"Chikmagalur- the origin of coffee in India" Chikmagalur by abi_maha

Chikmagalur Travel Guide: 24 reviews and 105 photos

A collage of our trip from 2008

Chikmagalur- paradise on Earth

Chikmagalur is situated in south western part of Karnataka. It is about a 6 hour drive from Bangalore, the roads have just been relaid and if you go via Hassan, the NH-48 is being converted into a 6 lane highway, so it makes for a pleasurable drive.
Enroute you can stop at Belur & Halebid, both of which host some of the best architectural marvels- temples that are a must see for anyone touring this region. Not only are these sites well maintained, the government refrains from collecting any entrance fees since they are active temples.
Another 50 KMs and you reach the quaint town of Chikmagalur- there really is nothing much to see in Chikmaglur town, but being the headquarters of India's largest coffee chain- Cafe Coffee Day, this city hosts some of the best coffee estates in the country and it is this that attracts tourists through out the year.
The backdrop of the Western Ghats is refreshing and some of the peaks here are a trekker's delight!

More Details

The Serai

We were surprised to note that this city was pretty much untouched and not at all commercialised.However hotels were sparse- there is the Taj Garden retreat and The Serai- these are fantastic properties but everything else apart from these are very rudimentary with hardly any facilities. Don't even expect hot water 24/7
The Serai is a luxury property in one of Cafe Coffee Days smallest coffee estate. The estate itself is 70 acres, the property forms 7 acres of these. With well spaced villas that have either a pool or a jacuzzi they make for a serene getaway from the city's madding crowds.

Origin of Coffee in India

In Chickmagalur district, the major commercial crop is coffee. Other commercial crops are Pepper, Cashew nuts etc.. mullain giri, the highest peak in Karnataka (viz., 6,317 feet high from Sea Level) is 12 Kms away from Chickmagalur. Number of rivers originates from the hills of Chickmagalur district and flow in all the seasons. Rivers such as, Bhadra, Tunga, Hemavathi, Netravathi & Vedavathi. Several minerals are found in the district such as iron, magnetite, granite etc., major iron ore company in Asia is located at Kudremukha in Mudigere taluk of Chickmagalur district.

The district is dotted with many holy spots and abounds in legends associated with stories from the great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Right from ancient times the numerous 'agraharas' have been lively centers of educational and cultural pursuits. Dating back to the early centuries of the Christian era are numerous epigraphs which give a vivid pictures of the rise and fall of empires in the state.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Get away from mad rush
In a nutshell:Awesome weekend getaway from bangalore

Last visit to Chikmagalur: Nov 2008
Intro Updated Jan 7, 2012
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Reviews (10)

Walk along Dattatreyapeeta - Chikmagalur

Walk along Dattatreyapeeta Off The Beaten Path (1)

Just head of on a walk on any of the many ridges in and around the Dattatreyapeeta for a dreamy walk in the mist more travel advice

Drive wild roads Things to Do (4)

A drive thru the Bhadra wildlife sanctuary leaves you with a good rattle of all the bones in your body as the road... more travel advice

Walk thru the clouds Things to Do (4)

A visit to the Dattatreya peeta in Bababudabgiri hills is a must for those who love walking thru tall grass in mist :)... more travel advice

Walk thru the sunflowers Things to Do (4)

Drive down to some of the many sunflower fields around Chikmagalur for some memorable pics :). The farmers will even let... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Typical Darshini food
Hotels (2)
See All Basic accomodation

Comments (4)

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vpas Dec 7, 2009 at 6:53 PM

loved to read it again!and see the pics..
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lynnehamman Nov 12, 2009 at 5:17 AM

Nice tips and lovely pictres, Abi. Especially the sunflowers.
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Arkeolog Mar 16, 2009 at 3:54 AM

great page here useful tips and good photos. all the best. Bora
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mallyak Jan 20, 2009 at 1:05 PM

A trip to This Part of Karnataka just for the North indian tadka Dal!!Yes Its in my plans.