Chikmagalur has played host to an event, thanks to which, countless Indians wake up to brighter mornings. Centuries ago, when the Sufi mystic Baba Budan smuggled seven coffee beans from Yemen into India, he probably didn't bargain for millions of coffee junkies unwittingly blessing his soul everyday, with every sip of their coffee. Chikmagalur, whose hills nurtured the coffee culture at its bosom, is a green slice of heaven on a permanent coffee high.
Rambling hills, pristine pools, fascinating nooks and crannies complete with a shrine, intriguing caves, lush mists and dreamy woods make the geography of Chikmagalur. The journey to the highest peak in Karnataka is so engaging that one forgets to be scared - when there is reason to be afraid, very afraid. The roads are tricky, yes, but getting to the top is worth the while. Just like the 10 km trek to the gorgeous Habbe Falls is - it's almost impossible by vehicle and is inaccessible in the monsoons. Despite all that coffee, Chikmagalur is far from a gracious host. You need to work hard to win her affections. Well, its not for nothing Chikmagalur was a princess' dowry. When King Rugmagada Raya's younger daughter was given away in marriage, she brought with her this pretty portion of the Western Ghats as her dowry, thus giving the place its name - Chikka-magal-uru or Younger Daughter's Village. Long treks, safaris and breathing plenty of fresh, coffee-scented air - Chikmagalur makes you feel so good that you want to throw your arms around the world.
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