Places to see
The falls, peaks and temples people come for. None of these are booked through us — they are here so you know where you are going.
- lake
Ayyanakere
Lake · Kadur
One of the largest tanks in the state, built under the Hoysalas and expanded by Sakkarayapatna's chieftains. Backed by the Baba Budangiri range; good early-morning birdwatching along the bund.
Free
- peak
Baba Budangiri
Peak · Chikkamagaluru
A range named after the Sufi saint Baba Budan, who is credited with bringing the first coffee seeds to India. The Dattatreya Peetha shrine here is revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Grassy shola slopes, wind-swept ridges and long ridge walks.
Free
- fort
Ballalarayana Durga
Fort · Mudigere
A ruined Hoysala hill fort attributed to the reign of Veera Ballala. The usual route continues along the ridge to Bandaje Arbi falls, making it one of the district's best two-day traverses.
FreePermit needed
- sanctuary
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
Sanctuarie · Tarikere
A Project Tiger reserve of about 492 sq km around the Bhadra reservoir. Tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sloth bear and over 250 bird species. Jeep safaris run from the Muthodi range gate with Forest Department naturalists.
FreePermit needed
- peak
Gangamoola
Peak · Sringeri
The forested hill inside Kudremukh National Park that is the source of the Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi rivers. A Varaha idol and a small shrine mark the spot.
FreePermit needed
- waterfall
Hanuman Gundi Falls
Waterfall · Chikkamagaluru
Also called Soothanabbi Falls, inside Kudremukh National Park. Roughly 350 steps descend to a 22 m fall in a rock amphitheatre.
₹20 entry
- waterfall
Hebbe Falls
Waterfall · Tarikere
A two-stage fall dropping roughly 168 m through dense coffee estate forest below Kemmanagundi. The last stretch is reachable only by a shared 4x4 jeep on a rough estate track, then a short walk across the stream.
₹30 entry
- lake
Hirekolale Lake
Lake · Chikkamagaluru
An irrigation lake ringed by the Chandra Drona hills, about 10 km from Chikkamagaluru town. Still water and a clean western horizon make it the town's default sunset spot.
Free
- waterfall
Kalhatti Falls
Waterfall · Tarikere
Also written Kallathigiri. The stream falls about 40 m directly behind the Veerabhadra temple, so the approach is through the temple courtyard. Easy access, no trek involved — a good stop for families and older travellers.
Free
- viewpoint
Kemmanagundi
Viewpoint · Tarikere
A hill station developed as the summer retreat of the Mysore royal family, also called Sri Krishnarajendra Hill Station. Terraced rose garden, Z Point ridge walk and Shanti Falls are all within walking distance of the KSTDC guesthouse.
₹20 entry
- peak
Kudremukh Peak
Peak · Chikkamagaluru
The third-highest peak in Karnataka at 1,894 m, named for a ridge profile shaped like a horse's face. A roughly 18 km return trek through rolling grassland and shola forest inside Kudremukh National Park.
FreePermit needed
- waterfall
Manikyadhara Falls
Waterfall · Chikkamagaluru
A fine, cold spray falling year-round near the Baba Budangiri shrine. Pilgrims consider the water sacred. Reached by a stepped path lined with tea and snack stalls.
Free
- peak
Mullayanagiri
Peak · Chikkamagaluru
The highest peak in Karnataka at 1,930 m. A short, steep stepped climb from the road-head leads to a small Shiva shrine at the summit. The sunrise view over the Baba Budangiri range with mist filling the valleys is the single most photographed scene in the district.
Free
- waterfall
Sirimane Falls
Waterfall · Sringeri
A broad, low fall about 12 km from Sringeri where the water spreads over a rock shelf into a shallow pool. Safe enough to stand under, which makes it the most family-friendly waterfall in the district.
₹20 entry
- temple
Sringeri Sharada Peetham
Temple · Sringeri
The first of the four mathas established by Adi Shankaracharya, on the bank of the Tunga. The Vidyashankara temple beside it is a 14th-century Hoysala–Vijayanagara hybrid whose twelve zodiac pillars catch the sun month by month. Tame carp fill the river at the steps.
Free
- viewpoint
Z Point
Viewpoint · Tarikere
A 45-minute walk from Kemmanagundi along a shola-edged path to a cliff nose looking out over the Bhadra valley. Named for the zig-zag approach.
Free