Karnataka, India · Trip plan
2 days in Chikmagalur
Where coffee first grew in India, beneath Karnataka's highest peak.
- Best time
- Oct – Mar
- Ideal length
- 2 days
- A day, mid-range
- ₹5,500 per person
- Trip for two
- about ₹22,000
Planning a 2-day trip to Chikmagalur? Here's a day-by-day Chikmagalur itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
Clear skies after the rains bring sweeping views from Mullayanagiri, and the estates are at their greenest.
Chikmagalur is where coffee first took root in India, in the Baba Budangiri hills. Today it's a quiet hill district of estates, high ridges and waterfalls, with Karnataka's highest peak, Mullayanagiri, close to town.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
October to March: 15–28°C, clear and cool.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Chikmagalur
- 01
Mullayanagiri
Karnataka's highest peak, with a short climb to the top.
- 02
Baba Budangiri
The hills where coffee beans were first planted in India.
- 03
Hebbe Falls
A two-tiered waterfall reached by jeep through estates.
- 04
Bhadra reserve
Tiger country with boat and jeep safaris.
Day by day
Chikmagalur itinerary for 2 days
- D1
Day 1: Peaks and coffee
- Morning
- Sunrise at Mullayanagiri, Karnataka's highest point; a short climb from the car park to the temple at the top.
- Afternoon
- Drive along the ridge to Baba Budangiri, where coffee was first planted in India, and the cave shrine there.
- Evening
- Afternoon coffee estate tour and tasting, then dinner at your homestay.
Go before 7 AM; the road up fills with cars by 9.
- D2
Day 2: Waterfalls
- Morning
- Jeep from Kemmangundi to Hebbe Falls through coffee estates, then a short walk to the falls.
- Afternoon
- Lunch at Kemmangundi and the Z Point viewpoint.
- Evening
- Buy fresh coffee at a local roaster and head back.
Leech socks help after rain.
Shorter or longer
Chikmagalur in 1, 2 or 4 days
1 day in Chikmagalur
Follow days 1 to 1 above and leave out “Waterfalls”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
4 days in Chikmagalur
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Coorg.
Chikmagalur trip from your city
- From Bangalore:About 5 hours by road
What it costs
Chikmagalur trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 2 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹2,000 | ₹8,000 |
| Mid-range | ₹5,500 | ₹22,000 |
| Luxury | ₹20,000+ | ₹80,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Chikmagalur is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Chikmagalur for every budget
- Budget
Coffee-estate homestays
Around Chikmagalur town
Breakfast and estate walks often included.
from ₹2,200 /night
Prices - Mid-range
Java Rain Resorts
Near Mullayanagiri road
A hill resort with views and a pool.
from ₹12,000 /night
Prices - Luxury
The Serai
Coffee estate near town
Villas with private pools on a working estate.
from ₹25,000 /night
Prices
What to eat
Food to try in Chikmagalur
Akki rotti
Rice-flour flatbread with chutney.
Estate-grown coffee
Freshly roasted, often served at homestays.
Malnad cuisine
Bamboo-shoot curry and kadubu dumplings.
Getting there
How to reach Chikmagalur
- Travel
- About 245 km from Bengaluru (5 hours); Kadur station is 40 km away.
- Getting around
- Self-drive or hire a taxi; jeeps are needed for Hebbe Falls and parts of Baba Budangiri.
- Go early; Mullayanagiri gets a queue of cars by 9 AM on weekends.
- Leeches come out after rain: carry salt or leech socks for treks.
Before you go
What to pack for Chikmagalur
- Power bank and charging cables
- ID (Aadhaar or licence)
- Warm layers for the evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
Good questions
Chikmagalur trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Chikmagalur?
2 days are enough to see the highlights: Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri, Hebbe Falls. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 2-day Chikmagalur trip cost?
Roughly ₹2,000 a day per person on a budget, ₹5,500 mid-range and ₹20,000+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about ₹22,000 for 2 days.
What is the best time to visit Chikmagalur?
Oct – Mar. Clear skies after the rains bring sweeping views from Mullayanagiri, and the estates are at their greenest.
Where should I stay in Chikmagalur?
Budget: Coffee-estate homestays (Around Chikmagalur town), from about ₹2,200 a night. Mid-range: Java Rain Resorts (Near Mullayanagiri road), from about ₹12,000 a night. Luxury: The Serai (Coffee estate near town), from about ₹25,000 a night.
How do I reach Chikmagalur?
About 245 km from Bengaluru (5 hours); Kadur station is 40 km away.
Is 1 day enough for Chikmagalur?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 1 of the itinerary above and skip "Waterfalls". 2 days is the comfortable length.
How do I plan a trip to Chikmagalur from Bangalore?
About 5 hours by road. Then follow the 2-day itinerary above; budget from about ₹2,000 a day per person plus travel.
What is the weather like in Chikmagalur?
October to March: 15–28°C, clear and cool.
What food should I try in Chikmagalur?
Akki rotti: Rice-flour flatbread with chutney. Estate-grown coffee: Freshly roasted, often served at homestays. Malnad cuisine: Bamboo-shoot curry and kadubu dumplings.
How do I get around Chikmagalur?
Self-drive or hire a taxi; jeeps are needed for Hebbe Falls and parts of Baba Budangiri.
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