Bestowed with aromatic coffee plantations, Chikmagalur also offers breathtaking mountain views and scenic beauty. If you are looking for a fun weekend getaway near Bangalore, pack your bags and head to Chikmagalur.
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If you have one day to explore this picturesque hill town, check out these coffee estates and sightseeing tours:
1. Plan a tour of the Badra Coffee Estate
The Badra Coffee Estate is one of the famous family-run coffee estates in India, with a legacy of 56 years. They use traditional methods coupled with high-end technology to cultivate the best coffee beans. Learn how the best Arabica coffee beans are grown in shades, hand-picked, sun-dried, and roasted which contribute to the best aroma and flavour.
Kerkiecoondah Estate crops- Coffea Arabica and Robusta
Badra BHR Estate crops – Coffea Robusta
Bettadakhan Estate crops – Coffea Arabica
The gross annual production of Coffee from the estates amounts to 750-850 tons of Arabicas, Robustas, and Cherry coffees. While 55% of this gross is exported, the rest is for domestic consumption in India. Their estates also cultivate crops like Areca nuts, pepper, coconut, and cardamom. If you are travelling from another state to visit this coffee estate, book budget hotels in Bangalore while sightseeing Chikmagalur.
Their specialty coffee is cultivated under a canopy of silver oak, red cedar, teak, acacia, and coconut trees. Coffee plants grown in shades contribute to a distinct flavour and aroma. Large trees help in preventing topsoil erosion. They also incorporate crop rotation to ensure optimum fertility of the soil.
The workforce who works at the coffee estate is housed in the estate and they have good access to healthcare facilities, education, grocery allowance, etc.
The two major coffee varieties produced by this estate are:
Coffee Arabica
The two varieties of Station selection 795 and Station Selections are grown at an elevation ranging 3,500-4500 ft with an annual rainfall of 200 cms. The specialty arabicas possess a good body, fine acidity, and undertones of chocolate.
Coffee Robusta
The two varieties of CCRI selection 274 and CXR Robustas are grown at a lower altitude of 1,500 – 2,500ft above sea level. The specialty Robusta beans are known for their bold flavour, neutral bitterness, and distinct aroma.
2. Learn the art of brewing coffee at the Coffee Museum
Every coffee connoisseur should add a visit to the coffee museum in their travel itinerary. Learn the elaborate coffee-making process, which showcases everything from plucking the beans to roasting to grinding the coffee beans to create the perfect brew!
Get a chance to enjoy the magical aroma of freshly brewed coffee. You can learn about the various types of coffee pots used for brewing coffee. A haven for all coffee lovers, you can learn the art of making your favourite morning beverage with the flavour and aroma of coffee beans intact!
Distance from the city centre- 6 km
3. Explore the tropical forests at Kudremukh National Park
Located in the lap of verdant hills, Kudremukh National Park is a popular tourist spot in Chikmagalur. This national park sprawling over a 600-kilometer square area is one of the well-preserved bio reserves in India. Kudremukh National Park is adorned with natural beauty, lush valleys, a plethora of flora and fauna, and picturesque trekking trails.
Visit the second-largest wildlife-protected area in the tropical evergreen forest along the banks of the Western Ghats. An intriguing fact to note is the name Kudremukh is derived from Kudremukha which translates to horse-face, referring to the highest mountain peak in the range. This peak is set at an altitude of 1,894 meters, which is also the second-highest peak in Karnataka. Plan a thrilling safari tour to witness the endemic species of animals like tigers, leopards, etc. in the Kudremukh National Park. This land is disputed among the local iron-ore mining business and conservationists. As nature and wildlife lover’s paradise, Kudremukh is a national park worth visiting on your next vacation. You can book Chikmagalur hotels that are located in the vicinity of this national park.
4. Plan an adventure hike to the Hebbe Falls
Watch the spectacular Hebbe Falls cascading from a height of 168 meters through the Kemmangaundi Hills. Check out the two waterfalls in this area- Dodda Hebbe and Chikka Hebbe. The trekking route to Hebbe Falls can seem arduous, but a swim in the cool water will refresh you once you reach there! Enjoy the picturesque waterfalls, lush forest, and cool breeze brushing through your hairs at the Hebbe Falls.
To avail of attractive offers on Chickmagalur hotels, book at least one month in advance of your vacation date.
5. Relax in the tranquil surroundings of Kemmangundi
Enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation at Kemmangundi, one of the top tourist spots in Chikmagalur. Perched at an altitude of 1400 meters, Kemmanagundi is encircled by verdant hills, lush valleys, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Visit the top attractions near Kemmnagundi like Rose Garden, Raj Bhavan, and the Z point. Trek to the nearby Hebbe Falls and Kallathi Falls, which are situated in the vicinity of Kemmangundi. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and a pleasant climate while trekking along the mountain trails of Kemmangundi.
These are five fascinating sightseeing tours to add to your weekend getaway to Chikmagalur.
