Family trips
Chikmagalur 2-day itinerary for families
Travelling with children or older relatives changes the plan. You need shorter days, easier walks, regular breaks and a stay that is comfortable for everyone. Here is a gentle two-day plan built around that.
Day 1: arrive and unwind
Leave early and take breaks. Hill roads are winding, so children prone to car sickness may need stops and a light breakfast. Carry water and snacks.
Check in, have lunch and let everyone rest. Avoid planning a big outing on arrival day.
Take a short plantation walk or a gentle hilltop stroll nearby. Keep it to something you can all enjoy.
Gather around a bonfire if your stay has one, then eat early. Look for stars, and watch for animals from a safe distance if the stay has a pond.
Day 2: one big outing and an easy ending
Go early for clear air. From the base it is a flight of steps, reported at around 500, which many families do with breaks. Older relatives or very small children may prefer to wait at the base or see the view from a different spot.
Visit a viewpoint or the shrine area at Baba Budangiri, or skip it if everyone is tired.
Have a relaxed lunch, then visit Hirekolale Lake, an easy stop by road with space for children to walk.
Start the return drive with time in hand.
Making it work with children
- Limit travel to one major outing a day. Long drives are tiring for children.
- Skip steep treks and slippery waterfalls with very young children.
- Keep everyone away from the edges of ponds, streams and cliffs.
- Carry rain gear, snacks, water, hand sanitiser and a small first-aid kit. See what to pack.
- Ask the host about food for children, since restaurants may be far from the stay.
- Check the season. Cooler months are more comfortable. See the best time to visit Chikmagalur.
Choosing a family-friendly stay
- Ask how many bedrooms and bathrooms there are, and how the rooms are arranged.
- Check access for older relatives, such as steps and the final stretch of road.
- Ask about food, hot water and what to bring.
- Choose a quiet property where children can play outdoors.
For more on how costs add up for a family, see the trip budget guide.
Family rooms in the hills
See our family rooms, all stay options, experiences and the tariff. For a plan that starts from our home near Mallandur, see our 2-day itinerary. The last 150 metres to our house is a mud road, so tell us about older guests and we will help you plan.