Discover 17BreathtakingDestinations

Standing at 1,930 metres, Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka and one of the top trekking destinations in South India. The summit offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats on clear days. A small Shiva temple at the top makes it spiritually significant as well.

Hebbe Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Karnataka, located inside the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. It consists of two falls — Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls, 168 ft) and Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls, 76 ft). The surrounding dense shola forests add to the mystical beauty.

Baba Budangiri is a sacred mountain named after the Sufi saint Baba Budan who brought coffee seeds to India from Yemen in the 17th century. It is revered by both Hindus and Muslims. The Datta Peetha here is an important pilgrimage site with a fascinating interfaith history.

Kemmanagundi (also called KR Hills) is a hill station at 1,434 metres developed by the Mysore Royal family. It features a beautiful rose garden, Z Point for stunning views, Hebbe Falls nearby, and the historic Raj Bhavan. The area is covered with silver oak, eucalyptus, and coffee plantations.

Hirekolale Lake is a picturesque reservoir surrounded by lush coffee estates and rolling hills. It is an excellent bird watching spot and offers stunning reflections of the hills at dawn. Boating facilities are available, and the surrounding area is perfect for early morning walks.

Z Point in Kemmanagundi is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Karnataka. Named for the Z-shaped road visible from the top, it offers a 180-degree view of the valley below. The sunrise here is legendary — misty valleys slowly illuminated by golden light is an unforgettable sight.

Devaramane is a pristine peak at 1,850 metres offering some of the most dramatic cloud-level trekking in South India. The trail passes through shola forests, grasslands, and cloud forests. It is less commercialized than Mullayanagiri, making it perfect for those seeking solitude in nature.

Ayyanakere is the largest lake in Chikkamagaluru district, spread across 1,500 acres. Surrounded by coffee estates and the Bhadra hills, it is a haven for migratory birds during winter. The lake also feeds the Bhadra River and is an important ecological zone.

Belur is famous for the Chennakeshava Temple, a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture built in the 12th century. The temple is renowned for its intricate stone carvings depicting scenes from Hindu epics. It is considered one of the finest examples of Hoysala art and is a UNESCO World Heritage nominee.

Halebidu (formerly Dwarasamudra) was the capital of the Hoysala Empire. The twin temples — Hoysaleswara and Shantaleswara — are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the 12th century, they feature over 240 rows of intricate sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. A must-visit for history lovers.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a Project Tiger reserve spanning 492 sq km. It is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, and over 250 bird species. Jeep safaris and elephant safaris are available. The Bhadra River flows through the sanctuary, creating a stunning landscape.

Kallathigiri Falls is a hidden gem located within coffee estates near Kemmanagundi. The trek to the falls passes through fragrant coffee and cardamom plantations. The waterfall is less crowded than Hebbe Falls, offering a more intimate experience with nature.

Manikyadhara Falls is a sacred waterfall located near the Baba Budangiri hills. It is considered holy by pilgrims visiting the Datta Peetha shrine. The falls flow year-round and the surrounding area is covered in thick shola forest. The trek from the road is about 1 km.

India's first Coffee Museum is located in Chikkamagaluru, the birthplace of coffee cultivation in India. It traces the history of coffee from its discovery in Ethiopia to its introduction to India by Baba Budan. Interactive exhibits, coffee tasting sessions, and a gift shop make it a unique attraction.

Jhari Falls is a stunning seasonal waterfall that comes alive during and after the monsoon season. Located near the Bhadra River area, the falls cascade over a rocky gorge surrounded by lush greenery. It is a popular picnic spot for locals and offers a refreshing experience during the cooler months.

Chikkamagaluru is the coffee capital of India, and exploring its vast coffee estates is a unique experience. Many estates offer guided tours where you can learn about coffee cultivation, processing, and tasting. The estates are particularly beautiful during the flowering season (February-March) and harvest (November-January).