Chikmagalur, the quaint hill station in Karnataka, is famous for its coffee plantations, foggy summits, and peaceful climate. But what if you've planned your trip during the rainy season and it pours throughout the day? Don't worry, Chikmagalur remains magical even when it's raining outside. And the rain only enhances its charm. Here are some easy and interesting things to do in Chikmagalur to make a rainy day all the more memorable.
Sip Coffee at a Homestay Plantation
What could be a better way to enjoy the rain than with a steaming cup of coffee? Chikmagalur is the land where coffee was born in India, and it's an experience one must try to stay at a plantation homestay. You can sit on the verandah, see the raindrops falling on greenery all around, and have freshly brewed filter coffee. Homestays also serve traditional Malnad cuisine that's apt for the season - hot, spicy, and comforting. It’s a must-try during the rainy season in Chikmagalur.
Stop by Coffee Museums and Learn About the History
If the outside is too soggy to venture out, stop by the Coffee Museum operated by the Coffee Board of India. It's an educational indoor site where you can discover how coffee is produced, processed, and roasted. It's a brief visit, but a good use of your time on a rainy day, particularly if you enjoy coffee. Definitely one of the informative indoor activities in Chikmagalur.
Savor Local Food
Rainy days are the time for comfort food. Experiment with local cuisine such as akki rotti, neer dosa, kadubu, and coorgi pork curry in small local restaurants. A few cafes in Chikmagalur also have corners where you can sit back and enjoy a hot meal and a book.
Unplug, Relax & Listen to the Rain
Sometimes, it is best to simply do nothing. Put your phone down, sit near a window, and just listen. The rain pattering on leaves, birds chirping in the distance, and the smell of wet soil, it's all very soothing. Spend this time journaling, meditating, or just being.
Rain Photography
If you are a photography enthusiast, the rains transform Chikmagalur into a fantasy land. Rain on leaves, misty hills, puddle reflections, and gloomy skies provide beautiful photo opportunities. Just cover your camera or phone with waterproof covers.
Take a Scenic Drive
Aster Holidays offers cozy local stays with access to scenic drives through coffee plantations, forest roads, and village routes. These short drives, even in the rain, offer beautiful views of the countryside. Keep the windows slightly open to feel the fresh mountain air, just not too much to let the rain in!
Board Games, Books & Bonfires
Most homestays and resorts have indoor games such as carrom, chess, or cards. Bring a nice book and snuggle up by a bonfire or fireplace (if the weather allows). Aster Holidays' carefully selected stays usually have such considerate touches as reading nooks and activity rooms, making it one of the coziest indoor activities in Chikmagalur.
Indulge in a Herbal Spa
The weather makes it a perfect day for a relaxing spa session. Some resorts offer herbal massages or ayurvedic treatments that refresh both body and mind. After a hot oil massage, you’ll feel warm and rejuvenated even when it’s drizzling outside.
Final Tip: Embrace the Rain
Rather than attempting to shun the rain, welcome it. Take a good raincoat, water-resistant footwear, and an umbrella and venture out. You'll find a less populous, green, and slow Chikmagalur, and that's partly its beauty. Exploring during the rainy season in Chikmagalur brings a calm, surreal version of this hill town to life. Planning a monsoon break? Aster Holidays can assist you in selecting the ideal rain-day-friendly accommodation in Chikmagalur - quiet coffee plantations, forest hideaways, or warm hill cottages. Just pack your bags and allow the rains to greet you. For any travel assistance, contact Aster holidays.
