Charmadi Ghat View Point
Charmadi Ghat is one of the most scenic mountain passes in the Western Ghats, connecting the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada with the hilly terrain of Chikmagalur. The ghat road is famous for its 12 hairpin curves and breathtaking vistas of deep valleys and towering peaks. The "View Point" ref ers to several spots along the highway where travelers stop to soak in the beauty of the landscape. During the monsoon, the entire ghat transforms into a lush green carpet with hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascading down the rocks right next to the road. The mist here is so thick at times that visibility drops to a few meters, creating a thrilling driving experience. The air is remarkably cool and fresh, often several degrees lower than the plains below. From the higher reaches of the ghat, on a clear day, one can see the distant horizon of the Arabian Sea coastline. It is a haven for nature photographers and road-trippers who enjoy winding mountain roads. The biodiversity here is rich, with the region being home to various endangered species of flora and fauna. It is not just a transit route but a destination in itself for those who appreciate the raw grandeur of the Sahyadri mountains.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Nature Viewpoint & Hill StationEntry Fees:
Zero Entry Fee: Being a public national highway, there is no entry fee to access the viewpoints.
Parking: Most viewpoints have small free parking areas, but one must be careful not to block the narrow highway traffic. ...Zero Entry Fee: Being a public national highway, there is no entry fee to access the viewpoints.
Parking: Most viewpoints have small free parking areas, but one must be careful not to block the narrow highway traffic.Timing:
Regular Timings: The road is open 24/7, but for safety, it is best visited from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early mornings at 6:30 AM offer the clearest views and the freshest air. ...Regular Timings: The road is open 24/7, but for safety, it is best visited from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early mornings at 6:30 AM offer the clearest views and the freshest air.Special Events:
Monsoon Tourism Season: From June to September, the ghat becomes a hub for travelers coming specifically to see the rain-washed greenery.
Deepavali Lighting: The small shrines along the ghat road are beautifully lit up during the festival o...Monsoon Tourism Season: From June to September, the ghat becomes a hub for travelers coming specifically to see the rain-washed greenery.
Deepavali Lighting: The small shrines along the ghat road are beautifully lit up during the festival of lights in October/November.Best Photo Spots:
The 9th Hairpin Bend: This particular curve offers the most expansive view of the valley and is a favorite for drone photographers.
Roadside Waterfalls: Capture long-exposure shots of the white water against the dark mossy rocks during the ...The 9th Hairpin Bend: This particular curve offers the most expansive view of the valley and is a favorite for drone photographers.
Roadside Waterfalls: Capture long-exposure shots of the white water against the dark mossy rocks during the monsoon.
Mist-Clad Ridges: The early morning sun hitting the mist over the ridges provides a golden-hour opportunity like no other.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Scenic Driving: Experience the thrill of navigating the 12 hairpin bends while enjoying the shifting landscape from tropical to alpine.
Photography: Stop at designated laybys to capture the vast, mist-covered valleys and the winding road below.
Bird Watching: The ghat is a great place to spot the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Great Indian Hornbill in the dense canopy.
Waterfall Chasing: During July and August, you can stop safely to witness dozens of waterfalls plunging down the mountainside.
Sampling Local Food: Stop at Kottigehara at the top of the ghat to try the famous "Neer Dosa" and "Kottigehara Coffee.
" Cloud Gazing: Simply sit at one of the viewpoints and watch the clouds roll over the p...Scenic Driving: Experience the thrill of navigating the 12 hairpin bends while enjoying the shifting landscape from tropical to alpine.
Photography: Stop at designated laybys to capture the vast, mist-covered valleys and the winding road below.
Bird Watching: The ghat is a great place to spot the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Great Indian Hornbill in the dense canopy.
Waterfall Chasing: During July and August, you can stop safely to witness dozens of waterfalls plunging down the mountainside.
Sampling Local Food: Stop at Kottigehara at the top of the ghat to try the famous "Neer Dosa" and "Kottigehara Coffee.
" Cloud Gazing: Simply sit at one of the viewpoints and watch the clouds roll over the peaks, a truly meditative experience.
Short Nature Walks: Explore some of the smaller trails that lead away from the road into the forest for a closer look at the local flora.
Information
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Why Famous:
Scenic Road Trip: It is globally recognized as one of the most beautiful driving routes in India, especially during the rainy season.
Monsoon Waterfalls: Famous for the "Milky Falls" and other seasonal cascades that appear directly on the r...Scenic Road Trip: It is globally recognized as one of the most beautiful driving routes in India, especially during the rainy season.
Monsoon Waterfalls: Famous for the "Milky Falls" and other seasonal cascades that appear directly on the roadside.
Biodiversity Hotspot: The area is renowned for its rare medicinal plants and the source of the Netravathi River. -
Architecture:
Engineering Marvel: The road is an example of colonial-era engineering, carved into steep cliffs. It spans approximately 25 KM from Charmadi village to Kottigehara.
Hairpin Curves: The 12 sharp bends are the defining "architectural" featur...Engineering Marvel: The road is an example of colonial-era engineering, carved into steep cliffs. It spans approximately 25 KM from Charmadi village to Kottigehara.
Hairpin Curves: The 12 sharp bends are the defining "architectural" feature of this mountain pass.
Stone Retaining Walls: Massive old stone walls prevent landslides and support the narrow road. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Mangalore Airport (70 KMS) is the nearest.
By Train: Mangalore Junction is the most convenient station.
By Road: It is a 45-minute drive from Dharmasthala via Ujire.
By...By Air: Mangalore Airport (70 KMS) is the nearest.
By Train: Mangalore Junction is the most convenient station.
By Road: It is a 45-minute drive from Dharmasthala via Ujire.
By Local Transport: KSRTC buses running between Mangalore and Chikmagalur pass through this ghat frequently and are quite affordable. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Monsoon (June-Sept): For waterfalls and lush greenery.
Winter (Oct-Feb): For clear views and pleasant weather.
Late Evening: Visit around 5:30 PM to catch the sunset from the higher altitude bends, which is...Monsoon (June-Sept): For waterfalls and lush greenery.
Winter (Oct-Feb): For clear views and pleasant weather.
Late Evening: Visit around 5:30 PM to catch the sunset from the higher altitude bends, which is a spectacular sight. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Bandaje Falls (10 KM), 2. Ballalarayana Durga (15 KM), 3. Kottigehara (5 KM), 4. Ujire (20 KM), 5. Dharmasthala (30 KM), 6. Horanadu (55 KM), 7. Kalasa (45 KM), 8. Kudremukh (40 KM), 9. Sringeri (70 KM), 10. Mangalore (75 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Drive slowly on the hairpin bends and avoid stopping on sharp curves.
Weather: Carry a raincoat or umbrella as it can rain unexpectedly at any time of the year in the ghats.
Cash & Connectivity...Health & Safety: Drive slowly on the hairpin bends and avoid stopping on sharp curves.
Weather: Carry a raincoat or umbrella as it can rain unexpectedly at any time of the year in the ghats.
Cash & Connectivity: Mobile network is very patchy; download offline maps. The nearest ATM is back in Ujire.
Garbage: Please do not throw plastic or food waste out of the vehicle as it harms the local wildlife.
Fuel: Ensure your vehicle has a full tank before starting the climb from either side.
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