Mangaluru to Chikmagalur: Distance, Route and Travel Time

Mangaluru is the closest big city to us and has the nearest major airport. The drive up the Charmadi Ghat is one of the prettiest in Karnataka, especially from June to October.

Tranquil Terrain is about 155 km from Mangaluru by road and the drive takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours with breaks. Here is the route we recommend, where to stop and what to keep in mind on the way.

Best road route from Mangaluru

The easiest way is via Charmadi Ghat, Kottigehara and Mudigere.

1. Head inland on NH73 through Bantwal side towns towards Ujire.
2. From Ujire the road climbs the Charmadi Ghat. Expect around 25 km of hairpin bends, waterfalls by the road in the monsoon and lovely valley views.
3. At the top, continue through Kottigehara and Mudigere on NH173.
4. Carry on to Chikkamagaluru town and then take the road towards Hirekolale and Ulluvagilu. The resort is about 20 km past the bus stand.

Google Maps works well right up to our gate. Search for “Tranquil Terrain” and save the location before you leave, since mobile network can drop in a few patches on the estate road.

Another way to drive

The alternative is via Karkala, Kudremukh and Kalasa. It is slower, but the forest drive through Kudremukh National Park is lovely in daylight.

Where to stop on the way

Ujire and Dharmasthala are good places to stop for a meal before the climb. The Charmadi Ghat itself is the highlight. In the monsoon small waterfalls tumble right onto the road. Do not stop on blind corners and avoid the ghat after dark during heavy rain, when fog and landslips can slow traffic for hours. Mudigere has fuel and a few local eateries.

By bus

KSRTC and private buses connect Mangaluru with Chikkamagaluru. Depending on the day you may get a direct bus or need to change at a nearby hub like Hassan, Kadur, Shivamogga or Mangaluru. Check the KSRTC website or a booking app for current timings. From the Chikkamagaluru bus stand the resort is about 20 km away and we can arrange a pick-up with advance notice.

By train

The nearest railway station is Chikkamagaluru (CMGR), about 23 km from us. Kadur Junction (around 57 km) and Birur Junction (around 66 km) are on the main Bengaluru to Shivamogga line and have more trains.

From Mangaluru the usual plan is to take a train to Bengaluru and then either the Chikkamagaluru express from Yesvantpur or a train to Kadur. Check IRCTC for current options.

Driving tips for the last stretch

• The final 20 km from Chikkamagaluru town towards Hirekolale and Ulluvagilu is a narrower road with bends. Take it slow, especially after dark.
• In the monsoon (June to September) expect fog in the evenings. Use low beams and keep the windows slightly open to stop the glass misting up.
• Mobile data can be patchy near the estate. Download the map offline and keep our number handy.
• If you plan to visit Mullayanagiri, book a vehicle slot online in advance. Vehicles without a booking are stopped at the Kaimara check-post.