How to Reach Chikmagalur from Mysore

Chikmagalur from Mysore

Escape to the enchanting hills of Chikmagalur from Mysore for a dreamy getaway. With its lush coffee plantations, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes, Chikmagalur is a nature lover's paradise. Nestled at an altitude of approximately 1090 meters, Chikmagalur is affectionately known as the 'Coffee Land of Karnataka.' Its picturesque landscapes, dotted with serene lakes, exotic wildlife, and lush trekking trails, attract tourists year-round. 

For those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, Chikmagalur is the perfect weekend getaway from Mysore and other nearby towns. 

If you're planning a trip to this paradise, you might wonder about the best way to reach Chikmagalur from Mysore. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your journey by air, rail, or road. Additionally, discover valuable insights into the distance between Mysore and Chikmagalur, along with tips for planning an unforgettable Mysore-Coorg-Chikmagalur itinerary.

If you are planning a holiday to Chikmagalur and not sure how to reach from Mysore to Chikmagalur, here is a complete guide for you that gives you all the valuable information on how to travel to this paradise hill town by air, rail, and road. The guide also includes other information on – 

•     Best place to visit in Chikmagalur
•     Best things to do in Chikmagalur
•     Best time to visit Chikmagalur
•     Best resorts near Chikmagalur

How to Reach Chikmagalur - Air, Rail & Road

Travelling from Mysore to Chikmagalur by Air 

Since Chikmagalur is a small hill town, it does not have its own airport. The nearest airport to Chikmagalur is Mangalore International Airport, located around 150 kilometers away. Travelers flying from Mysore can book flights to Mangalore and then cover the remaining distance to Chikmagalur by taxi or bus. While air travel offers the fastest mode of transportation, it may involve additional travel time and costs for the onward journey from Mangalore to Chikmagalur.  

Travelling from Mysore to Chikmagalur by Rail 

The nearest railway station from Chikmagalur is located in Kadur, approximately 40 kilometers away. Travelers can board a train from Mysore to Kadur and then continue their journey to Chikmagalur by hiring a taxi or taking a bus. However, train options may be limited, and travelers should plan their journey accordingly.  

Travelling from Mysore to Chikmagalur by Road 

The road trip from Mysore to Chikmagalur is a popular choice due to the scenic route and convenient connectivity. The distance between Chikmagalur to Mysore By Road is approximately 180 kilometers, which can be covered in around 4 to 5 hours by car or bus. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and winding roads, offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats along the way. Travellers can hire a taxi, rent a car, or opt for Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses that operate regular services between Mysore and Chikmagalur. The road journey provides flexibility and the opportunity to make pit stops at charming towns and viewpoints en route.

A short Itinerary of road trip from Mysore Coorg and Chikmagalur

From Mysore, travel northeast towards Coorg, traversing winding roads that offer breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. As you ascend into the hills, you'll be greeted by the sight of emerald-green forests, cascading waterfalls, and terraced coffee estates. Take a break in Coorg to explore its charming towns, visit ancient temples, and savour the region's famed cuisine.

After soaking in the beauty of Coorg, continue your journey towards Chikmagalur, located to the northwest. As you drive through the picturesque countryside, you'll encounter sprawling coffee plantations, serene lakes, and rolling hillsides. Make sure to stop along the way to admire the panoramic vistas and capture memorable photographs of the stunning scenery. 

Best places to visit in Chikmagalur

• Mullayanagiri Peak 

Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur, Mullayanagiri Peak is every nature lover and photography enthusiast’s paradise. Located in Chandra Drona range, at about 2000 metres, this peak is the highest peak in Karnataka.  

There are many beautiful viewpoints around the hill that gives you a stunning view of the green vistas around and the majestic valleys. One of the highlights of this peak is that it has some of the best trekking trails in the region and is quite a hit among hikers and trekkers.  

If you don’t want to go trekking, you can still make your trip to Chikmagalur from Mysore a memorable one by setting up a camp on the hills and spending a night under the stars and surrounded by lush greenery all around; it is an experience you will cherish for a long time.   

• Kudremukh National Park 

If you are going on a holiday from Mysore to Chikmagalur, make sure that you include Kudremukh National Park in your must-visit places list. Kudremukh is most popular for being the point of origin for three important rivers of Karnataka – Bhandra, Netravati and Tunga.  

A widespread reserve, this stunning national park boasts an evergreen tropical forest and hill ranges that are dotted with some of the best trekking trails you can find in Karnataka.   

• Hebbe Falls 

You can pick any online or offline tourist guide to Chikmagalur and it would surely list Hebbe Falls as one of the best places to visit in the region. A popular tourist spot among both locals and people coming from other regions, it attracts young visitors, especially couples.  

