Chikmagalur, is located 240 km from the state capital of Bangalore and is surrounded by the Baba Budan hills. The town is known for its peaceful environment and picturesque valleys, streams and the coffee plantations with their white blossoms. Chikmagalur is a trekker's delight, with its rugged mountain trails.
The Baba Budangiri hills are named after the Muslim saint, Baba Budan, who lived here in the 17th century. The Baba Budan Shrine is revered by both the Hindus and Muslims. A complex of three caves can be found here, believed to have been sanctified by 3 revered siddhas whose icons and 'gaddinges' (tombs) are located in the caves.
Sightseeing here includes the Veeranarayana temple which is a supreme example of Hoysala temple architecture. Thesprawling coffee plantations that dot the landscape of this hill station. Chikmagalua is a major coffee producing hub and has a number of coffee curing facilities where t raw coffee is dried, shelled, winnowed, graded and packed. When coffee bushes blossom in April, the whole area is filled with the exquisite fragrance of the brilliant white flowers. The Central Coffee Research Institute is located in this district.