WoW travels 5: Ride to Chikmagalur!!

varunpinto (69)in #travel • 7 years ago

Not many know this but Chikmagalur which is located at foothills of the Mullayanagiri range, actually has an interesting story to it. It is have said to be that a Sufi pilgrim had smuggled away some coffee seeds from Mecca and planted them on the hills of Chikmagalur. Hence Chikmagalur is one of the top coffee cultivating spots in India.

Hence we guys decided to head towards this beautiful place located in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka.

The journey from Mangalore to Chikmagalur was via the Charmadi ghats. Just a couple of stops for rest and off we were at the land of coffee beans.

Chikmagalur has lots of hill stations and waterfalls. And is filled with greenery. Couldn’t resist myself from clicking pictures of the bike with such nice background.

Our stay was situated amidst the dense and picturesque jungles of Chikmagalur. We left our bags and decided to head out to Mullayanagiri, which is the highest peak in Karnataka.

Obviously, when you have a photographer in the group (Me), there has to be a photo session while riding bikes. Below are very few of the pics.

And at the end of the session when I turned back, I realised that everyone including @sanjayjkamath, left me behind and proceeded. Unfortunately, there isn’t much network in these places. Despite of that I began my solo trip in the hunt for the rest of the group and discovered some beautiful hills that cascade down and are draped in coffee bushes.

After being lost for almost two hours I finally made it to Mullayanagiri. Was heart broken when the guys saw me and yelled at me for not coming on time to click the pictures. None were worried that I went missing :( :P

But a photographer has to do his job and hence managed to click some pictures with the natural light that was available.

After an amazing night bonfire (Pictures of which cannot be shared :P), the morning was cool and breathtaking!! Would say, people who love bird watching should carry their binoculars, those who want to relax carry book or iPod and just succumb to the sound of nature.

But we boys being boys showed off our toys and had small group picture again and last but not the least, played cricket :P

From what I have researched, “Chikmagalur Uru” means “Younger Daughters Town”, was given as dowry by the Chief of Sakrepatna to his younger daughter. Now I am jealous of her husband :P

But like all travels, the most relaxing getaway had to come to an end and few of us had to head back to Mangalore.

We decided to take the Charmadi ghats and the pictures are the proof that we had a time of our life.

The monkeys monkeying around like us :))

Top two favourite clicks of the ride.

At the end of it all, Chikmagalur is still one of the most loved getaways. It’s ideal for travellers who love stunning views, greenery, smell of coffee and exotic birdlife.