Top 10 Places To Visit Near Chikodi For Peaceful Drives, Nature Views, And Quiet Time

Yadur Veerabhadra Temple with traditional architecture is among places to visit near Chikodi.

Exploring places to visit near Chikodi is one of the best things to do if you are planning a short trip in Karnataka. This quiet town in the Belagavi district is not only beautiful but also gives you a combination of natural, cultural, and spiritual places of interest. Be it beautiful waterfalls, old temples, or historic forts, there is a place for every type of traveller nearby. Besides green nature and blue rivers, these places are also home to some religious sites and culturally rich towns, each of which tells us some kind of story and experience.

10 Places To Visit Near Chikodi

There are many places to visit near Chikodi with beautiful natural surroundings, temples, waterfalls, and places of cultural interest, and all of them are just a few hours’ drive away from Chikodi.

1. Gokak Falls

Gokak Falls cascading over rugged cliffs is one of the top places to visit near Chikodi.

Photo: FUTURE KIIID / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Gokak Falls is a sparkling waterfall on the Ghataprabha River, often referred to as a mini Niagara Falls. The waterfall descends from a height of about 52 metres over the sandstone cliffs, offering a magnificent view, especially during the monsoon season. Besides the waterfall, the old hanging bridge, a hydroelectric power station, and temples like the Mahalingeshwara Temple are the main places of interest. Also, visitors enjoy photography, walking on the bridge, and breathing the misty air around the falls.

Distance From Chikodi: 46.9 km
Top Highlights: 52-metre high waterfall, hanging bridge, hydroelectric station, monsoon views, nature photography.

2. Amboli Ghat

Scenic view from Amboli Ghat in Maharashtra, India, showing lush green hills and sky.

Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons

Amboli Ghat is a calm mountain area located in the Western Ghats; it offers hazy landscapes, pleasant weather, and vibrant vegetation. The place is known for its biodiversity and seasonal waterfalls and has become a common resort for people during the monsoon. The place is a birdwatchers’ paradise, as well as a perfect place for herpetologists and nature lovers due to its diverse ecosystem and endemic species. The most famous sightseeing places are the magnificent Amboli Waterfall, Shirgaonkar Point with its incredible valley views, and the old Mahadev Gad Fort, which is a history lesson of the region.

Distance From Chikodi: 97.7 km
Top Highlights: Misty hill views, seasonal waterfalls, biodiversity hotspot, forest walks, birdwatching.

3. Hattarwat

Lush green valley views at Hattarwat make it one of the scenic places to visit near Chikodi.

Photo: Satheesh Sankaran / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Hattarwat is a charming and calm little town situated in the green environs of the Western Ghats. It is quite familiarly known for its cool weather all through the year, and hence it is called the “coldest place in Belagavi district” by the locals. The village is surrounded by dense forests, hills, and farmland, thus offering a cool and refreshing experience to the visitors coming from hot and crowded urban areas. It’s undoubtedly one of the ideal places to visit near Chikodi for people who adore nature, bike riders, and weekend travellers who are in search of unexplored places.

Distance From Chikodi: 15 km
Top Highlights: Coldest place in Belagavi, green valleys, rural charm, monsoon mist, scenic drives.

4. Yadur

Colourful gopuram of Lord Veerabhadra Temple in Yadur, India, with intricate carvings.

Photo: Karnataka Ka / Wikimedia Commons

Yadur Veerabhadra Temple is one of the most revered spiritual places to see near Chikodi, located on the serene banks of the Krishna River. Dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Shiva, it holds deep religious significance for devotees across Karnataka. The temple’s simple traditional architecture, peaceful riverfront, and tranquil atmosphere offer a calming spiritual retreat. The best time to visit is from November to March, during cooler weather and festive occasions. Easily accessible via Athani and Kagwad, the temple is ideal for those seeking quiet reflection and a deeper connection to local heritage and devotion.

Distance From Chikodi: 22.6 km
Top Highlights: Riverfront temple, Lord Veerabhadra shrine, peaceful rituals, traditional architecture, spiritual setting.

5. Hidkal Dam

Calm waters and greenery at Hidkal Dam make it one of the places to visit near Chikodi.

Photo: Rahul Pabolu / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Hidkal Dam, a water reservoir on the Ghataprabha River, is one of the charming tourist attractions near Chikodi, primarily for a quick trip to nature. It acts as the principal irrigation project for the area and is encircled by the serene waters and lush greenery. The place is perfect for picnics, comfortable walks, and watching beautiful sunsets. After the monsoon and during the post-monsoon months, the reservoir fills up, and the place looks very beautiful. Birdwatchers come to the spot often to catch a good view of the local and migratory birds that live around the water.

Distance From Chikodi: 37.7 km
Top Highlights: Riverside picnic spot, post-monsoon reservoir views, migratory birds, peaceful walking trails, sunset views.

6. Godchinamalaki Falls

Scenic view of Godachinmalki Falls in Karnataka, India, cascading over rocky green terrain.

