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Chikmagalur District

Chikmagalur District

About:

Chikmagalur District comes under Mysore Division. The District is divided into seven taluks and the headquarters of there taluks are located at Chikmagalur, Kadur, Tarikere, Mudigere, Koppa, N.R.Pura and Sringeri. These taluks are grouped into two Revenue Sub-Divisions viz., Chikmagalur Revenue Sub-Division and Tarikere Revenue Sub-Division. Chikmagalur Revenue Sub-Division comprises of the taluks of Chikmagalur, Mudigere, Koppa and Sringeri, while Tarikere sub-division has jurisdiction over the taluks of Kadur, Tarikere and Narisimharajapura.

District, internationally renowned for its coffee literally means 'The Younger Daughter's Town' and encompasses an area of 7,201 sq. km. The district spans across the latitudinal parallels of 12° 54' 42''and 13° 53' 53'' north and the longitudinal meridians of 75° 04' 46''and 76° 21' 50'' east. Shimoga, Davangere, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka mark Chikmagulur's geographic boundaries.

Located 251 km from Bangalore, the name literally means 'Younger Daughter's Town'. It is said to have been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna. The town enjoys a salubrious climate and is famous for the sprawling tea and coffee estates. Some interesting excursions include Sringeri, Kemmannagundi, Amrithapura, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Kudremukh.

Chikmagalur is situated in south western part of Karnataka. Carved against a mountainous canvas this beautiful malnad district is full of surprises lofty peaks delightful dales racing rivers sparkling streams captivating cascades and the bracing mountain air - a balm to the work-weary. Climb high above the world where the mountains seem to touch the sky. Marvel at the unspoilt beauty of the snow-white coffee blossoms. To add adventure to enchantment this hilly district has some exciting trekking routes in the Western Ghats.

In Chickmagalur district, the major commercial crop is coffee. Other commercial crops are Pepper, Cashew nuts etc mullain giri, the highest peak in Karnataka 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.

One of the major iron ore companies in Asia is located at Kudremukh. Chikmagalur is a center of education, trade, and commerce. Chikmagalur has a healthy climate and contains monuments of all religions. Kodandarama Temple combines Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture. There is also a Parashuram Temple and a Kali shrine. A cave associated with Nirvanaswami is situated 44 km north-east of Chikmagalur. It is visited by scores of pilgrims.

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.

Location info:

Chikmagalur is situated in south western part of Karnataka. Carved against a mountainous canvas this beautiful malnad district.

Climate/Weather:

 

History:

Chikkamagaluru is the region where the Hoysala rulers started and spent the early days of their dynasty. According to a legend, it was at Sosevur, now identified with Angadi in Mudigere Taluk that Sala, the founder of the Hoysala dynasty, killed the legendary tiger, immortalised in the Hoysala crest. However, scholars have found lot of inconsistencies in this story and it seems to be more of a folklore. However, it is known that Veera Ballala II (1173 - 1220 CE), the great king of Hoysala empire, has built the Amriteshwara temple at Amrithapura in Tarikere Taluk.

Coffee was introduced into India through the Chikkamagaluru district when the first coffee crop was grown in the Baba Budan Giri Hills during 1670 AD. According to the article Origins of Coffee, the saint Baba Budan on his pilgrimage to Mecca travelled through the seaport of Mocha, Yemen where he discovered coffee.

Educational Institutions:

Nursing Colleges in Chikmagalur

  • Ashraya Institute of Nursing Science, Chikmagalur
  • Nightangle School of Nursing, Chikmagalur
  • Ramakrishana School of Nursing, Chikmagalur
  • Sharada Nursing Institute, Chikmagalur

