Experiences

If you’re bored of travelling to mainstream destinations or staying in extravagant hotels while travelling, give that a backseat and opt for camping in Chikmagalur instead. This well-known Karnataka hill station is a realm of tranquility and ideal for camping because of a plethora of lush green trails, scenic waterfalls, coffee plantations, and the mighty western ghat Mountains. Camping here is the best way to stay connected and close to nature while having a rugged outdoorsy experience with your buddies, or even when you’re travelling solo.

The best part about the Chikmagalur camping experience is that your comfortable and cozy tents are enveloped by a blanket of greenery in the form of aromatic coffee gardens. And most campsites provide a mountain view too. Along with the camping, stargazing and bonfire experiences, you’ll also have the opportunity to indulge in indoor and outdoor activities like hiking, ziplining, swimming, volleyball, cricket, fun games, and deliciously prepared local meals. Based on your budget, you can choose the best tent equipped with all the amenities for yourself.

However, there are quite a few options available and to give you an idea about the best, we’ve curated a list of the best camping sites in and around Chikmagalur to make your camping experience worthwhile. Bookmark ‘em all!

People Also Ask About Camping in Chikmagalur

Which are the best sites for camping in Chikmagalur?

1. Japavathi River Camp: Surrounded by the western ghats, Japavathi River Camp has coffee bushes on one side, and the Japavathi river flowing on the other. Located 4,000 feet above sea level, between Sakleshpur and Chikmagalur, this campsite offers scenic surprises, valleys, streams, and a whole lot of adventure activities like mud volleyball, waterfall visits, sightseeing, and trekking. The tents are comfortable, and the food’s freshly home-cooked and inspired by the Malnad cuisine, and there’s unlimited south Indian coffee at your disposal.

Location: Devarunda - Jannapura Rd, Dist, Devarunda, Karnataka- 573134
Price: INR 2,200 per person per night, inclusive of all meals, activities, and campfire.
Amenities:
24/7 Help Desk and Emergency Services
Home-cooked food
Bonfire
Adventure activities and Sightseeing provided
In-house shop selling homemade wine, black pepper, coffee powder, and fig jam

2. Bhagavathi Nature Camp: This one’s a popular spot for camping in Chikmagalur. Located inside the Kudremukh National Park, it provides tented cottages, wooden cottages, and dormitories. This campsite is also the starting point of many treks and hikes, offers adventurous jeep safari rides in the national park, and bird watching. The tents are comfortable, neat, and hygienic, the food is homemade and local, and you will have a fun and memorable time around the warm bonfire, under the starlit sky.
This campsite is located in a no-network zone, and this is specifically to encourage you to go on a digital detox and just unwind amidst nature while you’re there.

Location: Kudremukh, Kudremukh National Park, Chikmagalur, Karnataka- 577101
Price: INR 2,000 per person per night, inclusive of meals
Amenities:
24/7 First Aid & Emergency Services
Indoor and outdoor activities
Bonfire
Fresh meals
Jeep Safari rides inside the National Park

3. Rangers Camp: Situated on the foothills of Kemmanagundi mountain range, with a forest cover that has cashew and teak trees, Rangers Camp is a perfect Chikmagalur camping spot. Stay inside cozy and clean tents, indulge in various activities, and enjoy the warmth of the bonfire and gaze at the stars while having conversations with your tribe. They have a swimming pool, offer games like table tennis, carrom, a private lake for boating, and bird watching.
They’ve also got hammocks at the campsite, so you can rejuvenate while reading your favorite book, or just casually swing on the hammocks. Various hikes, trails, and waterfalls are also accessible from the campsite.

Location: Ballavara, Tarikere Taluk, Kemmanagundi Road, Karnataka 577129
Price: INR 1,500 onward (check for their various meal packages)
Amenities
24/7 Emergency Services
Private lake with boating
Indoor/Outdoor adventure activities
Swimming Pool
Hammocks
Freshly prepped meals

4. Bhadra Nature Camp: If you’re looking to have a rustic and rugged Chikmagalur camping experience, Bhadra Nature Camp will be your jam. The Bhadra river flows on one side of the campsite, and it is surrounded by coffee plantations on the other side. So naturally, the scenic beauty of the Bhadra Nature Cap is top-notch. They have the usual small tents, plus the bigger dome-style tents, as well as cozy cottages with private bathrooms.
You can go swimming at the Bhadra river, explore the nearby forest trails, go fishing or on a coracle ride, bird watching, and come back to the campsite to enjoy the bonfire in the evenings.

