4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Chikmagalur in August 2023

1. Day 1: Mullayanagiri Peak
   30 minutes (12.5 miles) from Chikmagalur

   Begin your trip to Chikmagalur with a visit to the Mullayanagiri Peak, the highest peak in Karnataka. The peak offers fantastic views of the lush green valleys and hills surrounding it. Start your morning by hiking to the top for an incredible view of the sunrise over the valley. After lunch, visit the nearby Baba Budangiri Hills, which are famous for their coffee plantations. Take a stroll through the plantations, learn about coffee production, and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

2. Day 2: Kudremukh National Park
   2 hours 30 minutes (62.4 miles) from Mullayanagiri Peak

   Explore the Kudremukh National Park, a protected wildlife reserve located in the Western Ghats. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, Kudremukh offers a chance to explore nature with your family. Take a guided trekking tour and spot sambar deer, Malabar giant squirrels, and different species of birds. After lunch, visit the nearby Hanuman Gundi Waterfall for a refreshing swim and picnic with your family.

3. Day 3: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour 30 minutes (40.5 miles) from Kudremukh National Park

   Spend the day exploring the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, another protected wildlife reserve located in the Western Ghats. Take a guided jeep safari to spot tigers, elephants, leopards, and other wildlife. After the safari, enjoy a picnic lunch by the Bhadra Reservoir, which is surrounded by hills and forests. You can also go boating or kayaking on the reservoir. In the evening, visit the Kalhatti Falls to enjoy a scenic sunset view.

4. Day 4: Coffee Museum and Baba Budangiri Hills
   1 hour (28.3 miles) from Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

   Visit the Coffee Museum in Chikmagalur to learn about the history and culture of coffee production in India. You can take a guided tour of the museum and participate in a coffee tasting session. After lunch, visit the Baba Budangiri Hills again to explore more coffee plantations and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. In the evening, head back to Chikmagalur to shop for souvenirs and enjoy a farewell dinner with your family.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the Belur and Halebidu temples, which are known for their intricate carvings and architecture. Alternatively, you can also take a side trip to the nearby town of Sringeri, which is home to the Sharada Peetham, one of the four Hindu Advaita Vedanta mathas established by Adi Shankara. To maximize your fun, consider carrying comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and rain gear. Chikmagalur is known for its unpredictable weather, so be prepared for sudden showers.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mullayanagiri Peak (4 hours, free)
• Baba Budangiri Hills Coffee Plantations (2 hours, free)
• Kudremukh National Park Trekking (5 hours, INR 300 per person)
• Hanuman Gundi Waterfall (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Jeep Safari (4 hours, INR 800 per person)
• Bhadra Reservoir Boating/Kayaking (2 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Kalhatti Falls (1 hour, free)
• Coffee Museum (2 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Belur and Halebidu Temples (4 hours, INR 300 per person)
• Sringeri Sharada Peetham (4 hours, free)
• Farewell Dinner (2 hours, INR 1,500 for a family of four)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 4,300 per person