Have you ever wondered what lies beyond “the hills”? What I mean is, when you look out of your window, what do you see after the hills in the distance? No matter which part of the state you live in, there are definitely hills around. And walking through the city streets, the last thing you can imagine is a place like a hill station. But these 12 hill stations in Karnataka will take your breath away with their beauty and charm.
- Kodachadri
Kodachadri is about 1343 m above sea level, located in the Western Ghats in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, India. It is a part of the Mookambika National Park. Kodachadri Peak is at a distance of 13 km from Kollur and is known for its trekking trails. Also, It is considered one of the most beautiful treks in south India.
Kodachadri peak was once considered as one of the unexplored places in Karnataka and now it has become one of the must-visit places in Karnataka. The misty hills and dense forests make this place a perfect getaway to relax and rejuvenate.
Kodachadri is one of the most beautiful hill stations near Bangalore for trekking, nature trails, and wildlife spotting. This place offers you an amazing view of sunrise and sunset and it is famous for its serene atmosphere. A trek to Kodachadri peak will be a unique experience with thick forests, lush greenery, and waterfalls on the way. This post will give you complete information on Kodachadri hill station including how to reach, the best time to visit, things to do & places to see there.
- Coorg
If you love serene vistas, untouched nature, and a quiet, laid-back lifestyle, Coorg is the best place to be. The hill station is also known as Kodagu, which means ‘dense forest.’ It is also the largest producer of coffee in India.
The weather is pleasant throughout the year and the scenic beauty will leave you spellbound. You can plan for a trekking expedition or visit the gorgeous Dubare Elephant Camp or indulge in bird watching at Brahmagiri Bird Sanctuary.
Coorg Hill Station Highlights:
● Trekking
● Adventure sports like white water rafting and kayaking
● Visit Dubare Elephant Camp
● Bird watching at Brahmagiri Bird Sanctuary
Ideal For: Family and friends
- Agumbe
Agumbe is a small village located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka state. It is known as Cherrapunji of South India. The place is rich in biodiversity and has a lot of wildlife sanctuaries near it. The beauty of this hill station attracts people from all over the country and it’s also a part of the Malnad region.
Agumbe Hill Station is home to some amazing spots to explore and here are the things to do while you visit this beautiful hill station:
If you love trekking, then Agumbe Hill Station can be your next destination where you can enjoy trekking amidst the forests. You can see some amazing waterfalls which are the most famous tourist spots in Agumbe along with sunset viewpoints that will leave you awe-struck.
- Yana Biligiri Hills
There are many hill stations in Karnataka, which are the most amazing tourist destinations. Have you ever heard of Yana Biligiri Hills? They are two hills in the Western Ghats of Uttara Kannada district. Yana is one of the best hill stations in India that attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world.
Yana is famous for its beautiful caves and crystalline karst rocks. The name “Yana” has derived from the Kannada words “Yava” and “Ana”, meaning barley and elephant respectively. The name ‘Yana’ describes the shape of the rocks, which look like an elephant’s head.
The cave temples have been carved out of solid rock, which adds to its beauty. It is a wonderful place for trekking and rock climbing. The peculiar structure at Yana is made up of black crystalline Karst limestone known as karst topography.
- Wayanad
Wayanad is not just another hill station. Located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, this picturesque location is filled with breathtaking scenery that can transport you to a magical world.
Floating clouds, lush greenery, and heavenly weather are what make Wayanad stand out from the rest of the hill stations in Karnataka.
With a plethora of places to visit in Wayanad, there’s something or the other for each one of you. From captivating waterfalls and magnificent caves to verdant tea estates and ancient temples, there are so many things to do in Wayanad that you may end up staying there longer than you thought!
The best time to visit Wayanad is between September and March when the humidity is low and the temperature ranges between 15℃ and 28℃.
- Kemmanagundi
Kemmanagundi is one of the famous hill stations in Karnataka. The hill station is located in Tarikere Taluk of Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. The place is an ideal getaway for those who love nature and adventure. Surrounded by verdant coffee plantations, Kemmanagundi offers mesmerizing views of the Western Ghats.
The picturesque beauty of Kemmanagundi is due to the presence of several hills like Baba Budan Giri, Hebbale Betta, Pushpagiri, and many more. It is located at an altitude of 1434 m above sea level.
Kemmanagundi has numerous tourist places to visit like Hebbe Falls, Z Point, Raj Bhavan, etc. Hebbe Falls cascades down from a height of 551 m offering some vibrant views to the tourists. In addition to this, there are other waterfalls like Kalhatti Falls and Shanti Falls that are worth a visit.
- Madikeri
Madikeri, formerly known as Mercara, is a hill station town in Karnataka and is the headquarters of the district of Kodagu. It is a popular tourist destination. Madikeri lies on the Karnataka State Highway 88 that runs from Mysore to Mangalore. The town is located at 12°22 N 75°43 E and has an average elevation of 1,137 meters (3738).
Madikeri features a tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification. The average temperature ranges from 15 °C to 28 °C. The town receives abundant rainfall during the southwest monsoon between June and September, with September receiving the most precipitation for the month.
- Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills is famous for its sunrise and sunset, which are just mesmerizing. It is a historical fort formed millions of years ago. You will also get to see Tipu Sultan’s home, which is now converted into a museum. The hills are located at a height of 1400 meters above sea level and it is about 60 km from Bangalore.
Nandi Hills is one of the most popular hill stations in Karnataka. It was once the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan. Located around 60 km from Bangalore, it is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka.
There are many things to do in Nandi Hills such as enjoying sunrise or sunset view, trekking through the clouds, visiting temples or museums, and exploring abandoned fort structures.
- Kundadri Hill
Kundadri Hill, a popular trekking spot near Agumbe, is one of the most beautiful hills in Karnataka. The hill derives its name from the Kundodara River which flows through the region.
Kundadri had been a popular and sacred Jain pilgrimage site since the 1st century BC. The magnificent temple dedicated to Tirthankara Parshwanath and other temples located on the flat table-top of the hill are architectural marvels.
The monsoon season makes Kundadri Hill an ideal getaway for people who love trekking, wildlife photography, and birdwatching.
- Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is nestled in the foothills of Mullayanagiri and is one of the hill stations in Karnataka. It is located in the Chikmagalur district in Karnataka, India. The name “Chikmagalur” literally means “younger daughter’s town” in the Kannada language. The town is famous for coffee and is known as the ‘coffee land’ of Karnataka.
Along with coffee, Chikmagalur also produces pepper, cardamom, and honey. The town is surrounded by scenic hills and dense forests making it ideal for trekking and hiking. Tourist attractions in Chikmagalur include the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Datta Peeta, and Muthodi Forest, which are home to a variety of flora and fauna such as tigers, leopards, and elephants.
Takeaway!
These ten hill stations in Karnataka are truly worth a visit. They will make you forget the hustle-bustle of your life in the city. One can spend days in these serene locations and he/she won’t get bored. Be it for work or for a vacation, these places will make you feel free from all the daily worries you have. So, plan a trip and visit these beautiful locations.
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