Pilgrimage tourism in Chikmagalur district is a most fulfilling experience for the religiously inclined as there are a number of places of religious importance found here, mainly in the form of ancient temples.
To the north of Chikmagalur town is the Baba-Budan Range or Chandra Drona Parvatha as it was known in olden times, which has one of the highest mountain peaks between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris mountain range.
The loftiest point of the range is Mullaiyanagiri which is 1,926 meters above sea level. The three large caves here are said to have been sanctified by 3 siddhas contain their icons and `gaddiges` (tombs) and an annual jatra is held here in their honour. The enthralling scenery around makes this a much frequented pilgrim centre.
Seethala Mallappana Kanive to the left side is said to have been hallowed by Sidha Seethalaya and contains a Matha and the dual shrine temple of Seethala-Mallikarjuna. The Baba-Budan range has taken its name from the 1895 meters high Baba-Budan Giri, situated just 28 kms north of Chikmagalur town. A beacon lighted here during Deepavali can be seen at Chikmagalur. The peak takes its name from the Muslim saint, Baba-Budan, who took up residence here for more than 150 years ago and brought coffee seeds here for the first time from Yemen.
Sri Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy`s Darga on the Bababudan hills in Chikmagalur Taluk is an ancient and important institution held in high esteem by Hindus and Mohammedans alike and is resorted to by large numbers of Pilgrims from all parts of India. A laterite cave here is believed to have been sanctified by the residence of Dattatreyaswamy and Hazarat Dada Hayath Mir Khalandar and other saints and it is a venerated place of pilgrimage. The worship of the Peeta is conducted by an unmarried Man or Fakir. Several Hindu and Muslims rulers are stated to have helped this institution with liberal grants. An annual "Jatra or Urs" which is held under the auspicious of the peeta for three days after the Holi Festival according to Hindu calendar is attended by both Hindus and Muslims.
45 kms to the north-west of the Chickmagalur town at Balehonnur is another celebrated pontifical seat of the district. Shrimad Jagadguru Rambhapuri Veerasimhasana Mahasamstana Peeta. This Veerashaiva matta with mythical connections to Ramba, celestial dancer, as also to the giant Rambasura, is one of the five great panchacharya mathas. The Veerabadra temple attached to the matha has sturdy metallic images of Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali.
Amrithapura, located 67 kms north of Chikmagalur, is known for the splendid Amrithapura temple built in 1196 AD by Amriteshwara Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala ruler Ballala II. Delicacy of touch, originality of design and fine features has made this temple one of the notable structures of the Hoysala period. 20 kms to the west of Tarikere town is Somapura, another of the pancha-kshetras on the banks of river Bhadra.
Sringeri, 90 kms west of Chikmagalur town on the banks of Tunga River, is a city with epic associations. The place is said to have been named after Rishyashringa who figures in the Ramayana as the chief priest at the great sacrifice of King Dasharadha. It is widely known for the Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mata of the Adwaita School of philosophy. Sringeri also has an ancient temple of Vidyashankara. Constructed on a picturesque spot parallel to the river Tunga, the temple is a fine example of artistic transition from Hoysala to Vijayanagara style. Built around 1357 A.D., the imposing granite structure encloses friezes of elephants, lions, puranic scenes, dancers in various poses etc. and figures big and small of various Hindu gods enshrined in niches with ornamental towers. The garbhagriha has a linga called Vidyashankara installed in the memory of Guru Vidyatheertha. To the north of this temple is a more recent temple built by skilled craftsmen of the 20th century and houses the highly venerated Sharadamba image. The new temple is built in the Dravidian style. A small 14th century temple of Janardhana close by is attributed to the Vijayanagara period. Sringeri also has an old Jain Basadi dedicated to parshwanatha Theerthankara.
Set amidst enchanting natural scenery, Horanadu is 100 kms south-west of Chikmagalur and has an ancient temple of Annapoorneshwari which has been renovated recently. With the installation of the new image of Adi Shakthi, now the temple is called Adi-Shaktyatmaka Shri Annapoorneshwari. The place attracts lots of pilgrims who are provided free boarding and lodging by the temple.
25 kms south - east of Chikmagalur town and just 10 kms from the Hoysala capital of Halebeedu is Belavadi, another place in the district with historical associations. This ancient village is dotted with temples and shrines, the most outstanding of them being veeranarayana temple - a fine specimen of architecture under Hoysala dynasty.
12 kms from Chikmagalur town, Marle is another place of antiquity noted for its temples, chief amongst them being the Chennakeshava temple dating back to 1150 A.D.
There are many temples situated in and around the Chikmagalur district are a must-see as, apart from their religious significance, they rank among the prime tourist attractions of Chikmagalur district.
