Today, Chikmagalur is one of the highest producers of coffee in the country, and the lifestyle and culture of Chikmagalur has evolved around this agrarian aspect. The hill station is rife with cafes, exclusive shops selling coffee, homestays amid coffee plantations, and luxury resorts that promise an exceptional experience of the coffee culture in Chikmagalur. In places like The Serai, Chikmagalur, you can experience plantation walks, coffee picking, village tours and local culinary sessions, and have a deeper insight into the culture of the place. As of today, Chikmagalur also has a coffee museum where connoisseurs can find a lot of valuable information surrounding your cup of joe!
A major amount of the population of Chikmagalur earn their livelihood through the coffee plantation, directly as well as indirectly. While many are employed at the estates, others work at the homestays, hotels and luxury resorts in Chikmagalur, which is another important part of the town’s economy. Tourists come to the hill station to unwind, trek, experience the estate life and learn about the history of Chikmagalur and its coffee culture.
Apart from coffee estates, Chikmagalur is dotted with hills, waterfalls, rivers and streams, which are perfect for adventure activities and picnics. The history of Chikmagalur has its roots in the Hoysala dynasty. It is said that rulers of the Hoysyla spent their early days here, and it was during their time between 1173 – 1220 CE that the famous Amrutheshwara Temple was built.
