Basic Info: It serves as a crucial Western Ghats passageway, providing a road link between Dakshina Kannada and Chikmagalur district
District: Chikmagalur
Location Type: Charmadi Ghat spans across the Belthangady taluk in Dakshina Kannada and the Mudigere taluk in Chikmagalur
Best Time To Visit: Summer (March - May)
Brief Overview of Charmadi Ghat
Situated between the serene landscapes of Belthangady and Mudigere taluks, Charmadi Ghat or ‘Charmady Ghat’ invites travelers with its unparalleled beauty and unique charm. This picturesque ghat road, located 34 km from Belthangady and just 20.5 km from
Borrbo Nest Homestay Mudigere, offers a mesmerizing journey through the heart of Western Ghats, making it an essential stop on any Chikmagalur Tour Package.
A Road Less Traveled
Charmadi Ghat stands out as both a scenic wonder and an exhilarating driving experience. This stretch serves as a crucial motorable connection between Dakshina Kannada and Chikkamagaluru district, covering a 25 km route from Kottigehara to the charming village of Charmadi. The road, part of National Highway 73 linking Mangalore to Tumkuru, is renowned for its 12 hairpin curves, weaving through the lush terrain with a backdrop of over 7000 mm monsoon rains.
Charmadi Ghat View Point
The scenery is incredibly stunning from the Charmadi Ghat view point, featuring delicate streams meandering and cascading down from the towering mountains. The mist occasionally becomes so dense that it veils the landscape even during daylight hours.
Nature's Retreat
Enveloped by verdant forests, evergreen shrubbery, and meandering streams, Charmadi Ghat creates a visual symphony of natural beauty. The ghat's narrow and deep roads set it apart from other ghat sections in Karnataka. Notably, the ghat houses the source of the Netravati River, located at Bangarabalike between Charmadi and Kudremukh. The crowning jewel of Charmadi, Ballarayanadurga, is an enchanting hilltop fortress located 10 km from Sunkasale via the Kottigehara-Kalasa route.
The Majesty of Waterfalls
Bandaje Arbi, a cascading waterfall that plunges from a staggering 200 feet, adds to the ghat's allure. Its breathtaking sight is further accentuated during the monsoon season when Charmadi Ghat is veiled in mist. On clear days, lucky travelers are rewarded with sweeping vistas of the Mangalore coastline from atop the ghat.
A Haven for Nature Enthusiasts
Charmadi Ghat's allure isn't just skin deep; it boasts a rich biodiversity, harboring rare medicinal plants and elusive animal species. From elephants and wild boars to panthers and deer, the ghat is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Avian wonders like the Indian cuckoos and hawks grace the skies, adding to the region's allure.
Thrills and Tranquility
This enchanting region offers more than just visual delights. Adventurers can partake in biking, trekking, bird watching, and camping, soaking in the ghat's raw beauty. The monsoon season transforms Charmadi Ghat, bringing its seasonal waterfalls to life in a spectacular display of nature's grandeur.
Best time to visit Charmadi Ghat
Charmadi Ghat truly comes alive during the rainy season, when its beauty is magnified by the cascade of seasonal waterfalls. These cascades, adorning the highway, create an ethereal ambiance that leaves travelers spellbound.
Visitor Information
Charmadi Ghat welcomes visitors from 7 AM to 6 PM, offering them a chance to immerse themselves in its serene landscapes and awe-inspiring vistas. For safety reasons, it's advisable to avoid traveling during heavy rain when the Ghat is closed.
Discover Charmadi Ghat, a destination that effortlessly marries nature's splendor with adventure's call. Whether it's the hairpin turns, the mist-covered mountains, or the flourishing biodiversity, this ghat is a slice of heaven that promises an unforgettable journey.