A quick refuel and gear switch away from the bustle of the silicon valley of India are places where the air is crisp, landscape is lush, and dazzling waterfalls are just a hike away. We’re exploring a few popular, yet quaint hill stations that are near Bengaluru, also known as Bangalore. By Eshita Srinivas
Bengaluru is famed for its pleasant, breezy all-year weather. However, the city also happens to be notorious for its traffic and, like most other metropolitan cities, high noise and pollution levels. For the days you’d like to switch out the high-rises for billowing trees, there are a host of stunning spots just a drive away, complete with fragrant tea gardens and pristine lakes.
And while mountains up north see the most tourist activity, the more underrated Western and Eastern Ghats hold a charm of their own. Besides, they make for the perfect weekend getaway. Grab your comfort novel and your favourite cardigan before heading over to these refreshingly serene hill stations close to Bengaluru.
Add these hill stations near Bengaluru to your travel bucket list
Yercaud
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Couched in the lap of the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is a budget-friendly destination that’s often compared to Ooty. Known as the jewel of the south, the spot’s crowning glory is the Yercaud lake, which sits in the centre of the town. Brimming with tourists on boats and lush, billowing trees, the space is quaint and picturesque. While here, head on over to Anna Park for a glimpse at the region’s flora.
Over the summer, the spot also has flower shows lined up for tourists. That aside, explore the Bear’s Cave which is about seven feet under the ground, trek to Kiliyur Falls which are in their full glory over the monsoon, or head to one of the many fruit orchards and coffee plantations in the region. Avocados are in abundance here as well.
Distance from Bengaluru: 196 km
Chikmagalur
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A popular weekend destination from Bengaluru, Chikmagalur is often called the coffee capital of Karnataka. Brimming with tea and coffee plantations, the region – set against the Mullayanagiri ranges – is lush to say the least. While here, explore the Jhari, Gundi, Shankar, and Kadambi waterfalls, which often involve a bit of trekking.
In fact, Chikmagalur’s terrain is perfect for people who enjoy exploring places on foot, especially over the summer. You could also take time out to pop by Kudremukh National Park, which houses bird species like great pied hornbill and Malabar whistling thrush. To make the most of your visit, book a stay at a coffee estate and savour local delicacies like pathrode, akki roti, halasina hannina kadubu, and hesarubele carrot kosambari.
Distance from Bengaluru: 250 kms
Coorg
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While we’re on the subject of coffee plantations, we’d be remiss not to list out this popular spot. Underlined by coffee plantations, colonial architecture, and valleys so lush they look straight out of a postcard, Coorg is a must-visit hill station. Known as the Scotland of India, the region is home to the Abbey, Mallali, and Iruppu falls, where water cascades down glistening rocks. It also features an elephant camp where travellers can bathe and interact with elephants.
Trekking is popular here, with routes in Nagarhole National Park as well as to peaks like Tadiandamol, the second highest in Karnataka. While here, savour local delicacies like kadambuttu, pandi curry, paputtu, noolputtu, akki rotti, and kakkada nyend curry.
Distance from Bengaluru: 280 km
Ooty
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Easily the most popular hill station in South India, Ooty is known as the queen of hill stations. And rightfully so. Between its lush gardens, charming colonial structures, verdant valleys, and fragrant tea plantations – the town is straight out of the pages of a fairytale.
While here, hop on to the miniature train for a front-row seat to the stunning landscape of the region. You could also head to one of the region’s many waterfalls, shop for chocolates, host picnics by the lake, or watch the sunset over the hills. A stay at a plantation and sampling local delicacies like pongal and idli come highly recommended.
Distance from Bengaluru: 270 km
Wayanad
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God’s own country is home to this picturesque region that’s a treasure trove of bird-watching spots, caves, trekking trails, waterfalls, plantations, picnic spaces, and more. Wayanad is also frequented by history buffs who are keen on exploring the 8,000-year-old petroglyphs that call the Edakkal caves their home.
Kuruva island, meanwhile, offers the unique experience of bamboo rafting. That aside, explore Wayanad’s wildlife sanctuary, go boating on Pookode lake, or walk through the town’s many coffee and tea plantations. Savour local delicacies like Malabar duck roast and fish moilee.
Distance from Bengaluru: 270 kms
Yelagiri
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Perhaps the most underrated hill town on this list and a one-day getaway from Bengaluru, Yelagiri is underlined by pristine lakes, rolling hills, and lush gardens. It’s also home to several adventure activities including trekking, boating, zip-lining, and rock climbing. Spots to hit up on a visit here include the Punganoor lake park, Jalagamparai waterfalls, Fundera farm, and Nilavoor lake. For stunning views, head to the Swamimalai hills, the highest point in the region. That aside, savour local delicacies like paniyaram, upma, and uttapam.
Distance from Bengaluru: 158 kms
Munnar
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Another popular yet quaint hill station in Kerala, Munnar is brimming with picturesque tea estates and diverse flora. Wild elephants, tigers, and the Indian bison are housed in the region’s Eravikulam National Park. A visit to this spot as well as Anamudi peak, Mattupetty dam, and Thoovanam falls comes highly recommended. Paragliding and trekking are popular options in the region. As are boutique hotels and homestays nestled within lush plantations. While here, don’t forget to savour idiyappam with egg curry, Kerala prawn curry, kairali thali, and chicken fry.
Distance from Bengaluru: 480 kms
Kodaikanal
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Rounding out this list is another hill station in Tamil Nadu that’s known for merging pleasant weather with old-world charm. Marked by the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal itineraries include boating, cycling, balloon shooting, long walks, trekking and more. Popular spots to visit include the central Kodai lake as well as Coaker’s Walk, Guna caves, and Dolphin’s nose. Don’t forget to pop by the Berijam and Mannavanur lakes, explore the dense pine forests, and get acquainted with various varieties of orchids at the Shenbaganur museum. There’s plenty of picturesque campsites to pitch a tent at as well.
Distance from Bengaluru: 470 kms
All images: Shutterstock
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