Chikmagalur district 200 Km (124 miles) North of Bangalore, dramatically positioned at the base of a rugged chain of hills, this town rose to prominence as an outpost of the Vijayanagar Empire. Later, in the 17th-18th centuries, it became the headquarters of a line of local chiefs known as Bedas, until it was occupied by Haider Ali in 1799 and then by the British. The Fort, defined by walls
of huge granite blocks, rises above the town. A series of three gates leads into the irregular inner zone, strewn with striking granite boulders. There are several small temples here, as well as a number of ceremonial gateways erected by the Bedas. The platforms and pavilions within the compound of the Sampige Siddheshvara Temple mark the spot where the Bedas were crowned. The remains of rubble and mud built granaries and residences, and a large circular well can be seen nearby.
In the town below, the local Government museum, housed in a guardroom besides a gateway, displays artifacts from surrounding sites. The 17th-century Ucchalingamma temple is on the main street.
Air : The nearest airport is Mangalore (170 kms).
Rail : Chikmanglur is connected to Bangalore , Hassan and Mangalore by train.
Road : The place is well connected by good motorable roads to the neighboring
Kemmanagundi
55 kms north of Chikmagalur, this is a scenic hill station, situated on the Baba Budan range at a height of 1434 m.
Kudremukh
95 Kms southwest of Chikmagalur is the secluded hill station of Kudremukh. Situated 1894 m above sea level, the Kudremukh hill overlooks the Arabian Sea and is chained to one another with deep valleys and steep precipices. There is rich flora and fauna here, waiting to be discovered.
Khandya is about 43 kms to northwest of Chikmagalur town and is one of the panch-kshetras (five sacred places) situated on the banks of the river Bhadra.
Sringeri, a charming toen on the banks of river Tunga, 90 kms west of chikmagalur town, is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage centres in Karnataka with epic associations.
45 kms North - West of Chikmagalur town in B alehonnur, on the banks of river Bhadra.
20 kms to the west of Tarikere town is Somapura, another of the pancha - kshetrash on the banks of river Bhadra.
Kalasa, situated 92 kms southwest of Chikmagalur, on the banks of the Bhadra, is surrounded by lofty hills of the Western Ghats and is looked upon as one of the pancha- kshetras.
8 kms from Kemmanagundi are the Hebbal Falls where the water gushes down from a height of 168 m in two stages.
The Kalhatti Falls are 10 Kms from Kemmanagundi. The water here cascades down a height of 122 m. There is also a local temple here, constructed in a gap between two rocks.
Sharvati river makes a spectacular drop of 810 ft in four distinct cascades known locally as Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket to create highest falls in Asia. Best during Monsoons.
5 kms trek from Heggaine through forests brings you picturesque Unchalli Falls. Also known as Lushington Falls.
