A beautiful town located in Karnataka, Chikmagalur is a hill station on the Mullayanagiri foothills. Famous for its coffee plantations and natural scenery, it is a perfect place to go to on a small relaxing vacation. Legend has it that the 17th century Sufi pilgrim, Baba Budan Giri, brought seven coffee seeds from Mecca and planted them in Chikmagalur. This is why it is filled with coffee plantations and its culture is wrapped around this. Surrounded with wildlife parks, hiking trails, and amazing landscapes, Chikmagalur makes for a great vacation that is sure to make you come back for more. Here are a few resorts around the area which will make your stay memorable.
1. Eagle Eye Resort
(Distance from Chikmagalur – 52 kms approx.)
Eagle Eye resort is situated in Chikmagalur at the elevation of around 2900 feet, giving you an amazing view. With an area of 130 acres there are many activities this resort offers. It houses many different plantations of coffee and spices. You can book from a selection of different accommodations such as basic rooms, cottages, villas, and the beautiful Skywalk or Waterfall villas. They also offer a treehouse and a glass house, allowing you to gaze at the beautiful scenery around the area. The glass house also contains an indoor pool. With many team building activities offered, this is a great place to come with a group of people.
2. Flameback Lodges
(Distance from Chikmagalur – 41 kms approx.)
At Flameback Lodges, you can hire either private villas, suites, or cottages. The various options are beautifully furnished and offer a beautiful view of the lake that is nearby. The villas include jacuzzis so you can have a nice relaxing evening inside. With a mini kitchen you can cook your own food or have it at the beautiful dining area situated in the middle of the resort. Flameback Lodge includes a spa, swimming pool, gym, and a lounge where you can play some indoor games. You can see many local attractions nearby such as waterfalls and mountains.
3. Villa Urvinkhan
(Distance from Chikmagalur – 58 kms approx.)
Located within a coffee estate, it offers you the blend of home living with the comfort of a five-star hotel. The estate is at an altitude of around 3700 feet giving you a breath-taking view. Here you can get a glimpse of the wildlife of the Western Ghats, such as the Indian gaur, wild boar or deer. There are also many peacocks and various other birds around, making it a great place for bird watchers. Villa Urvinkhan offers you a wide range of outdoor activities such as fishing, trekking or driving down an ATV trail. The view from the pool is unforgettable so don’t forget your swimwear.
4. The Arabidacool Bungalow
(Distance from Chikmagalur – 183 kms approx.)
Tata Coffee’s Arabidacool Bungalow is situated 4000 feet above sea level. It was built in 1914 and the estate is very big. You can choose between Heritage or Luxury rooms at the massive bungalow. The estate has beautiful gardens and plantations. If you want to learn more about Chikmagalur’s famous coffee, this is a perfect place for you to stay. Their guided Bean to Cup tour allows you to understand how coffee is grown and processed for human consumption. The kitchens are run by the wives of coffee plantation workers, giving it a unique homely touch.
5. Primrose Villas
(Distance from Chikmagalur – 3 kms approx.)
The beautiful Primrose Villas offer you a 360-degree view of the surrounding area and a stay that you are sure to remember for a very long time. The villas are furnished with antique Victorian era furniture but designed with a modern touch. With glass walls it offers you beautiful views to wake up to. Primrose Villas offer an amazing personalized experience with handcrafted soaps and cosmetics. The resort offers coffee walks, mountain treks, and visits to the Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Belur, and Halebid. You can enjoy time with friends and family around a bonfire at night. The Chikmagalur Golf Course is also nearby. They also have a small cricket field for you to play in.
6. The Last Resort
The Last resort is nestled in the foothills of Kemmanagundi. It allows you to wake up to views of nature every morning and is surrounded by pristine forests. You have a clear view to enjoy sunrises and sunsets with your family or friends here as well. The Last Resort offers you the choice of 21 beautiful cottages. They have chefs who can cook many different cuisines and local ones as well. Activities offered here are gun shooting, archery, badminton, volley ball, darts, and various other board games.
7. Kalgreen Valley Resort
(Distance from Chikmagalur – 86 kms approx.)
Situated at 3000 feet, Kalgreen Valley resort offers you a beautiful view of Chikmagalur’s surrounding plantations and forests. The resort contains a multi-cuisine restaurant to suit the needs of everyone. There is also a spa and massage area for all the guests, which is best visited after a short trek around the area to relax the muscles. A standard room is offered which includes all the meals. With an amazing swimming pool as well, it is well stocked to keep visitors happy.
8. Woodway Estates
(Distance from Chikmagalur – 16 kms approx.)
