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India is dotted with many stunning destinations to explore and Karnataka’s hill escapes contribute to the country’s grandeur even more. From the panoramic views of the Western Ghats to lush green canyons and voluminous meadows of coffee orchards, this southern state offers many travel opportunities. Ranging from peaks topped with clouds in Nandi Hills to the startling blend of seven peaks in Male Mahadeshwara, take a tour of some of the best hill stations in Karnataka with us.
Amidst the regal palaces, forts and pilgrimage centres, several quaint corners decked with gigantic slopes, national parks, sparkling waterfalls, dense forests, and green plains make for idyllic destinations for the admirers of nature in the state. To top it off, Karnataka was also nominated for the categories of Best Wildlife Destination and Best Wellness Destination in India’s Best Awards 2022 hosted by Travel + Leisure India and Southeast Asia. Coated with favourable climatic conditions and cosy accommodations, these hill stations make for a perfect serene getaway for outings with friends and families.
Best hill stations in Karnataka
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Located just about 60 km from Bengaluru, Nandi Hills is a perfect getaway from the city for a long weekend. Known for pleasant weather year-round, you may sit among low-lying clouds if you plan your visit timely. Trekkers will be especially delighted with many trails to explore, along with famous tourist spots like Channakeshava Betta (4762 ft), Brahmagiri (4657 ft) and Skandagiri.
Things to do: Trekking, cycling, camping, paragliding, visit Tipu’s Drop, Muddenahalli museum, Lake of Nectar, and watch the sunrise and the sunset
Where to eat: Sinchana Palace restaurant, The Olives multicuisine restaurant, NH7 Refuel, Falcon Greens, Indian Paratha Palace, Nandi Upachar, Hills Drive Cafe
Best time to visit: September to February
Nearest city: Bengaluru (61.1 km)
How to reach
By air
Kempegowda International Airport is the nearest airport, almost 37 km away
By train
KSR Bengaluru City Junction is the nearest railway station, almost 60 km away
Image Credit: Preju Suresh/Shutterstock
Another hill station close to Bengaluru and also to Mysuru is Biligiriranga Hills, situated in the southeastern region of Karnataka. Home to Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple and BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, this is one of the most popular road trip getaways from Bengaluru. Located at 5,900 ft, the place is a treat for adventure junkies. While the Cauvery River is an ideal spot for river rafting and fishing, the lofty hills are perfect for hiking and trekking.
Things to do: Jeep and Elephant safaris, a visit to the BRT wildlife sanctuary, Biligiri Rangaswamy temple, Big Champak tree, camping and trekking, river rafting
Where to eat: Giridarshini, Rajathardi Hill Villas
Best time to visit: October to March
Nearest city: Mysuru (84.7 km)
How to reach
By air
Mysuru Airport is the nearest airport, 82 km away
By train
Mysuru Junction is the nearest railway station, 84 km away
Image Credit: Vinayaraj, CC BY SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chikmagalur is encompassed by coffee plantations, rugged mountains, dense forests and a serene atmosphere. Perched at 11,154 ft and sheltering some of the best scenic sights like Kemmangundi, Manikadhar, Kudremukh, and Kllathigiri Falls, Chikmagalur is one of the most sought-after harbours in Karnataka. Along with the Yagachi River originating from the neighbouring hills, this hill station, surrounded by dense forests, is indeed a retreat for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Things to do: Visit Hebbey Falls, seek blessings at Hoysaleswara Temple, go for a spiritual tour to Sharadamba Temple, Mullayanagiri trekking, Bhadra wildlife sanctuary jeep safari, jet skiing at Yagachi Dam, kayaking, camping, wildlife exploration to Kudremukh National Park, trek to Bababudangiri
Where to eat: The Estate Cafe, Siri Cafe, The Kalyani Bar, Odyssey – The Serai, Maharaja Restaurant, Coffee Barn Cafe
Best time to visit: September to May
Nearest city: Mangaluru (150.5 km)
How to reach
By air
Mangaluru International Airport is the nearest airport, 156 km away
By train
Mangalore Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station, 143 km away
Image Credit: K S Aravinda Kashyap/Unsplash
A high-altitude village located on a mountain range, connecting the coastal regions with the plains of Karnataka, Agumbe is surrounded by lush greenery, waterfalls, and pristine streams, making the hill station appear like a Garden of Eden. Ringed by Western Ghats mountains, Agumbe is also considered the ‘Cherrapunji of South India’ as it receives nearly 8,000 mm of rainfall yearly.
