Places to Visit in Chikmagalur - Handpicked Spots Near Astagiri Homestay
Astagiri Homestay sits in the heart of Chikmagalur’s coffee and forest belt, just minutes away from some of Karnataka’s most stunning natural attractions. Whether you’re here to trek misty peaks, chase hidden waterfalls, or simply breathe in the Western Ghats – this guide covers the best places to visit in Chikmagalur, all within easy reach of your stay. Our hosts have guided hundreds of guests through these trails and have handpicked every spot on this list.
Devaramane Betta
Devaramane Betta
Devaramane Betta is one of the most rewarding treks near Chikmagalur, rising to an altitude of approximately 1,542 metres above sea level. The peak is home to the ancient Kalabhaireshwara temple, making it a meaningful destination for both trekkers and devotees. The trail winds through lush green grasslands, gurgling streams, and dense shola forests before opening up to a panoramic view of the surrounding Western Ghats.
- Distance from Astagiri Homestay: 12 km | approximately 25 minutes by car
- Trek difficulty: Moderate
- Time needed: 3–4 hours for the full trek
- Best season: October to February
- Ideal for: Trekkers, nature lovers, photography
Ettina Bhuja
Ettina Bhuja, meaning “ox shoulder” in Kannada, is named after the distinctive shape of its twin peaks. Standing at 1,535 metres, this trek is considered one of the finest in the Chikmagalur region and passes through UNESCO World Heritage-listed forests that are home to a wide variety of rare flora and fauna. The trail takes you through misty valleys, rocky streams, and offers a sweeping view of the Western Ghats at the summit. Wildlife sightings are common along the route.
- Distance from Astagiri Homestay: 18 km | approximately 35 minutes by car
- Trek difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Time needed: 4–5 hours
- Best season: September to January
- Ideal for: Experienced trekkers, wildlife enthusiasts, nature photographers
Ettina Bhuja
Ettina Bhuja, meaning “ox shoulder” in Kannada, is named after the distinctive shape of its twin peaks. Standing at 1,535 metres, this trek is considered one of the finest in the Chikmagalur region and passes through UNESCO World Heritage-listed forests that are home to a wide variety of rare flora and fauna. The trail takes you through misty valleys, rocky streams, and offers a sweeping view of the Western Ghats at the summit. Wildlife sightings are common along the route.
- Distance from Astagiri Homestay: 18 km | approximately 35 minutes by car
- Trek difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Time needed: 4–5 hours
- Best season: September to January
- Ideal for: Experienced trekkers, wildlife enthusiasts, nature photographers
Astagiri Water Falls
Astagiri Water Falls
Astagiri Waterfalls is a serene and largely undiscovered cascade tucked inside the forest, accessible directly from our homestay. Unlike the more crowded waterfalls in Chikmagalur, this one draws very few visitors, making it feel almost private. The falls empty into a natural rock pool where guests can wade and relax. This is one spot where you genuinely need a local guide — and our hosts know every stone on that trail.
- Distance from Astagiri Homestay: On property | 20-minute walk through the estate
- Trek difficulty: Easy
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
- Best season: July to November (peak flow after monsoon)
- Ideal for: Families, couples, casual walkers, photography
Rani Jhari
Rani Jhari is one of the most visited waterfalls in Chikmagalur district, and for good reason. Water descends steeply over layered rock faces creating a thin, white cascade that’s striking even in the dry season. The area around the falls is lush and shaded, making it a popular picnic spot for families. It is frequently visited alongside Mullayanagiri and Baba Budan Giri as part of a one-day Chikmagalur circuit.
- Distance from Astagiri Homestay: 20 km | approximately 35 minutes by car
- Trek difficulty: Easy (short walk from parking)
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
- Best season: August to December
- Ideal for: Families, day trippers, casual visitors
Rani Jhari
Charmudi Ghats
Charmudi Ghats
Charmadi Ghat is a spectacular mountain pass connecting Chikmagalur to the coastal town of Mangalore via National Highway 73. The drive itself is the experience dense canopy cover, hairpin bends, streams crossing the road during monsoon, and the dramatic descent into the coast. This is one of the most scenic road routes in Karnataka and a favourite among bikers and road trip enthusiasts.
- Distance from Astagiri Homestay: 30 km | approximately 50 minutes by car
- Difficulty: Drive (no trek required)
- Time needed: Half a day for the full ghat drive and back
- Best season: Year-round, most dramatic during monsoon
- Ideal for: Road trippers, bikers, photography, scenic drives
Kelagur Tea Estate
The Kelagur Tea Estate offers a rare chance to walk through working tea gardens in the middle of the Western Ghats. The symmetrical rows of trimmed tea bushes stretching across rolling hills is iconic Chikmagalur scenery. Visitors can walk through the estate, learn about the tea-making process, and pick up fresh estate tea directly. The air here carries the distinct fresh scent of tea leaves — something guests consistently mention as a favourite memory of their trip.
- Distance from Astagiri Homestay: 15 km | approximately 28 minutes by car
- Difficulty: Easy (flat walking paths)
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
- Best season: Year-round
- Ideal for: Families, couples, slow travellers, tea lovers
Kelagur Tea Estate
Mullayanagiri
Mullayanagiri
Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka at 1,930 metres and is a must-visit for anyone coming to Chikmagalur. The trek to the summit is relatively accessible, with a well-defined path that rewards you with a 360-degree view of the entire Chikmagalur range on a clear day. A small Shiva temple sits at the peak. On misty mornings, the clouds roll in below the summit making it one of the most photographed spots in all of Karnataka.
- Distance from Astagiri Homestay: 22 km | approximately 40 minutes by car
- Trek difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time needed: 2–3 hours
- Best season: October to March
- Ideal for: All levels, families, first-time trekkers, sunrise visits
How Your Stay at Our Chikmagalur Homestay Looks
Day 1
Arrival → Traditional lunch → Estate walk → Relax → Campfire
Day 2
Waterfall visit → Breakfast → Leisure time → Checkout
Places to Visit in Chikmagalur
Mullayanagiri, Ettina Bhuja, Devaramane Betta, Rani Jhari Waterfalls, Charmadi Ghats, and Kelagur Tea Estate. All are within 40 minutes from Astagiri Homestay.
2 to 3 days is ideal. Day 1 for treks, Day 2 for waterfalls and estates, Day 3 for a leisure estate walk and checkout.
October to February. Weather is cool, skies are clear, and trekking conditions are at their best.
Mullayanagiri. It has a well-defined path, moderate incline, and takes about 2 to 3 hours. Devaramane Betta is another good beginner option.
Ettina Bhuja — 22 km (38 min), Devaramane Betta — 7.5 km (19 min), Rani Jhari — 33 km (1hr 6 min), Kelagur Tea Estate — 24.4 km (49 min). Astagiri Waterfalls is on our property itself.
Yes. Mullayanagiri, Kelagur Tea Estate, and Rani Jhari are all family-friendly. Astagiri Homestay offers home-cooked meals and a safe, calm estate environment for families.
Yes it’s about 4 to 5 hours by road. But a minimum 2-night stay is recommended to actually experience the treks, waterfalls, and local food properly
Yes. Astagiri Waterfalls on our property is almost entirely private. It is accessible only through a 20-minute estate walk with a local guide — exclusively for our guests.
It is moderate to challenging. The trail passes through dense forest, streams, and rocky terrain. Recommended for those with some prior trekking experience. Best done October to January.
Grip shoes, light rain jacket, water bottle, sunscreen, and a charged phone with offline maps.