Hill Stations Near Bangalore For That Perfect Weekend Escape

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

At 57 km from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is the most practical morning trip from the city. The sunrise from the top with Bangalore visible on the plains below is the main draw, which is why most visitors leave the city before 5am. The Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple at the base, Tipu's Drop cliff face and the historical connection to Tipu Sultan's summer residence fill the rest of the visit.

Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Watch the sunrise from the hilltop, visit Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple at the base, trek to Tipu's Drop viewpoint, paraglide at the nearby site

Distance from Bangalore: 57 km

Best Time: October to June

12 Nandi Hills Attractions

Known For : Abbey Falls Mandalpatti Raja's Seat

Coorg is the most popular weekend destination from Bangalore. Coffee plantation stays, the Abbey Falls walk, Raja's Seat in Madikeri and the forested Brahmagiri drives give it variety that sustains 2-3 nights easily. The Kodava food and culture give it a character distinct from other Karnataka hill destinations.

Duration: 5 - 6 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Stay in a coffee plantation homestay, walk to Abbey Falls, drive to Mandalpatti viewpoint, visit Raja's Seat in Madikeri, explore Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe

Distance from Bangalore: 264 km

Best Time: October to June

38 Coorg Attractions

Known For : Baba Budangiri Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Kudremukh National Park

Chikmagalur is Karnataka's main coffee district and the base for some of the best trekking near Bangalore. The Mullayanagiri trek at 1,930 metres is the highest point in Karnataka, Baba Budangiri, Hebbe Falls through the Bhadra reserve and Kudremukh National Park are all within reach. Most visitors stay in coffee estate homestays.

Duration: 4 - 5 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Trek to Mullayanagiri peak, visit Baba Budangiri, drive to Hebbe Falls through coffee estates, explore Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, stay in a coffee estate homestay

Distance from Bangalore: 243 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Chikmagalur Attractions

Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Dolphin's Nose

Ooty is 265 km from Bangalore and the drive through the Bandipur forest and up the Nilgiris takes around 6-7 hours. The Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway are the main draws. It gets crowded in peak summer and weekday visits or October to December are more comfortable.

Duration: 6 - 7 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Mettupalayam, visit the Botanical Gardens, walk around Ooty Lake, go up to Doddabetta Peak, explore the local tea and chocolate shops

Distance from Bangalore: 265 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

44 Ooty Attractions

Known For : Emerald Lake, Yercaud Pagoda Point Botanical Garden, Yercaud

Yercaud in the Shevaroy Hills above Salem is less visited than Ooty and Kodaikanal, which means accommodation is cheaper and the viewpoints are less crowded. The Lady's Seat viewpoint, Yercaud Lake, coffee and orange plantations and the Botanical Garden fill a relaxed two-day visit.

Duration: 4 - 5 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Visit Lady's Seat viewpoint, walk around Yercaud Lake, explore coffee and orange plantations, visit the Botanical Garden, drive to Pagoda Point

Distance from Bangalore: 230 km

Best Time: October to June

20 Yercaud Attractions

Known For : BRT Wildlife Sanctuary Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Adventure Activities

BR Hills in Chamarajanagar district sits at the ecological junction where the Eastern and Western Ghats meet. The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary supports elephants, leopards, sloth bears and gaur, and the hilltop temple is an important pilgrimage site.

Duration: 4 - 5 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Go on a jeep safari through the wildlife sanctuary, visit the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple on the hilltop, trek through the forest trails, birdwatching in the sanctuary

Distance from Bangalore: 170 km

Best Time: April to October

5 BR Hills Attractions

Sakleshpur in Hassan district is known primarily for the railway trek from here to Kukke Subramanya through forest tunnels and bridges which one of Karnataka's most popular adventure treks. Coffee and pepper estate stays, the Manjarabad Star Fort and the Bisle Ghat viewpoint fill the rest of a 2-day visit.

