Found in western Karnataka, a land full of coffee, waterfalls, and wildlife, Chikmagalur is no longer a hidden gem. Chikmagalur’s beauty spread faster than fire, and a once solitary land turned into the most visited tourist destination in Karnataka. This massive tourist outbreak captured attention, and hotel companies built their resorts in Chikmagalur.
Situated in the foothills of Western Ghats, Chikmagalur is bestowed with the title of Coffee Land of Karnataka. Located 3,580ft (1,090m) above sea level, Chikmagalur is surrounded by green hills, ever-flowing waterfalls, and unseen wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur has a pleasant temperature around the year due to its location in the far south of India. However, each new season holds something different and exciting in Chikamagalur, and it isn’t easy to find the right season. Ultimately, the choice depends upon your desires, and different seasons are suitable to each one's needs.
March – June: During summers, the average temperature in Chikmagalur lies between 32 and 35 degrees Celsius. However, Chikmagalur receives cold winds and is cooler than other places in Karnataka. Even then, tourists don’t visit Chikmagalur in the summers, and it remains uncrowded. The lack of crowd urges resorts in Chikmagalur to lower their prices. Therefore, March - June is the best time to visit Chikmagalur if you are looking for budget stays.
July – September: The monsoons arrive, and the already spectacular Chikmagalur becomes even more breathtaking. The green tropical forests get even greener, and the coffee plantations get richer. However, the road joining Chikmagalur with other places gets slippery during rainfall. So, one should always prioritise safety and then fun.
September – February: After monsoons, winter strikes and shows the splendid beauty of Chikmagalur. This season is the peak season and receives tourists in loads. The nights are slightly cold, so you should carry woollen clothes. But, the days discover sunlight and provide the perfect weather. Adventure activities like trekking, bike riding, and rafting also start in winters.
Best Time: Months between September and March are best to visit Chikmagalur as the weather is favourable and many other activities reopen. Whether you want to paddle in the Bhadra River, go bird-watching in dense forests, or learn about coffee, Chikmagalur is best visited from September to March.
Things to Do In Chikmagalur
Since Chikmagalur is surrounded by mountains, trekking is the most common activity around the place. Other than that, people can visit the many amazing waterfalls near Chikmagalur. The things to do in Chikmagalur are:
- Trekking toMullayanagiri.
- Bhadra river rafting.
- Jeep ride or trek to Hebbe Falls.
- Jeep safari, trekking and hiking, and bird-watching in Kudremukh National Park and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Kayaking, sailing, water cycling, and sport fishing at Bhadra Dam.
- Visiting coffee plantations and learning about coffee.
- Visiting the Virabradeshwara Temple at Kalahatti Falls by trekking through the wilderness.
Best Resorts in Chikmagalur
Just like the peaks and forests of Chikmagalur, the resorts in Chikmagalur are creative and dominating. Perfectly mixing the traditions of Chikmagalur with luxury, the resorts in Chikmagalur are known to provide an unprecedented experience.
Every resort is either hidden inside dense forests or situated around coffee plantations. This is why all the resorts in Chikmagalur, along with the guests, share an intimate connection with nature. These resorts provide private balconies with natural sunlight and mountain or forest views so that you feel the presence of nature as soon as you wake up.
The resorts organise activities like bird-watching, trekking, hiking, and open-air dinners that allow people to connect with the environment. People are the best version of themselves when they are in the lap of nature.
You can roam around the nearby forest or visit a coffee plantation to learn about the journey of coffee, or you can fix your hammock and rest under trees. You can swim in the pools, practice yoga, and share your life stories with others during night bonfires. You can eat international and traditional cuisines, have a barbeque, or enjoy a candlelight dinner under the stars.
The resorts in Chikmagalur have brilliant spas that relax your body, mind, and soul. You can also borrow a cycle and ride it on forest tracks or walk on foot and inhale the pure oxygen that calms the nerves.
For the playful ones, the resorts in Chikmagalur have indoor play areas and arcades with board games and pool tables. To make sure kids are equally enjoying the trip, these resorts build kid’s areas with all the exciting activities children like.
The opulent resorts like The Serai Chikmagalur, Gateway Chikmagalur – IHCL SeleQtions, and Trivik Hotels & Resorts provide truly luxurious stays, with a private balcony, pool, jacuzzi, hot tub, and divine views. These resorts make sure that you never forget your trip, and when you leave, you only think about coming back again. Luxurious resorts in Chikmagalur organise tours to the countryside to teach people about the traditions and culture of Chikmagalur.
