Mist rolling over the Western Ghats coffee estate hills at dawn in Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India — photographed by Prashant Dhingra
Karnataka, India · Coffee Hills · Western Ghats

Chikmagalur ಚಿಕ್ಕಮಗಳೂರು · Where Indian Coffee Began

Mist lingering until midday over coffee plantations blending into shola forests. The tallest peak in Karnataka, with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee drifting on the breeze. A collection of sixty-eight images capturing the serene beauty of this South Indian district.

68
Photographs
1930m
Mullayanagiri Peak
17th C.
Coffee Introduced
Scroll
Location
Chikkamagaluru District
State
Karnataka, India
Elevation range
900m – 1,930m
Highest peak
Mullayanagiri · 1,930m
Known for
Arabica Coffee, Western Ghats
Photographs
68

The hills where India learned to drink coffee.

Legend has it that a Sufi saint named Baba Budan brought seven coffee beans from Yemen in the 17th century hidden in his beard, planting them in the hills above present-day Chikmagalur. While the truth of the tale may be uncertain, these hills are unquestionably the birthplace of Indian coffee and continue to produce some of the finest varieties today.

Chikmagalur is located at the northern tip of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, known for its diverse flora and fauna. The lower slopes are covered in coffee and cardamom plantations, enveloped in mist in the mornings. As you ascend, the plantations transition into shola forests, followed by grassland ridges and rocky peaks like Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri.

68 photographs were captured throughout the Chikmagalur district, from estate roads to waterfalls, summit approaches, and tranquil early mornings shrouded in fog, where the ancient hills stand testament to their age.

PD
Prashant Dhingra Travel photography · prashant.dhingra.website

Your guide to Chikmagalur

What is Chikmagalur known for?

Chikmagalur, a prominent coffee-growing district in Karnataka, is renowned for its vast Arabica and Robusta coffee estates, as well as its stunning natural attractions in the Western Ghats. This picturesque destination boasts the highest peak in Karnataka, Mullayanagiri (1,930m), the sacred Baba Budangiri ridge, Hebbe Falls, enchanting shola forests, and ever-changing misty valley views that captivate visitors throughout the day.

Where is Chikmagalur and how do I get there?

Chikmagalur town is located around 245 km away from Bengaluru (roughly 5 hours by road), 100 km from Mangaluru (approximately 2.5 hours), and 150 km from Mysuru (about 3.5 hours). The closest airports are Mangaluru International and Kempegowda International in Bengaluru. The road connectivity is excellent, with most travelers opting to drive or use bus services from Bengaluru or Mangaluru.

What are the best places to visit in Chikmagalur?

Main attractions in the area include Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, Baba Budangiri, known for its sacred dargah and sunrise trek, Hebbe Falls, a two-tiered waterfall accessible by jeep through coffee plantations, Kemmanagundi hill station, Kudremukh National Park, Z Point lookout, and the coffee and cardamom plantations surrounding Aldur and Mudigere.

When is the best time to visit Chikmagalur?

The period from October to February is perfect for enjoying post-monsoon greenery, sunny skies, and pleasant temperatures ranging from 12 to 25°C. From November to January, it is the coffee harvest season, with estates buzzing with activity. March to May brings warmer weather that is still bearable. During the monsoon season from June to September, expect dramatic mist, lush waterfalls, but also be cautious of leeches and landslides on the roads.

How did Chikmagalur become India's coffee capital?

Legend has it that in the 17th century, Sufi saint Baba Budan introduced coffee beans from Yemen to India, planting them in the Baba Budangiri hills. This marked the beginning of coffee cultivation in the subcontinent. The British later expanded the cultivation in Chikmagalur district, creating the plantation system that continues to thrive today. Chikmagalur is now renowned for producing some of India's top specialty coffees, particularly estate-grade Arabica.

Who photographed these Chikmagalur images?

Prashant Dhingra took all 68 photos in this gallery. Explore more India travel photography at prashant.dhingra.website/travel/india, and the complete travel portfolio at prashant.dhingra.website/travel.