Places to see
The falls, peaks and temples people come for. None of these are booked through us — they are here so you know where you are going.
Baba Budangiri
Peak · Chikkamagaluru
A range named after the Sufi saint Baba Budan, who is credited with bringing the first coffee seeds to India. The Dattatreya Peetha shrine here is revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Grassy shola slopes, wind-swept ridges and long ridge walks.
Free
Deviramma Betta
Peak · Chikkamagaluru
A steep grassy cone opposite Mullayanagiri with a shrine at the top that opens once a year, on Naraka Chaturdashi, the first day of Deepavali, when thousands climb it in the dark for the morning darshana. Every other day the hilltop temple is shut and the hill is yours: a long, steady climb from the Deviramma temple at Bindiga — three to four hours up, about two down — to the best outside view there is of the Chandra Drona range, Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri in one frame.
Free
Hirekolale Lake
Lake · Chikkamagaluru
An irrigation lake ringed by the Chandra Drona hills, about 10 km from Chikkamagaluru town. Still water and a clean western horizon make it the town's default sunset spot.
Free
Jhari Falls
Waterfall · Chikkamagaluru
Also called Buttermilk Falls for the way the water froths white over the rock. It falls in a coffee estate below Attigundi, reached by a shared jeep down a track that private cars are not allowed on, and the last stretch is a short walk to a pool you can stand in. Busy at weekends in season; go early.
Free
Manikyadhara Falls
Waterfall · Chikkamagaluru
A fine, cold spray falling year-round near the Baba Budangiri shrine. Pilgrims consider the water sacred. Reached by a stepped path lined with tea and snack stalls.
Free
Mullayanagiri
Peak · Chikkamagaluru
The highest peak in Karnataka at 1,930 m. A short, steep stepped climb from the road-head leads to a small Shiva shrine at the summit. The sunrise view over the Baba Budangiri range with mist filling the valleys is the single most photographed scene in the district.
Free
Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi
Temple · Chikkamagaluru
One of the largest Hoysala temples, and the one most visitors have never heard of, in a village said to be the Ekachakranagara of the Mahabharata. Built around 1200 under Veera Ballala II: three shrines face a long pillared hall 103 feet across, so the plan is unusual and the effect is of a temple far bigger than its footprint. The carving is restrained by Hoysala standards and the stone is in remarkably good condition. Halebidu is 11 km on, so the two pair well for a day of temples.
Free