Weekend Getaways from Bangalore: Why Chikmagalur Tops the List
Bangaloreans know the value of a quick escape. When the traffic gets overwhelming, and city life starts to feel like an endless loop of deadlines and screen time, a weekend getaway is the reset button we all need. And if there’s one destination that consistently wins hearts — Chikmagalur is it.
Why Chikmagalur?
Just about 250 km from Bangalore, Chikmagalur offers the perfect blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and a nostalgic charm rooted in its coffee plantations. The drive is smooth, the views turn greener with every kilometer, and the air begins to carry the unmistakable aroma of fresh coffee as you approach the hills.
But there’s more to Chikmagalur than its famed plantations.
Untamed Trails and Hidden Waterfalls
For those who prefer their weekends on foot, Chikmagalur has an abundance of hills, trekking trails and waterfalls. Whether it’s the popular Mullayanagiri range or offbeat trails near Kemmanagundi, the region offers trekking experiences for every level — from the adventurous first-timer to the seasoned explorer.
Solitude seekers can move away from the touristy crowds and head into the lesser-known paths like Ballalarayanadurga, Bandaje falls, Kigga etc where you’ll likely discover misty peaks and hidden waterfalls that feel like your own private sanctuary.
Do Nothing. Just Be.
If you’re not in the mood to hike or explore, Chikmagalur also excels at doing nothing. Yes, you heard that right.
Settle into a cozy corner at one of the many local cafes — like the aesthetically serene Raw Cafe, where time seems to slow down. Order a fresh refreshing Neera or a farm-to-plate organic brunch and let the day gently unfold. With birdsong, breezy afternoons, and no pressure to do, this is the kind of leisure that city life forgets to offer.
The Organic Revolution: Enter Change2
Chikmagalur is also on a mission towards a quiet hub for a new kind of tourism — one that values authenticity, sustainability, and health. A growing movement called Change2 is spearheading this organic revolution.
From genuine local foods to wild honey, artisanal chocolates, jackfruit-based treats, and even traditional drinks like Neera, Change2 is all about bringing nature back to the table — literally. It’s about savoring foods that are not only delicious but also ethically sourced and produced, directly supporting local communities and sustainable practices. It’s a celebration of everything local, fresh, and untouched by extreme industrial processing.
This isn’t just about food; it’s a lifestyle. One where you connect with the source, meet the farmers, and truly understand where your food comes from.
This is a place Where Consciousness Meets Comfort. What makes Chikmagalur stand out isn’t just the scenery or the food — it’s how it blends conscious living with comfort.
Here, you can stay in eco-friendly homestays, eat all natural and organic foods, walk barefoot on red soil, drink water straight out of the water streams, and sip coffee under a starlit sky — all without giving up the simple pleasures of a warm bed, good Wi-Fi (if you need it), and heartfelt hospitality.
Final Sip
Whether you want to chase waterfalls, discover hidden trails, immerse yourself in the rhythm of plantation life, or simply do nothing with a cup of homegrown coffee — Chikmagalur is calling.
And it’s not just calling for the weekend. It’s inviting you to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the joy of living closer to nature.
