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2 Days in Chikmagalur

Planning 2 days in Chikmagalur? Chikmagalur, Karnataka's coffee heartland, offers misty peaks, sacred shrines, and lush plantations. This 2-day itinerary covers its highest summit, a revered Sufi shrine, a hidden waterfall, and a royal hill station. It includes a detailed day-wise schedule, activities, meal suggestions, transportation tips and an estimated budget to help you plan your trip with less guesswork.

Day 1: Mullayanagiri & Baba Budangiri

Day 1

Start early to catch sunrise atop Mullayanagiri, Karnataka's highest peak. Then visit the syncretic Dattatreya Peetha at Baba Budangiri, followed by a coffee plantation tour and a traditional meal.

Activities

Sunrise trek to Mullayanagiri summit
Visit Mullappa Swamy temple at the peak
Explore Baba Budangiri Dargah and caves
Coffee plantation walk and tasting

Meals

•Breakfast at a local eatery in Chikmagalur town
•Lunch at a plantation homestay or local restaurant
•Dinner at homestay or town restaurant

Day 2: Hebbe Falls & Kemmangundi

Day 2

Drive to Hebbe Falls through coffee estates, trek or take a jeep to the waterfall, and enjoy a picnic. Later, explore Kemmangundi's viewpoints and gardens, once a summer retreat of the Mysore kings.

Activities

Jeep ride and trek to Hebbe Falls
Swim in the waterfall pool
Visit Z Point viewpoint in Kemmangundi
Stroll through Raj Bhavan gardens

Meals

•Breakfast at homestay or en route
•Packed lunch or local lunch near Hebbe Falls
•Dinner back in Chikmagalur town

Detailed Timeline

Day 1

9 activities

Morning

05:00 AM

Depart from Chikmagalur town

Start your day early with a 45-minute drive (about 25 km) to the Mullayanagiri base. Carry warm clothing as it can be chilly at this hour. Hire a local taxi or drive your own vehicle; parking is available at the base.

06:00 AM

Begin trek to Mullayanagiri summit

The trek is about 2 km with a steep climb. It takes 45-60 minutes depending on your pace. The trail is well-defined but rocky; wear sturdy shoes. There is no entry fee, but guides are available for around ₹500 if needed.

07:00 AM

Sunrise at Mullayanagiri summit

Reach the top to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Western Ghats. The summit has a small Mullappa Swamy temple. Spend 20-30 minutes taking in the panoramic views and photographing the misty valleys.

08:00 AM

Descend and drive to Baba Budangiri

Trek back down (30-45 minutes) and drive 30 km to Baba Budangiri, which takes about 1 hour. The road is winding but scenic, passing through coffee and pepper plantations. Have a light snack en route if needed.

10:00 AM

Visit Dattatreya Peetha and Baba Budan Dargah

Explore the shrine revered by both Hindus and Muslims, located in a cave. Legend says Baba Budan planted the first coffee beans here. Dress modestly and remove footwear before entering. Spend about 45 minutes.

11:30 AM

Explore the caves and viewpoints

Near the dargah, there are several caves and a viewpoint offering views of the rolling hills. The area is serene and less crowded. Take a short walk and enjoy the cool breeze.

Afternoon

01:00 PM

Lunch at a local restaurant or homestay

Return towards Chikmagalur town and stop for a traditional Karnataka meal—rice, sambar, and local curries. Many homestays offer lunch for non-guests on prior request. Budget around ₹200-300 per person.

03:00 PM

Coffee plantation walk and tasting

Visit a coffee estate near Chikmagalur town (many offer guided walks). Learn about Arabica cultivation and the history of coffee in India. Tastings are often included; costs range from ₹300-800 per person.

Evening

06:00 PM

Return to accommodation and rest

Check into your plantation homestay or hotel. Freshen up and relax. Some homestays offer bonfire evenings—ask your host. Dinner is usually served around 8 PM.

Day 2

10 activities

Morning

07:00 AM

Breakfast and drive towards Hebbe Falls

Have an early breakfast at your stay. Hebbe Falls is about 10 km from Kemmangundi, but the drive from Chikmagalur town takes about 2 hours (60 km). Start by 7:30 AM to avoid crowds.

09:30 AM

Reach the jeep point for Hebbe Falls

The last stretch to the falls is a rough forest trail. You must take a shared 4x4 jeep (about ₹300-500 per person round trip) or trek 6 km. Jeeps operate from the forest checkpoint; negotiate and confirm the return time.

10:00 AM

Jeep ride through coffee estates

The bumpy ride takes about 30-45 minutes through lush coffee plantations and dense forest. Hold on tight! The driver will drop you at a point from which a short 500-meter walk leads to the falls.

10:45 AM

Trek to the waterfall viewpoint

Walk down a steep, slippery path to the base of Hebbe Falls. The waterfall is two-tiered, with a total drop of about 500 feet. The pool is inviting; swim if you wish, but be cautious as currents can be strong.

Afternoon

12:30 PM

Picnic lunch near the falls

Enjoy a packed lunch you brought along, or buy simple snacks from the small stalls near the jeep point. There are no restaurants here. Remember to carry your trash back to keep the forest clean.

02:00 PM

Return by jeep and drive to Kemmangundi

Take the jeep back to the main road and drive 5 km to Kemmangundi (about 15 minutes). The hill station sits at an altitude of about 1,434 m and was a summer retreat of the Mysore Wadiyar kings.

03:00 PM

Visit Z Point viewpoint

From Kemmangundi, Z Point is a 3 km trek or a jeep ride (₹200-300 per person). The viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the Bhadra River valley and the Western Ghats. Spend an hour soaking in the scenery.

05:00 PM

Explore Raj Bhavan gardens

The old summer residence of the Mysore kings is now a horticultural garden with flower beds and lawns. Entry fee is minimal (around ₹20). Stroll through the garden and enjoy the cool climate.

Evening

06:30 PM

Drive back to Chikmagalur town

Begin your return journey, which takes about 1.5-2 hours. The road is winding; drive carefully in the fading light. If time permits, stop at a viewpoint for sunset.

08:00 PM

Dinner and overnight stay

Back in Chikmagalur, have dinner at your homestay or a local restaurant. Try the local coffee after dinner—it's the perfect end to your trip.

Food Recommendations

Town Canteen (Chikmagalur)

South Indian / Karnataka style

Must Try: Neer dosa, coffee, and kadubu

₹100-200 per person

Plantation homestay (e.g., Coffee Blossoms or similar)

Home-style Karnataka meals

Must Try: Akki rotti, sambar, and filter coffee

₹300-500 per person

The Village Cafe (Chikmagalur)

Cafe / Continental

Must Try: Pizza, pasta, and cold coffee

₹400-700 per person

Transportation Tips

Hire a private taxi for two days (₹2,500-3,500 per day) for flexibility; negotiate beforehand.
If driving, use an SUV or high-clearance vehicle for the rough roads to Hebbe Falls and Mullayanagiri.
For Hebbe Falls, you must switch to a local jeep; book at the forest checkpoint.
Carry cash for entry fees, jeep rides, and small eateries—ATMs are scarce in remote areas.