Chikkamagallooru (also known as Chikmagalur) is a town located in the Chikkamagallooru district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Located in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range, Chikkamagallooru is famous for its environment, the lush green forests and tall mountains. Chikkamagallooru is also famous for coffee and is known as the ‘coffee land’ of Karnataka. It is one of the largest producers of coffee in India. National Highway 173 (India) passes through the city. It is 250 km from the state capital Bangalore.
History:-
Chikkamagallooru district was called Kadur district until 1947. Chikkamagallooru takes its name from the word “Chikkamagalla Ooru” which translates to “younger daughter’s town” in the Kannada language. It is said to have been given as a dowry to the youngest daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna (now in Kadur taluk of Chikkamagallooru District). Another part of the town, bestowed on the elder daughter, is known as Hiremagallooru, but this is now a locality in Chikkamagallooru. Some old inscriptions reveal that these two places were known as Kiriya-muguli and Piriya-muguli (Muguli in Nadugannada translates to “flower”). In a fertile valley south of the Baba–Budan hill range is the headquarters town of the district.
Geography and Climate:-
Chikkamagallooru city belongs to the Mallenadu region of Karnataka. The city is situated in the Deccan Plateau. The Western Ghats start from just outside the city. In the north east direction are a group of hillocks, where the new Lakya bridge is situated. Chikkamagallooru is at an elevation of 1,090 meters (3,400 feet) above mean sea level. The Yagachi River has its source near the city. It flows in the south-easterly direction and unites with the Kaveri river.
Chikkamagallooru generally has a moderate to cool climate. The temperature of the city varies from 11-20 °C during winter to 25-32 °C during summer.
| Climate data for Chikmagalur | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high °C (°F) | 27 (81) |
29 (84) |
31.6 (88.9) |
31.5 (88.7) |
29.8 (85.6) |
25.2 (77.4) |
22.6 (72.7) |
23.2 (73.8) |
24.3 (75.7) |
26.2 (79.2) |
25.8 (78.4) |
25.5 (77.9) |
26.81 (80.28) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 13.7 (56.7) |
15.2 (59.4) |
17.2 (63) |
18.1 (64.6) |
19.1 (66.4) |
18.4 (65.1) |
18.1 (64.6) |
18 (64) |
17.6 (63.7) |
17 (63) |
15.9 (60.6) |
14.1 (57.4) |
16.87 (62.38) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 2 (0.08) |
4 (0.16) |
13 (0.51) |
61 (2.4) |
112 (4.41) |
127 (5) |
226 (8.9) |
132 (5.2) |
104 (4.09) |
154 (6.06) |
59 (2.32) |
12 (0.47) |
1,006 (39.6) |
Demographics:-
As of 2011 India census, Chikkamagallooru had a population of 118,496. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Chikkamagallooru has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%, with male literacy of 80% and female literacy of 73%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Tourism:-
Chikkamagallooru is growing as the new tourist hub of Karnataka. Due to its vicinity to the state capital Bangalore and some other cities like Hassan, Shimoga, Chitradurga and Mangalore and its cool climate, tourists flock into the city during weekends to visit various places throughout the district.
Mahatama Gandhi Park, also known as Rathnagiri Bore, is a famous tourist spot located to the north of the town. The nature park along with the site of ‘Mullayanagiri’ in the back drop was previously an open forest. The park was later converted into a beautiful garden, designed with pavements and lawns. The park has a wide suite of contrasting hued flowers and ornamental plants. Among other attractions of the park are the lotus pond and a child-cross bridge. Besides, Nehru Rose Garden to the left of the garden towards the amphitheater features over 250 varieties of rose plants. The amphitheater at the park hosts art, music and cultural events throughout the year. To cater to nature lovers, there is a greenhouse within the garden housing over 300 floral species. Furthermore, there is a telescopic view point, from where tourists can view the contours of the Baba Budan Giri mountain range. A kilometer-long ride of the Ratnagiri Toy Train at the park is a famous recreational activity for visitors.