Overview
Chikmagalur (also spelt Chikkamagaluru) is a town and the headquarters of Chikkamagaluru district in the state of Karnataka, India. Located in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range of the Western Ghats, the town is widely regarded as the birthplace of coffee cultivation in India and serves as an administrative, educational and tourism centre for the surrounding hill region.
Key facts
| Name | Chikmagalur (Chikkamagaluru) |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| State | Karnataka |
| District | Chikkamagaluru |
| Region | Malnad (Western Ghats) |
| Languages | Kannada (official); Tulu, Urdu and English also spoken |
| Known for | Coffee plantations, Mullayanagiri peak, hill tourism |
Etymology
The name Chikkamagaluru is derived from the Kannada words chikka (younger) and magaḷu (daughter), translating roughly to "the town of the younger daughter." Local tradition holds that the town was given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, a chieftain of Sakrepatna. A nearby settlement, Hiremagaluru, similarly takes its name as the elder daughter's town.
Geography
Chikmagalur lies on the leeward side of the Western Ghats. The district contains Mullayanagiri, which at around 1,930 metres is the highest peak in Karnataka, along with Bababudangiri and Kudremukh. The Bhadra and Tunga rivers rise in this region, and the area is characterised by dense evergreen forest, coffee estates and rolling hills. The climate is moderate, with significant rainfall during the southwest monsoon.
History
The hills around Chikmagalur are traditionally associated with the introduction of coffee to India. The Sufi saint Baba Budan is said to have brought seven coffee beans from Yemen in the 17th century and planted them on the slopes of the hill range that now bears his name, Bababudangiri. Commercial coffee cultivation expanded under colonial planters in the 19th century and remains the dominant agro-industry in the region.
The wider district has historical links with several South Indian dynasties, including the Kadambas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Keladi Nayakas and the Kingdom of Mysore. Halebidu and Belur, capitals of the Hoysala dynasty and home to important temple architecture, lie within the district.
Chikmagalur Lok Sabha constituency gained national prominence in 1978, when former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi contested and won a by-election from the seat, returning to Parliament after the 1977 general election defeat.
Economy
The economy of Chikmagalur is driven primarily by plantation agriculture, with coffee (both Arabica and Robusta) as the principal crop. Other commercially significant produce includes pepper, areca nut, cardamom and oranges. Tourism, trade and small-scale manufacturing supplement the agricultural base, and the Coffee Board of India operates research and extension activities in the region.
Tourism and landmarks
- Mullayanagiri – the highest peak in Karnataka, popular for trekking.
- Bababudangiri – a hill range and pilgrimage site associated with the saint Baba Budan and the dargah of Hazrat Dada Hayat Mir Khalandar.
- Kemmangundi – a hill station developed as a summer retreat by the Mysore royal family.
- Kudremukh National Park – a protected area known for shola forests and wildlife.
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary – a tiger reserve along the Bhadra river.
- Hebbe Falls, Kalhatti Falls and Jhari Falls – waterfalls in the surrounding ghats.
- Belur and Halebidu – Hoysala-era temple complexes within the district.
Transport
Chikmagalur is connected by road to Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Hassan and Shivamogga via state and national highways. The nearest major railway junctions are at Kadur and Birur, with a branch line extending to Chikmagalur town. The closest airports are Mangaluru International Airport and Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.
Administration
The town functions as the administrative headquarters of Chikkamagaluru district and is governed by a city municipal council.