• Overview: Chikmagalur district, officially known as Chikkamagaluru, is situated in the Malnad subregion of Karnataka, India. It is renowned for being the birthplace of coffee cultivation in India. The district is home to Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, and is notable for its natural beauty and the historic Sringeri Mutt.
• Etymology: The name "Chikmagalur" translates to "The town of the younger daughter" in Kannada. It is said to have been gifted as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, a legendary chief.
• History: Chikmagalur was significant during the early days of the Hoysala dynasty. The area introduced coffee cultivation to India through Baba Budan, who smuggled coffee beans from Yemen in the 17th century.
• Geography: The district spans 2,100 km² and features diverse terrain, including the Western Ghats. It receives an average rainfall of 1,925 mm, with Mullayanagiri at 1,926 m being the highest point.
• Demographics: As per the 2011 Census, the population of Chikmagalur district is 1,137,961, with a density of 158 inhabitants per km². The literacy rate stands at 79.24%, with Kannada as the predominant language spoken by 72.74% of the population.
• Economy: The economy is primarily agricultural, with coffee as the main cash crop. Chikmagalur is the second-largest coffee-producing district in India. The area also grows various cereals and pulses but has limited industrial development.
• Tourism: The district is popular for its hill stations and waterfalls, including Kemmangundi and Hebbe Falls. Significant temples include the Annapoorneshwari Temple in Horanadu and others in Sringeri and Kalasa.