The Perfect 2 Day Chikmagalur Itinerary
A 2 day Chikmagalur itinerary is the sweet spot for most travellers — long enough to do the highlights without rushing, short enough for a Friday-night-to-Sunday-night weekend escape from Bangalore, Mysore or Mangalore. This plan covers Mullayanagiri sunrise, Baba Budangiri, Hebbe Falls, Kemmanagundi, a coffee estate walk and Hirekolale Lake sunset, with realistic timings, costs, and a packing list — built from running this exact route 200+ times for our travellers.
Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Cost
₹3,500 – ₹6,200 pp
Places covered
8 destinations
Best months
Oct – Mar
Peaks, Coffee & Sunset
Drive to Mullayanagiri
Leave town in darkness — 26 km, 45 min drive
Mullayanagiri sunrise
Karnataka's highest peak (1,930 m). 450-step climb. Visit Mullappa temple at the summit.
Breakfast at base
Try the local kal dosa or akki rotti at the parking-side stalls
Baba Budangiri
Sacred Sufi-Hindu cave dargah. Manikyadhara Falls right next to it.
Lunch in Chikmagalur town
Malnad thali at Town Canteen or Hotel Mayura
Coffee estate tour
Plantation walk, bean-roasting demo, fresh filter coffee tasting
Hirekolale Lake sunset
Best sunset spot near town — Mullayanagiri silhouette across the water
Dinner + estate homestay
Stay in a coffee plantation cottage 5–10 km from town
Waterfalls & Hill Station
Drive to Kemmanagundi
55 km, 2 hr scenic ghat road. Carry breakfast — limited options en route.
Hebbe Falls jeep ride
Mandatory shared 4x4 jeep — ₹350/person. 168 ft two-tier cascade in the forest.
Lunch at Kemmanagundi
KSTDC restaurant or local tiffin centre
Kalhatti Falls + temple
Sacred 400-ft cascade beside Veerabhadra cave temple
Z Point sunset
Best viewpoint in Kemmanagundi — short walk from parking
Drive back / depart
Return to Chikmagalur or directly to Bangalore (5 hr)
2 Day Chikmagalur Trip Cost Breakdown
Per-person cost for a mid-range 2-day Chikmagalur trip (group of 4, twin-sharing).
| Coffee estate homestay (1 night, twin sharing) | ₹1,200 – ₹2,500 |
| Meals (4 — Day 1 lunch+dinner, Day 2 breakfast+lunch) | ₹600 – ₹1,000 |
| Private cab (2 days, Innova/Etios) | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 per person (group of 4) |
| Entry fees + Hebbe Falls jeep + parking | ₹500 – ₹700 |
| Coffee tasting + souvenirs | ₹200 – ₹500 |
| Total per person (mid-range) | ₹3,500 – ₹6,200 |
What to Pack for a 2 Day Chikmagalur Trip
- ✓ Light layers (warm jacket for early-morning Mullayanagiri)
- ✓ Trekking shoes with grip — wet rocks at falls
- ✓ Rain jacket (any season — Western Ghats)
- ✓ Power bank — limited charging at estate stays
- ✓ Cash ₹3,000+ — UPI patchy at remote spots
- ✓ Sunscreen, cap, basic medicines
- ✓ Quick-dry clothes for waterfall days
Want this 2-day plan handled end-to-end?
Our Weekend Escape package covers this exact itinerary with private cab, estate stay, all meals and a local guide — from ₹3,499 per person.
2 Day Chikmagalur Itinerary — FAQs
Is 2 days enough for Chikmagalur?+
Yes — a well-planned 2-day Chikmagalur itinerary covers all the major highlights: Mullayanagiri sunrise, Baba Budangiri, Hebbe Falls, Kemmanagundi Z Point, a coffee estate visit and Hirekolale Lake sunset. It's the most popular weekend duration from Bangalore.
What is the best 2-day Chikmagalur itinerary from Bangalore?+
Leave Bangalore Friday 8 PM by car or sleeper bus. Reach Chikmagalur by 1:30 AM. Day 1: Mullayanagiri sunrise, Baba Budangiri, coffee estate, Hirekolale sunset. Day 2: Hebbe Falls, Kemmanagundi, Z Point. Return by Sunday 8 PM.
How much does a 2-day Chikmagalur trip cost?+
A mid-range 2-day Chikmagalur trip costs ₹3,500–₹6,200 per person including stay, meals, private cab, all entries and the mandatory Hebbe Falls jeep ride. Group of 4+ brings cost down to the lower end.
What is the best month for a 2-day Chikmagalur itinerary?+
October to March offers the best weather — clear sunrise views at Mullayanagiri, comfortable trekking, and full waterfalls just after monsoon. December–January are the coolest and most popular.
Where should I stay during a 2-day Chikmagalur trip?+
A coffee estate homestay 5–10 km from Chikmagalur town is ideal — close enough for early-morning Mullayanagiri starts, immersive enough to feel like a true plantation getaway. Avoid staying inside Kemmanagundi unless skipping Mullayanagiri.
Can I cover Mullayanagiri and Hebbe Falls on the same day?+
Technically yes, but it's exhausting — 5+ hours of driving plus the jeep ride. Splitting across 2 days (Mullayanagiri Day 1, Hebbe Falls Day 2) is far more enjoyable and is what this itinerary recommends.
Do I need a guide for this 2-day Chikmagalur itinerary?+
For a self-drive trip, no — the routes are clearly marked and the trails are easy. For first-timers, families, or anyone wanting hassle-free logistics, a local operator handles cab, driver, jeep bookings and meals.
Is this 2-day Chikmagalur itinerary suitable for kids and seniors?+
Yes, with one tweak: replace the Mullayanagiri sunrise with a relaxed 9 AM visit. The Hebbe Falls jeep ride is a hit with children, and Hirekolale Lake + coffee estate are gentle on seniors.