5 Most Famous Places to Visit Near Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur, located at an altitude of 3,400 feet, is a charming hill station nestled at the foothills of Mullayanagiri in Karnataka. Often referred to as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’, it is recognized as one of the most popular hill stations near Bangalore and is a key inclusion in Karnataka tour packages. The area is characterized by its plentiful streams, rolling hills, lush forests, majestic mountains, aromatic coffee plantations, and pleasant climate, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers. Besides exploring the city, visitors have the option to discover nearby stunning attractions that showcase the region’s natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Below is a compilation of five well-known destinations that can be visited in conjunction with Chikmagalur as part of Chikmagalur tour packages.

Kemmangundi

Among the popular Chikmagalur tourist places, Kemmangundi is a beautiful and amazing hill station located in Tarikere taluk of Chikmagalur district. Placed at an altitude of 1434 m on the Baba Budan range, it is one of the famous tourist places in Karnataka, and among the best places to visit near Bangalore. It is named after the Mysore King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and he made it as his summer retreat. Known for its sprawling hills, beautiful gardens, pleasant weather, and spectacular views, the place attracts a large number of tourists, especially nature lovers. Some of the popular places to visit in Kemmangundi are Raj Bhavan, Hebbe Falls, Z Point, Rock Garden, Kalhattagiri Falls, Baba Budan Hill, and Bhadra Tiger Reserve. Raj Bhavan offers a gorgeous view at the time of sunset making it a photographer’s delight. Besides, the place is also popular for trekking routes, mountain trails, and other adventure activities for adventure enthusiasts.

                     Book Here: Kemmanagundi Tour Packages

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Belur & Halebid

Belur and Halebidu, located near Chikmagalur, are famous for the Chennakesava and Hoyasaleshwara temples, which were constructed during the Hoysala dynasty. These temples are distinguished by their star-shaped platforms, detailed and intricate carvings, and sculptures that exhibit a metallic sheen. Among the hundred surviving Hoysala temples in Karnataka, the structures at Belur and Halebidu stand out as the most iconic and were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2024. The Chennakesava Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, exemplifies Hoysala architecture and was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE. It is likely the largest of all Hoysala temples and ranks among the most frequented heritage sites near Bangalore. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was constructed by Ketumalla, a minister of Vishnuvardhana, in 1121 AD, and serves as a popular tourist destination included in Halebidu Tour Packages. The walls of these temples are adorned with a vast array of representations from Hindu mythology, as well as depictions of animals, birds, and madanikas, the dancing figures.

                          Book Here: Belur tour packages

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Sakleshpur

Situated in the Malnad region, Sakleshpur is one of the best hill stations in Karnataka and among the best places to visit near Mangalore. Situated at an altitude of 3061 feet, the town is surrounded by lush green hills covered with coffee, cardamom, pepper, and areca plantations. Lined up with scenic beauty, pleasant weather, and fascinating mountains, the place draws many tourists throughout the year. Sakleshwara Temple, Agni Gudda Hill, Manjarabad Fort, Betta Byraveshwara Temple, Pandavar Gudda, Magajahalli Waterfalls, Agni Gudda, and Hemavathi Dam are some of the popular places to visit in Sakleshpur. Saklespur is also known for trekking activities in popular trails like the Kumara Parvatha trail and Bisle Reserve Forest trail. Besides, the main event celebrated here is Sakaleshwara Swami’s ratha yatra, which takes place in the month of February every year, with a huge number of tourists as well as devotees as part of Sakleshpur tour packages.

                             Book Here: Sakleshpur Honeymoon Packages

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Sringeri

Situated on the banks of the serene Tunga River, Sringeri is one of the most visited places near Chikmagalur, and among the top weekend getaways from Mysore. Established by jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, Sringeri is renowned for the Sharada Peetam is dedicated to Goddess Sharadamba and draws tourists from all over the world. Sringeri is also famous for the wonderful Vidyashankara Temple built in the 14th century. This temple is famous for its 12 pillars which are said to coincide with the zodiac signs. Chennakeshava Temple, Sharadamba Temple, and Sri Parswanath Jain Tirthankara Temple are the other prominent places to visit as part of the Sringeri tour packages.

                         Book Here: Sringeri Packages from Bangalore

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Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is one of the most popular and important Jain pilgrimage places in India and among the popular places to visit as part of the Chikmagalur family tour. Placed at an altitude of 3347 feet, it is one of the most famous places for pilgrimage in Karnataka. It is well-known for its Bahubali statue which stands at a height of 58 feet and is considered to be the monolithic stone statue in the world carved out of a single block of granite. To reach the temple, one needs to climb around 620 steps from the bottom of the hill. Besides, Mahamastakabhisheka is the main event celebrated here once in 12 years that draws thousands of devotees and tourists from all over India as part of Shravanabelagola Tour Packages.

                    Must Visit: Pilgrimage Sites near Bangalore

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