Top 10 Hill Stations in Karnataka

Is the sweltering heat of the summer too much to bear? We got you covered. Check out these awesome trips you can take to hill stations in Karnataka this summer. The state is blessed with a huge chunk of Western Ghats, and thus home to some of the breathtaking leisure destinations. All these hill stations are some of the famous places to visit near Bangalore, and so easily reachable. Don’t wait any longer! Drive down to these hill stations in Karnataka or take a cab, and beat the heat!

1. BR Hills

No introduction needed, the Biligiriranga Hills, aka the BR Hills, is one of the most scenic hill stations in Karnataka connecting the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats. Situated in Chamrajnagar, BR Hills is home to Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary. The hills are blessed with Cauvery and Kapila rivers meandering through and thus a great place to go rafting, fishing, and coracle boat riding. Not to mention, the beauty and tranquility of the place are absolutely breathtaking.

Distance from Bangalore: 173 km 

Elevation: 1800 m 

2. Kemmanagundi

Nestled in the natural beauty of Chikmagalur, is the quaint hill station of Kemmanagundi that lies on the Baba Budan range. Scenic waterfalls, floral gardens, and lush greenery form the landscape of Kemmanagundi. You will spot waterfalls like Hebbe and Kallathi which are said to have therapeutic benefits and the ability to cure cold and skin problems. The major attraction here is Baba Budangiri, the second highest peak in Karnataka. It is certainly a place to relax and unwind away from the hustle of the city.

Distance from Bangalore: 273 km 

Elevation: 1434 m 

3. Coorg 

Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is one of the most famous hill stations in Karnataka. The district of Coorg is going to stun you with its attractions. Talakaveri, the palace where River Kaveri originates, lies here. You will also find the Brahma temple on the riverbank, which is one of the only two Brahma Temples in all of Southeast Asia! Don’t forget to visit the waterfalls here like Abbey and Mallalli Falls. Another thing famous about Coorg is the coffee plantations of course and Tibetan settlement. You can also explore trekking as well as rafting here.

Distance from Bangalore: 267  km 

Elevation: 1000  m 

Book Treebo hotels in Coorg and get 100% guaranteed quality stay.

4. Chikmagalur

Located around 240 km west of Bangalore is the coffee land of Chikmagalur, one of the most sought-after hill stations in Karnataka. The picturesque town lies at the base of Mullayanagiri range from where the river Yagachi originates. Chikmagalur literally translates to ‘younger daughter’s town’ in Kannada. Lush green mountains, tranquility and breathtaking aroma of coffee welcomes you to the town. You are in for a surreal holiday in Chikmagalur, thanks to its exceptional beauty and serenity. You will be fascinated to know, this is the first place in India where coffee was grown in India!

Distance from Bangalore: 243 km 

Elevation: 1090 m 

Where to Stay : Treebo Hotels in Chikmagalur

5. Kudremukh 

Literally translating to ‘Horse face’, Kudremukh is the second highest peak in Karnataka after Mullayangiri. Located in the Chikkamagaluru district, Kudremukh is surrounded by the Kudremukh National Park, the second-largest Wildlife Protected area in the Western Ghats and therefore ecologically diverse. The serenity, the greenery, and the freshness are truly divine. From the park, you will see the mesmerizing chain of rolling hills and a mosaic of Swiss-style natural grassland! The National park is home to a series of ecologically diverse mammals while the landscape is covered with evergreen vegetation.

Distance from Bangalore: 331 km 

Elevation: 1894 m 

6. Agumbe 

Better known as “Cherrapunji of South India”, Agumbe is a one-of-its-kind hill station in Karnataka and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tucked away in the Shimoga district, amidst dense forests of the Malenadu region. The ecological diversity has rightly made it a hotspot for medicinal plants, trekking, landscape photography, and spot flora and fauna. As the hamlet receives heavy rainfall, you will get to see a lot of beautiful waterfalls here. Agumbe is home to a wide variety of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. You might find it fascinating to know that various episodes of Malgudi days were shot here.

Distance from Bangalore: 347 km 

Elevation: 823 m 

7. Nandi Hills 

Located just an hour away from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is an ancient fortress near the town of Nandi. Being just a hop skip away from Bangalore, it is  a famous picnic spot for weekend travellers and nature enthusiasts and one of the famous places to visit near Bangalore. You will find rare and exotic vegetation here like the Eucalyptus, Coffee Arabica and more. It is also a great place for birdwatching, thanks to the wide species of birds here. You can spot rare bird species like warblers, flycatchers, and thrushes, as the hills are a favored winter location. The forest is home to teh excotic Nilgiri woodpigeon, shaheen falcon, Uropeltidae snakes and pill millipedes, yellow-throated bulbul, a species endemic to the hills of peninsular India!

Distance from Bangalore: 61 km 

Elevation: 1478 m 

8. Sakleshpur 

Located in the Western Ghats, is the mountain town of Sakleshpur. It is one place that offers a mix of experience and beauty. The hill station has quickly become a favorite for all thanks to its culture, climate, and proximity to major cities like Bangalore and Mangalore. A captivating fragrance of coffee plantations, tea and spice gardens, and flora, fill in the air of Sakleshpur, revitalizing all your 5 senses. Like other hill stations, you can go for a trek here as well as small hikes. You can also see as far away as the Pushpagiri, Dodda Betta, and Kumara Parvatha Hills.

Distance from Bangalore: 221 km 

Elevation: 956 m 

9. Kodachadri

Nestled just 78 km from Shimoga district is the Kodachadri peak, a natural haven and a heritage site declared by Karnataka State Government. The mountain sits in the middle of the Mookambika National Park and is considered a rich biodiversity hotspot. You will find a wide range of endangered and rare flora and fauna here, thanks to the dense forest cover that surrounds the mountain. Get ready to enjoy the waterfalls here and get lost in the artistic landscape. You can also go trekking or day hikes here. Kodachadri is perfect if you’re looking for relaxing and rejuvenating places in Karnataka.

Distance from Bangalore: 412 km 

Elevation: 1343  m 

10. Kakkabe

The idyllic village of Kakkabe is hidden in Coorg, about 35 km from Madikeri. The gorgeous village is blessed with natural beauty and tranquility that will make you forget you’re in Coorg. It is a must-visit for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Kakkabe is hidden in between tropical rainforest and coffee plantations. Surprisingly enough, this small village is known to be the largest sweet honey producer in South-East Asia. you can enjoy the waterfalls, trekking, rock climbing, local festivals as well as the enchanting flora and fauna.

Distance from Bangalore: 261 km 

Elevation: 1746 m 

Although there are hundreds of more hill stations in Karnataka, we have included the most visited and favourite ones. You can find Treebo hotels in all these places as well as in nearby cities like Bangalore and Mangalore. If you have visited or planning to visit any of these, please do let us know about your experience by dropping a line below. Your stay is fully protected with our Treebo Hygiene Shield. Also, check out Hidden gems of Himachal if you’re looking for offbeat places to travel in the Himalayas.