A handpicked travel guide to the best Hill Stations in Karnataka . Karnataka’s Western Ghats and beyond
When most people think of Karnataka, what comes to mind are the tech corridors of Bengaluru, the architectural marvels of Hampi, or the temple towns of Udupi and Sringeri. But tucked away in the folds of the Western Ghats, Karnataka also hides a collection of serene, misty, and breathtaking hill stations in Karnataka, perfect for a weekend retreat or an extended nature getaway.
Whether you’re looking for monsoon magic, cool summer air, coffee plantations, wildlife adventures, or spiritual silence, these hill towns offer a little bit of everything.
Here’s your complete guide to 9 of the most charming and elevated escapes across Karnataka — a mix of the well-known and the quietly spectacular.
1. Coorg (Kodagu) – The Scotland of India
- Elevation: ~3,500 ft (1,150 m)
- Best time to visit: October to March (for coffee bloom and pleasant weather); June–September for misty monsoon magic
- Nearest city: Mysuru (110 km) | Bengaluru (240 km)
Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, needs no introduction. With its rolling green hills, sprawling coffee plantations, gushing waterfalls, and mist-kissed mornings, Coorg has long been one of Karnataka’s top hill destinations. It’s romantic, peaceful, and ideal for nature lovers, solo travellers, and families alike. Best Hill Stations in India to Visit in May
Top Experiences:
- Visit Abbey Falls after the monsoon when the falls thunder through thick forest.
- Hike up to Raja’s Seat for sweeping valley views, especially at sunset.
- Explore Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple) in Bylakuppe — one of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India.
- Tour a working coffee estate and learn how your morning brew comes to life.
- Go white water rafting in Barapole River (July to October).
- Spot elephants at Nagarhole National Park, just an hour’s drive away.
Ideal for:
Couples, weekenders from Bengaluru, monsoon chasers, coffee enthusiasts, birdwatchers How Many Days Are Enough for Coorg
2. Chikmagalur – Coffee, Peaks, and Peace
- Elevation: ~3,400 ft (1,040 m)
- Best time to visit: September to March
- Nearest city: Mangaluru (150 km) | Bengaluru (245 km)
If Coorg is the queen of plantations, Chikmagalur is the calm, meditative cousin. Famous as the birthplace of coffee in India, Chikmagalur offers a mix of rugged landscapes, aromatic estates, and spiritual landmarks.
This hill station is surrounded by the Mullayanagiri range, home to Karnataka’s highest peak, and is rich with forests, rivers, and heritage homestays.
Top Experiences:
- Trek to Mullayanagiri Peak — the highest point in Karnataka at 6,330 ft.
- Drive through Baba Budangiri, where Sufi and Hindu shrines coexist.
- Stay in a coffee estate homestay for a slow-paced, immersive experience.
- Visit Hebbe Falls and Kallathigiri Falls, especially beautiful post-monsoon.
- Take a scenic forest drive to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, home to tigers, leopards, and elephants. How to Reach Coorg from Bangalore
Ideal for:
Trekking enthusiasts, heritage travellers, offbeat seekers, road trippers
3. Agumbe – The Cherrapunji of the South
- Elevation: ~2,710 ft (830 m)
- Best time to visit: October to February for hiking; June to September for waterfalls and monsoon lovers
- Nearest city: Udupi (55 km) | Shivamogga (95 km)
Tucked away in the Western Ghats of Karnataka’s Malnad region, Agumbe is one of India’s rainiest and most mystical hill stations in Karnataka. With dense jungles, colonial guesthouses, and ancient temples hidden in the mist, it’s a favorite with herpetologists, photographers, and monsoon chasers.
Agumbe is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Western Ghats, known for incredible biodiversity, especially King Cobras and endemic frogs. Kodachadri Hill: A Complete Guide
Top Experiences:
- Chase waterfalls like Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi, and Koodlu Theertha.
- Watch an unforgettable sunset over the Arabian Sea from the Agumbe viewpoint.
- Explore Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (by permission), a haven for wildlife researchers.
- Hike through Kundadri Hill to see panoramic valley views and a Jain temple.
- Visit nearby villages like Sringeri, one of the four original Shankaracharya maths.
Ideal for:
Adventure lovers, wildlife researchers, monsoon travellers, spiritual seekers
Check out also: 3 Nights 4 Days Coorg Tour Package Itinerary
4. Kudremukh – The Hidden Valley of Grasslands
- Elevation: ~6,200 ft (1,890 m)
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Nearest city: Chikmagalur (100 km) | Mangaluru (95 km)
Tucked deep in the Western Ghats, Kudremukh (which means “horse face” in Kannada, referring to the shape of its main peak) is a dream for trekkers and nature purists. A less-commercialized hill stations in Karnataka, Kudremukh is part of Kudremukh National Park, one of the most eco-sensitive zones in the country. What Makes Kudremukh National
The region is known for endless rolling grasslands, mist-covered mountains, and some of the cleanest rivers in South India, including the origin of the Tunga River.