Location: Kadabgere, Chikamagalur, Karnataka - 577101
Price: INR 2,000 onward per person per night (inclusive of meals and activities)
Amenities:
24/7 Emergency Services
Swimming in Bhadra River
Forest Trails
Hygienic and fresh homemade food
Bonfire
Indoor/Outdoor Activities

5. Camp Alpha: Camping in Chikmagalur will be pretty bland if you don’t book your stay with Camp Alpha at least once. This unique campsite is located amidst the heritage coffee plantations and the beautiful silver oak trees. They have deluxe tents with regal king and queen-sized double beds inside. You will literally feel like you’re in a hotel room, surrounded by wilderness, as Camp Alpha is a modern and more luxurious take on camping.
Enjoy a comfy stay, plus games like volleyball, badminton, cricket, football, Jenga, treasure hunt, cards, and more. They also arrange for coffee estate walks for you. Your stay will be inclusive of all meals and activities and you can choose from various plans and packages. If you’re looking for a therapeutic and homely retreat, look no further than Camp Alpha. You can also pitch your own tents on their property at nominal prices.

Location: Lourdes Estate, Kuduvalli, Aldur, Chikmagalur, Karnataka- 577111
Price: INR 1,599 onward
Amenities:
Complimentary breakfast (for select packages)
Bonfire
First-Aid Services
Kitchenette facility
Fresh Meals
Friendly housekeeping
Power backup
24/7 Hot water

6. Tusker Valley: Tusker Valley is a part of a camp organizing venture called Let’s Hit The Road, and offers scenic river view tents. Stay amidst the woods and coffee plantations, inside their Stingray Hanging tents, which are basically suspended in the air. If you’re afraid of insects and mud that comes with camping on the ground, they can arrange this for you. Hanging tents aren’t just convenient for your OCDs, but also enhance the thrill of camping.
Their campsite offers an A La Carte as well as a package menu that comprises local delicacies. They’ll take you swimming in their private stream, arrange for bonfire nights with music, indoor games like chess and carrom, outdoor games like mud volleyball, and activities like kayaking and zip-lining. And that’s not it, they also provide barbeque facilities at the campsite. Your camping in Chikmagalur experience will be more thrilling with them.

Location: No. 6 and 7, Jedigadde Village, Hethur Hobli, Sakleshpur Taluk, Hassan District, Karnataka- 573123
Price: INR 1,900 per person per night, inclusive of meals and activities (they have several packages to choose from)
Amenities:
Plantation trek/hike
Indoor/Outdoor games
Bonfire & BBQ facilities
First Aid
Homemade Meals
24/7 help desk
Raindance with music.
What is the best time for camping in Chikmagalur?

South India is pretty hot and humid during the summer season. So going there between September and mid-March is a good idea. The weather is pleasant for you to camp and engage in fun activities with your friends. Monsoons are a good time too if you want to experience lush greenery.
Why is Camping in Chikmagalur so famous?

Chikmagalur lies in the Malnad region of Karnataka and is covered with lush green forests, aromatic coffee plantations, natural waterfalls, streams, and rivers. Chikmagalur and its neighboring areas have great scenic spots and empty spaces that are ideal for experiencing the camping life. Nature’s beauty in abundance makes this town perfect for camping.
What activities can we do while Camping in Chikmagalur?

All the camping sites provide indoor and outdoor activities along with stay, and some of these include:

-Mud volleyball
-Table tennis
-Carrom
-Bonfire
-Barbecue
-Ziplining
-Kayaking
-Swimming
-Trekking
-Coffee estate tours
What are the essential things to carry while camping in Chikmagalur?