Woodway Estates is around 14 kilometres away from Chikmagalur. Located in the Bhadra Reserve, you will be surrounded by nature. Woodway offers you five large bedrooms which are beautifully furnished. Their restaurant cooks food of all types and also delicious local cuisine which is sure to raise your appetite. Do try out their Akki Roti and Koli Saaru, a chicken dish. Some activities offered by Woodway Estates are their coffee tour, bird watching, cycling, and you can also visit their local shandy if you stay on a Monday.
9. The Serai Resort
(Distance from Chikmagalur – 7 kms approx.)
One of the most beautiful resorts on this list, The Serai resort is sure to make you feel like you rule the world. With four different types of accommodation on offer, this is the perfect place for you to go to if you are in the mood to get pampered. You can book the Estate Villa with Jacuzzi, Estate Villa with Pool, Estate Villa with Terrace, or The Residence. All four villas are absolutely gorgeous and offer first class amenities. The Serai Resort is great if you want to learn more about the coffee plantations, as it offers the Coffee Walk through the gorgeous plantations. You can also take part in archery or have a nice bike ride through the trails.
10. Thippanahalli Homestay
(Distance from Chikmagalur – 11 kms approx.)
Stay in a building that was built over 230 years ago. Thippanahalli Homestay is located 10 kilometres from Chikmagalur and at an elevation of around 4100 feet, giving you an amazing vista. The former mansion is decorated and refurbished beautifully, giving you all the modern amenities you will need. The chefs use recipes handed down from generation to generation giving you an amazing taste of the local cuisine. The gardens are beautiful and the main lawn is a sight to behold. Activities at Thippanahalli include golf, bird watching, trekking, walk through the coffee plantations, and a relaxing drive through the mountains.
11. Doopadcool Homestay
(Distance from Chikmagalur – 19 kms approx.)
Doopadcool Homestay is located inside a vast coffee plantation, 18 kilometres from Chikmagalur. This homestay offers a beautiful view of the Western Ghats and lets you rest and relax away from the hustle bustle of daily life. Staying here allows you to experience nature with relative comfort. Doopadcool offers you traditional malnad cuisine which will allow you to experience the food in the area as well. This is a great place to go to with many friends or family and allows you to bond over a nice bonfire or barbeque surrounded by greenery.
12. The Spectrum
(Distance from Chikmagalur – 11 kms approx.)
Located around 10 kilometres from Chikmagalur, The Spectrum Homestay is a beautiful place to unwind and relax. Offering you a choice of 5 units, each with spacious double bedrooms, this homestay is a great place to witness the true nature of the area. The staff at The Spectrum will give you advice on where you should head to each day to explore the area. It is a great place to go to with your family. They will give you indoor games so that you can enjoy your time at the resort as well. They also have a playground for children and an area where you can play darts.
13. Valley of Birds
(Distance from Chikmagalur – 58 kms approx.)
Located at the foothills of Kemmanagundi, Valley of Birds Homestay is a beautiful place to lodge during your stay at Chikmagalur. The ambience here is amazing and allows you to feel like you are at home. With two units, each containing attached bathrooms, it is a nice and cosy place. There is also a beautiful living room with a proper fire place to keep you warm during the chilly nights. You can enjoy your time with your friends around a bonfire or have a nice barbeque at night.
14. Gonakal Homestay
(Distance from Chikmagalur – 11 kms approx.)
Home to the royal Hoysala family, Gonakal is sure to make you feel like royalty. Even the great Tipu Sultan stayed in this building. With a history of around 700 years, Gonakal is a beautiful place to spend your vacation while you are visiting Chikmagalur. Located around 25 kilometres from the town, this is a great place to experience the rich history of the area. An ancient temple is also near the homestay where warriors of old used to go for blessings. There are coffee plantations and the Homestay offers a range of activities for your pleasure.
15. Nature Craft Homestay
(Distance from Chikmagalur – 10 kms approx.)
10 kilometres from Chikmagalur, is the beautiful Nature Craft Homestay. It offers you four rooms, which are beautifully furnished. With all the modern amenities you might need, this is a great place to go if you are on a budget. Not very expensive, it offers a range of activities to engage you and whoever you are traveling with. It is a relatively new homestay so all the rooms are designed well. You can visit the nearby temples, famed for their unique architecture. Activities include water sports, campfire, treks in and around the estate, and much more.
Chikmagalur is an amazing place to go for a trip to nature and history. If you are a fan of coffee, it is a must visit place for any coffee lover in India. It is filled with plantations and surrounded by nature. With the many areas you can visit, the Bhadra Tiger Reserve should be one of them. Also you can visit the tallest peak in Karnataka, Mullayanigiri. Chikmagalur is filled with wonders and you are sure to love this town.