Duration: 4 - 5 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Trek the Sakleshpur-Kukke railway route through tunnels and bridges, visit Manjarabad Star Fort, drive to Bisle Ghat viewpoint, stay in a coffee or pepper estate

Distance from Bangalore: 221 km

Known For : Edakkal Caves Banasura Sagar Dam Chembra Peak

Wayanad in northern Kerala is 276 km from Bangalore. The Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak trek, Banasura Sagar Dam and wildlife drives through Tholpetty give it more variety than most Kerala hill destinations. The mix of tribal culture, wildlife and plantation landscape makes it a strong 2-3 night option.

Duration: 5 - 6 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Visit Edakkal Caves with prehistoric carvings, trek to Chembra Peak, visit Banasura Sagar Dam, go on a jeep safari at Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, bamboo raft on Kuruva Island

Distance from Bangalore: 276 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

46 Wayanad Attractions

Horsley Hills in Andhra Pradesh is one of the closest genuine hill stations from Bangalore at 1,265 metres. The Galibanda viewpoint, forest walks and cool temperatures when the surrounding plains are hot make it a practical short trip. Less visited than Karnataka's hill stations which keeps it quiet.

Duration: 3 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Visit Galibanda viewpoint, walk the forest trails, visit Kalyani Dam, explore the Horsley Hills Museum, birdwatching in the surrounding forest

Distance from Bangalore: 143 km

Known For : Kudremukh Trek Kudremukh National Park Hanuman Gundi Falls

Kudremukh National Park is 360 km from Bangalore. The trek to the Kudremukh peak through shola grassland and the Hanuman Gundi Falls are the main draws. The park is most dramatic during and after monsoon. Entry requires permits through the forest department.

Duration: 7 - 8 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Trek to Kudremukh peak through shola grassland, visit Hanuman Gundi Falls, stay at Bhagavathi Nature Camp inside the reserve, birdwatching in the national park

Best Time: October to May

10 Kudremukh Attractions

Known For : Hogenakkal Falls Mettur Dam Melagiri Hills

Hogenakkal, situated near Bangalore, is a picturesque waterfall on the Kaveri River and is often referred to as the "Niagara Falls of India." It's renowned for its breathtaking cascades and boat rides, making it a popular natural attraction in the region.

How to Reach from Bangalore: You can drive to Hogenakkal, which takes about 4-5 hours, or you can opt for bus services. Another option is to take a train to Dharmapuri, which is the nearest railway station, and then travel by road to Hogenakkal.

Distance from Bangalore: 127 km

Best Time: October to March

9 Hogenakkal Attractions

Known For : Mattupetty Dam Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Top Station

Munnar is 477 km from Bangalore and a longer commitment than most entries on this list. The tea estate landscape, Kolukkumalai sunrise, Top Station viewpoint and Eravikulam National Park make it worth the distance for a 3-night trip. Better approached as a standalone Kerala trip than a quick weekend.

Duration: 8 - 9 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Drive to Kolukkumalai tea estate for sunrise, visit Top Station viewpoint, explore Eravikulam National Park for Nilgiri Tahr sightings, tour the Mattupetty Dam area

Distance from Bangalore: 477 km

Best Time: September to May

55 Munnar Attractions

Known For : Dolphin's Nose, Kodaikanal Devil's Kitchen (Guna Cave) Green Valley View (Suicide Point)

Kodaikanal in the Palani Hills is 465 km from Bangalore. At 2,133 metres it's higher than Ooty and generally mistier, with Coaker's Walk, the star-shaped Kodai Lake, Guna Cave and the shola forest walks giving it a quieter and more atmospheric character. Better suited to a 3-night trip.

Duration: 8 - 9 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Walk Coaker's Walk along the valley edge, boat on Kodai Lake, explore Guna Cave, walk to Pillar Rocks viewpoint, drive to Berijam Lake through shola forest

Distance from Bangalore: 465 km

Best Time: September to June

35 Kodaikanal Attractions

Known For : Sim's Park Dolphin's Nose Ketti Valley

Coonoor in the Nilgiris is about 30 minutes below Ooty on the same road. Sim's Park, the Ketti Valley viewpoint, Lamb's Rock and a section of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway make it a quieter alternative to Ooty. Works well as a base for the Nilgiris if Ooty feels too crowded.

