About Chikmagalur Chikmagalur is just a few hours’ drive from Bangalore. This calm, verdant and unspoilt region is the best explored from the charming Taj Garden Retreat. Food Chikmagalur is also called as Land of Coffee. Chikmagalur is well known for its coffee estates and coffee. Staple food of Chikmagalur is rice and fish curry. The Nendranga (a variety of Banana) Chips available here are world famous. Culture Despite many invasions over the centuries, many sages and saints have found quiet retreats amid the serene areas around Chikmagalur The district is dotted with many holy spots and abounds in legends associated with stories from the great epics- the Ramayana and the Mahabarata. Right from ancient times, numerous Agraharas have been lively centres of educational and cultural pursuits.