Hill stations in Karnataka
We understand that now may not the best time to plan that much-needed vacation, but there is no harm in daydreaming a bit, is there? We bring to you these charming hill stations to help you see beyond your current worries, and look forward to a world with doors wide open to travel.
When it comes to hill stations, Karnataka offers some of the best and most charming hill retreats in the country. Dense forests, natural beauty, exotic wildlife and a pleasant climate are just a few things you can experience in these hills. While some hill stations, like Coorg, are well known, other hill retreats offer an extraordinary experience too.
To give you an idea of the best hill stations you’ll want at the top of your to-visit list, we at Skyscanner curated a list of hill stations in Karnataka to consider for your future trip.
1. BR Hills
Biligiriranga Hills, shortened to the BR Hills, is a high mountain range in Chamarajanagar. Known as the wildlife passage that connects the Eastern Ghats to the Western Ghats, this charming hill station in Karnataka is famous for its Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary. Since the rivers Cauvery and Kapila flow through these hills, you have plenty of options to go rafting, angling, fishing and coracle boat riding – or simply take in the lush greenery around.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Base station: Chamarajanagar
Nearest City: Mysore, 85 km
Best Time to Visit: October-May
Things to do: Trekking, Jeep and elephant safaris, visiting the BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, Big Champak Tree
2. Kemmanagundi
Kemmanagundi is a gorgeous and pretty hill station, located on the Baba Budan range. Called Chandra Drona Parvatha in the Puranas, the waters at this hill station in Karnataka are said to cure several diseases, including colds and skin diseases. Other places you must see are Hebbe Falls, Raj Bhavan, Z point, Rock garden, Kalhattagiri Falls, Baba Budan Hill and Bhadra Tiger Reserve. This is a great place to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Base station: Kemmanagundi
Nearest City: Mangalore, 205 km
Best Time to Visit: November-May
Peak Season: March-May
Things to do: Visit the Raj Bhavan for its sunsets, Baba Budan Hill and Bhadra Tiger Reserve Rock garden, Z point, Hebbe Falls, Kalhattagiri Falls and others
3. Coorg (Madikeri)
Coorg lies 1525m above sea level in the Western Ghats. It is one of the most well-known hill stations in Karnataka, and a preferred summer retreat in the south. Referred to as ‘the Scotland of India’, beyond its natural landscape, it is also known for its coffee. Coorg offers trekking and camping options, white water rafting and a charming Namdroling Tibetan settlement to explore.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Base station: Coorg
Nearest City: Mysore, 117 km
Best Time to Visit: October-May
Peak Season: February-May
Things to do: Hiking, cycling, trekking, mountaineering, visiting waterfalls and touring tea and coffee plantations.
4. Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur stands 3,400 feet high, at the base of the Mulliyangiri range in Karnataka. The river Yagachi originates in this mountain range. Famed for its tranquil atmosphere, lush green forests and tall mountains, this hill station will certainly bring you back to nature. The name itself – Chikmagalur – means the land of the younger daughter. It was the place where coffee was first grown in India, so is also a great spot for coffee lovers.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Base station: Chikmagalur
Nearest City: Mangalore, 148 km
Best Time to Visit: September-April
Peak Season: March-May
Things to do: Visit waterfalls, hiking, plantation tours, visit Kudremukh.
5. Male Mahadeshwara Betta
Male Mahadeshwara Betta is located 3000ft high in the eastern parts of Kollegal in Chamarajanagar in Mysore. A favourite pilgrimage place for Shaivism devotees, this hill station is also known for its adventure activities, trekking and scenic beauty of the dense forests surrounded by the rivers Palar and Cauvery.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Base station: Chikmagalur
Nearest City: Mysore, 135 km
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Things to do: Trekking, hiking through the dense forest, visiting the Malai Mahadeshwara forest reserve and the Mahadeshwara temple.
Read more: Top 5 Beaches in Karnataka
6. Agumbe
One of the four peaks in the Western Ghats that divides the coast from the mainland, Agumbe is a quaint hill station located at an altitude of 2100ft in Shimoga, Karnataka. Called the Cherapunji of the South, Agumbe is home to several rare species of medicinal plants like garcinia and myristica, magnificent waterfalls and dense forests. The evergreen TV series, Malgudi Days, was filmed at this hill station.
During the monsoons, the hills come alive with numerous waterfalls; Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi Falls and Jogi Gundi Falls that you must visit. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Agumbe is also the base station for several trekking destinations.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Base station: Udipi
Nearest City: Udipi, 54 km
Best Time to Visit: September-February
Things to do: Check the forest trails, go hiking, nature treks, visit the umpteen falls and the Rainforest Research Station.
7. Nandi Hills
This hill station in Karnataka gets its name from the temple atop the mountain dedicated to Nandi bull. Also called Ananda Giri, which means the ‘hill of happiness’. Nandi Hills is 60km away from Bangalore. The fort at the top of the hill is a favourite picnic spot for nature enthusiasts. It is famous among bikers who love the winding roads, and trekkers looking to scale the Nandi hills.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Base station: Bangalore
Nearest City: Bangalore, 60km
Best Time to Visit: September-May
Peak Season: March-May
Things to do: Cycling, paragliding, visit Tipu’s Drop, Lake of Nectar (Amrit Sarovar), Muddenahalli Museum.
How to Reach Karnataka
Easily accessible through direct flights available from around the world. The nearest airport is Bengaluru. You can then use local transport to visit other places in and around the state.
