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Chikmagalur is where coffee came to India, and the road past our gate is the one that climbs into it. Here is what is worth the drive.
Distances below are marked to confirm — we will pin the exact figures from the gate shortly.
The summit of the Western Ghats in this state, with a small Shiva temple at the top and a ridge walk that drops away on both sides. Drive up as far as the steps and climb the rest. Go early — by mid-morning the cloud often closes in.
From the lodge: approx. __ km
A brightly painted hill temple on the road between Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri, ringed by grassland and, in season, thick mist. Worth stopping for even if you are only driving past.
From the lodge: approx. __ km
Water falls in a fine spray off a rock face near the Baba Budan dargah, and pilgrims stand under it for the blessing. There is a short walk down past stalls selling tea, honey and woollen caps.
From the lodge: approx. __ km
A reservoir held in a bowl of hills with a small gazebo out on the water. It is the sunset spot of Chikmagalur — twenty minutes before the sun goes down is when to be there.
From the lodge: approx. __ km
A wide, quiet lake at the foot of the Baba Budangiri range, far less visited than Hirekolale. Good for a slow morning, a flask of coffee and birds on the far bank.
From the lodge: approx. __ km
Mallandur Road climbs out of Indavara through coffee and into open grassland. The viewpoints on the way up — railings, a tea stall, a hundred kilometres of ridge line — are half the reason to come.
From the lodge: approx. __ km
Ask at the desk and we will tell you which of these is best on the day — some are wonderful in the monsoon and dusty in April, and some are the other way round.
Sleep at the bottom of the hill, start early, and be on the ridge before the cloud comes in.