Chikmagalur is also known as Chikmangalur, Chikkamagaluru and also spelled as Chikmaglur.
History: Chikmaglur is a Kannada word which literally means town of younger daughter (Chik-small, maglu-daughter and uru-town). Chikmaglur is located 250 kms north west of Bangalore, well known for its coffee as they are the largest producer of coffee in India. Chikmaglur is also renowned for its verdant hills, thick forests and the lush appearance of flourishing vegetation especially the coffee and spice plantations.
Landscape, Vegetation and Climate: The area under forest cover in Chikmagalur in District is 48.56%. The forest area is 3.49 lakhs Ha. Out of the district, the geographical area is 7.20 lakhs. The tree covering area in the district outside the forest arena is 10% and this is mainly due to the coffee and other plantation crops in private holdings. The vegetation is very diverse and has the following forests:
- Scrub type Forest.
- Thorny dry deciduous Forest
- Moist Deciduous Forest
- Semi-ever Green Forest
- Ever Green Forest
The climate is pleasant and cool throughout the year. Maximum temperature stays around 30 degree Celsius and the night temperature is around 19 degree Celsius.
Average rainfall is 1990mm; the eastern belt receives rainfall about 600mm, while western belt receives around 3000mm.
Chikmagalur is land of rivers as many as 7 rivers originate. The rivers are namely Netravathi, Bhadra, Tunga, Yagachi, Avathi, Veda and Hemavathi.
The district is the main catchment of Cauvery and Krishna basin.
Attractions in Chikmagalur:
- Amrithapura: Located 67 km north of Chikmagalur town, Amrithapura is known for its temple and is one of the most notable structures of the Hoysala period.
- Bhadra Wildlife Santuary: Located 38 km north-west of Chikmagalur, this sanctuary is well known for its flora and fauna. The great Indian gaur, barking deer, flying fox, mongoose, elephant, panther, babbler, barbet, blue jay, kingfisher, robin, weaverbird, and drong are a must see.
- Baba Budan Giri: Also known as Chandra Drona Parvatha in the ancient times has one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris.
- Kalasa: 92 kms from Chikmagalur, this place is known for its pancha theerthas or the five sacred ponds and Kalaseshwara temple located on a small hill
- Mullayanagiri: Mullaianagiri is the Highest Peak, placed at an average height of about 6,300 ft above sea level and is the highest not only in Chikmagalur District, but also in the state itself.
- Sringeri: Sringeri is 90 km west of Chikmagalur town and is situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra.
- Horanadu: Horanadu is 100 km southwest of Chikmagalur and 8 Km from Kalasa, is known for the ancient temple of Sri Annapoorneshwari.
- Kuduremukh: Kuduremukh which literally means “horse face” is located 95 km south-west of Chikmagalur town and has the name Kuduremukh as the mountain range resembles the face of a horse.
- Kemmanagundi: Also known as K.R. Hills is a very famous hill station located on the Baba Budan range of hills.
- Hebbe Falls: 10 kms away from Kemmanagundi, Hebbe falls is located where the water gushes down in form of two stages: Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls).
So drop into this lovely hill station and enjoy the serene beauty of this marvelous place.
