Last Updated on 7 January 2025 by Poorna & Brinda
Are you looking for lovely places to stay in Chikmagalur?
Chikmagalur is a perennial favourite for anyone looking to escape into nature. The lush hills, waterfalls, streams, and lakes make it a fantastic place to visit. While we love the monsoon season when the region is at its best, winter is also a lovely time to go.
Over the last 15 years, homestays and resorts have popped up in the region like mushrooms in a forest! But finding a place that’s not only beautiful, lovely, well-designed, and reasonably priced is still a bit tricky. When we say “reasonably priced,” we mean between ₹4,000 and ₹6,000 per person, including all meals.
Luckily, we’ve found a few gems that fit the bill. Some we’ve stayed at ourselves, and others come highly recommended by friends. Let’s dive in!
1. Bettadamalali Estate
We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve visited this place! It’s a 300-acre estate with a lovely lake at its center. The rooms are clean and well-appointed, and the food is fantastic. There’s a common balcony with stunning mountain views and an easy trekking trail to a small hilltop that offers breathtaking vistas. It’s especially worth visiting right after the monsoon. You can take long walks, cycle around the quiet village roads, or just relax by the lake. If you love dogs, the hosts—Shantha Gowda and family—have plenty of friendly ones to keep you company!
For more details please check here – https://bettadamalaliestate.com/homestay/
2. Joldal Lakeside Residency
We booked this place but, unfortunately, couldn’t make it. Bharat, the host, still teases us about it! We’re hoping to visit post-monsoon. It’s a small, cozy place with just three lovely rooms, perfect if you prefer peace and quiet. There’s a lake nearby and a charming trekking trail to a small hillock. We’ve heard great reviews already!
For more details please check here – https://www.joldallakesidehomestay.com/home
3. Swarga
Swarga is a newer addition to the area, and we were blown away by the well-designed rooms with stunning views. One of our friends who stayed there couldn’t stop raving about it, so it’s definitely on our list!
Check all details here – https://qexperiences.in/location/q-swarga-retreat
4. Gudlu Resort
Back in 2014, we visited Devaramane to see the Kurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years in the Western Ghats. We were the only ones there at the time, surrounded by a sea of flowers—it was magical! Devaramane has since become more popular, with better roads and more visitors. When we were looking for interesting places to stay in Chikmagalur, a friend suggested Gudlu Resort. It’s close to Devaramane, set amidst a lovely landscape with a small waterbody. There’s also a short walk to a nearby waterfall and an off-roading experience to Charmadi Ghat for incredible valley views. Our friend raves about the rooms and the food, so we can’t wait to check it out!
For more details, visit: Gudlu Resort
5. Aralaguppe Heritage
We’ve stayed at the iconic Thippanahalli Homestay, one of the pioneers in the Chikmagalur homestay movement. They’ve now opened another beautiful property, and we can’t wait to visit!
Check out all details here – https://www.aralaguppeheritage.com/
6. Woodway Homestay
Another pioneer in the homestay scene, Sushmita and Shreedev have transformed a century-old British bungalow into a gorgeous homestay. The rooms are elegant, the cuisine is excellent, and the hosts are lovely. Be sure to trek up the nearby hillock for a stunning sunset view!
For more details, visit: Woodway Homestay
7. Biccode Woodside Heritage
Located in Belur, the gateway to Chikmagalur, this beautifully restored British bungalow sits in the middle of a coffee estate. The architecture and charm of the property will leave you in awe!
Check out all the details here – https://tinyurl.com/yh93pyx6
8. Manappapu Mane
Last but not least, one of the most elegant properties in Chikmagalur is Manappapu Mane, a beautifully restored heritage house that exudes old-world charm. Mannapaapu Mane is a 200-year-old house built with locally available materials, later restored by an Udupi-based artist and sculptor, Purushotham Adve. It allows you to experience the nature in its fullest glory. There is more. Mannapaapu Mane offers you an opportunity to enjoy the nature and the world of art at the same time.
Check this link for details – https://www.mannapaapumane.com/
These places offer a mix of natural beauty, comfort, and charm—perfect for anyone looking to experience Chikmagalur at its best! Check it out and let us know your feedback.
Disclaimer – We have not received any payment/freebies from any of these listed places. It is based on our own experience and feedback received from friends 🙂
