Chikmaglur - The Destination of Coffee Plantation
Nestled at 3,400ft at the Sahyadri Mountains, Chikmaglur is perched in the South Western Karnataka. This quixotic destination lies on the foot hills of Baba Budan range. The pepper and coffee plantations are the most common form of earnings at this destination. An old Muslim saint from Yemen brought the coffee seeds from their country to Chikamaglur and later, the coffee plantations became the most common part of the farm culture at this destination. This mountain range Baba Budan is named after the same saint who started the cultivation of Coffee plantation at Chikmaglur. Bhadra, Hemvathi, Tunga, and Vedaavathi are the major rivers which enrich the soil of the region. Coffee plantation is the main source of income for the people in Chikmaglur.
The Main Attractions of the Chikmagalur City:
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: The visitors who want to spend their holidays in the lush green and tranquilizing environs can think of spending their vacations in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread over an area of 460 sq.km, this region is bustling with different species of birds and animals. Leapords, elephants, reptiles, birds, bison, peacock, boar, chital, pigeon and cobras can easily be traced here. In the year 1951, it was declared as the Jagara Valley Game Reserve and in the year 1974, it was reconstituted as the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary was also the part of the 25th tiger project.
The travelers can plan a stay in jungle lodges and huts dotted amidst the wilderness spiraled in the region. Not to miss, several small islands dot the rivers and lakes of the region. The visitors can take a ride on the boats and indulge in the spell binding beauty which is inundated by the rich flora and fauna. Two fames hill resorts namely, Kemmannugundi and Baba Buden hills are with in the sanctuary. Thousands of birds build nests at various sites in the sanctuary and when they get hatched, these nestling fly to their respective destinations. Generally, thousands of birds nest on these islands during the month of June to August. Common trees of the forest are Teak, Rosewood, Mathi, Honne, Nandi, Kindal etc.
Inam Dattatreya Peetha: Situated on the Baba Budan Giri district is the Inam Dattatreya Peetha. The sanctum is worshipped by both Hindus as well as Muslims. A laterite is believed to have been the sojourn of both Guru Dattatreya and the Muslim saint Hazrat Daada Hyath Mir Khalanadar, sent to India by Prophet Mohammad. Muslims annually celebrate the Urs at the site for the period of three days in the moth of Rabi-Ul- Avval. Month of the Islamic calendar and Hindus celebrate Dattatreya Jayanti in the month of Kartik Poornima celebrations. The Fakir conducts worship here and broth the communities celebrate Urs or Jatra with great fervor.
Kodandarama Ramaswamy Temple: The temple of Kodandarama which is a state protected monument stands in the South East of the city. The temple is built in the structure of Hoysala style, as far as the Garbhagriha and Sukanasi are concerned, the structure subsequently is replica of Dravadian style. It is believed that this temple was built in three stages. The Navgraha was built in the 14th century AD, while the Mukhamantapa(porch) is believed to be of the 16th century AD. The projection of passages appears to be of 17th century. The Garbhagriha has the inscriptions dating back to the past era. There are images of Kodandarama(i.e.) Lord Rama and Lakshmana are holding a arrow. Sita is placed on the left hand side and Hanuman on the opposite side respectively. In the Prakara,(enclosed area) has the idols of Yoganarasimha, Vedanata Deshika, Sugriva, Muddukrishna, Madhava, and Ramanujacharya. After Ram, Balram believe to be the incarnation of Shesha. Ramanuja is also described as the Shesha`s incarnation. The image of Madhava is of the pre-Hoysala style representing Badami chalukya craftsmanship. The outer walls of the Garbhagriha and Sukansi have plasters and turrets, show casing the different forms of Vishnu and his forms such as Hayagriva, Narasimha, Lakshmi Narayana, Venugopala, Kaliya-Mardana, and Govardhanadhari. It also houses the figures of Lakshmi, Hanuman, Garuda and Ganapati.
Mahatama Gandhi Park: A small hillock, locally called as the "Ratnagiri Bore" is nestled on the Northern side of the Chikmaglur town, has become a known tourist magnet for the local people. This park is located at such a spot from where the backdrop of "Mulyangiri" hills is easily visible. This destination is famous amongst the travelers of all ages. There are two entry gates which open up to the wide area presenting the paradisiacal view of the whole park. While the vacationers will enter the park, they can observe 250 different varieties of roses in their blooming stage. There are around 300 varieties of plants and trees in the section earmarked as the green house.
The Ratna Toy Train: Cynosure of the garden, is the primary attraction for the people of ages, hopping for a kilometer long ride. After taking the ride on a toy train, the vacationers can douse their gastronomical desires at the canteen situated in the close vicinity. This destination is the place where the vacationers seeking for a complete rejuvenation will find this park well suited for unwinding the tired senses. In fact, even the tourists find hard to go without visiting this extremely marvelous place.
Manikyadhara Falls: The Manikyadhara Falls is located in the Kemmangundi of Chikmaglur district on the Baba Budangiri hills. These falls are visited by both Hindus as well as Muslims making it the beacon of communal army in the region. It is believed that these falls have medicinal values and can cure all the diseases. The falls also add to the surrounding beauty of the falls, lush green back drop of the hills and the chirruping of birds makes a medley of perfect music. The Manikyadhara Falls is located a few kilometers away from the Baba Budan Giri hills and 28 km away from the Chikmaglur District.
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