Chikmagalur
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Chikmagalur is best hill station near bangalore which is situated in the 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. And to add Adventure to Enchantment this Hilly District has some exciting trekking routes in the Western ghats.
The serene spots of the hills and valleys have been resorts for sages and saints through the ages. The district is dotted with many holy spots and abounds in legends associated with stories from the great epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharatha. 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 picture of the rise and fall of Empires in the State.
The district takes its name from the headquarters town of Chikmagalur, which literally means younger daughter’s town. It is said to have been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmanagada, the legendary chief of Sakarayapatna. Another part bestowed on the elder daughter is known as Hiremagalur. But some old inscriptions reveal that these two places were known as Kiriya-muguli and Piriya-muguli.
Situated in a fertile valley south of the Baba-Budan range is the headquarter town of the district. A center of education, trade and commerce, the town enjoys a salubrious climate and as venerated monuments of all religions – Kodandarama temple, a synthesis of Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture, Jamia Mosque and the new St. Joseph’s Cathedral with an attractive shell-shaped portico. Hiremagalur, which is now a part of Chikmagalur town, has an Ishwara temple with a 1.22-meter high curious rotund figure of Jademuni. The temple also has a Yupa Stambha supposed to be installed by king Janamejaya during his serpent sacrifice. The fort and its moat, Parashurama temple and Kali shrine are other places of interest.
The Chikmagalur District which was called Kadur district till 1947. It is situated roughly in the Southern – western part of the State. A large area of this District is Malnad, i.e., a largely forested hilly region of heavy rainfall. The stupendous barrier of the Baba – Budan mountain range is in the center of the district. The Western Ghats range, which borders the western part of the District, rises into some of the loftiest peaks. The landscape of the tract is highly enchanting. The slopes of the mountains and hills here are replete with fascinating natural beauty. They are clad with thick forests, through which the shining streams wind their way, fertilizing the narrow valleys and glades.
How to reach Chikmagalur
By Air
Mangalore is the nearest airport which is 170 km for Chikmagalur. Bangalore is the second far airport which is 250 km. Hubli is also a nearby airport. Government plans to develop an airport in Marle village which is 10 km from Chikmagalur.
By Train
There is no railways station in Chikmagalur. The nearest railways station is Kadur which is 40 km away. Other nearest railway stations are Birur and Tarikere.
By Bus
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) run regular bus service between Chikmagalur and Bangalore. From Bangalore it will take approximately one hour.
By Road
One can reach Chikmagalur from Bangalore or Mangalore through national highway number 48 (NH 48). On NH 48 form Hassan, Chikmagalur is only 55 km away. Chikmagalur city is also directly connected to Koppa, Kadur, Sringeri & Birur by road, one can also reach Chikmagalur from these nearby cities.
Get around Chikmagalur
By Autorickshaw
The cheapest way to visit the city. Commonly auto rickshaws don’t go by meter, they charge a fixed amount for a decided place; you may bargain on this price before hiring an auto rickshaw. If you have lots of luggage, definitely look like a tourist; chances of auto drivers to charge high.
By Taxi
Tourist cabs are the best option in taxi, you also visit nearby places through these cabs. Tariff is Rs 10/km for these cabs.
Places to visit in Chikmagalur
Giridarshini
Is a small hill station on Mangalore road, just 6 km from Chikmagalur. You may see the complete city from top of Ratnagiri hill ( also known as Mahatma Gandhi Park). The hill station is full of beautiful scenic views.
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (Muthodi)
Located 38 km in the west-north of the city. This sanctuary is most likely by wildlife lovers; you may find chital, gaur, elephants, tigers, sambar and other wildlife animals. Kemmanagundi-Located 55 km north of Chikmagalur, is a beautiful hill station. Altitude of this hill station is 1,434 m. The highest peak of south Karnataka, Mullayyanagiri is here. The Department of Horticulture of Karnataka government established a rose garden in Kemmanagundi which is open to the public. Hebbe Falls-
Located at 8 km from Kemmanagundi. Here water gushes down in two stages for a height of 168 m.
Kalhatti Falls
Located at 10 km from Kemmanagundi. The height of this water fall is 122 m.
Kudremukh
Located at 95 km in west-south of Chikmagalur, is a hill station. The altitude of this hill station is 1894 m. You may see Arabian Sea for Kudremukh. Hills in Kudremukh are chained with one-another with very deep valleys and steep precipices. The hill station is rich in flora and fauna which yet to be discovered. You may also find ancient caves, traces and ruins of ancient civilization. The hill station is also rich in iron-ore.
Amruthapura
Located at 10 km from Tarikere. Amruthapura is famous for its 800 year old temples dedicated to Amrutheshwara.
Sringeri
This place is famous for Vidyashankara Temple, which has 12 zodiac pillars. Sun rays fall on each of the pillars according to season of year.
Malaya Marutha
Located at 50 km from Chikmagalur
Rameshwaram
Located at 6 km from a city famous for its big pound.
Tourist activities
Chikmagalur is a tourist of waterfalls, hill stations, wildlife and temples, below are the some activities you may perform here-
Trekking, Fishing, Relaxing
Important place of interest from chikmagalur
Belur
Belur has the stupendous Chenna Kesava Temple of roughly the same time period and built along the same lines as the Hoysaleswara temple in Halebid.
Halebid
Halebid is one of Karnataka’s open secrets. Capital of the Hoysala empire which flourished in the 12th and the 13th centuries, Halebid (old city) is the most apt of several names that are tagged on to this little town in Karnataka.
Shravanabelagola
The most important, indeed world famous – edifice is the giant monolithic statue of Gomateswara, curved out of granite in 981 AD. Sixty feet is striking enough, but the setting adds its own drama.
Bhadra wildlife reserve
Popularly known as Muthodi wildlife sanctuary, after the village on its periphery, it is a great place to sight the ferocious tiger, observe the Indian bison, hear the strange calls of the striped hyena, & see the rare flying lizards glide amidst the huge trees.
Sringeri
Sringeri where the founder of Advaita philosophy – Adi-Shankar, discovered a cobra sheltering a frog from the torrential rains, has its spiritual center on the bank of the TungaBhadra river in the evergreen forests of Chikamaglur.
Kemmanagudi
This is a compact one – charms, views, waterfalls, garden , all in a day’s work make it one of most fun filled holiday destinations.
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