Two-Day Nature Itinerary in Chikmagalur in July 2023

1. Day 1: Mullayanagiri
   1 hour 15 minutes (22.5 miles) from Chikmagalur city center

   Morning: Start your day with a challenging trek to the highest peak in Karnataka, Mullayanagiri. With an elevation of 1,930 meters, the trek is a perfect blend of adventure and scenic beauty. The trek takes approximately 2 - 3 hours to complete, and the panoramic view from the top is breathtaking. Don't forget to carry your binoculars to spot the exotic birds. Afternoon: Visit the Hebbe Falls to enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters. The falls are a scenic beauty and are located in the middle of coffee plantations. You can enjoy a jeep ride to the falls, which is an adventure in itself. Evening: End your day with a visit to the Baba Budangiri. The peak is named after a Sufi saint Baba Budan, who is said to have brought coffee to India in the 17th century. The peak offers a stunning view of the sunset and is surrounded by natural beauty.

2. Day 2: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour 30 minutes (40 miles) from Chikmagalur city center

   Morning: Start your day with a safari in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is spread over 490 sq. km and is home to various animals like tigers, leopards, elephants, bison, and more. The sanctuary is also a birdwatcher's paradise and is home to over 250 species of birds. Afternoon: Visit the Kudremukh National Park. The park is a must-visit for all nature enthusiasts. The park is covered with dense forests, grasslands, and shola forests. You can spot animals like tigers, leopards, langurs, and sambar deer in their natural habitat. You can also trek to the Kudremukh peak, which is the highest peak in the park. Evening: End your day with a visit to the Coffee Museum. The museum is located in the middle of a coffee plantation and takes you through the history of coffee in India. You can also taste and buy different varieties of coffee from the museum.

Recommendations

If you have an extra day, you can visit the Kemmanagundi Hill Station. The hill station is located at a distance of 55 km from Chikmagalur and is a beautiful retreat from the city. You can also consider a day trip to the Belur and Halebidu temples, which are famous for their intricate carvings. To maximize your fun, you can also go cycling in the coffee plantations or try rock climbing in the nearby hills.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mullayanagiri trek (3 hours, free)
• Hebbe Falls jeep ride (2 hours, INR 1,500 per jeep)
• Baba Budangiri visit (2 hours, free)
• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary safari (4 hours, INR 1,500 per person)
• Kudremukh National Park visit (3 hours, INR 2,500 per jeep)
• Coffee Museum visit (1 hour, INR 100 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 5,100 per person