Other Institutions

  • Chikmagalur Law Colleges
  • Chikmagalur Nursing Colleges
  • Aln Rao Ayurvedic Medical College
  • Adichunchanagiri Institute Of Technology
  • Govt. First Grade College, Kadur
  • Dist Instit Of Education & Training
  • Almn College Of Education
  • Rajiv Gandhi Kendriya Sanskrit Vidyapeet
  • Dacg Govt Polytechnic
  • Sjm Polytechnic
  • Sri Jagadguru Renukacharya Iti
  • Karnataka Iti
  • Govt First Grade College, Ajjampura
  • Govt First Grade College, Chikkamagalur
  • Govt First Grade College, Koppa
  • D. S. B. Govt First Grade College, Mudigere
  • Govt First Grade College
  • I D S G College
  • Kalleshwara Swamy First Grade College
  • M E S M L M N College Of Education
  • M E S Msps Women S College,chikmagalur
  • M L M N College Of Education
  • Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial College Of
  • S J M First Grade College
  • Sri Jagadguru Marugharajendra College
  • Sri Jagadguru Chandrashekhara Bharathi
  • S. T. J College For Women
  • S J M College Of Arts & Commerce
  • I D S G Govt College Of Degree
  • D. I. E. T.
  • Govt First Grade College, N. R. Pura
  • Sri. J. C. B. M. College, Sringeri
  • Govt First Grade College, Kadur

Langauge

The prominent language spoken is Kannada. Other languages like Marathi, Urdu,Telugu and Gujarati are also spoken by small portion of population.

Culture:

There are around fifty festivals such as Sri Renuka Jayanthi, Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Mahotsava, Urs at Bababudangiri, Girija Kalyana Mahotsava, and Veerabhadra Devara Rathotsava (chariot festival) of Koppa. Suggi habba is a famous harvest festival.

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Kadur is the nearest railway station to Chickmagalur.

Bangalore- Tumkur - Arshikere - Kadur.
Kadur is the nearest railway station to Chickmagalur.
By Express Train 3 hours running time to Kadur.
From Kadur 45 minutes journey by bus/taxi to Chickmagalur.
If the train is of non-stop at Kadur, then Birur is the next nearest railway station.
From Birur 50 minutes journey by bus/taxi to Chickmagalur

Nearest Airport:Bangalore International Airport
Road Transport:Buses are available via Bangalore - Hassan - Belur- Chickmagalur (5 hours 30 minutes/ 5 hours)
Buses are available via Bangalore - Arshikere - Kadur - Chickmagalur (5 hours 30 minutes / 5 hours)

Tourist Attraction

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (Muthodi):Built at a distance of approximately thirty-eight km northwest, this wonderful sanctuary is worth a view for nature freaks. Gaur, Chital, Sambar, Elephants and Tigers deserve mentioning.

Kemmanagundi: Lying at a distance of nearly fifty-five north of Chikmagalur, this is a scenic hill resort. It is located atop Baba Budan range rising almost to an elevation of 1,434 m. From Kemmanagundi, Hebbe Falls is only eight km away. This beautiful waterfall gushes from a height of 168 m. Kalhatti Falls is only ten km from Kemmanagundi. The cascading waterfall ascents to a loftiness of 122 m. Amidst the rocks, a temple has been erected locally.

Kudremukh, a popular hill resort is only ninety-five km south west of Chikmagalur. Its rich variety of wild flora and fauna must be explored by all tourists from all over the country.
Amruthapura is truly a tourist heaven. Lying almost ten km from Tarikere, this small town houses an ancient temple. This eight hundred year old temple is consecrated to `Amrutheswara`.

Sringeri: No one can miss a visit to Sringeri, a center for pilgrimage. Vidyashankara Temple is a special attraction of the place. It has twelve zodiac pillars on which rays of the sun fall according to the equinoctial time.

St. Joseph's Cathedral: It is an interesting tourist locale. Its primary appeal lies in the captivating `shell-shaped portico`.

Mullayanagiri: Mullayanagiri is part of the Baba Budan Giri Hill Ranges here. It stands 1930 meters tall and is the tallest peak in Karnataka. Its height is famous mostly for watching sunsets from. It is 16 km from Chikkamagaluru town.

Baba Budan Giri (Datta peeta): To the north of Chikkamagaluru town is the Baba Budan Giri Range or Chandra Drona Parvatha as it was known in the ancient times, which has one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. The peak takes its name from the Muslim saint, Baba Budan, who resided here more than 150 years ago.

Manikyadhara Falls is a waterfall near the famous pilgrim centre Baba Budan Giri Dattatreya Peetha where water spills down like small pearls giving the visitors a memorable shower bath.

