Hill Stations in Karnataka

Known For : Abbey Falls Mandalpatti Raja's Seat

Coorg is Karnataka's most popular hill destination, known for coffee and spice plantations, the Abbey Falls walk, Raja's Seat viewpoint in Madikeri and the Brahmagiri forest range. It's about 250 km from Bangalore and the drive takes around 5 hours. The local Kodava food and culture make it distinct from other Karnataka hill stations.

Best Time: October to June

38 Coorg Attractions

Known For : Baba Budangiri Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Kudremukh National Park

Chikmagalur is Karnataka's main coffee-growing district and a good base for trekking and nature stays. The Mullayanagiri trek at 1,930 metres is the highest point in Karnataka. Baba Budangiri, Hebbe Falls, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Kudremukh National Park are all within reach. Most visitors stay in coffee estate homestays in and around the town.

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Chikmagalur Attractions

Agumbe in Shimoga district is one of the wettest places in South India. The heavy rainfall creates dense rainforest, dramatic waterfalls including Barkana Falls, and a landscape that is particularly rewarding during and after monsoon. It is well known among wildlife enthusiasts for its king cobra population and the research station run here. The sunset viewpoint occasionally offers views of the Arabian Sea coast.

Sakleshpur is a hill town in Hassan district known for coffee and pepper plantations, the Manjarabad Star Fort and the Bisle Ghat viewpoint. The trek along the old railway line from Sakleshpur to Kukke Subramanya through forest tunnels and bridges is one of the most popular adventure treks in Karnataka. It's around 220 km from Bangalore.

Known For : Tipu's Drop Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple Tipu's Summer Residence

Nandi Hills is a popular day trip from Bangalore, around 60 km away. The main draws are the sunrise views from the top, the historical connection to Tipu Sultan whose summer residence is here, and the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple at the base. Paragliding is available nearby. Most people visit in the early morning and return the same day.

Best Time: October to June

12 Nandi Hills Attractions

Known For : Hebbe Falls Kalahatti Falls Z Point

Kemmanagundi is a hill area in Chikmagalur district with a viewpoint called Z Point, the Hebbe Falls accessible by jeep through coffee estates, and the Raj Bhavan gardens. It's usually visited as a day trip or overnight stop as part of a Chikmagalur trip rather than as a standalone destination.

Best Time: September to May

9 Kemmanagundi Attractions

Known For : BRT Wildlife Sanctuary Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Adventure Activities

BR Hills or Biligiri Rangaswamy Hills are in Chamarajanagar district, 175 km from Bangalore. The forest here connects the Eastern and Western Ghats and supports elephants, leopards, sloth bears and gaur. The hilltop Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple is an important pilgrimage site. Jeep safaris through the wildlife sanctuary are the main activity.

Best Time: April to October

5 BR Hills Attractions

MM Hills is a forested hill area in Chamarajanagar district centred around the Male Mahadeshwara Swamy Temple, a significant pilgrimage destination in the region. The MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary surrounding it is part of the forest corridor connecting Bandipur and BR Hills, supporting elephants, leopards and sloth bears. The temple, the forest drives and the general landscape make it both a pilgrimage and a nature destination.

Known For : Kudremukh Trek Kudremukh National Park Hanuman Gundi Falls

Kudremukh National Park in Chikmagalur district is one of the most biodiverse areas in the Western Ghats. The trek to the Kudremukh peak passes through shola grassland and forest. Hanuman Gundi Falls and the Bhagavathi Nature Camp are within the reserve. The park is most dramatic during and just after monsoon when the grassland turns green and the waterfalls are at full flow.

Best Time: October to May

10 Kudremukh Attractions

Kodachadri is a peak at 1,343 metres in the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary in Shimoga district. The trek to the top takes around 5-6 hours return and the summit gives views of both the Western Ghats forest and the Arabian Sea coast on clear days. The Mookambika Temple at the base is a major pilgrimage site visited independently of the trek.

Sirsi is a town in Uttara Kannada district surrounded by Western Ghats forest. The Unchalli Falls nearby, reached by a forest trek, drop 116 metres and are among Karnataka's most impressive. The Madhukeshwara Temple in town is historically significant. The area is less visited than the Chikmagalur and Coorg circuits and is particularly good for birdwatching.