Top Experiences:
- Trek to Kudremukh Peak, which takes you through shola forests and open grasslands (requires prior permission).
- Spot langurs, sambars, and even leopards in Kudremukh National Park.
- Take peaceful walks around Kalasa and Horanadu, two scenic temple towns nearby.
- Visit Lakya Dam, built for the now-defunct iron ore mine, offering unique landscapes.
Ideal for:
Trekker’s paradise, off-the-map travellers, eco-tourists
Check out this: 6 Nights 7 Days Karnataka Tour Package Itinerary
5. Sakleshpur – The Gateway to the Western Ghats
- Elevation: ~3,100 ft (950 m)
- Best time to visit: October to March; monsoon for verdant landscapes
- Nearest city: Hassan (40 km) | Mangaluru (130 km)
If you’re looking for a weekend escape from Bengaluru that offers cool air, misty forests, and spice plantation walks, Sakleshpur is a hidden gem. Though gaining popularity, it remains less touristy than Coorg or Chikmagalur, and offers rustic stays in coffee estates, scenic railway treks, and waterfalls all around. Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand in Summer
Top Experiences:
- Hike the Green Route Railway Trek — an abandoned railway line with over 50 tunnels and bridges (partial sections only, due to restrictions).
- Visit the Manjarabad Fort, a star-shaped hilltop fort built by Tipu Sultan.
- Stay in charming plantation homestays, complete with fire pits and fresh local food.
- Explore Bisle Ghat Viewpoint, offering uninterrupted views of three hill ranges.
- Chase seasonal waterfalls like Mookanamane Falls.
Ideal for:
Bengaluru weekenders, nature lovers, small groups, couples
6. Madikeri – Culture, Mist, and Colonial Echoes
- Elevation: ~3,800 ft (1,170 m)
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Nearest city: Mysuru (120 km) | Mangaluru (140 km)
Though often spoken of interchangeably with Coorg, Madikeri is the district capital of Kodagu and a hill station in its own right — complete with colonial bungalows, mist-wrapped fort ruins, waterfalls, and a bustling local market.
A great base for both short and extended stays, Madikeri gives you easy access to both natural wonders and cultural experiences, making it ideal for travellers who want more than just scenic views.
Top Experiences:
- Walk through Madikeri Fort, built in the 17th century and later modified by the British.
- Pay respects at Raja’s Tombs, Indo-Islamic mausoleums set against misty hills.
- Visit Abbey Falls, just 8 km from town, best viewed post-monsoon.
- Explore the Omkareshwara Temple, a unique mix of Gothic and Islamic architecture.
- Enjoy sunset at Raja’s Seat, especially in winter when the valley lights up below.
Madikeri is also a great spot for food lovers — offering delicious Coorgi pork curry, Akki Roti, and fresh homemade chocolates.
Ideal for:
History lovers, photographers, slow travellers, culinary explorers
7. Kemmangundi – The Forgotten Hill Station
- Elevation: ~4,700 ft (1,430 m)
- Best time to visit: September to February
- Nearest city: Chikmagalur (60 km) | Shivamogga (60 km)
Hidden deep in the Bababudangiri Hills, Kemmangundi was once the summer retreat of Karnataka’s Maharajas. Today, it’s a peaceful hideaway surrounded by ornamental gardens, waterfalls, forest paths, and red soil trails.
Often bypassed in favour of nearby Chikmagalur, Kemmangundi is for those who prefer fewer crowds and more nature.
Top Experiences:
- Trek to Z Point, a rocky bluff with dramatic sunset views over the Ghats.
- Take a forest trail to Shanti Falls, passing wildflowers and birdsong.
- Visit Hebbe Falls, a two-tiered beauty reached by a 4×4 ride and short hike.
- Walk through Rock Garden, a quiet space for early morning meditation.
- Explore Raj Bhavan, the old summer palace turned guest house.
While accommodation is limited (mostly government-run or basic lodges), the raw beauty of this place makes up for it.
Ideal for:
Trek-and-rest travellers, writers, nature enthusiasts, those seeking solitude
8. BR Hills (Biligiriranga Hills) – Where Wildlife Meets Spiritual Silence
- Elevation: ~3,500 ft (1,070 m)
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Nearest city: Mysuru (85 km) | Bengaluru (170 km)
Located at the intersection of the Western and Eastern Ghats, the BR Hills are less a tourist hill station and more a sacred wilderness — where temples, tigers, and tribal culture coexist.