Photo: Rishi Muni / Wikimedia Commons

Godchinamalaki Falls on the Markandeya River is a picturesque two-tiered waterfall in a densely forested valley near Gokak. The first drop is about 25 m, followed by a second plunge of around 20 m. It is certainly the most beautiful sight during monsoon months when it is surrounded by green and high flow. People arrive at the falls by walking approximately 2.5 km on a rustic path from the village of Godchinamalaki. The list of activities includes short treks, nature photography, and taking in the calm atmosphere. The waterfall is one of the best attractions near Chikodi.

Distance From Chikodi: 46.3 km
Top Highlights: Two-tiered waterfall, monsoon beauty, short nature trek, quiet forest setting, photography.

7. Navilatirtha Dam

Water flowing through gates at Navila Teertha Dam is among places to visit near Chikodi.

Photo: Manjunath Doddamani Gajendragad / Wikimedia Commons

Navilatirtha Dam, also called Renuka Sagara or Malaprabha Dam, is a short dam constructed across the Malaprabha River. It is the shortest dam in Karnataka, having four gates, and it is the most beautiful picnic place in the green with lots of peafowl around. The local birdwatching, the family outings, and the quiet water body are often the activities of weekend visitors. Despite its small size, the peaceful place of Navilatirtha is one of the quietest places to visit, perfect for a calm afternoon by the water.

Distance From Chikodi: 100.4 km
Top Highlights: Small scenic dam, family picnics, peafowl sightings, riverside relaxation, peaceful countryside.

8. Belgaum Fort

Ancient Jain temple in Belgaum, India, featuring stone architecture and detailed carving.

Photo: Swapneel Bhandarkar / Wikimedia Commons

Belgaum Fort is a gigantic fortress built by the Ratta dynasty and later amplified by different rulers. The fort is a perfect blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, with the temples and mosques along with the moat. Floral motifs in the Mukhamantapa and the Kamal Basti Jain temple are the most eye-catching ones. Visitors typically roam around the fort area and the religious edifices or the nearby Fort Lake for a relaxing stroll. This fort is a place that merges history, heritage, and leisurely exploration in a compact urban setting.

Distance From Chikodi: 69.7 km
Top Highlights: Historical fort walls, Kamal Basti Jain temple, Indo-Islamic architecture, moat and temples, city views.

9. Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary

Spotted deer at Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary make it one of the wild places to visit near Chikodi.

Photo: Jayanth Muppaneni / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary lies at a location that is near the Goa–Karnataka border, covered with dense tropical forest. The sanctuary is widely known for the Barapede caves, as they are the only place where the Wroughton’s free-tailed bat, which is a highly endangered species, can reproduce. The sanctuary also houses parts of the old Bhimgad Fort, which was constructed by Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. A nature lover can get the opportunity to see the various great local flora and fauna, like the rare butterflies, birds, and reptiles. This sanctuary is perfect for photographers and wildlife lovers.

Distance From Chikodi: 90 km
Top Highlights: Tropical forest trails, rare bats in Barapede caves, butterflies and birds, Bhimgad Fort ruins, quiet trekking.

10. Shirasangi

Front view of Shirsangi Kalikadevi Temple with traditional structure and peaceful surroundings.

Photo: Roman Saienko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Shirasangi is a historic village that is famous for the ancient Shirsangi Kalikadevi Temple as well as the remains of the fort located nearby. The local people believe that this temple was constructed in the first century, and it is one of the mythological characters associated with Shringa Maharishi. There are also some other places in the vicinity, such as Siddeshwaragavi cave temple, Bababudan Durgah, and Shri Mallikarjuna hill-top shrine. Shirasangi, though not a very popular tourist destination, is a place that has the unique opportunity to witness the local heritage and spiritual tradition.

Distance From Chikodi: 64.7 km
Top Highlights: Ancient Kali temple, local legends, hilltop shrines, rustic village charm, mythological history.

Exploring the places to visit near Chikodi is a rewarding experience filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and peaceful escapes. From scenic waterfalls and serene dams to ancient temples and lush hill stations, each destination offers a unique charm. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, these spots make for ideal weekend getaways. Plan your perfect escape and book your journey today with TripXL to discover the hidden gems around Chikodi.

Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Amboli Ghat is most famous for its monsoon-drenched landscapes, foggy valleys, and flowing waterfalls. It is also the place that has the most diverse ecosystems in the region and is perfect for birdwatching and the art of macro photography.
The most convenient way to reach these places is by road. If you want to go there, a private cab can be hired, or you can also use your vehicle. Additionally, local buses are plying well to the major towns like Belgaum, Gokak, and Bagalkot.
Yes, most places near Chikodi, like Hidkal dam, Bhimgad wildlife sanctuary, and Veerabhadra temple, are suitable for families.
Yes, light treks are available around Bhimgad Fort, Amboli hills, and Kundremukh-like terrains near Hattarwat.
In popular places like Belgaum Fort or Amboli, you may find local guides. For temples and historical sites, some offer informal tours through priests or caretakers.

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