Duration: 6 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Visit Sim's Park, walk to Lamb's Rock and Dolphin's Nose viewpoints, ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway section through Coonoor, drive to Ketti Valley viewpoint

Distance from Bangalore: 284 km

Best Time: October to March

17 Coonoor Attractions

Kodachadri Hills, situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is a picturesque destination known for its lush greenery and serene landscapes. This pristine hill station offers an enchanting trekking experience with its dense forests and a stunning summit viewpoint.

How to Reach from Bangalore: To get to Kodachadri Hills from Bangalore, you can take a train or bus to Shimoga, which is the nearest major city. From Shimoga, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the base of Kodachadri Hills. It takes approximately 6-7 hours by road.

Distance from Bangalore: 413 km

Known For : Punganur Lake Nature Park Jalagamparai Falls

Yelagiri in Vellore district is reached by 14 hairpin bends from the plains. The Punganur Lake, Jalagamparai Falls and Nature Park fill a relaxed day or overnight visit. At 3 hours from Bangalore it's one of the most accessible Eastern Ghats hill destinations from the city.

Duration: 3 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Walk around Punganur Lake, visit Jalagamparai Falls, explore the Nature Park, paraglide at Swamimalai Hill, trek to the viewpoints around the plateau

Distance from Bangalore: 161 km

Best Time: November to February

13 Yelagiri Attractions

Agumbe in Shimoga district is one of the wettest places in South India — the dense rainforest it produces, the Barkana Falls and the sunset viewpoint are the draws. Known among wildlife enthusiasts for its king cobra population. Monsoon between June and October is when the place is most rewarding.

Duration: 6 - 7 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Visit the sunset viewpoint, trek to Barkana Falls, explore the rainforest trails, visit the king cobra research station, birdwatching in the dense forest

Distance from Bangalore: 347 km

Bellikkal, situated in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, is a serene and picturesque hill station known for its lush greenery and tranquil surroundings. It is a haven for nature lovers and offers opportunities for trekking, birdwatching, and unwinding amidst the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats.

How to Reach from Bangalore: You can reach Bellikkal by taking a scenic road trip through the winding roads of the Nilgiri hills. The journey takes around 6-7 hours by car.

Distance from Bangalore: 258 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

Known For : Elk Falls Longwood Shola Trekking

Kotagiri is the oldest and quietest Nilgiri hill station at 1,793 metres. Catherine Falls, Elk Falls, the Longwood Shola forest reserve and the Kodanad View Point are the draws. Less visited than Ooty and Coonoor and best approached as part of a Nilgiris circuit.

Duration: 6 - 7 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Visit Catherine Falls, walk to Elk Falls, explore Longwood Shola forest reserve, drive to Kodanad View Point, visit the tea estates around town

Distance from Bangalore: 353 km

Best Time: December to May

7 Kotagiri Attractions

Known For : Vagamon Falls Kurisumala Vagamon Lake

Vagamon in Idukki district is the furthest on this list at 557 km and better suited to a Kerala trip than a quick weekend. The pine forests, open meadows, Kurisumala viewpoint and paragliding site give it a different character from Munnar. The quiet atmosphere and lower tourist infrastructure suit longer stays.

Duration: 9 - 10 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Walk through the pine forests, paraglide at the Vagamon paragliding site, visit Kurisumala viewpoint, explore the meadows around Thangalpara, visit Vagamon Lake

Distance from Bangalore: 557 km

Best Time: October - March

20 Vagamon Attractions

Valparai in the Anaimalai Hills is reached via 40 hairpin bends from Pollachi. Tea and coffee estate drives, gaur and lion-tailed macaque sightings on plantation roads and the Sholayar Dam are the draws. One of Tamil Nadu's least crowded hill destinations and significantly more wildlife-rich than the Nilgiri hill stations.

Duration: 7 - 8 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Drive through tea and coffee estates, spot gaur and lion-tailed macaques on plantation roads, visit Sholayar Dam, trek through Grass Hills National Park, birdwatching in the forest

Distance from Bangalore: 464 km

Known For : Hebbe Falls Kalahatti Falls Z Point

Kemmanagundi is in Chikmagalur district, best visited as an add-on to a Chikmagalur trip. The Z Point viewpoint over the Western Ghats, Hebbe Falls through coffee estate roads and the Raj Bhavan gardens fill a day visit.

