Chikmagalur is where coffee first took root in India, and today its estates, peaks and waterfalls make it one of Karnataka's favourite hill escapes. With no airport nearby, most visitors fly into Kempegowda International Airport and drive the remaining 275 km or so. A Savari Holidays cab makes that transfer straightforward: the driver tracks your flight, meets you outside arrivals and heads west via Doddaballapur and Nelamangala, leaving Bengaluru's traffic behind. The journey usually takes five and a half to six and a half hours, with Belur's famous temple close to the route if you would like a break.
One-way fares are charged on at least 130 km. Round-trip fares are for the same car returning to Bangalore Airport (550 km over 2 days, with a daily minimum). Toll, parking and state permit are extra.
One of the nicest things about this route is how quickly you leave the city behind. Kempegowda International Airport sits north of Bengaluru, and Chikmagalur lies to the west, so there is no need to drive into town at all. Within an hour or so of collecting your bags you can be on the open highway towards Hassan. For weekend travellers flying in on a Friday evening, that makes a late-night start realistic, with arrival in the hills before most of the town wakes up.
Drivers usually go west from the airport via Doddaballapur, joining the Mangaluru highway near Nelamangala. This avoids Hebbal, Yeshwanthpur and Tumakuru Road, which can be slow during the day.
NH 75 runs past Kunigal and Channarayapatna to Hassan. It is a fast, mostly divided highway with dhabas and restaurants along the way. Channarayapatna is the turn-off for Shravanabelagola if you want to visit the Gommateshwara statue.
From Hassan the road heads north-west to Belur and then climbs gently into coffee country before reaching Chikmagalur town. If you are staying at an estate near Mullayanagiri, Kemmangundi or Mudigere, the last part of the drive will be on narrower hill roads.
Chikmagalur's best stays are often tucked away on plantations several kilometres from the main road. Before you travel:
Give us your flight number and terminal when booking. The driver keeps track of the landing time and waits at the arrivals pickup area, calling you once you are out. For international flights he will wait through immigration and baggage collection. Since we operate around the clock, a pre-dawn landing is fine; leaving early also means you reach Chikmagalur in time for lunch and a first walk among the coffee bushes.
Chikmagalur rewards slow travel. Mullayanagiri, Karnataka's highest peak, is a short drive from town and best at sunrise. The Baba Budangiri range nearby is linked to the legend of Baba Budan, who is said to have brought coffee seeds to India. Waterfalls such as Hebbe, Jhari and Kalhatti are worth the drive, and coffee estate walks are offered by many homestays. If you would like the same cab for local sightseeing, we can arrange that too.
For estate stays and the roads around Mullayanagiri, an Ertiga, Innova or Innova Crysta is the practical choice. A Swift Dzire or Etios works well for couples staying in or near town. Friends and families travelling as a group, or company teams on an offsite, can book a Tempo Traveller or Force Urbania.
September to March offers pleasant weather and good visibility on the peaks. The monsoon months bring heavy rain, lush scenery and full waterfalls, but also slippery roads and leeches on trails. Weekends and long holidays get busy around Mullayanagiri, where access to the summit road is sometimes regulated, so start early and check the latest arrangements locally.
Karnataka's highest peak, reached by a winding road and a short climb, with sweeping views at sunrise.
A hill range linked to the legend of coffee's arrival in India, with a shrine revered by both Hindus and Muslims.
A two-stage waterfall inside a coffee estate near Kemmangundi, usually reached by jeep.
A Hoysala temple from the 12th century, famous for its carved figures of dancers and musicians.
A quiet lake just outside Chikmagalur town, beautiful at sunset with the hills behind it.
Use the booking panel: pickup in Bangalore Airport, drop in Chikmagalur, date and time.
Compare the fare for each car; the price shown is what you pay, plus toll and parking.
Pay 20% advance online, or choose cash and pay the driver.
You receive the booking confirmation by email; driver and car details are shared before pickup.
Cancellation: free up to 24 hrs before pickup; 20% of the fare within 24 hrs. Cancellation policy
Roughly 275 km, which takes about five and a half to six and a half hours depending on traffic and stops.
No. The driver can go west from the airport via Doddaballapur to Nelamangala and join the Hassan highway there, avoiding the city.
Yes. Belur is on the route between Hassan and Chikmagalur, so stopping there adds very little distance. Halebidu is a short detour if you have more time.
In most cases, yes. Share the location and directions in advance, and ask your host whether an SUV is recommended for the final stretch.
September to March is the most comfortable period. The monsoon is lovely for waterfalls but brings heavy rain and slower travel on hill roads.
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