Chikmagalur is an enchanting hill station perched at 3,400 feet at the foothills of Mullayanagiri in Karnataka. Fondly called as ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’, it is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Bangalore and Mysore. Dotted with overflowing streams, rolling hills, lush green forest, tall mountains, aromatic coffee plantations and pleasant weather, Chikmagalur has everything you wish to explore as a traveller. Apart from exploring within the city, one can also check out the nearby splendid attractions that give you the opportunity to explore the natural beauty and make your trip an unforgettable one. Below is the list of 5 popular places that can be visited along 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.
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Belur & Halebid
Belur & Halebidu are the other popular places to visit near Chikmagalur. Well-known for its famous Hoysala Temple, the temple in Belur is dedicated to Lord Channakesava (an incarnation of Vishnu) and is counted among the best of three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the other two being the temples at Halebid & Somnathpur). Decorated with intricate pillars of various sizes, shapes, and designs, the main highlight of the temple is Darpana Sundari, or The Lady with the Mirror. Besides, the wonderful sculpture of Shantaladevi, placed on the circular platform in front of the shrine is unique for its hollow and movable jewelry that flocks many tourists throughout the year as part of Belur Tour Packages.
Earlier known as Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra, Halebidu is also one of the most-visited places of heritage in Karnataka, and among the must-includes places in the Chikmagalur packages. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Hoysaleswara Temple is the prime attraction built on a star-shaped platform and is known for its minute and intricate carvings that lure several tourists as part of Halebidu Tour Packages. Kedareswara temples and two Jain basadis are the other attractions not to miss in Halebidu. Besides, the temple walls are covered with an endless variety of depictions from dancing figures, Hindu mythology, animals, and birds.
Must Read : Top Places to visit near Mysore
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 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 : Karnataka Tour
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 in Sringeri.
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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 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.
Book Here : Karnataka Tour Packages