Introduction to Chikmagalur

Lying on the foot hills of the Mullayanagiri range, Chikmagalur is a small, distinctive and beautiful city, famous for its coffee plantations. The city was earlier known as the Kadur district and post independence was renamed Chikkamagaluru district. Currently, Chikmagalur is one of Karnataka's most preferred holiday destinations. By means of railways and roadways, the city is connected to all the prominent cities of the state. The peaceful atmosphere of this city is portrayed in the temples of all religions displaying the diversified uniqueness in the town. At present, the town is a primary midpoint of education, trade and commerce.

History of Chikmagalur

Chikmagaluru is steeped in a rich and distinct history, just waiting to be explored. The history of Chikmagalur dates back to the medieval period. This little beautiful town in south-western part of Karnataka is captivated with several legends. One of such interesting stories is that the city was given as a dowry to the younger daughter of King Rukmangada. Therefore, Chikmagalur is derived from the Kannada word "Chikkamagala Uru" which means "Younger daughter's town".

The other section of the city, Hiremagalur (short while ago a separate village, now falls under the area of Chikmagalur) was given to the  elder daughter. Nevertheless, ancient inscriptions give the low-down that the two places were known as Kiriya-muguli and Piriya-muguli in the olden days. Chikmagalur was also the birthplace for the earliest generations of the Hoysala dynasty where the kings governed their regions in southern part of the subcontinent. As a matter of fact, the Amriteshwara temple located at Amrithapura in Tarikere Taluk is built by the king of Hoysala dominion. In the rear, the territory, dropped into the clutches of Hyder Ali and handed down to his son Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. In the modern history, Chikkamagaluru gained global attention, when the former Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi was elected in Lok Sabha.

The Coffee Land

Today, we can see several coffee shops in every nook and corner all over India. Its interesting to know that Chikmagalur has a lot to do with this, in fact, it was in this city which popularized the culture of coffee brewing in India. In 1670, the first coffee crop was grown in the Baba Budan Giri Hills after Baba Budan discovered coffee on his way to Mecca crossing through the seaport of Mocha, Yemen. He brought seven coffee beans from Yemen, in order to introduce the aroma of coffee to the country. This was the starting point of coffee industry in India. Subsequently, with assistance from the British, coffee production and business became one of the prime employments of Chikmagalur subsidizing to its economy. Today, the town is popularly known as the coffee land of Karnataka.

Traveler's Paradise

Chikmagalur has a pleasant and refreshing weather throughout the year alluring tourists of all kinds. Furthermore, the town is at a standstill loaded with scenic surprises. The Monsoon season makes the hill station more enticing. The town is far away from the regular city life, you will either find yourself in the thick of forests or coffee plantations. Besides, people in Chikmagalur are kind and friendly. Your tour to this beguiling town would be nothing less than a magical experience.

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