Chikkamagaluru – Known and unknown

Chikkamagaluru is widely known for its coffee estates and Mullayanagiri treks, but beyond the usual circuit lies a quiet world of hidden waterfalls, forest homestays, ancient temples, and remote hamlets with misty charm.

Why Visit Chikkamagaluru
– Scenic Views, Meadows
– Scenic Drives
– Spice and Coffee Plantations
– Delicious local cuisine
– Ancient Temples known for extraordinary carvings and grand architecture

Visit Mahathobhara Sri Kodandarama Temple

It is a lesser-known temple dedicated to Lord Rama.

Take a coffee plantation tour

You can visit Siri Nature Roost, Yelnoorkhan Estate, Garigekhan Estate and Hoysala Coffee Estate. There are many to choose so getting local recommendations will help you visit one or two.

Wander around Hirekolale Lake

Enjoy a walk along this peaceful lake surrounded by hills. The place is perfect for photography and picnics.

Jhari Falls (Buttermilk Falls)

This waterfall is accessible via a short jeep ride or a trek through dense forests.

Devaramane Valley

This is a remote highland near Mudigere, featuring undisturbed meadows and panoramic views of the hills. Offers solitude, landscape photography, and wildflower walks.

Yagachi Dam & Backwater Kayaking (20 km)

The dam makes for a peaceful break, and the reservoir is perfect for kayaking and speed boating.

Explore more nearby

Belavadi Veeranarayana Temple (25 km)

The Veera Narayana Temple is a 12th-century Hoysala temple with a trikutachala structure (a three-celled structure). The shrine is dedicated to Veera Narayana, Venugopala and Yoga Narasimha. Made of soapstone, the temple complex has intricate carvings with a grand entrance.

Chennakeshva Temple, Marle

(26 km from Chikkamagaluru and 18 km from Belur)

The Chennakeshava temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and features the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It is also one of the largest Hindu temple complexes that has survived from the pre-14th-century Karnata-Dravida tradition. The twin temple structure of Chennakeshva Temple (also known as Kesava Temple) and the Siddeswara Temple dates to 1150 AD (Hoysala Period).

The wall carvings and sculptures at Chennakesava Temple are truly magnificent and represent the rich architectural heritage of our country.

Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu

(34 km from Belur and 17 km from Chennakeshava Temple, Marle)

This is another stunning Hoysala temple complex with detailed stone sculptures that depict Hindu epics.

Insider Tip: One can spend hours looking at the intricate carvings and still find something more fascinating than the other. Try to look out for hidden miniatures of Narasimha avatars!

The temple complex of Hoysaleswara also has numerous water tanks, ponds and mantapas and is situated near Dorasamudhra Lake. There’s even a tank that was built 75 years before the temple!

Visit the town of Amruthapura (40 Km)

This ancient town is famous for the Amrutheswara Temple which may look smaller than it is but is quite similar to the Veera Narayana Temple at Belavadi. 

Amrutheswara Temple is over 900 old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is surrounded by coconut groves and Palm trees and is located near the Bhadra Reservoir. The temple features intricate architecture and impressive ceilings. It was built by Amruteshwara Dandanayaka, a General of the Hoysala Ruler – Veera Ballala II (built sometime in 1196 A.D during the Hoysala period).

The temple consists of a garbha-griha (sanctum), sukanasi (vestibule), navaranga (dance hall) and a porch on its southern side with mukha-mandapa (main hall) and entrances on three sides. The stone panels at Mandapa depict puranic Hindu mythological scenes, characters and designs. Each scene is carved exquisitely and is a sight to behold. The southern side features scenes from the ‘Ramayana’ times, while the northern side shows the ‘Mahabharata’. It’s hard to believe that something as unique as this was constructed with fewer tools and technology. For a detailed study of the temple, please read https://cisindus.org/indic-varta-internal.php?vartaid=372

There’s even a temple dedicated to Sri Sharada Devi within the complex which fulfils wishes related to education! From Shimoga, the temple is 47 Km and 9 Km from Tarikere. 

