Tourism in Chikmagalur

The district takes its name from the head quarters town of Chikmaglur, which literally means 'Younger Daughter's Town'.

It is said to have been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna. Another part of the town bestowed on the elder daughter is known as the Hiremaglur.

But some old inscriptions reveal that these two places were known as Kiriya-Magalu and Priya Magalu. Situated in a fertile valley south of the Baba Budan Range in the head quarters town of the district, Chikmaglur is a centre of education, trade and commerce.

The town enjoys a salubrious climate and has venerated monuments of all religions such as Kondadarama Temple, a synthesis of Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture, Jamia Mosque and the new St. Joseph's Cathedral with an attractive shell-shaped portico.

Hiremaglur, which is now part of Chikmaglur town, has an Ishwara Temple with a 1.22-m high curious rotund figure of Jademuni. The temple is supposed to have been installed by king Janamejaya during his serpent sacrifice.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Khandya:
43 kms to the north west of Chikmaglur town is one of the 'panchakshetras' (five sacred places) situated on the banks of river Bhadra.

Inam Dattatreya Peetha:
Situated on the Baba Budan Giri is the Inam Dattatreya Peetha venerated by the Hindus and the Muslims alike.

A laterite cave here is believed to have been sanctified by the residence of Dattatreya Swami as well as Hazrat Dada Hayat Mir Khalander.

The worship here is conducted by a fakir and the annual 'jatra' or 'urs' is attended by both Hindus and Muslims with great fervour.

Balehonnur:
45 kms to the north west of Chikmaglur is another celebrated pontifical seat of the district, the Shrimad Jagadguru Rambhapuri Veersimhasana Mahasamsthana Peetha.

This matha with mythical connections to Rambha, the celestial dancer as also to the giant Rambhasura, is one of the five great 'panchacharya mathas'.

The Veerabhadra Temple attached to the 'matha' has sturdy metallic images of Veerbhadra and Bhadrakali.

Belavadi:
25 kms south east of Chikmaglur town and just 10 kms from the Hoysala capital of Halebid is Belavadi, a place in the district with historical associations.

This ancient village is dotted with temples and shrines, the most outstanding being the Veeranarayan Temple, a fine specimen of Hoysala architecture.

Marle:
12 kms from Chikmaglur, Marle is a place of antiquity noted for its temples, chief amongst them being the Chennakesava Temple dating back to 1150 AD.

EXCURSIONS
Sringeri:
90 kms north west of town, on the banks of river Tunga, is a city with epic associations. The place has been named after Rishyashringa who figures in the Ramayana as the chief priest at the great sacrifice of king Dasharatha.

Widely known for the Jagadguru Shankaracharya Matha of the Adwaita School of Philosophy, Sringeri also has an ancient temple of Vidyashankara.

Kemmannagundi:
55 kms north from Chikmaglur town on the Baba Budan Range is the scenic hill station of Kemmannugundi called K.R.Hills.

Amrithapura:
67 kms north of Chikmaglur, Amrithapura is known for the splendid Amriteshwar temple built in 1196 AD by Amriteshwar Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala ruler Ballala II, delicacy of touch, originality of design and fine features have made this temple one of the notable structures of Hoysala period.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary:
The district with dense tropical evergreen forests interspersed with lush green grassy slopes is endowed with a rich and varied fauna abundantly seen at the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kudremukh:
95 kms south west of Chikmaglur is the secluded hill station of Kudremukh. Situated 1894 m above sea level, the hills overlook the Arabian Sea and are chained to each other with deep valleys and precipices.


TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore (170 kms).

Rail: Chikmaglur is connected to Bangalore, Hassan and Mangalore by train.

Road: The place is well connected by good motorable roads to the neighbouring cities.

WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Taj Garden Retreat, K.M Road, Chikmaglur.
Naveen Lodge, Indira Gandhi Road.
Prakash Lodge, Indira Gandhi Road.
Quality Inn, Indira Gandhi Road.
Padanshree Lodge, Near Taluk Office.
Woodlands,Indira Gandhi Road.
Rajmahal, Indira Gandhi Road.
Vasantha Vihar Lodge, Rathanagiri Road.
Usha Lodge, Malladuru Road.