Camping is a rugged experience in general, so make sure that you have essentials like:
-Sunscreen
-Mosquito-repellent gels
-Sunglasses
-A personal first aid kit
-Torch
-Sturdy shoes
-Raincoat as the weather might be unpredictable
-Toiletries.
Is monsoon a good time for camping in Chikmagalur?

Monsoons, even though slightly risky, are a great time to go camping in Chikmagalur. Everything becomes green and fresh and pleasant. Monsoon treks are a lot of fun if you don’t mind the muck while hiking. Be prepped with monsoon essentials like raincoats, gumboots, etc., and you should be good to go.

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Chikmagalur Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Chikmagalur

Explore Chikmagalur

Kudremukh National Park

Get ready to feast your eyes with the charm of wild and natural beauty at Kudremukh National Park. This place is notable as one of the most visited Chikmagalur tourist places and offers a refreshing getaway. It is appreciated for its scenic splendor and houses some of the most gorgeous flora and fauna in the state of Karnataka. The word Kudremukh means a horse face and gives the name to the peak located in this park which is often hailed as a thrilling trekking place. Kudremukh National Park is a delight for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure lovers who wish to escape the worries of life in the most wonderful surroundings. This place is nestled between beautiful tea and coffee plantations and offers a rejuvenating trip in the midst of mesmerising wilderness and it is also one of the famous stops while trekking to Kudremukh Peak.

Mullayanagiri

Situated at a distance of 20 km and 23 km respectively from Chikmagalur and Baba Budangiri, Mullayanagiri is Karnataka’s highest peak with an altitude of 1950 meters. There’s a small temple located on the topmost summit of this Mullayanagiri peak within which you have a small statue of Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy.According to the regional mythology, Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy observed meditation for years at the cave on top of the Mullayanagiri peak.This is the reason why the peak got its present identity. The old Kannada literature, however, relates the term ‘Mullai’ to the forests. The caves at the top of the Mullayanagiri hills are not so deep and has an entrance which directly leads you to the temple’s garbhagudi.Adventure buffs have a lot of things to do here as the destination serves as a hub for trekking, mountain biking, and road biking. Nestling amidst the Nilgiris and the mighty Himalayas, the panoramic beauty of Mullayanagiri is astounding. This is what makes the Mullayanagiri peaks as one of the most appealing destinations for intermediate trekkers.The trekking route to the topmost summit of Mullayanagiri starts from Sarpadhari which extends up to 3 km. It is relatively steep; yet you can easily cover the distance within 1.5 hours.There’s a Nandi statue, small streams, and a cave with a small water source to adore on your way. As there are no food or water reserves, you need to carry enough of them with you. Otherwise, you need to hold on your hunger and thirst until you reach the Lord Shiva temple located at the top. Must Checkout: Chikmagalur Tour Packages

Baba Budangiri

Bababudangiri is an amazing trek in the mountains of Chikmagalur, located at a distance of 250 km from Bangalore, making it ideal for a weekend getaway. Starting on the hiking trail from Sarpadhari (alternatively from Attinagundi), you can see the peaks of Budangiri (1895 m) and Mullayanagiri (1930 m) looming at a distance. Together, the two mountains appear like a crescent moon, therefore known as the Chandra Drona Range. Trekking enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to on the Budangiri hike. Trails snake through dark forests of shola trees, occasional moraine-filled rocky stretches, and miles of serene green grasslands on the rolling hills. Come on this trek to take in all the spectacular vistas of the enclosing slopes of the Nilgiri Hills, try your luck at spotting wildlife when crossing through the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, and test your stamina at negotiating a few steep inclines. Some of the highlights on this trek are- walking on the Blade Ridge on the way to Mullayanagiri, camping and campfire in the forest clearings, ancient cave explorations, and stunning hillscape photography from several viewpoints along the way. Blooming of the kurinji flowers in the low lying slopes of the Nilgiris is a rare seasonal attraction in these parts of the hills.The flowers blossom at an interval of every 12 years, cloaking the entire vicinity in shades of blue, giving the Nilgiri hills its name! The Budangiri mountain is also an important pilgrimage for Hindus and Muslims for the legacy of the Sufi saint Baba Budan and the hindu deity Dattatreya.Also Checkout: Honeymoon Places in Chikmagalur