Good to know: Amrutheswara Temple can also be reached from Hassan (110 km) and Shimoga (50 km) on NH 206.

Soapstone (also known as Chloritic Schist) has been used in temple architecture and sculptures, especially in South India. When freshly quarried, soapstone is soft, making it easier to sculpt and allowing intricate detailing, but it hardens upon exposure to air. This makes soapstone durable and resistant to water erosion.

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari temple (100 km):

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneshwari, the goddess of food and nourishment. The deity here was first consecrated by Agasthya Maharishi centuries ago, while the present golden idol was installed in 1973 by Adi Shankaracharya. Devotees believe that seeking her blessings ensures abundance and removes food scarcity. Even today, the temple offers free annaprasadam (prasad meals) to all who visit, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and refreshments.

You may also visit Kalasa, a small village located 7 km from Horanadu. It is one of the Pancha-Kshetras with the Sri Kalaseshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

For trekking, consider visiting Ballalarayana Durga Fort, 34 km from the temple, which stands at an elevation of 1509m as a remnant of the Hoysala dynasty.

Built by Veera Ballala’s wife, only the fort walls remain, but the breathtaking views make the trek worthwhile. The 3-4 hour hike (one way) leads through dense forests and shola grasslands, with a chance to spot wildlife along the way! Read more on the Ballalarayana Durg Trek.

Take a drive from Khandya to Kudure Abbi (45 km):

This beautiful drive takes you through hilly terrain, winding roads, thick forests and tea and coffee plantations. The temples of Markandeya and Janardhana, Markanda, are also situated in Khandya. Sage Markanda had performed penance here, and the place is also significant for Hindus to offer the ashes of their departed at the Bhadra River and help attain salvation.

Kudure Abbi is also renowned for its Lord Shiva shrine and six sacred theerthas, including Chakra Theertha, Rudra Theertha, and Rama Theertha. According to legend, Lord Rama and Sita stayed here during their exile, giving the site its alternate name, Rama Theertha. The place holds deep spiritual significance and is a revered pilgrimage spot.

Insider tip: The stones here at the Bhadra River resemble horse hoops and are called ‘Kudure Abbi’.

Agumbe (approx 112 km)

Agumbe is known as the “Cherrapunji of the South” and is known for its rainforest, serene waterfalls, and the King Cobra sanctuary!

P. Gowri Shankar is an Indian herpetologist and conservation biologist known for his extensive work on king cobras. His research focuses on the behaviour, ecology, and conservation of the King Cobra. The Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology (KCRE) was founded in 2012. It offers hands-on learning experiences in rainforest ecology, herpetology, and wildlife research. Here, researchers, students, and nature enthusiasts can engage in field studies, adopt sustainable practices and get a deeper understanding of rainforest ecosystems.

Offbeat Food Finds

• Filter Coffee Trail: Try stops in Kalasa and Mudigere for strong estate brews.
• Malnad Specialties: Don’t miss akki rotti, koli saaru (chicken curry), and jackfruit-based sweets.

Stay Suggestions

• Misty Heights Estate Homestay – for views and simple living
• The Bettadamalali Estate Stay – riverside estate with local food
• River Woods Retreat – hidden gem near Balehonnur with guided nature walks

Location & Distance Guide

Best time to visit:

• October to February: Ideal for treks, clear views, and chilly evenings.
• June to September: Waterfalls swell; lush landscapes and dramatic monsoon mist.
• March–April: Coffee blossoms in bloom — an underrated sensory experience.

Bangalore: 245 km – NH75 via Hassan is fastest and most scenic
Mangalore: 150 km – Mountain road via Charmadi Ghat – beautiful but winding
Mysore: 180 km
Hassan: 60 km
Coorg (Madikeri): 165 km
Gokarna: 300 km – Longer drive but great for combining coast + hills
Shimoga: 100 km
Hampi: 330 km – Via Chitradurga, ideal for heritage + hills combo
Hubli: 280 km – Best via Davangere and Chitradurga
Udupi: 180 km – Via Agumbe Ghat — dense forest route with hairpins