Chikmagalur is coffee country, and for Bangalore it is the weekend destination of choice for trekkers, estate-stay lovers and anyone needing a few days of cool air and quiet. The drive is about 245 km via NH 75 and Hassan, usually five to five and a half hours. Our Bangalore to Chikmagalur taxi picks you up early, takes you along the fast highway to Hassan and then up into the hills to your estate, and can stay with you for the weekend to cover Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri, the Bhadra backwaters or the long drive to Kudremukh.
| Vehicle | Seats | One way (245 km) | Round trip (490 km, 1 day) | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire or Similar Compact Sedan | 4 People | ₹4,075 ₹15/km | ₹6,280 | Book |
| Toyota Etios Premium Sedan | 4 People | ₹4,320 ₹16/km | ₹6,770 | Book |
| Maruti Ertiga or Similar Compact SUV | 6 People | ₹5,400 ₹20/km | ₹8,240 | Book |
| Toyota Innova Premium SUV | 7 People | ₹5,890 ₹22/km | ₹8,730 | Book |
| Toyota Innova Crysta Luxury SUV | 7 People | ₹6,625 ₹25/km | ₹9,710 | Book |
One-way fares include fuel and driver allowance (minimum 130 km). Round-trip fares are for the same car returning to Bangalore, billed at the round-trip rate with a daily minimum. Tolls, parking and interstate permits are extra where they apply. Tempo Travellers, Urbania and mini buses are available for round trips.
Coorg gets the crowds, but Chikmagalur offers something a little different: higher peaks, more dramatic treks and a network of quiet estates spread across the Baba Budangiri range and the Mudigere and Kalasa valleys. It is close enough for a two-night weekend and varied enough for a week.
Most drivers leave the city through Tumakuru Road and Nelamangala, then follow NH 75 through Kunigal and Channarayapatna to Hassan. From Hassan, a state road climbs about 60 km to Chikmagalur town. Some drivers prefer a slightly different approach via Belur, which adds the Chennakeshava temple to the trip. Breakfast is usually taken on NH 75, where there are many good highway restaurants.
If your estate is in Mudigere, Kottigehara or Kalasa, the final leg branches off before Chikmagalur town and takes extra time on smaller hill roads. Share your property's location and we will plan accordingly.
The highest peak in Karnataka, reached by a narrow road to a parking area and then a flight of steps to the summit temple. Go early for clear views. On busy weekends, the authorities have at times regulated the number of vehicles allowed up, so your driver will check before setting out.
Further along the same ridge, with a shrine revered by both Hindus and Muslims and the Manikyadhara falls nearby.
A forest department trek through grasslands in the Kudremukh National Park, with entry controlled through permits and limited daily numbers. It is a long drive from Chikmagalur town, so stay in the Kalasa area if you plan to do it.
The old royal hill retreat, with gardens, sunset viewpoints and a jeep track down to Hebbe Falls.
Not everyone comes to trek. The Bhadra reservoir offers peaceful boat rides and birdlife, and the Bhadra Tiger Reserve has forest department safaris. Ayyanakere, a centuries-old lake at the foot of the Sakharayapatna hills, is lovely at sunrise. The Veeranarayana temple at Belavadi, a lesser-known Hoysala gem, makes a fine stop on the way.
Since Chikmagalur's highlights are spread over a large area, most travellers keep the car for the weekend. A typical plan: Saturday morning departure and estate check-in by lunch; Sunday sunrise at Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri and Kemmangundi; Monday morning coffee estate walk and a relaxed drive home via Belur. The driver's stay and allowance are covered in round-trip pricing, and most homestays provide drivers' rooms.
Sedans are fine for the highway and the main roads to town and Mullayanagiri. For estates with steep, unpaved driveways, an Ertiga, Innova or Innova Crysta is safer and more comfortable, particularly in the monsoon. Trekking groups and office teams often book a Tempo Traveller 12+1 or Force Urbania; remote estate roads may need a jeep transfer for the last stretch.
October to February is the busiest time, with crisp mornings and clear views. March and April bring the coffee blossom. The monsoon from June to September is spectacular but very wet, with leeches on the trails and some treks closed. Book estates early for long weekends.
Fuel and the driver allowance are covered. Tolls on NH 75, parking at viewpoints and any jeep hire for places like Hebbe Falls are extra. Our team is reachable round the clock on +91 99725 37722 if plans change mid-trip.
A village with the Veeranarayana temple, a lesser-visited Hoysala monument near Chikmagalur.
Karnataka's highest peak, with a summit temple reached by steps from the parking area.
A large reservoir and tiger reserve east of Chikmagalur with boat rides and safaris.
A centuries-old lake near Sakharayapatna, known for sunrise views.
A national park with rolling grasslands and a popular permit-controlled trek.
About five to five and a half hours for roughly 245 km. Estates in Mudigere or Kalasa take longer to reach.
Yes. Book a round trip and the same driver stays and takes you around Chikmagalur. Most homestays provide accommodation for drivers.
It is possible if you stay near Kalasa. Treks need forest department permits and have daily limits, so book them in advance.
Many estates are accessible by sedan, but some have steep, rough driveways. Share the property location and we will recommend the right vehicle.
October to February for clear weather and treks, March to April for coffee blossom, and June to September for the monsoon scenery.
Talk to our travel desk for a quote, extra stops or a bigger vehicle. We answer 24/7.
Call +91 99725 37722WhatsApp us