Things to do: Watch the sunset at Agumbe Sunset View Point, visit the sparkling waterfalls (Jogigundi Falls, Koodlu Theertha Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Barkana Falls), explore Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, go for boat rides at Malekadu Lake
Where to eat: Fresh Bean Cafe, Hotel Sadanand, Diesel Cafe, Hotel Prestige, Hotel Maya International
Best time to visit: October to February
Nearest city: Udupi (61.4 km)
How to reach
By air
Mangaluru International Airport is the nearest airport, 94 km away
By train
Udupi Railway Station is the nearest railway station: 52 km away
Image Credit: Sujan Shetty/Shutterstock
Coorg, now officially known as Kodagu, is one of Karnataka’s most striking hill stations. You can literally ‘wake up and smell the coffee’ here, as it is surrounded by coffee plantations. Situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats, the hill station is spread across 4,102 sq km and is home to a number of forests, spice estates, wildlife sanctuaries, and a national park.
Things to do: Jeep safari, river rafting, quad biking, microlight flying, trekking, a visit to Iruppu Falls, Virajpet sightseeing tour, a visit to the Dubare Elephant camp, a cosy stay at the Coffee Plantation homestay, hike to Raja’s Seat, explore wildlife at the most famous Nagarhole national park, enjoy waterfall rappelling
Where to eat: Coffee Blossoms, Coorgenburg by Club Mahindra, Bigcup Cafe, Barbeque Bay by Club Mahindra Madikeri, Green Cardamom by Club Mahindra Madikeri, Beans N Brews Cafe
Best time to visit: October to June
Nearest city: Mysuru (112 km)
How to reach
By air
Mysuru Airport is the nearest airport, 131 km away
By train
Mysuru Junction is the nearest railway station: 116 km away
Image Credit: explorewithinfo/Shutterstock
The list of the top hill stations in Karnataka also includes Kemmangundi, an ideal summer retreat for nature enthusiasts. Located in the lap of the Tarikere district of Chikmagalur at 4,704 ft, the place is blanketed with gardens and vegetation. An interesting tidbit about the hill station’s name is that it is a combination of three Kannada words — kempu (red), mannu (soil) and gundi (pit). The red soil bed available here is ideal for some crops and coffee plants.
Things to do: Trekking, nature walks, picnics, watching the sunset at Raj Bhavan, a visit to the lively waterfalls (Kalahatti Falls, Hebbe Falls, Shanti Falls), a visit to Z Point, Rock Garden, Rajendra Hills, and Mullayanagiri, catch the view of the Western Ghats from Z point
Where to eat: Sri Krishna Rajendra Hill Restaurant, Farm Cafe, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Hotel
Best time to visit: November to May
Nearest city: Mangaluru (211.8 km)
How to reach
By air
Mangaluru International Airport is the nearest airport: 212 km away
By train
Birur Junction is the nearest railway station: 34 km away
Image Credit: Vivek BR/Shutterstock
A hill range located in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagara district, Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) is famous for Mahadeshwara Temple and verdant greenery. Situated at a towering height of 3,200 ft above sea level, this cluster of seven hills is frequented by both pilgrims and nature lovers alike.
Things to do: Visit Male Madeshwara wildlife sanctuary, Hogenakkal Waterfalls, Mettur Dam, Chuchi Waterfalls, BRT tiger reserve, Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta, Sankagiri Fort, Siddhar Temple, Kiliyur Waterfalls
Where to eat: Dasoha Bhavana
Best time to visit: October to March
Nearest city: Mysuru (132.6 km)
How to reach
By air
Mysuru Airport is the nearest airport, 137 km away
By train
Mysuru Junction is the nearest railway station, almost 130 km away
Image Credit: Jagannathan Narayanan/Shutterstock
Hero Image Credit: TanmoyAcharjeePhotography/Shutterstock; Feature Image Credit: explorewithinfo/Shutterstock
Related Article: 10 Lesser-Known Hill Stations In India You Can Visit This Summer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Some of the best waterfalls in Karnataka are Chelavara Falls, Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Mallalli Falls, Devaragundi Waterfalls, Napandapole Falls, Hebbe Falls, and Hanumangundi Falls.
Answer: Hill stations, such as Nandi Hills, Chikmagalur, Biligiriranga Hills, Agumbe, Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Kemmangundi, and Coorg in Karnataka are some of the best places for trekking.
Shrestha Purkayastha
Digital Writer
With a well-built background in English Honours and Mass Communication, Shrestha is a writer who holds a fair experience in understanding and creating content in terms of writing. Previously, her professional exposure counted working with Curly Tales as a content writer. Besides the routine designation, she's a photographer and an artist by passion, a trained singer by heart and of course an independent writer by an incomparable zeal. The interesting disclaimer is, she’s always on the run for her comical laugh and hilarious escaping excuses.
