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Every Beach vs Mountain quiz I took ever, I chose Mountains and that’s because I’m obsessed with them. Maybe because I spent my childhood years growing up in the mountains – New Era High School in Panchgani. So around every long weekend, I open Google Maps and look for any mountain or hills to drive to. A few weeks ago we drove from Hyderabad to Chikmagalur and it was one of the better road trips I’ve done in recent times.
While there are some amazing things to do and places to visit in Chikmagalur, I’m going to start by sharing about the best sunset spots in Chikmagalur. I spent about a week there and visited a couple of spots that I absolutely fell in love with. In this post, I’ll share m experience of discovering the twilight treasures and best sunset spots in Chikmagalur.
About Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is referred to as the “Coffee Land of Karnataka“. The region boasts sprawling estates where you can witness the entire coffee-making process, from picking the ripe berries to savoring a freshly brewed cup. More about this in an upcoming blog post. The terrain is a captivating blend of rolling hills, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls.
As you drive along the curvy roads, you’ll encounter breathtaking viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of mist-covered valleys and sunset-painted skies. Chikmagalur’s charm lies in its tranquil ambiance and untouched natural beauty, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
As I mentioned earlier, I’ll be talking about finding twilight treasures and sharing the best sunset spots in Chikmagalur.
Sunset Spots in Chikmagalur
Even though I’m a sunrise chaser, I love watching sunsets. There’s just something magical about it, especially in the mountains for me. Whether it’s Ooty, Panchgani, Araku, or any other place, I just love witnessing them.
So during the first few days in Chikmagalur, days started by visiting some peaks, working during the day, and eventually visiting a couple of sunset spots around.
Ayyanakere Lake
Nestled amidst the hills on the outskirts of Chikmagalur is Ayyanakere Lake which stands as a serene oasis. It’s located in a village called Sakharayapatna and is about 18 km from Chikmagalur. This picturesque lake captivates visitors with its tranquil waters and scenic beauty. Surrounded by lush greenery, and tall mountains, it offers a perfect retreat for those seeking solace and relaxation. The calm ambiance invites you to take leisurely walks along the lakeside, breathe in the fresh air, and soak in the panoramic views and a beautiful sunset. The lakeside is relatively clean however, I feel the addition of seating options could just elevate the experience.
Ayyanakere Lake is not only a visual delight but also plays a significant role in the local community, serving as a vital water source for nearby villages and agricultural activities. Reaching the lake is easy and the road goes through many farms. However, the last stretch to the lake is tricky.
The lake is beautiful but nothing around it is well maintained. I feel the road leading up to the lake can be improved and this would make it easily accessible. If you’re staying right in the town center, you might have to drive a little to reach this lake but trust me you’ll love it.
I’ve seen so many sunsets in different places, but this one at Ayyanakere Lake was different. Maybe it was just the cool breeze, with greenery around surrounded by mountains. Worth a visit for sure.
Hirekolale Lake
Another top sunset spot in Chikmagalur is Hirekolale Lake. Compared to Ayyanakere, Hirekolale is closer to the city center. It’s located about 10 km making it a convenient and accessible destination to witness a sunset. This pristine lake offers a mesmerizing sight with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the azure skies above. Surrounded by lush greenery and embraced by towering peaks, Hirekolale Lake creates a serene and captivating ambiance. Its tranquil atmosphere is perfect for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The walk from the entrance to the lake is pretty good. You have a lake on one side while tall trees on the opposite, both underneath a blue sky. The lake is a popular spot for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure enthusiasts alike. You can indulge in a leisurely stroll along the lakeside, take in the breathtaking views, or simply sit back and soak in the serenity of the surroundings. There’s a small ghat at the end where you can sit and soak in the vibes of the lake – sounds of water hitting the shore, birds chirping and the wind blowing.
Again a place that requires some more maintenance. There’s no sitting place, but the green grass cover covers it up. However, something would make it better.
Talking about Ayyanakere Lake and Hirekolale Lake, there are a lot of people who visit Hirekolale Lake and can get crowded really quickly. So if you’re looking for a place where not many people visit, then Ayyanakere Lake is definitely for you and that’s what I’d prefer among these too.
Sunset Spots in Chikmagalur
These were the sunset spots in Chikmagalur that I visited and totally loved them. But these aren’t the only spots in the town. Since I was short on time, I didn’t visit all of them, but here are a few spots that you can visit too:
- Mullayyanagiri Betta: this is the highest peak in Karnataka, I was here in the morning and will talk about it in another blogpost
- Baba Budangiri Peak: another peak that’s closer to Mullayyanagiri Peak
- Kemmanagudi Peak: This is the farthest point, about 50 km
If you’re a sunset lover too and are visiting Chikmagalur, then you must try to visit these spots to experience the magic of nature. Trust me you’ll love spending time at each of these places and all of them are different. If I’m asked to choose my favorite, then I’d surely suggest visiting Ayyanakere Lake in Chikmagalur.
That’s about it in this blog post about sunset spots in Chikmagalur. If you think there are any places that I’ve missed, please let me know. Do share your thoughts in the comments below, tweet to me at @Atulmaharaj, DM on Instagram, or Get In Touch.
