Top 10 Places To Visit Near Chikmagalur Within 100 Km: Your Complete Travel Guide

Foggy hillside view with scattered buildings, winding road, and lush green surroundings.

Places to visit near Chikmagalur within 100 km provide an unavoidable mix of misty hills, rolling coffee plantations, roaring waterfalls, and ancient temples. Tourist paradise, the coffee country of Karnataka is Chikmagalur, but the beauty extends much wider than the town. From peaceful lakes to trekking trails and ancient monuments, the countryside around Chikmagalur is full of natural wonders and cultural treasures. Best for day trips or weekend getaways, these places guarantee refreshing adventures and experiences in the Western Ghats’ fascinating topography.

10 Places To Visit Near Chikmagalur Within 100 Km

Here are the ten best places to visit near Chikmagalur within 100 km with a fine mix of nature, adventure, and heritage, each within a handy distance for an adventurous day.

1. Mullayanagiri Peak

Winding dirt trail weaving through lush green hills beneath a bright blue sky above

Photo: రవిచంద్ర / Wikimedia Commons

One of the best places to visit near Chikmagalur within 100 km, Mullayanagiri Peak is the highest point in Karnataka at a height of 1,925 meters above sea level. This height peak is a source of an awe-inspiring panoramic landscape view of the surrounding Western Ghats and hence the haunt of preference among nature enthusiasts, trekking enthusiasts, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The ascent to the summit is an exhilarating one up a rough road littered with plants and brief glimpses of wildlife at intervals. The majority of visitors try to climb there early in the morning to see the majestic sunrise that bathes the hills with golden hues-a sight to behold.

How To Reach: By cab or drive from Chikmagalur town
Main Attractions: Trekking trails, Western Ghats view points, sunrise points

2. Baba Budangiri, Baba Budan Hills

Misty mountain slope with green valleys and distant hills fading into the cloudy horizon
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Photo: Gpkp / Wikimedia Commons

One of the most interesting places to visit near Chikmagalur within 100 km, is Baba Budangiri or Baba Budan Hills, which is a sacred place where religion and nature complement each other very well. The chain of hills is renowned for the sacred shrine of Hazrat Dada Hayat Qalandar, who is worshipped by Hindu and Muslim pilgrims alike and therefore a sign of communal harmony and religious tolerance. Tourists are allowed to stroll within the peaceful Sufi shrine, permeate the peaceful atmosphere, and bask in the tranquillity which envelops this sacred location.

How To Reach: Taxi or drive from Chikmagalur or Kadur
Main Attractions: Sufi shrine, shola forests, Kavikal Gandi viewpoint

3. Kemmangundi & Z-Point

Cliffside view with red rocky slopes, vegetation, and a house on top in misty weather

Photo: Likhith N.P / Wikimedia Commons

Kemmangundi is one of the interesting places to visit near Chikmagalur within 100 km. Kemmangundi is a serene hill station famous for its beautiful gardens, hazy valleys, and refreshing mountain air. This serene haven is the best place to lounge around as nature’s grandeur envelops you. One of the sites worth seeing is the Raj Bhavan Viewpoint with panoramic shots of the rolling hill country around, which is particularly magical at dawn and dusk. The most popular trek out from here is to Z-Point, a viewpoint renowned for having gigantic panoramas of the Western Ghats.

How To Reach: Taxi or drive from Chikmagalur via Tarikere
Main Attractions: Botanical gardens, Z-Point trek, Raj Bhavan Viewpoint

4. Hebbe Falls

Tall waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by dense green tree forest

Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons

Of the scenic spots in and around Chikmagalur within 100 km, Hebbe Falls is a stunning two-tiered waterfall with virgin forests and massive coffee plantations surrounding it. The fall is split into Dodda Hebbe (great fall) and Chikka Hebbe (small fall), both dropping from rock outcrops to cool, clean pools below. The magnificent water cascading down with the verdant shrubs provides privacy, and as such, it’s an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Reaching Hebbe Falls includes an equatorial jeep ride among the scented coffee estates, which is followed by a brief walk among the forests to the misty waterfalls.

How To Reach: Jeep ride from Kemmangundi or private taxi from Chikmagalur
Main Attractions: Two-tiered fall, coffee plantations, trekking trails

5. Jhari Falls

Wide waterfall flowing over rocks into a stream with surrounding greenery and boulders

Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Jhari Falls, also widely referred to as Buttermilk Falls, is a lacy and mysterious fall near Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri, and hence one of the most picturesque places to visit near Chikmagalur within 100 km. The waterfalls are composed of milky white streams of water flowing gently down rocky craggy slopes, forming peaceful plunge pools at the bottom, perfect for relaxation, meditation, and nature photography. With lush greenery and cool mountain air surrounding the place, this destination is a serene haven for people from the commotion of tourist life. To reach Jhari Falls, tourists can trek via scenic roads or take a jeep that takes them for the last mile, which is an off-road journey for the last 5 kilometres.

How To Reach: Jeep or trek from Kadur or Chikmagalur
Main Attractions: Smooth cascades, plunge pools, wildlife photography

6. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Leopard standing alert on dry leaf-covered ground, looking back towards the camera.