Kallathigiri Falls: Just 10 km away from Kemmangundi is Kallahathigiri falls, also known as Kalahasti falls.

Hebbe Falls: This beautiful waterfall is over 10 km away from the famous hill station, Kemmangundi. Here water streams down from a height of 168 meters in two stages to form Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls).

Belavadi: Located 29 km southeast of Chikkamagaluru town on the Chikkamagaluru-Javagal road and 10 km north

Amritapura: 67 km north of Chikkamagaluru, Amrithapura is known for the Amritheshwara temple built in 1196 A.D by Amriteshwara Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala ruler Veera Ballala II.

Kalasa: It is surrounded by lofty hills of the Western Ghats and is looked upon as one of the pancha-kshetras on the banks of the Bhadra.Kalasa is 92 km southwest of Chikkamagaluru and situated on the banks of the river Bhadra.

Shanti Falls: This is a beautiful waterfall on the way to Z-Point in Kemmangundi.

Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy Darga: Situated on the Baba Budan Giri is the Inam Dattatreya Peetha venerated by the Hindus and the Muslims alike. A laterite cave here is believed to have been sanctified by the residence of Dattatreya Swami as well as Hazrat Dada Hayat Mir Khalander.

Hanumana Gundi Falls: Located 32 km. from the Kalasa, the waterfall has water falling on to Natural rock formations from a height of more than 100 feet (30 m).

Sringeri: 90 km west of Chikkamagaluru town is Sringeri situated on the banks of Tunga, a Vedic Peetha established by Sri Adi Shankara, the exponent of the Advaita philosophy in 9th Century A.D. It is famous for Vidyashankara Temple originally constructed by the Hoysalas and later completed by the founders of the Vijayanagar Empire and Sharada temple, an early 20th. century addition.

Kadambi Falls: This is a waterfall located in the Kudremukh National Park.

Horanadu:Annapoorneshwari Temple, which has been renovated recently With the installation of the new image of Adi Shakti, now the temple is called Adi-Shaktyatmaka Shri Annapoorneshwari. The place attracts lots of pilgrims who are provided free boarding and lodging by the temple.Horanadu is 100 km southwest of Chikkamagaluru and has an ancient Temple .

Hirekolale lake:Near Chikmagalur town.

Ayyenkere lake: Located 20 kms from Chikmagalur.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Quite a number of hotels have sprang up in Chikmagalur, providing all ease and comfort to the tourists. Accommodation in Chikmagalur is wide, ranging from deluxe hotels and first class hotels with modern amenities. Economy and budget hotels also have developed which are less expensive and affordable. The government also run their hotels in Chikmagalur.

  • Hotel Taj Garden Retreat, Chikmagalur is one such hotel that has caught the attention of tourists.(08262-220042/44)
  • Devigiri Homestay
  • Hotel Southern Star
  • Hotel Hassan Ashok
  • Malenadu Paradise,I.G.Road Chikmagalur (08262- 234531)
  • Usha Lodge, K.M.Road, Chikmagalur (08262- 235704)
  • Prakash Lodge, Mallandur Road, Chikmagalur(08262- 230583)
  • Woodland Hotel, I.G.Road, Chikmagalur (08262- 230583)

