Chikmagalur

Set against a mountainous backdrop, the charming hill station of Chikmagalur is an exciting tourist hotspot for the sprawling coffee plantations and misty mountains. The winding mountain trails of the Baba Budangiri hills and the adjoining forests make Chikmagalur a veritable paradise for adventure sports buffs and avid trekkers. Thus it boasts of a flourishing tourism culture.

Located in the south-western part of Karnataka, Chikmangalur is a malnad district i.e., a largely forested hilly region of heavy rainfall. This scenic coffee town takes its name from the word Chikkamagalaooru which in Kannada means 'younger daughter's town'. Legend has it that the district had been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, a prominent local chieftain. Another part of the town bestowed on the elder daughter is known as Hiremagalur.

Chilkmaglur is considered the cradle of the powerful Hoysala Kings, the dynasty that held sway in South India for considerable period. Hoysala inscriptions state that Sala, the founder of the Hoysala dynasty, hailed from the hill regions of Angadi in present day Mudigere taluk of Chikmagalur district.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Tucked away amidst the lofty peaks of the Western Ghats, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known Project Tiger reserve. The wildlife sanctuary is called so after the Bhadra River which meanders through the lush forests. The area was declared the Jagara Valley Game Reserve in 1951 by the Government of Mysore.

Excursions
Regarded as one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages in South India, Sringeri was the abode of Shankaracharya, the great 9th century philosopher and social reformer. The exquisitely sculptured Vidyashankara Temple overlooking the Tunga River, houses the Vidyatirtha-linga

How to Reach Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur, the district headquarters of Chikmagalur district, is 240 km from the state capital of Bangalore. Situated amidst the Baba Budan hills, the town is known for its serene environs and picturesque beauty. The hills, valleys, streams and snow-white coffee blossoms around the place attract tourists from far and wide.

Sringeri
Regarded as one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages in South India, Sringeri was the abode of Shankaracharya, the great 9th century philosopher and social reformer. Shankaracharya established here the first of his four maths, the other three are at Joshimath in the Himalayas, Puri to the east and Dwarka to the west.

Tourist Attractions
The hilly terrain and scenic surroundings of Chikmagalur will soothe your souls during the Chikmagalur sightseeing tour. Chikmagalur tours will include the lofty Baba Budangiri peaks and expansive tracts of coffee plantations.

Things to Do in Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is district in Karnataka, with its headquarters of the same name. It is said that the place was given as dowry, to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, because of which it got its present name Chikmagalur (which means 'the town of younger daughter').

Chikmagalur Weather
Chikmagalur, which is known across the world for its rich coffee, is located in the shadow of the Western Ghats. Spread over an area of 7,201 sq km, the district spans across the latitudinal parallels of 12° 54' 42''and 13° 53' 53'' north and the longitudinal meridians of 75° 04' 46'' and 76° 21' 50'' east.