Chikmagalur district, in the state of Karnataka, is a picturesque town. Surrounded by hills, valleys, streams and rivers, the district is an ideal place for nature lovers.
Location of Chikmagalur District
Chikmagalur district is located in the Indian state of Karnataka. The district is situated between 12 degrees 54 minutes and 13 degrees 53 minutes north latitude and between 75 degrees 4 minutes and 76 degrees 21minutes east longitude. Its greatest length from east to west is about 138.4 kilometres and from north to south 88.5 kilometres. Covering an area of approximately 13.2 sq. km, the district is laced with Shimoga district in the north, Udupi district in the west Chitradurga and Tumkur districts in the east and Hassan district in the south. It is situated in the South-Western part of Karnataka, surrounded by the Baba Budan Hills and dense forests. It is the place where coffee was first cultivated.
History of Chikmagalur District
Chikmagalur district gets its name from its headquarters of Chikamagalur. History records that the Hoysala rulers ruled this place. It is also referred as Chikkamagaluru by some, which signifies "the town of the younger daughter" in the local Kannada language. Legend has it that the town was presented to the younger daughter of Rukmangada as dowry. Rukmangada was the renowned ruler of `Sakrepatna`. Hiremagalur, a portion of this town, was presented to the elder daughter of the same king.
Geography of Chikmagalur District
It is a rural district covered with lofty peaks and the birthplace of a number of rivers. They are: the Bhadra River, Tunga River, Hemavati River, Netravathi and Vedavati. The Chikmagalur district is surrounded by the Baba Budan Hills and dense forests. The district enjoys a very pleasant and soothing climate. The average record of rainfall is 121 cm. In fact, June to August is the monsoon season when temperature varies between 10 degrees Celsius- 23 degrees Celsius. Summer starts from March and continues till May. During that period temperature ranges from 17 degrees Celsius - 34 degrees Celsius. Average temperature in winter is 12 degrees Celsius - 29 degrees Celsius. October to January constitutes the winter months in Chikmagalur.
Economy of Chikmagalur District
Agriculture is the primary occupation of the people and sustains the economy of the district. Black, red and gravel soil cover the district and the major crops grown here are rice, ragi, black gram and red gram, oil seeds like groundnut, sunflower, castor and commercial crops like pepper, sugarcane, tobacco and cashew nuts. The district is famous for the cultivation of coffee. The district has an average performance with regard to industrial activities. One of the major iron ore companies in Asia is located at Kudremukh and is the only large-scale industry in the district. The district has two Industrial Estates- one located near Chikmagalur town and the other near Birur in Kadur Taluka.
Tourism in Chikmagalur district
There are a number of places of tourist interest located in and around Chikmagalur district. Chikkamagaluru district is well known for its temples built by the ancient rulers of this place. Kodandarama Temple combines Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture. There is also a Parashuram Temple and a Kali shrine. A cave associated with Nirvanaswami is situated 44 km northeast of Chikmagalur. It is visited by scores of pilgrims. The Belavadi town is famous for the temple of Veeranarayana. Amritheshwara temple in Amritapura, 67 Km. north of Chikmagalur also reflects the Hoysala style of architecture. Suggi habba is a famous harvest festival.
The district also abounds in natural beauty. The Kudremukh National Park and the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary are other places of attraction in the district. The scenic beauty of the district with sparkling streams, lofty peaks and cascading waterfalls is a real treat for the eyes. The Kemmangudi hill station here remains cool even during the summers and is worth visiting. Mullayanagiri peak is the tallest peak in Karnataka and is famous for watching sunsets. The Kallathigiri Falls, Hebbe Falls, the Kadambi Falls and the Shanti falls are some of waterfalls, which attract a lot of visitors.