Duration: 5 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Visit Z Point viewpoint over the Western Ghats, jeep ride to Hebbe Falls through coffee estates, walk through Raj Bhavan gardens, visit Kalahatti Falls

Distance from Bangalore: 261 km

Best Time: September to May

9 Kemmanagundi Attractions

Kolli Hills in Namakkal district is known for the 70 continuous hairpin bends on the ascent — one of the most dramatic ghat drives in Tamil Nadu. The Agaya Gangai waterfall, Arapaleeswarar Temple and the medicinal herb gardens are the draws at the top.

Duration: 5 - 6 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Drive up the 70 hairpin bends, visit Agaya Gangai waterfall, explore Arapaleeswarar Temple, walk through the medicinal herb gardens, visit the Uchchi Pillayar Temple viewpoint

Distance from Bangalore: 288 km

Known For : Pookot Lake Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary BeeCraft Honey Museum

Vythiri is in Wayanad district, known specifically for its forest resort accommodation including treehouse stays. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary passes through the region and Chembra Peak and Soochipara Falls are nearby. It functions as an accommodation base for Wayanad rather than a standalone destination.

Duration: 5 - 6 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Stay in a treehouse resort, visit Pookode Lake, trek to Soochipara Falls, explore Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, visit the BeeCraft Honey Museum

Distance from Bangalore: 289 km

Best Time: October to Apr

10 Vythiri Attractions

MM Hills in Chamarajanagar district is centred around the Male Mahadeshwara Swamy Temple, an important pilgrimage destination in Karnataka. The MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary connects with Bandipur and BR Hills as part of the larger forest corridor. Elephant and wildlife sightings on the forest roads are common.

Duration: 3 - 4 hours from Bangalore
Things to Do: Visit the Male Mahadeshwara Swamy Temple, drive through MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, wildlife spotting on the forest roads, trekking on the forest trails

Yana, situated in the picturesque state of Karnataka, is famous for its unique limestone rock formations and lush green surroundings. The highlight of Yana is the two towering monolithic rock formations, Mohini Shikara and Bhairaveshwara Shikara, which are nestled within the lush forests and offer a serene and mystical atmosphere for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.

How to Reach from Bangalore: To reach this natural wonder, you can take a train or bus to Kumta, and from there, hire a taxi or use local transportation to cover the remaining 20 kilometers to Yana.

Distance from Bangalore: 439 km

Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta, situated near Bangalore, is a picturesque hill that beckons nature enthusiasts and trekkers alike. The hill features stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is named after the temple of Lord Rangaswamy nestled at its peak.

How to Reach from Bangalore: Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta is approximately 70 kilometers from Bangalore, and you can reach it by road. You can drive to the base of the hill or hire a taxi for transportation.

Distance from Bangalore: 77 km

Skandagiri, situated near Bangalore, is a renowned trekking spot known for its captivating beauty and historic importance. It boasts stunning panoramic vistas from its summit, making it a favorite among trekkers. Skandagiri is home to the remnants of an ancient fortress and is surrounded by lush natural landscapes.

How to Reach from Bangalore:You can drive to the hill's base or opt for a taxi or bus service for convenience.

Distance from Bangalore: 60 km

Makalidurga Fort, situated near Bangalore, is a historical gem and a sought-after trekking spot. It boasts a rich history and offers trekkers stunning vistas from its vantag
e point. The fort is surrounded by lush natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for adventure seekers.

How to Reach from Bangalore: You can easily reach it by road, either by driving to the base of the hill or taking a bus or taxi.

Distance from Bangalore: 57 km

Known For : Gomateshwara Statue Chandragiri Hill Temple Bhandari Basadi Temple

Shravanbelagola is an important Jain pilgrimage centre with a 57 m tall monolithic sculpture of Lord Gomateswara called Bahubali statue as its prime attraction. Located 144 km from Bengaluru in Hassan District of Karnataka, the collection of Jain Temples in Shravanbelagola attracts a number of pilgrims every year.

Distance from Bangalore: 143 km

Best Time: October to Apr

8 Shravanbelagola Attractions