–Anderson S. V.
Chikmagalur is a tourist place located on Western Ghats in Chikmagalur district in Karnataka. It is a great tourist spot to experience wildlife, flora, fauna and night life stay. As a most loved weekend gateway for people with interest in Trekking, Chikmagalur comprises lot of mountains, Hills with waterfalls and Lakes. There are lot of places to see in Chikmagalur.
Mullayanagiri hill is located 12kms far from Chikmagalur and it is the highest peak in Karnataka as it is close to 2000 meters. The hill is famous for Trekking experience with most breathtaking sights. There is a small Shiva temple on top of hill and so hundreds of devotes travel to offer their prayers every year. The hill has a favourable climate and so it suits for many coffee estates there.
Baba Budangiri, Also known as Datta Peeta or Chandra Drone Parvatha comprises of several high mountain rises, Waterfalls and many coffee plantation. There are 3 popular caves located here with 3 Siddhas buried and so many come to pray as Siddhas are religious Oracles. Also the scenery around caves is spectacular.
Hebbe Falls, Accessed from Kemmangudi hill station is a picturesque destination and is 8kms far to the hill station. The waterfalls is divided into two falls, called as big and small which are locally called as Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe. Many wish this to be their home stay along with their family and friends.
Kemmangudi is also known as Krishna Rajendra hill station as a resort here is built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. The Z point here is very famous for viewing sunset and sunrise. One can experience the hill station with Babu Budan hills in the backdrop from the Z point. Horticulture is practised here with many Rose gardens ,,,etc.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is located 35kms far from Chikmagalur and has over 250 species of birds. Large population of tiger is seen here and so Private Jeep Safaris are provided to tourists with accompanying forest officials. Also Bhadra dam is built across the Bhadra River and it is used for the irrigation purposes by the nearby villagers.
Sharadamba Temple attracts people from all over the world as the temple is dedicated to Goddess of wisdom. It is located on the banks of Tungabhadra River. Many believe that praying to the Goddess would improve their Knowledge/learning capacity. Originally Goddess statue was made by sandalwood and is now replaced with gold. This temple is considered to be the Holiest in city.
Kudremukh, which originally means to horse face in the local language Kannada as one of the hill here resembles a horse shaped head. Entire region is covered with thick forests, Tea & Coffee Plantation ,,etc. 3 rivers which originate from here are Tunga, Bhadra & Nethravati respectively. One can find Flora and Fauna in abundance here.
Baba Budan Giri Hills is named after the Muslim Saint Hazrat Dada Hayath Mir Khalandar as the saint along with his Disciples came here in the search of water but on finding no water, they prayed to the Almighty. Suddenly a waterfalls (Manikyadhara falls) cascaded down as an answer to their prayer. Other waterfalls in Chikmagalur are Kadambi falls, Kalhatti falls ,,,etc. Other tourist spots are Mahatma Gandhi park, Ratna Giri Bore, Kodandarama Temple ,,,etc.
The trip to Chikmagalur was an unforgettable experience..