Chikmagalur is a hill station in Karnataka, a state in southwest India. To the north is Baba Budangiri, a mountain range in the Western Ghats, with 3 large caves said to be holy. Trails through forests and grasslands lead up to Mullayanagiri Peak. The cascading Hebbe Falls lie in an area of coffee plantations. The forested Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, northwest of Chikmagalur, is home to elephants, tigers and leopards.

Chickmagalur district was called Kadur district till 1947. It is situated roughly in the south-western part of Karnataka state. A large area of this district is 'malnad', i.e., a largely forested hilly region of heavy rainfall. The district takes its name from the headquarters town of Chikkamagaluru which literally means younger daughter's town - Chikka+Magala+Ooru-(in Kannada).

It is said to have been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna. Another part of the town bestowed on the elder daughter is known as Hiremagalur. But some old inscriptions reveals that these two places were known as Kiriya-muguli and Piriya-muguli. Situated in a fertile valley south of the Baba-Budan hill range is the headquarters town of the district. A centre of education, trade and commerce.

The town enjoys a salubrious climate and has venerated monuments of all religions- Kodandarama temple a synthesis of Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture, Jamia Mosque and the new St.Jpseph's Cathedral with an attractive shell shaped portico. Hiremagalur which is now part of Chickmgalaur town has an Ishwara temple with a 1.22 metre high curious rotund figure of Jademuni. The temple also has a Yoopastambha supposed to be installed by King Janamejaya during his serpent sacrifice. There is also a Parashurama temple and a Kali shrine.Administrative structure.

Chikmagalur is the region where the Hoysala rulers started and spent the early days of their dynasty. According to a legend, it was at Sosevur, now identified with Angadi in Mudigere Taluk that Sala, the founder of the Hoysala dynasty, killed the legendary tiger, immortalised in the Hoysala crest.