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.
Ayyanakere
Lake · Kadur
Built in the 12th century by Rukmangada Raya, the chieftain of Sakkarepatna, and enlarged by the Hoysalas in 1156 — one of the largest tanks in the state, about 18 km from Chikkamagaluru. Backed by the Baba Budangiri range; good early-morning birdwatching along the bund.
Free
Bhadra Reservoir, Lakkavalli
Lake · Tarikere
The dam across the Bhadra at Lakkavalli backs up a lake dotted with islands, and the islands are where the river terns nest. From about February to June more than a thousand of them wheel over the water, close enough to a boat that you need no binoculars. The rest of the year the backwaters are quiet, with elephant and gaur coming down to drink on the sanctuary shore at dusk. The dam garden is open to the public; the water is best seen from a Forest Department boat.
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