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Bengaluru to Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur, the coffee land of Karnataka, is a popular weekend escape from Bengaluru. The drive of about 245 km via NH-75 (formerly NH-48) and NH-173 takes roughly 5 hours,

245 kmDistance

5 hrsDuration

Overview

Chikmagalur, the coffee land of Karnataka, is a popular weekend escape from Bengaluru. The drive of about 245 km via NH-75 (formerly NH-48) and NH-173 takes roughly 5 hours, winding through Hassan and scenic foothills. The route is well-maintained, with options to break at Ramanagara or Hassan. Travelers can also take a train to Kadur or a bus to Chikmagalur. The town is the gateway to Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri, and numerous coffee estates, making it a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. This guide covers road, train, and bus options with practical details for a smooth journey.

Route Map

Interactive Route Map

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Transport Options

By Car

The most flexible and scenic option, allowing stops at coffee estates and viewpoints. NH-75 is a four-lane highway with good rest stops, and the last stretch from Hassan is two-lane but smooth.

Distance: 245 kmDuration: 5 hours

Highlights

Drive through the scenic Deccan plateau with occasional granite hills.
Stop at the historic Belur Chennakeshava Temple (detour 20 km) if time permits.
Enjoy coffee breaks at roadside estates near Chikmagalur.
Flexible schedule to explore Mullayanagiri or Hebbe Falls en route.

Toll Charges

Toll plazas on NH-75 and state highways.

Nelamangala toll: ₹60 (car)
Tumakuru bypass toll: ₹55 (car)
Hassan toll: ₹50 (car)
Total approx: ₹165 (one-way)

Fuel Cost

Approximate petrol cost for a round trip.

Distance one-way: 245 km
Mileage: 12 km/l → ~20 liters one-way
Petrol price (approx): ₹100/liter
One-way fuel cost: ₹2,000; round trip: ₹4,000

By Train

Trains from Bengaluru to Kadur (the nearest railhead) are frequent and comfortable. From Kadur, a taxi or bus covers the remaining 40 km to Chikmagalur.

Distance: 245 km (road from Kadur)Duration: 4-5 hours (train) + 1 hour (taxi)

Highlights

Avoid traffic and enjoy a relaxed journey.
Scenic views of the Western Ghats as you approach Kadur.
Kadur station is small but well-connected.
Combine with a visit to the historic Kadur fort if time permits.

Sample Trains

Popular trains from Bengaluru to Kadur.

Train 16511 (Kannur Express) – Departs Yesvantpur ~06:00, arrives Kadur ~09:30 (3.5 hrs) – Sleeper ₹145, AC Chair ₹505
Train 16517 (SBC-Kannur) – Departs KSR Bengaluru ~22:30, arrives Kadur ~02:00 (3.5 hrs) – Sleeper ₹145
Train 12601 (Mangaluru Mail) – Departs KSR Bengaluru ~20:30, arrives Kadur ~00:30 (4 hrs) – Sleeper ₹155, AC 3-tier ₹555
Check IRCTC for real-time schedules.

Taxi from Kadur

Prepaid or local taxis available outside Kadur station.

Shared auto to bus stand: ₹20
Government bus to Chikmagalur: ₹40-50 (1 hour)
Private taxi: ₹800-1,000 (one-way)
Prepaid taxi counter at station: ₹1,200 (approx)

By Bus

KSRTC runs multiple daily buses from Bengaluru to Chikmagalur, including Volvo and Rajahamsa. The journey takes about 5.5 hours with a break at Hassan.

Distance: 245 kmDuration: 5.5-6 hours

Highlights

Affordable and reliable, with AC and sleeper options.
Direct buses save the hassle of transfers.
Evening departures allow overnight travel.
Chikmagalur bus stand is centrally located near hotels.

KSRTC Services

Key bus types and fares.

Ordinary bus: ₹150-180 (5.5-6 hrs)
Rajahamsa (AC): ₹300-350 (5.5 hrs)
Volvo AC: ₹400-450 (5 hrs)
Book online at ksrtc.in or via app.

Private Buses

Alternatives from Bengaluru.

VRL Travels – AC Seater: ₹500 (departs 9 PM)
Sugama Travels – AC Sleeper: ₹600 (departs 10 PM)
Book via RedBus or MakeMyTrip.
Pickup points: Majestic, Silk Board, or Electronic City.

Stopovers En Route

Hassan

180 km from Bengaluru

A historical town and a convenient midway point. Known for the Hassanamba Temple and as a base for Belur and Halebidu.

Fuel stationsRestaurants (local Karnataka cuisine)ATMs and pharmacies

Belur (detour)

220 km from Bengaluru (via Hassan)

Famous for the Chennakeshava Temple, a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture. A 20-km detour from the main route is worthwhile.

ParkingTourist guidesSmall eateries

Travel Tips

Start early (by 6 AM) to avoid Bengaluru traffic and reach Chikmagalur by noon.

Carry cash for tolls and small eateries; card acceptance is limited on highways.

If driving, ensure your vehicle has good clearance for the last 10 km to Mullayanagiri.

Book accommodation in advance during weekends and peak season (Oct-Mar).

Try local coffee at estate outlets; buy beans from the Chikmagalur Coffee Board.

Check weather before visiting; monsoon (Jun-Sep) brings heavy rain and leeches on treks.

Budget Estimate

road

Nelamangala toll: ₹60 (car)

Tumakuru bypass toll: ₹55 (car)

The most flexible and scenic option, allowing stops at coffee estates and viewpoints. NH-75 is a four-lane highway with good rest stops, and the last stretch from Hassan is two-lane but smooth.

train

Train 16511 (Kannur Express) – Departs Yesvantpur ~06:00, arrives Kadur ~09:30 (3.5 hrs) – Sleeper ₹145, AC Chair ₹505

Train 16517 (SBC-Kannur) – Departs KSR Bengaluru ~22:30, arrives Kadur ~02:00 (3.5 hrs) – Sleeper ₹145

Trains from Bengaluru to Kadur (the nearest railhead) are frequent and comfortable. From Kadur, a taxi or bus covers the remaining 40 km to Chikmagalur.

bus

Ordinary bus: ₹150-180 (5.5-6 hrs)

Rajahamsa (AC): ₹300-350 (5.5 hrs)

KSRTC runs multiple daily buses from Bengaluru to Chikmagalur, including Volvo and Rajahamsa. The journey takes about 5.5 hours with a break at Hassan.