Talking to people working in the plantations, understanding the tremendous amount of work that goes behind that delicious cup we relish every morning afternoon and whenever is a great learning experience. Some homestays also grow a lot of coffee, so walking through the various processes and learning about the mechanized processes can be very rewarding.


Not to miss, the local traditional food of Malnad style idlies called Kadubus with yummy coconut chutney, akkirotti with a spicy chutney and many more traditional goodies. A couple of great homestays to mention are Greendale and Riverwoods. One visit to Chikkamagalur and it will beckon you to come again and again to offer many more surprises every time.

The best route is Bangalore-Nelamangala- Hassan –Chikkamagalur and the total distance is about 250 kms
Travel time is about 4 and half hours
Best time would be through out the year, monsoons will be good fun with the leeches and all streams flowing at their best.