Hidden Places in Chikmagalur: Waterfalls, Views, and Wildlife

Chikmagalur carries a quiet kind of magic from the moment you arrive. The air smells of rain-soaked leaves, ripe coffee cherries, and cool wind moving through the Western Ghats, yet beyond these familiar scenes lie some of the most untouched corners of Karnataka. These hidden places in Chikmagalur offer the same natural beauty as popular spots like Mullayanagiri or Baba Budan Giri, but without the crowd. If your friends keep saying, “let’s go to Chikmagalur”, and you feel like you have seen it all, this is your chance to explore deeper. From the underrated Jhari Falls to the stunning Kyatanamakki Peak and other secluded pockets of wilderness, a fresher side of the hills is waiting to be discovered. And The Serai Chikmagalur helps you step into these experiences that will feel new, yet familiar.

A waterfall cascading down the mountain under a partially cloudy, yet bright sky.

Green hill with a winding road, seen under a cloudy sky.

Seating area in living room of The Residence at The Serai Chikmagalur, highlighting the upholstered sofas, glass centre table, large glass windows offering views of the outdoors.

Jhari & Kadambi: Nature’s Quiet Showers

Waterfalls have a way of refreshing the senses. The cool mist, the rush of water, and quiet green surroundings make them perfect escapes. And if you are tired of crowds at Hebbe Falls, these hidden gems in Chikmagalur offer a far more relaxed experience:

Jhari Waterfalls (~30 km)

Also known as Buttermilk Falls, this spot gets its name from the thin, white sheet of water flowing down the rock face like freshly churned buttermilk. The area is surrounded by dense forests and emerald coffee plantations, and is known among travellers for its misty hikes and soft, cool air. Most visitors reach the falls by a short jeep ride that costs around 800 INR for 6 people, while others prefer trekking through the greenery.

Water cascading down a mountain, with few rays of the sun falling over the water.

A waterfalls seen with water dropping over a rock.

Kadambi Falls (~111 km)

This is a seasonal spectacle inside Kudremukh National Park, dropping nearly 30 feet into a rocky pool below. The forest around it is rich in biodiversity, making it one of the refreshing offbeat places in Chikmagalur for nature lovers. Its location near the main road between Sringeri and Kudremukh makes it easy to access, and adventurous visitors often get closer to the water to enjoy the spray and the cool forest atmosphere.

Scenic Offbeat Places in Chikmagalur

As the landscape opens up, these viewpoints offer cool mountain air, wide horizons, and calm hilltops where the hills unfold at an unhurried pace:

Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint (~25 km)

Also known as Horse Shoe Viewpoint, this 50-step climb is one of the best offbeat places in Chikmagalur to enjoy sweeping views of the Chandra Drona range and picturesque sunset panoramas. This windy hilltop features a Hanuman idol at the base and a Swami Vivekananda painting at the top.

Kyatanamakki Hills (~85 km)

You can visit Kyatanamakki Hills via a trek or a jeep ride, a place where natural beauty blends with local folklore. Steeped in legends of ancient tribes and old chieftains, the region still holds traces of history through its temples and scattered fort ruins.

Lush hills enveloped by fog as seen from the resort, The Serai Chikmagalur.

Sanctuaries & Hidden Gems in Chikmagalur

Beyond waterfalls and viewpoints, these forests in Chikmagalur offer peaceful wildlife havens for eco-adventures, birdwatching, and slow forest exploration:

A person standing on top of Mulayanagiri hills while looking at the valley below.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (~85 km)

Bhadra unfolds as a vast stretch of forests and rolling hills where nature sets the pace. It is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, and more than 250 bird species, all living within dense woodland and quiet water edges. Safaris by jeep, bus, or boat move gently through the landscape during early mornings (6:30 AM to 8:30 AM) or evenings (3:30 PM to 6:00 PM), offering peaceful forest experiences rather than hurried encounters. Towering teak trees, including the centuries-old Jagara Giant, add to the sense of timelessness. Since Muthodi forms the southern range of Bhadra, it feels like a natural continuation for those seeking deeper time within the forest.

Muthodi Forest (~38 km)

Muthodi draws you in with its dense green canopy, guided forest walks, and the chance for a chance to see wildlife in its natural setting. Cool, shaded trails and a soothing forest atmosphere make it one of the most immersive offbeat places in Chikmagalur for travellers who enjoy slow, nature-led experiences.

Devaramane (~46 km)

For those exploring lesser-known spots, Devaramane offers cultural seclusion with the ancient Sri Kalabhairaveshwara Temple, misty slopes, and peaceful village surroundings. Take a jeep ride of about an hour to the top for around 1,500 INR round trip, or opt for a longer trek.

A person walking across rocks in a forest with tall trees.

Step into a Coffee-scented Sanctuary

An image of the exterior facade of The Serai Chikmagalur in the evening.

After discovering these secluded escapes, returning to The Serai Chikmagalur feels like a natural pause in the journey. After exploring the hills, unwind in our spacious villas set amid coffee estates, each with a private pool or Jacuzzi and calming views. Enjoy Malenadu flavours, relax at the open-air bar, or experience regionally authentic dining with 'Bale Yele Oota'. After a day of treks and exploration, Oma Spa is the perfect place to relax, ease tired muscles after treks, and recharge with calming botanical and coffee therapies. We also offer nature trails and cultural walks through the plantations to make your experience truly memorable.

We hope this blog took you through an experiential tour and has shown you that Chikmagalur offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you seek the thrill of cascading waterfalls, the serenity of panoramic viewpoints, or the quiet magic of wildlife havens, these hidden gems in Chikmagalur promise unforgettable experiences. And if you are planning a special surprise for a loved one, you can make it even more meaningful amidst the lush estates and tranquil surroundings at The Serai Chikmagalur, with thoughtfully curated experiences and seasonal offers that add extra value to your stay.

FAQs

1. What are some hidden places in Chikmagalur worth exploring?
Several offbeat places in Chikmagalur, like the Jhari Falls, Kadambi Falls, Kyatanamakki Hills, and lesser-known forest trails, are ideal for quiet escapes.

2. Are the treks to the waterfalls and viewpoints in Chikmagalur beginner-friendly?
Yes, the Kadambi Falls and viewpoints like the Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint are accessible with short walks or mild treks, making them suitable for beginners and casual travellers.

3. Are there any wildlife or forest zones near Chikmagalur that are safe to visit?
Yes, the surrounding Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Muthodi Forests have safe, guided zones perfect for birdwatching, eco-adventures, and slow explorations of untouched nature.

4. Is it better to take a jeep or trek to the viewpoints and waterfalls?
For beginners, trekking to viewpoints like Devaramane and Jhari Waterfalls might be difficult, and so it is advised to hire a jeep ride to these spots.

5. Where can visitors stay while exploring hidden gems in Chikmagalur?

For a wholesome experience that blends discovering offbeat places in Chikmagalur with a nature-led stay, we at The Serai Chikmagalur welcome you as your hosts, offering comfort, calm, and thoughtful experiences rooted in the landscape.

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