Places To Visit In Chikmagalur

More Chikmagalur Attractions

Hebbe Falls, chikmagalur Kemmangundi, chikmagalur Kallathigiri Falls, chikmagalur Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, chikmagalur Hirekolale Lake, chikmagalur Bhadra Dam, chikmagalur Coffee Museum, chikmagalur Jhari Falls, chikmagalur Kodandarama Temple, chikmagalur Z Point, chikmagalur Manikyadhara Falls, chikmagalur Annapurneshwari Temple, chikmagalur Belur, chikmagalur Doddabale Siddaragudda Peak, chikmagalur Ballalarayana Durga Fort, chikmagalur Sringeri Sharada Peetha, chikmagalur Sharadamba Temple, chikmagalur

Chikmagalur Camping Reviews

21 August 2019

Devang Sanghrajka Riverside Camping in Sakleshpur, Chikmagalur | Get 20% off

Excellent

The drive to the location is scenic and if you love driving, then it is a double-treat. We reached around 2 PM in the afternoon last weekend and yes, it was raining but intermittently. We enjoyed the rainy weather a lot. Kids had an absolutely wonderful experience with some of the activities on site like playing in the slushy mud, rain dance, and of course we spend a good amount of time in the water stream that passes around this camping site. No, it's not a river... it is a big water stream that flows from the hills around the site. The staff is extremely helpful, and Aditya who manages the site is a great person. He can also talk in Hindi and English fluently, not just Kannada. So, you will never have to worry about communication issues. The food was super delicious all through lunch, dinner and breakfast... served hot. In fact, when we arrived at the site we were the only guests there and that earned us brownie points in specifying the menu for both lunch and dinner. We did not stay in the tents that were available as we had two kids who were less than five years old and didn't want the weather to affect their health. Next time for sure though. The cottages were well-maintained and we stayed in one of them. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking with the stream flowing right in front of the cottages. Overall, a fantastic place to unwind and relax... and have fun with the various activities. A big thank you to the staff for making our stay a memorable one. I for one would surely like to revisit this place and stay for more than a day. And, in the rainy season! Cheers!

Deepti Hegde Exclusive Hilltop Heritage Homestay, Chikmagalur

Excellent

This homestay is at the top of the hill and a maximum of 12-15 people can be accommodated at a time . You feel at one with nature and can sit watching the hills for ever . The couple who host this place are very warm and make you feel at home. Extremely clean and tasty food add to the experience. I would love to go back and recommend this to any one who wants a calm get away with their family and friends.

Debojit Camping in Sakleshpur | Book @ ₹1350 & Save Upto 28%

Excellent

A secluded home stay in the middle of jungle and mountains with little to no connectivity to the city. The jeep ride from hanbal to the spot is hell of a journey, you’ll remember forever. The view point from the spot is amazing and out of the world. However, beware of leeches if you’re going in monsoons. It’s a perfect weekend gateway if you want to relax with your family and friends.

Shashank Shekhar Exclusive Hilltop Heritage Homestay, Chikmagalur

Excellent

"Amazing place. But the 5 star is specifically meant for the extremely courteous staff. Really loved it. "