Chikmagalur District Major Attraction

Belavadi
It is a big Hoysala temple, 12 km from Halebid. There are few visitors. King BIddiga converted to Hinduism under the influence of a philosopher and called himself Vishu Vardhana. At first he built this temple and defined Vishnu in it.....more
Sringeri
Sringeri is a monastic temple town started by Shankara, who promoted the Advaitha philosophy in the 9h century. The temple was built in the 14th century with the support of Vijayanagara .....more
Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls are situated about 10 km away from the famous hill station Kemmangundi in Karnataka, India. This waterfalls are inside a coffee estate and can be reached either by walk or four-wheeler.....more
Kalhatti Falls
Kalhatti Falls start at the top of the Chandra Drona Hill, from a height of 45m to flow before the Veerabhadreshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated 10km from Kemmangundi, Kalahatti is about 250 km form Bangalore.....more
Manikyadhara Waterfall
Manikyadhara Falls is situated near Kemmangundi of Chikmagalur district. It is located on the Baba Budan Giri HIlls, which is a sacred place for both Muslims and Hindus. It is one of the main attractions of Baba Budan Giri or Dattapeeta.....more
Sirmane / Sirmane falls
Sirimane falls, a tributory of Tunga river which decends from the Western Ghats ranges near Sringeri in Chikmagalur District of Karnataka. Sirimane falls is one of the pretty waterfalls, located about five kilometres from Kigga, and is around 22 km away from Sringeri.....more
Bababudangiri Hills
Bababudangiri shrine (also known as Dattatreya Peeta or Dattatreya Peetha) is a shrine located on Bababudangiri hill in the Chikmagalur District of the state of Karnataka in India.This peak is one of the highest in Karnataka.....more
Gangamoola Hills
Located in the Samse Taluk of Chikmagalur district, the Gangamoola hill is surrounded by thick forests. It is the origin of three mighty rivers, the Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi.The highlights of the region are a Goddess Bhagavathi shrine and a Varaha image, 1.8 metres high, within a cave, which become inaccessible during the monsoons....more
Horanadu Hills
Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurneshwari, Goddess of Food and Grains.It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life.....more
Kemmannugundi Hills
55 kms north from Chickmagalur town on the Baba Budan range is the scenic hill station of Kemmannugundi called K.R hills, after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar - IV who made it his favorite summer camp. Situated at a height of 1434 meters and surrounded by thick green forests. K.R Hills makes and ideal health resort.....more
Kudremukh Hills
The unspoilt Kundadri hill station in Karnataka situated in Teerthahalli taluk of Shimoga, still remains one of the favorite spots for tourists keen in mountain trekking. The mountains are unexplored and one can feel the excitement in discovering new pathways to the peak.....more
Horanadu Temples
Horanadu the holy city of Chickmagalur district of Karnataka, is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurneshwari, (Goddess of Food and Grains) this temple was built in 1973.It is believed that one who visits the temple and takes the blessing of the Deity one shall never go hungry in their life. ....more
Shringeri Temples
Situated in southwest region of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is around 200 km from the capital city Bangalore.90 km west of Chikmagalur town is Sringeri situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra. Sringeri was discovered by Sri Sankaracharya as a place where even natural animosities did not exist, as he saw a frog in labour protected from the scorching rays of the sun by a raised hood of a cobra.....more
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
38 kms from Chikmagalur, this sanctuary is must for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, chital, sambar, elephants and tigers are some of the wildlife found here. This place is truely mysterious, magical and mind-blowing. The secrets of the jungle unwind as you go deep into the seemingly silent forest.....more
Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary
The Muthodi Forest Reserve is one of the four main parts of the Bhadra Wild life Sanctuary, the other three being Tanikecoil, Lakkavalli and Hebbe.38 kms from Chikmagalur, this sanctuary is must for wildlife enthusiasts. Gaur, chital, sambar, elephants and tigers are some of the wildlife found here.....more
Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka is one of the most popular national parks in India. Located in Mangalore, it is surrounded by Kudremukh or the Horse Face range overlooking the Arabian Sea. The topography of Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka is marked by deep ravines and steep cliffs.....more
Bhadra River
The Bhadra River is a river in Karnataka state in southern India.The Bhadra originates in the Western Ghats range, and flows east across the Deccan Plateau, joined by its tributaries the Somavahini, Thadabehalla, and Odirayanahalla.....more
Tunga River
The Tunga River is a river in Karnataka state, southern India. The river is born in the Western Ghats on a hill known as Varaha Parvata at a place called Gangamoola. From here, the river flows through two districts in Karnataka - Chikmagalur District and Shimoga District.....more
Lakkavalli Dam
Lakkavalli is a small town in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka state, southern India. Lakkavalli is the site of a dam across the Bhadra River; the dam is used for irrigation and power production.Lakkavalli is a small village situated at a distance of 22 km from Tarikere and 45 km from Shimoga.....more
Muthodi National Park
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Sootanabbi / Hanuman Gundi Falls
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