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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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

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

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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

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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