Chikmagalur


Chikmagalur, is a city and the headquarters of Chikmagalur district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Located on the foothills of the Mullayanagiri peak of the Western Ghats, the city attracts tourists from around the state for its pleasant and favourable hill station climate, tropical rainforest and coffee estates.

Etymology

Chikmagalur takes its name from the Kannada Chikkamagaḷa ūru that translates to "younger daughter's town". It is said to have been given as a dowry to the youngest daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakharayapattana.

Demographics

As of 2011 Indian Census, Chikmagalur city had a total population of 118,401, of which 58,702 were males and 59,699 were females. Population within the age group of 0 to 6 years was 11,633. The total number of literates in Chikmagalur was 96,359, which constituted 81.4% of the population with male literacy of 83.7% and female literacy of 79.1%. The effective literacy rate of 7+ population of Chikmagalur was 90.3%, of which male literacy rate was 93.1% and female literacy rate was 87.5%. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes population was 16,423 and 1,734 respectively. Chikmagalur had 28545 households in 2011.

Transport

Chikmagalur is connected to other parts of the state through roads. National Highway 173 passes through the town connecting it with the state capital Bangalore, located away, and with port city Mangalore, located away. State Highway 57 connects between Shimoga and Hassan. A railway line connects Chikmagalur to Kadur. The nearest international airport is at Mangalore.

Geography and Climate

Chikmagalur is situated in the Malenadu region of Karnataka in the Deccan plateau in the foothills of the Western Ghats. It is situated at an elevation of above mean sea level. The Yagachi River has its source near the town and flows in the south-easterly direction before uniting with the Kaveri river. Chikmagalur generally has a moderate to cool climate. The temperature of the city varies from 11-20 °C during winter to 25-32 °C during summer.