The Many Wonders of Chikmagalur: the Coffee Land of

India

Who needs the imported Brazilian coffee when we have our very own 'Made in India' version.
For Karnataka, a southern state of India, houses hotspots of authentic ground coffee plantations.
The most prominent amongst them is Chikmagalur which is a small arcadian town nestled in the
luscious topography of the Western Ghats. What makes it stand out is the fact that coffee sways
in the very air of Chikmagalur. Apart from its colonial heritage of coffee estates, the town has a
lot to offer to one's peace of mind. Adorned with these listed tranquil waterfalls and exotic
wildlife sanctuaries, Chikmagalur is the perfect remedy for our getaway needs!

1. Mullayyanagiri

Sitting at the height of 1950 meters, Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in the Karnataka state. The
road leading to the top of the cliff is a treat in itself, providing a holistic experience that leads to
a small temple dedicated to a sage named Mullapa Swamy. Besides the panoramic views, this
place is a haven for adventure-seekers, providing them with an array of activities like trekking,
hiking, and old-school camping.

2. Coffee Museum

The headlining Coffee Museum of Chikmagalur is a must for all the coffee lovers out there. The
entire process of the fine of coffee-making is unraveled and put up for display, right from the
first stage of coffee bean selection to the final savory powder. Entering into the place, the
heavenly aroma of coffee will infiltrate one's senses. From the knick-knacks of quality checks to
the historical documents giving us a visual timeline, this place reeks of anything and everything
about coffee.

3. Baba Budangiri (Datta Peeta)

The popular Baba Budangiri range is abode to high rising peaks, a sweet haven for trekking
enthusiasts. It's a holy pilgrimage site for both Hindus (called Chandra Drona Parvatha) and
Muslims as it is named after Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar, aka Baba Budan, a 16th-century Sufi
saint whose shrine is much revered here. It is home to Baba Budan's seven coffee beans which,
as per popular belief, he smuggled in his beard from Yemen en route from Haj.

4. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

If wildlife-watching is your muse, then this wildlife sanctuary is the ultimate calling for you. A
Tiger Project and protected property to house an exotic assortment of flora and flora, this place
gets its name from the river Bhadra that flows through the area. Tourists flock here for the jeep
safaris that take one closer to the natural habitat. Visitors can spot some exclusive breeds like
king cobra, marsh crocodiles, and pit viper on lucky days. As for bird-watchers, this place is
home to about 250 species of birds.

5. Hebbe Falls

These picturesque waterfalls will provide you the ultimate calm. Merely 8 kilometers from the
town, lush greenery and flora are sprawled all around it. The waterfall itself is divided into two
stages- the Big Falls and the Small Falls. The mistful air that intermingles with the periphery's
exotic herbs is ideal for unwinding and providing a soothing escape from the usual hustle and
bustle of city life.

6. Sharadamba temple

A visit to a pilgrimage site during your tour is a must. When in Chikmagalur, the Sharadamba
temple is a sought-after place for the devotees. Established by the revered seer Shri Adi
Shankara, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Sharadamba. Believed to have been constructed
back in the 8th century, the temple's structure is made out of wood. It sits on the banks of river
Tungabhadra, both young and old look forward to getting the blessings of the 'Goddess of
Wisdom.' The temple is known for organizing rites during the Navratra festival, making it ideal
for visiting.

-Roopashi