It is also a wonderful spot to spend some peaceful time with your friends and family while enjoying the beautiful sight of the gushing falls. There are a few trekking trails around the falls, which are also worth exploring.  

One of the highlights of the stunning natural falls is the water from the falls has medicinal properties that can cure several diseases. Many biologists, and scientists worldwide have corroborated the medicinal value of the water.   

• Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple 

One of the most popular Hindu temples in Chikmagalur, Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of food, Annapurna. The temple located on the banks of River Bhadra, and amongst the most pristine and tranquil setting, attracts many visitors from all over Karnataka.  

It is believed that those who visit this temple and seek blessings of the Goddess will never have shortage of food in their life. So, when you go on a holiday to Chikmagalur from Mysore, make sure that you visit this temple and bow your head to the Goddess.  

• Mahatma Gandhi Park 

If you are travelling to Chikmagalur with your family, you can go on a blissful picnic at Mahatma Gandhi Park; kids will especially love it. Here, you can let your little ones enjoy going on a ride in the toy train while you just sit back, relax, and admire the lush green surroundings.  

You can also take a stroll around the park and click some stunning pictures with the towering trees and the lush grass in the backdrop. The clear blue sky works as a wonderful natural filter. In the evening, as the sun goes down, you can enjoy seeing the musical fountain.   

• Coffee Museum 

Coffee is an integral and inherent part of Chikmagalur’s identity and local culture. As one of the large producers of coffee beans, it is no surprise that the place has a Coffee museum, which is run by the Coffee Board of India. Here you can learn about the history of Coffee plantations in South India and learn about how coffee is grown in different parts of India, and how they are processed in different regions.  

Also, the guided tour of the museum will help you understand the coffee-making process, starting from how the coffee beans are plucked, how they are processed, powdered, and finally packaged. Lastly, at the end of the tour, you get to taste different types of coffees that are freshly brewed from the locally grown coffee beans.  

Best things to do in Chikmagalur

While there are many amazing places to visit in Chikmagalur, the place also offers many fun and adventurous things to do which is suitable for all. If you are looking for the best things to do in Chikmagalur, here are a few experiences you must not miss having.  

•     Take a tour of the coffee estate, learn about the coffee-making process, and enjoy taste a freshly brewed cup of coffee. 
•     Experience the thrill of river rafting as you paddle your way through the gushing currents of the Bhadra River.
•     Chikmagalur has plenty of beautiful trekking spots and trails of different kinds to suit your fitness level. Some of the popular treks in Chikmagalur include – Kumara Parvatha trek, Hebbe Falls trek, Kudremukh trek, Sakleshpur trek.
•     sAnother awesome experience you must have while you go to Chikmagalur from Mysore is a jeep ride to Jhari Falls, which is located about 26 km from the city centre. Popularly known as Buttermilk Falls, for its pristine white waters, the ride takes you on a beautiful journey through the dense forests and coffee plantations. 
•     If the thrill of river rafting is too much for you to handle, you can go kayaking over the serene waters of Bhadra Dam

Best time to visit Chikmagalur

The distance between Mysore to Chikmagalur is only about 175 km so the weather conditions in the two towns are almost similar. If you are planning to go on a holiday to Chikmagalur from Mysore and get away from the daily routine and enjoy your time amidst nature, you must plan your trip at the right time of the year to have the best holiday experience.  

The winter season, i.e., October to February is the best time to visit Chikmagalur as the weather is the best at this time of the year. The temperature ranges from 16 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius, providing a perfect and ambient condition for sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities.  

Being a hill station, the weather here remains comparatively cooler than other parts of Karnataka. Hence, several tourists from Mysore escape to Chikmagalur during summers to relax in the cool atmosphere. So, March to May is also a good time to visit Chikmagalur.  

The monsoon season in Chikmagalur starts from June and it gets heavier through August and September. The rains decorate the hills with several stunning waterfalls and turn the hills into a green oasis. So, if you are a hardcore nature enthusiast, you can visit Chikmagalur during this season, otherwise it is better to avoid travelling.  

Best resorts near Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is a beautiful hill station, and you can spend as many days as you want and yet you will be left wanting for more. If you are going from Mysore to Chikmagalur for a holiday, you can explore other beautiful parts of Karnataka and include a trip to Coorg in your itinerary.  

Coorg is located just about 159 kms from Chikmagalur, and it takes a four-hour drive to reach there. Once you arrive at Coorg, you can check-in into Club Mahindra Virajpet, one of the most premium resorts in Coorg, and enjoy a comfortable stay while enjoying its premium amenities and world-class services. 

The resort has a reputation for being one of the best family resorts in the region. It would be the perfect base for all your Coorg adventures, and you can surely have a blissful holiday experience.