Home to the Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple and BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, this area is a biological bridge between two major forest ranges and is teeming with rare species, making it a paradise for wildlife watchers and birders.
Top Experiences:
- Stay at a forest eco-lodge or jungle camp and go on early morning safaris.
- Visit the Biligiri Temple, perched on a cliff, offering views and spiritual stillness.
- Trek the Dodda Sampige Mara Trail, leading to a 2,000-year-old sacred champak tree.
- Spot elephants, sloth bears, and over 250 bird species in the tiger reserve.
- Learn about the Soliga tribal culture, one of the few groups still living sustainably within a forest ecosystem.
BR Hills offers a rare mix of wilderness, spirituality, and cultural immersion that few hill destinations can match.
Ideal for:
Wildlife photographers, eco-travellers, spiritual seekers, mindful trekkers
9. Nandi Hills – Bengaluru’s Nearest Hill Escape
- Elevation: ~4,850 ft (1,478 m)
- Best time to visit: Year-round; early morning for sunrise views
- Nearest city: Bengaluru (60 km)
No list of top hill stations in Karnataka is complete without Nandi Hills — one of the oldest and most accessible hill getaways in the state. Just an hour’s drive from Bengaluru, Nandi Hills offers a cool breeze, spectacular sunrises, and a slice of colonial and pre-colonial history.
Once the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, Nandi Hills now sees a blend of cyclists, joggers, history buffs, and weekend families. 10 Breathtaking Places to Visit Near Bangalore
Top Experiences:
- Drive or cycle up the winding hill road for sunrise at Tipu’s Drop.
- Visit the Yoganandeeshwara Temple, believed to be over 1,000 years old.
- Explore Tipu Sultan’s summer residence, partially restored.
- Enjoy breakfast at hilltop cafés with panoramic valley views.
- Walk through Amruth Sarovar, a natural spring-fed pond surrounded by gardens.
Early morning is best to avoid crowds and fogged-out views. Come on a weekday for a quieter experience.
Ideal for:
Day-trippers, cyclists, couples, city escapees
How to Plan Hill Stations in Karnataka Itinerary
Karnataka’s hill stations form a natural arc across the Western Ghats, offering opportunities for both short getaways and multi-stop road trips. Here are some ideas for planning:
Weekend Getaways from Bengaluru:
- Nandi Hills (1 day)
- Sakleshpur (2–3 days)
- BR Hills + Mysuru (3 days)
Extended Trips (5–7 days):
- Coorg – Madikeri – Chikmagalur Loop
- Agumbe – Kudremukh – Udupi Coastal Extension
- BR Hills – Bandipur – Ooty (crossing into Tamil Nadu)
Best Season Overall:
- October to February for clear skies, cool temperatures, and lush post-monsoon greenery.
- June to September if you love rain, waterfalls, and mist — but prepare for landslides and road delays.
What to Pack for a trip to Hill Stations in Karnataka
No matter which hill station you visit, weather in the Ghats can be unpredictable — sunny one moment, misty the next. Exploring the Western Ghats in Winter
Here’s a quick packing checklist:
- Light jacket or sweater (even in summer, evenings are cool)
- Sturdy walking shoes or trekking boots
- Rain jacket or poncho (essential in monsoon)
- Bug spray and basic meds
- Binoculars for wildlife and birding spots
- Camera or phone with storage space — the landscapes are irresistible
- Reusable water bottle and eco-friendly toiletries
- Books or journal for those quiet forest evenings
Final Thoughts
Unlike the often-overrun hill stations of North India, Karnataka’s mountain retreats still feel quiet, wild, and authentic. They aren’t about glitzy resorts or Instagram crowds — they’re about real forest air, gentle cultures, old temples, winding trails, and honest food.
And the diversity is unmatched: from the coffee-covered hills of Chikmagalur, to the rain-drenched canopies of Agumbe, to the ancient temple forests of BR Hills, Karnataka’s highlands offer experiences that linger long after the journey ends.
So, next time you’re looking for a mountain escape that’s less obvious and more soulful, skip the clichés and head south — where the Western Ghats cradle stories in their silence, and every hill has a tale to tell.
Need help planning your hill circuit in Karnataka? Whether you want a romantic coffee estate getaway, an offbeat wildlife trek, or a cultural trip combining temples and tea, we can help you craft a route that feels personal, peaceful, and profoundly refreshing.
Let the hills welcome you. And let Karnataka surprise you.
Uncover Additional Reads:
- Top Hill Retreats Near Kathgodam
- Hill Getaways Close to Chandigarh
- Cool Hill Spots in India to Visit in May
- Top Summer Destinations in Uttarakhand
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