If you are looking for long weekend trip ideas from Bangalore (officially Bengaluru) then Chikmagalur (now officially Chikkamagaluru) won’t disappoint you. With the long weekend looming around in August and several more to come this year alone; it is best to keep some ideas handy to make the most of your break. Whether you are keen on impromptu trips or well-planned ones; this beautiful hilly town near Bangalore is just ideal.
What is special about Chikmagalur?
One word: Coffee.
Chikmagalur is famous for its natural beauty and but also coffee plantations. It is often referred to as the ‘birth place of coffee in India’; with first seeds sown here around 350 years ago. Robusta and Arabica are two varieties of coffee grown here.
The entire town is alive with the fragrant notes of coffee. If you are a coffee lover then Chikmagalur will have your heart. But worry not; the smell of coffee here won’t rouse you from your slumber. Rather it will lull you into a delicious sleep (if that is what you wish for during your weekend break).
Going on a coffee plantation tour is one of the popular things to do in Chikmagalur. Most coffee plantations here offer accommodation for guests. You can stay in one to make the most of your coffee tour holiday. Coffee plantation tours in Chikmagalur are ideal for those looking for a relaxing break over the weekend.
It also abounds in natural beauty.
Chikmagalur is one of the most beautiful places in the state of Karnataka. The hills in the region form a part of the Western Ghats; a great biodiversity site in the world. The entire region is draped in a serene green cover.
The town is abundant in waterfalls and in the monsoon season; these places transform into even more magical spots. Some famous waterfalls in Chikmagalur are –
- Sithavana Falls
- Ermayi Waterfalls
- Hebbe Waterfalls
- Kallathigiri Waterfalls
- Kalhatti Falls
- Jhari Falls
- Shankar Falls
- Manikyadhara Waterfalls
- Alekan Falls
- Shanti Falls
There is more to see and do in Chikmagalur over your long weekend trip.
Famous attractions in Chikmagalur –
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Hirekolale Lake
- Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint
- Belur Town
- Mullayanagiri Peak
Coffee Museum is a famous attraction here. But it is mostly closed on weekends. If your long weekend happens to contain a Friday or a Monday then definitely try to visit it.
Trekking is a famous activity to do in Chikmagalur. You can trek to the Mullayanagiri Peak (in Baba Budangiri Hills), which is Karnataka’s highest peak. Other options are to go on Kemmangundi Trek, Ballalarayana Durga Fort Trek, and Kudremukh Trek. If you want an exhilarating long weekend trip then Chikmagalur is the perfect place near Bangalore.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a famous tiger reserve. It contains many scenic spots and is a must-see place in Chikmagalur. This nature park and its natural beauty with trails and hikes makes Chikmagalur one of the best ecotourism destinations in India.
Belur is well-known for Hoysala Temples (one of many) in Karnataka. If you are interested in exploring heritage and culture of the region then visiting this town is a must during your trip to Chikmagalur.
You can try river rafting in the Bhadra River, play a few rounds of golf at the Chikmagalur Golf Club, or simply cycle around town. If you happen to visit it any time in April or May; and it is the time for the purplish-blue Neelakurunji to bloom (once every 12 years!) then you will be in luck on your Chikmagalur trip. These flowers can cover the entire hillsides and offer a rare experience.
How to reach Chikmagalur?
Chikmagalur is some 245 km away from Bangalore. So, you can drive to the place from the city. If you are visiting from outside of the state or country; then you can take flights to Bangalore. Chikmagalur to Bangalore route is comfortable enough for a good drive. NH 75 is considered the best road to drive from Bangalore to Chikmagalur and vice versa. You can also take a train to Chikmagalur from Bangalore as well as any one of the several buses available for this route. It is also easily reachable via Mangalore, which is some 150 km away by road. If you are in Coorg, then Chikmagalur is easily accessible as it is just 155 km (approx.) away. Such easy accessibility makes it ideal for a long weekend trip.
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