1. Coffee Culture & Plantation ExperienceGet out of the cup and into the world of coffee. From learning about its rich history to strolling through green plantations, a coffee experience is informative and invigorating. For nature lovers and coffee lovers alike, this experience brings you up close and personal with the origin of your morning coffee. Coffee Museum: Discover the history and evolution of coffee at one of the region's Coffee Museums. The museums have educational displays about the history of coffee, past innovations and current methods of brewing, and a coffee bean from plant to cup lifecycle. You may tour past coffee equipment and interactive displays with the cultural significance of coffee to the area. It's an absolute must for those who want to learn about the heritage behind each sip.Coffee Plantation Tours: Walk through vast coffee plantations in which the aroma of roasted coffee pervades the air. Tours of plantations trace the sequence from planting and harvesting to drying and roasting. Some guides periodically describe coffee bean varieties, farming techniques, and local climatic conditions influencing flavour profiles. Others offer participatory activities like bean harvesting or roasting samples topped by a fresh cup of freshly brewed coffee-brewed-on-the-estate following a plantation visit.2. Nature & Wildlife ToursStep back into nature and feel the untainted beauty of nature amidst serene woods, roaring waterfalls, and luxuriant wildlife habitats. A nature admirer or a wildlife follower craving solitude and tranquillity, these tours are the ideal escape from city mayhem. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: Paradise on earth for the nature lover, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is teeming with fauna and flora in the form of tigers, leopards, elephants, and threatened birds. In Western Ghats, the sanctuary is flora- and fauna-filled, and jeep safari and nature walk offer you a chance to observe animals in their natural habitat. The dense forest and peaceful Bhadra River running inside the sanctuary beautify the place, which attracts tourists for eco-tourism as well as for photo walks.Hebbe Falls: In a coffee plantation area, Hebbe Falls is a stunning two-tiered waterfall in dense forest. Descending from an elevation of 551 feet above, it is an eye treat and a refreshing experience. To go to Hebbe Falls, there has to be a spine-chilling jeep drive and brief hike involved, and thus the trip becomes all the more thrilling. The refreshing spray and natural pool below are a great place for a relaxed halt amidst nature.Jhari Waterfalls (Buttermilk Falls): Also referred to popularly as Buttermilk Falls due to its white creamy-white foam, Jhari Waterfalls is a picturesque spot that is amidst coffee plantation greens. Waterfalls discovery includes an off-roading jeep track to give it that additional adrenaline rush. In nature and the tranquillity of falling water, it's one of the most picturesque spots to unwind, click pictures, or enjoy a serene family picnic.3. Spiritual & Heritage PlacesBecome ageless in Karnataka's history and spirituality in the ancient temples and sacred shrines. They are not only architectural wonders, but also possess moments of serenity, introspection, and cultural sensitivity. Sringeri Sharada Peetham: Founded by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, Sringeri Sharada Peetham is one of four ancient Advaita mathas or monasteries in India. Located on the bank of the River Tunga, it's a temple of Goddess Sharada, the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge. Because of intricately carved stone pillars and serene areas, it's a place of worship as well as heritage. The temple is also an educational school and institution of ancient traditions.Shri Kalaseshwara Swami Temple: Located on top of a hill in Kalasa town, this temple is one of the Lord Shiva temples. Shri Kalaseshwara Swami Temple is a Panchakshetra and a very spiritual place in the Malnad region. Among the thickly forested Western Ghats and on the other side of the Bhadra River, the temple is not only spiritually uplifting, but also presents scintillating landscapes, especially at dawn or dusk.Amrutesvara Temple: Located in the village of Amruthapura near Chikmagalur, the Amrutesvara Temple is perhaps the finest representation of the Hoysala architectural style. Built during the 12th century by Hoysala King Veera Ballala II, the temple is a Shiva temple with very delicate carvings on all walls, pillars, and the ceiling. The fine depiction of mythological stories and gods and goddesses makes it heaven for historians as well as those who appreciate art4. Scenic Spots & RecreationFrom expansive hilltop views to peaceful lakeside, the region boasts an excellent mix of nature and outdoor recreation. Ideal for travellers seeking relaxation and soaking up scenery, such places assure peace and photography opportunities. Hirekolale Lake: Lying amidst coffee estates and rolling hills, Hirekolale Lake is a serene haven that is renowned for postcard-picture-perfect scenery, particularly during morning and evening. The serene lake mirrors the surrounding hills, so it's a reflection setup that every nature lover and photographer's dream comes true. It's the ideal place to create some peace following a late-night stroll or family excursion with friends and family members. The transport to the lake is as picture-perfect as the destination itself.Ballalarayana Durga Fort: Perched on a hill in the Western Ghats, Ballalarayana Durga Fort is an off-the-beaten-path gem with bird's-eye views over the surrounding forest and valley. Even if the fort is ruined, the history and tranquillity of hiking to get to the fort are worthwhile. The hike is over green grasslands and misty hills, and is popular with adventure seekers and hikers. On a good day, you can see the distant Kudremukh range very well.Kemmangundi: Known as the 'Ooty of Karnataka,' Kemmangundi is a small hill resort in the Baba Budangiri hill range. Its well-tended gardens, hill mists, and pleasant climate make it a perfect holiday destination. Kemmangundi is also the base for some of the nearby nature trails and waterfalls. From lounging at the viewpoints to hiking, the tranquil and pollution-free terrain is a welcome respite from city life.5. Offbeat & Cultural ExperienceSteer off the tracks most travelled by the rest of the masses and drive straight into the centre of local lifestyles, culture, and offbeat attractions. Inner intimacy with the destination’s local lifestyles, local life, and quirky heritage experiences gathered in offbeat manners are apt for the well-travelled visitor seeking to savour authenticity sans packaged fare. Local Encounters & Village Walks: Visit the rural heritage of the village Malnad by taking a walk through its villages with one of our villagers who will be your guide. These immersion tours let you witness directly the contact with the residents, a bit of their ordinary life, sneak a peek at small farm businesses, and also gain some learning in weaving or ceramics. Rich indeed is an experience of encountering the rural cultural heritage of the region, basking in homestyle meals, and savouring a little taste of their own everyday life of their friendly communities.Experience: Taste the flavour of Malnad in homestay food sessions or special village home lunch at homestays. From local vegetables to local spices, with traditional methods, Malnad food offers a strong taste experience along with a cultural experience. Special foods such as Akki Rotti, Kesari Bath, and chutneys represent Western Ghats' food culture. Some of the hosts even serve farm-to-table food based on backyard ingredients.6. Harvest Time Coffee PickingIf you happen to have arrived in time for coffee harvest time, around November through February, roll up your sleeves with some hands-on experience on a participatory coffee tour of one of the local plantations. Witness the beans being picked, sorted and processed with the smell of freshly collected coffee berries wafting around you. An odd, tactile experience, this gets you in touch with the sweat that goes into assembling your morning coffee cup.Why Book with escape2exploreWhen exploring the Chikmangalur Tour from Bengaluru and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.