The boutique resorts in Chikmagalur like Vismita Country and Honeydewwz Exotica Hotel & Resort provide high-quality stays, almost like luxury hotels, at a relatively low price. These resorts are best if you want to have an excellent experience at a low price. Other than the basic amenities like richly designed rooms and outstanding food, these resorts provide facilities like a spa, pool, complimentary breakfast, and stunning views.
Riverside Resorts in Chikmagalur
Resorts in Chikmagalur are already serene, but riverside resorts are on a different level. Shanthi Kunnj is situated on the banks of river Bhadra and offers private cottages with dynamic views. You will find mighty waterfalls and lusty green fields and mountains near Shanthi Kunnj, where you can explore the mysteries that nature beholds.
Riverwoodsoffers homestays and cottages surrounded by the Bhadra River. You can trek to the river and enjoy a dip or play badminton, volleyball, or cricket around the coffee plantations. Fishing, bird-watching, and indoor games are the other facilities offered at this resort. Other excellent riverside resorts in Chikmagalur are River Tern Resort and Biranji Aqua Retreat.
Luxury Resorts in Chikmagalur
The luxurious Chikmagalur resorts are synonymous with rich experiences and diverse activities. The Serai Chikmagalur is a resort situated along with a coffee plantation 16km from the Hirekolale Lake. The resort offers normal rooms and upgraded villas with a private pool and jacuzzi access. You can go bird-watching, stargazing, explore coffee plantations, ride to the countryside, or practice yoga at this resort.
Trivik Hotels & Resorts is another luxury resort in Chikmagalur with facilities like an infinity pool, bonfires, multi-cuisine restaurant, bar, gym, games room, and a fun buggy experience. You are offered to hike in the forest and mountains and explore for yourself. Coffee Grove Resort, Green Wood Resort, and Java Rain Resort are the other luxury resorts in Chikmagalur.
Resorts in Chikmagalur for Couples
Spread over 50-acres, Honeydewwz Exoticaa Hotel & Resort is one of the resorts in Chikmagalur for couples. This spectacular resort is surrounded by lush greenery. To spend some quality time with your partner, you can get upgraded rooms and cottages with a private balcony that offers magnificent views. You can also take your lover on a candlelight dinner and romanticise.
Another marvellous couple resort in Chikmagalur is The Blossom Resort. The resort provides hill view rooms, garden view rooms, and suite rooms with different features. You can take your partner to an open-air dinner near the phosphorescent pool and look at the stars. If you are an adventurous couple, you can try archery and rope climbing. Or, if you both are nature lovers, take a walk through the coffee plantation and dense forests. Hoysala Village Resort, Siri Nature Roost, and Eagle Eye Resort are the other resorts that provide the perfect ambience for couples.
Best Hill Resorts in Chikmagalur
Close to the ever-beautiful Hirekolale lake, Vismita County is the perfect location among hills. This resort is tucked inside a vast coffee plantation and offers villas and suites. This luxurious resort offers picturesque views of flora and fauna around and other features like a multi-cuisine restaurant, pool, and cycling track.
Located in the mountains of Chikmagalur, Nexstay Coffee Grove Resort is 10km away from the beautiful Shankar falls. Besides the cottages with unparalleled views, the resort also has a sky view watchtower that offers breathtaking views. You can rain-dance with your friends, play board games and outdoor sports, swim or sit in the bonfire. Some of the best hill resorts in Chikmagalur are Winter Greens Resort, Java Rain Resort, and Silent Valley Resort.
Resorts in Chikmagalur for Family
The resorts in Chikmagalur allow you to refurbish the connection between you and your family. Surrounded by wilderness, Gateway Chikmagalur offers rooms and cottages with breathtaking interiors and colonial architecture. The kids in the family can play in the kid’s area, while the adults can enjoy adventure sports. The resort also serves international cuisines as well as exclusive Malanadu cuisine.
The Holiday Inn is a resort in Chikmagalur that offers two-bedroom apartments for families. A boutique resort at its best, The Holiday Inn has amazing and clean interiors with blissful views that can charge up your whole family. Kalgreen Valley Resort, Aadrika, and Vismita Country are some other resorts in Chikmagalur for families.