Chikmagalur is a charming hill station in Karnataka, famous for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, wildlife, and temples. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts. If you are planning to visit Chikmagalur, you might be wondering about the best time to visit, the weather conditions, and the festivals that you can enjoy there.
Chikmagalur Tour Packages
Chikmagalur Packages typically include sightseeing tours of the major attractions, such as Mullayanagiri, Hebbe Falls, and Kemmangundi. You can also opt for packages that include activities like trekking, camping, and visiting coffee plantations. Popular Chikmagalur tour packages:
2 days Chikmagalur tour package: This package is ideal for travelers who are short on time. It includes a visit to Mullayanagiri, Hebbe Falls, and Kemmangundi.
3 days Chikmagalur tour package: This package includes a visit to all the major attractions, as well as a coffee plantation tour and a trekking expedition to Mullayanagiri.
4 days Chikmagalur tour package: This package is ideal for travelers who want to explore the region at a leisurely pace. It includes a visit to all the major attractions, as well as a visit to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and a cultural tour of Belur and Halebidu.
Best Time to Visit Chikmagalur
The best time to visit Chikmagalur is from September to May, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is green and vibrant. This is also the time when you can participate in various activities like trekking, camping, rafting, and sightseeing. Some of the popular places that you can visit during this time are:
Mullayanagiri
Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, at an altitude of 1930 meters. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is also a popular trekking destination, with a moderate to difficult trail that takes about 3 hours to complete.
Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri is another prominent peak in Chikmagalur, named after a Muslim saint who introduced coffee to India. It is also a sacred place for both Hindus and Muslims, as it has a shrine dedicated to both Baba Budan and Dattatreya. The peak also has a beautiful waterfall called Manikyadhara Falls.
Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh National Park is one of the largest wildlife protected areas in the Western Ghats, covering an area of 600 sq km. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the lion-tailed macaque, tiger, leopard, and Malabar civet. The park also has several trekking trails for different levels of difficulty, such as Kudremukh Peak, Kurinjal Peak, Gangadikal Peak, Seethabumi Peak, Valikunda, and Narasimha Parvatha.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is another wildlife sanctuary in Chikmagalur, spread over an area of 492 sq km. It is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. It has a large population of elephants, gaurs, deer, wild dogs, leopards, and tigers. It also has a reservoir called Bhadra Dam, where you can enjoy boating and fishing.
Coffee Plantations
Chikmagalur is the coffee land of India, as it produces some of the finest varieties of coffee in the country. You can visit the coffee plantations and learn about the coffee production process, from picking to roasting. You can also taste the fresh and aromatic coffee and buy some as souvenirs.
Weather Conditions in Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur has a tropical wet evergreen climate, with moderate temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature ranges from 14°C to 35°C.
Winter (December to February): This is the most pleasant season in Chikmagalur, with cool and dry weather. The average temperature ranges from 12°C to 25°C. The best time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Summer (March to May): This is a warm and humid season in Chikmagalur, with occasional showers. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C. This is a good time for visiting waterfalls and lakes.
Monsoon (June to September): This is a wet and cloudy season in Chikmagalur, with heavy rainfall. The average temperature ranges from 18°C to 28°C. This is a good time for enjoying the greenery and wildlife.
Festivals in Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur celebrates various festivals throughout the year, reflecting its rich culture and heritage. Some of the major festivals that you can witness in Chikmagalur are:
- Makar Sankranti (January): This is a harvest festival that marks the beginning of the auspicious month of Magha. People fly kites, make bonfires, exchange sweets, and worship the Sun God on this day.
- Mahashivaratri (February/March): This is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is believed to have performed his cosmic dance on this night. People fast, chant prayers, offer milk and flowers to Shiva lingas, and stay awake all night on this day.
- Ugadi (March/April): This is the New Year festival of the Kannada and Telugu communities. People wear new clothes, decorate their houses with mango leaves and flowers, prepare special dishes like obbattu and pulihora, and read the panchanga (almanac) on this day.
- Ganesh Chaturthi (August/September): This is a festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success. People install clay idols of Ganesha in their homes and public places, offer prayers and sweets, and immerse the idols in water on the last day.
- Dasara (September/October): This is a festival that commemorates the victory of good over evil, as per the Hindu mythology. People worship Goddess Durga, who killed the demon Mahishasura, and celebrate her nine forms. They also display dolls and figurines of gods and goddesses in their houses, called gombe habba. They also take out processions of elephants, horses, and chariots, called jumbo savari.
Place to visit Chikmagalur at any time of the year, but especially from September to May. Enjoy the pleasant weather, the scenic beauty, and the festive spirit of the town. Myholidayhappiness is your best travel partner for Chikmagalur. Book your trip with them now and get ready for an amazing adventure.