Indrajit Das Exclusive Hilltop Heritage Homestay, Chikmagalur

Excellent

"The place is awesome. Its a nice homestay with nice people, the owner himself is so humble that you can't make out that he is the owner. In this budget you can't expect more, in this monsoon the place is a delight to be experienced. Now few things to know before you come here,\n\n1. Its actually in Mudegere, a village which is at the hill top, not in the heart of Chikamagalur. \n\n2. The road to the homestay is very curvy and narrow, in Google map you try to search Girisiri Homestay, Aramane, get the location and from there its 2 Kms up. The homestay is called Bomrukallu, but it won't show up in map, you can ask the local people if you find any.\n\n3. Only Airtel worked, no jio, Vodafone. You won't find any network there.\n\n4. it's only one night stay, 2 days one night means 24 hrs.\n\n5. If you like having snacks in room, better to get them early coz you won't get anything there in the hill top.\n\n6. Please get all your daily products for your daily use, because it's not a hotel that will provide you everything. They are normal people and welcome you normally. Its a simple room which they will be providing.\n\n7. Its a first come first serve system, means they have 4 rooms and whoever goes first gets the best room, I am saying this because there are two rooms which has a shared bathroom. But yaa, you have a huge dining area and sofa set there. Rooms are having 3 beds, so if you have a big family, 4- 5 person can easily use them, sufficient pillows are there. Couple can use only one bed and use the other beds as a dumping spot.\n\n8. If you have an idea to book ? tent, please throw it out at once. Because you will be highly disappointed. The tents are there, but it's not in the Forrest, the tents are there where they also park there car most of the time.. Yaa and it's in the ground, of course you will get pillows and matress but litches can be your partner while it's dark. I think you got the Idea.\n\n9. Food is fine, but who will come here to have food, Its the nature which is important. Nature is so amazing that you will not waste any time sleeping or just sitting inside the room. Its a buffet what they will serve, and both veg and non-veg will be there. Omlete and rotis are easy to get. The food is like Ghar Ka Khana.\n\n10. They will provide a guide to show you the falls and the valley, don't dare to miss it. It is going to be one heck of an experience. You will love it. Parking can be a problem there, so please check the place carefully before you park, coz you have to come back using the same road. Don't try much reverse thingy because there will be no one to help you out in the jungle. \n\n11. Please get your football, badminton rackets and playing cards if you love to play because they have a shortage of it and there is a big lawn available for your use. \n\n12. Mosquito, I couldn't find one but suggest you to take a repellent and coil or liquid or something, coz they won't provide you that.\n\n13. Free evening snacks and bonfire, you will love it. Tea and coffee whenever you ask, actually you don't have to. They are already pretty humble.\n\n\nHugh.. That's a lot of information. Hope you guys got the idea. I will be giving few pics, you can get to know it more. Lastly this is a nice place to visit, you will enjoy it for sure... Thanks for reading..\n"

22 March 2021

Vineet Vijay Riverside Camping in Sakleshpur, Chikmagalur | Get 20% off

Superb

The campaign was great and the activities were sorted out. We went on a Thursday which ensured that we had the whole place to us and hence we were more at peace. The food can be improved.

01 January 2021

kumars.nitin Riverside Camping in Sakleshpur, Chikmagalur | Get 20% off

Superb

I have to give 4 star just because the place . One the most amazing place to stay. It is literally near a mountain river. Kayaing was amazing. Night stay in camp was perfect, you can also choose to stay in room, but trust me camp is perfect. Washroom was common but was clean. Bonfire experience is also magical. Now the one start i deducted because of thrillophilia. Before booking they will take care of all you queries and everything. As you know you won't know the location before booking, so booked it. I got confirmation and all got the contact information but they was not reachable. I tried calling thrillophilia multiple times after booking to let me know about the exact location and also poc. But till finally i got the details when I was about to reach I had to wait for 1hr on the road to get the details as in where to go.

Dhanadeepa Gandhi Exclusive Hilltop Heritage Homestay, Chikmagalur

Excellent

Easily accesible stay in Chikmagalur, we got the stay package at an amazing offer. We were served authentic south Indian food which was very delicious. Also, the package was inclusive of alot of activties but Mud Volleyball happen to be our favourite out of all. We really enjoy the experience. Thank you Thrillophila for amazing deal and the host for such an amazing welcome.

teja teja Camping in Sakleshpur | Book @ ₹1350 & Save Upto 28%

Excellent

"very nice place to chill , very friendly host and an thrilled ride on Jeep"

Gyan Dash Riverside Camping in Sakleshpur, Chikmagalur | Get 20% off

Excellent

Very nice camping experience with in the river side. Organisers are friendly. Food is really awesome. Campfire with music. Kayaking on lake. Carrom. Cricket. Volley. Rain dance. And other games are available. You can go for trekking in morning. They keep toilets clean but it’s common for all so waiting time is little worry.