Photo: Swamy HKM / Wikimedia Commons

A particularly significant region of Karnataka’s biodiversity, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the finest places to visit near Chikmagalur within 100 km for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers. This Project Tiger Reserve of more than 490 to 892 square kilometres has pride of place for mighty tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and other bird and reptile wildlife. The varied habitats of the sanctuary are dense forests, riverine and riparian, and rocky hillocks, and thus it is an environmental gem. The sanctuary is visible from organised jeep safaris, group-led nature walks, and bird walks.

How To Reach: Jeep or taxi safari from Balehonnur or Kalasa
Main Attractions: Tiger and leopard spotting, birdlife, jeep safari

7. Kudremukh National Park

Lush green forested hills under a cloudy sky with patches of open grassy slopes.
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Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons

One of the best places to visit near Chikmagalur within 100 km is the Kudremukh National Park, which is a UNESCO-designated biodiversity heritage site that is famous for its dense fauna and flora. Green pastures, rainforests, and leopards, Malabar squirrels, Indian bison, and other endangered bird species are the reasons why this park is one of the best ones to visit. Rolling hills and pristine natural vistas are the hallmark of this country, a paradise for nature photographers and trekkers alike. Horse-faced Kudremukh Peak is one of the top attractions of this location, providing demanding trekking trails and grand views of the Western Ghats.

How To Reach: Taxi from Chikmagalur to the park entrance, then trek
Main Attractions: Trekking, high biodiversity, panoramic hill views

8. Sringeri Sharada Peetham

Intricately carved temple doorway with detailed stone sculptures and ornate patterns

Photo: A.Murali / Wikimedia Commons

Of religious places that can be visited within 100 km of Chikmagalur, Sringeri Sharada Peetham is notable in that it is an ancient Advaita Vedanta monastery founded by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. This holy place is renowned for the Sharadamba Temple of Goddess Sharada (Goddess of Learning) and the Vidyashankara Temple, which uniquely combines Dravidian and Hoysala styles exclusively by itself in a distinct 12-pillared zodiac sign-symbolising building. Pilgrims can relax in a peaceful spiritual atmosphere by walking along the banks of River Tunga, soaking in peaceful energies and meditating within the temple grounds of spirituality.

How To Reach: Chikmagalur bus or taxi
Main Attractions: Sharadamba Temple, Vidyashankara Temple, View of Tunga River

9. Belavadi – Veera Narayana Temple

Symmetrical stone temple with ornate towers, set in a manicured green garden pathway.

Photo: Rohit14400 / Wikimedia Commons

The Veera Narayana Temple at Belavadi is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Chikmagalur within 100 km. This is a good example of the Hoysala architecture of the 12th century. The old temple complex is famous for its three sanctums dedicated to the different avatars of Lord Vishnu, each exquisitely carved and decorated with complex sculptures. The star-shaped base and exquisitely ornamented ceilings with astral designs of the temple are another architectural wonder. The carved pillars, friezed carvings, and delicate iconography of the temple will leave heritage and history enthusiasts awed, and present the artwork of the Hoysala period.

How To Reach: Taxi or drive from Chikmagalur via Kadur
Main Attractions: Hoysala architecture, intricate temple carvings

10. Horanadu – Annapoorneshwari Temple

Colorful blue temple front with gods, and ornate architectural elements.

Photo: Hari K Patibanda / Wikimedia Commons

One of the sacred spots to include in your travel itinerary from Chikmagalur within 100 km is Horanadu, which is famous for the Annapoorneshwari Temple, a good pilgrim centre in the name of Goddess Annapoorneshwari, the goddess of food. The temple is renowned for its distinctive custom of providing free food (prasadam) to everyone, the custom of service and sharing with mankind. Pilgrims can watch the ritual puja, immerse themselves in the peace of temple surroundings, and get mesmerized by the beauty of nature of the Western Ghats of the place. The temple is open all year around, and pilgrims and tourists can visit it whenever they wish.

How To Reach: Taxi or bus from Chikkamagaluru or Chikmagalur
Main Attractions: Annapoorneshwari Temple, prasadam blessings, peaceful hills

The most exciting places to visit near Chikmagalur within 100 km radius include misty mountains and serene lakes to hidden waterfalls and ancient temples. It’s nature, adventure, and heritage paradise. Peaceful, photo safaris, trekking, or cultural riches, whatever you seek, there’s something for everyone. Visit these places with TripXL and treat yourselves to unforgettable daytrips full of the magic of the Western Ghats, the local culture, and the timeless appeal of Karnataka.

Cover Photo: Gpkp / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to travel to the Chikmagalur region is between September and March. The climate is pleasantly cool and the best time for sightseeing, trekking, leisurely strolls in coffee plantations, and other entertaining activities.
Chikmagalur town and villages are famous for coffee beans, and handcrafted articles. They are available at local markets, government emporiums, and small art shops.
3 to 4 days are best to see the major attractions around Chikmagalur. This provides sufficient time to witness waterfalls, heritage temples, trekking spots, and lakes without any feeling of haste, and to also experience coffee plantation stays or nature walks.
Although some public transport facilities are available in a few places, the ideal way to visit places around Chikmagalur within 100 km is to hire a car or a bike. It's time-efficient, provides you with mobility independence, and you can travel to far-off places like isolated waterfalls and remote hilltops without any issue.
Yes, all the places around Chikmagalur are child- and family-friendly. Places like Hebbe Falls (in jeeps), Hirekolale Lake, and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary are scenic, safe, and learning places. But for trekking trails like Mullayanagiri, some of them are not that easy for very small children.

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