7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Chikmagalur in October 2023

1. Day 1: Mullayanagiri Peak
   45 minutes (16.6 km) from Chikmagalur Town

   In the morning, start your trip by visiting Mullayanagiri Peak, the highest peak in Karnataka. Enjoy the scenic drive and breathtaking views from the top. Spend the afternoon exploring the Baba Budangiri hills and Manikyadhara waterfalls. In the evening, head back to town for some local cuisine.

2. Day 2: Kemmanagundi
   1 hour 15 minutes (40.5 km) from Chikmagalur Town

   Start your day at Kemmanagundi, also known as the ‘Queen of Hills.’ Visit the Hebbe waterfalls and Z Point for stunning views. In the afternoon, visit the Kalhatti Falls and enjoy a picnic by the stream. In the evening, head back to town for some coffee tasting at the famous coffee estate.

3. Day 3: Kudremukh National Park
   2 hours 15 minutes (96.2 km) from Chikmagalur Town

   Start your day early and head to the Kudremukh National Park. Take a guided trek to the Kudremukh Peak and explore the rich flora and fauna. In the afternoon, visit the Hanuman Gundi waterfalls. In the evening, head back to town for some local cuisine.

4. Day 4: Belur and Halebid
   1 hour 15 minutes (33.8 km) from Chikmagalur Town

   Start your day by visiting the famous Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid. Explore the intricate carvings and architecture. In the afternoon, head to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary for a safari and bird watching. In the evening, head back to town for some local cuisine.

5. Day 5: Baba Budangiri Range
   1 hour (22.8 km) from Chikmagalur Town

   Start your day by visiting the Baba Budangiri range and the famous Dattapeeta cave. Take a jeep ride to the top and enjoy the views. In the afternoon, visit the Manikyadhara waterfalls. In the evening, head back to town for some local cuisine.

6. Day 6: Sringeri Sharada Peetham
   1 hour 45 minutes (77.4 km) from Chikmagalur Town

   Start your day by visiting the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, a famous Hindu temple on the banks of river Tunga. Take a dip in the holy waters and explore the temple complex. In the afternoon, visit the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station. In the evening, head back to town for some local cuisine.

7. Day 7: Coffee Plantation Tour
   30 minutes (17.3 km) from Chikmagalur Town

   End your trip with a coffee plantation tour. Learn about the process of coffee production and enjoy a cup of freshly roasted coffee. In the afternoon, visit the Hirekolale Lake for a peaceful picnic. In the evening, head back to town for some local cuisine.

Recommendations:

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Kemmangundi peak for magical views during sunrise. You could also consider visiting the Bhadra Dam and reservoir or the Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary for a different safari experience. If you have more time, take a side trip to the beautiful beaches of Gokarna.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Mullayanagiri Peak (3 hours, Free)
• Hebbe waterfalls (1 hour, Free)
• Kalhatti Falls (2 hours, Free)
• Kudremukh National Park (6 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Hanuman Gundi waterfalls (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Belur and Halebid temples (4 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 250 per person)
• Baba Budangiri range (4 hours, Free)
• Sringeri Sharada Peetham (3 hours, Free)
• Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (2 hours, Free)
• Coffee Plantation Tour (2 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Hirekolale Lake (2 hours, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1050 per person