Most Popular Hill Stations In and Around Karnataka
Karnataka, the meeting point of several cultures across the globe, a canvas painted with the emotions of millions of people from various corners of the world or the reminiscence of a bygone era, offers a lot to its visitors! Be it the glimpses of history, royalty or the ways to escape the scorching heat of the summer, this Indian state offers all of these to its guests.
When it comes to hill stations, the state offers some of the picturesque and wholesome hilly retreats in the country. Listed below are some of the scenic and ideal hill stations that can be easily reached from across Karnataka:
Here are some of the best hill stations in Karnataka:
1. B R Hills
A favoured escape amongst Bangaloreans, BR Hills welcomes you with balmy weather, nature thrills and a tryst with the jungle. Plopped in the YelandurTaluk of Chamarajanagar district, this is among the salubrious hill stations in Karnataka and is also known as Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary.
Sprawling on an area of 540 sq km, it reflects the splendour of eastern most part of the Western Ghats. Another golden feature of the place is that it was declared as the protected tiger reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Best time to visit: June – November, December – March.
Attractions: Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, BRT Wildlife Sanctuary and Big Champak Tree.
Activities: Trekking, Sightseeing, Elephant and Jeep Safaris.
2. Chikmagalur
The ‘land of coffee’ or Chikmagalur stands gracefully on the Mullayanagiri Range. Scenic landscapes, captivating hills, lush coffee plantations and salubrious nature of this hill station makes it for a pleasant getaway in Karnataka. While its appealing hills peaks entices trekkers, adventure buffs and nature lovers, its pleasant climate makes it an ideal escapade for regular holidayers.
Also known as the ‘younger daughter’s town’, peace and tranquillity that exists in this hilly retreat makes it one of the highly visited hill stations in Karnataka.
Two of the most sought after destinations in Chikmagalur are:
i) Kemmangundi
Fringed by the picturesque Baba BudanGiri Range, Kemmanagundi was once the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Mysore. Misty appeal, serene ambience, lush plantations, colourful gardens, stunning waterfalls and the splendid views of the hills and mountains of this place make it for an ideal hiking destination. It is indeed one of the most hiked hill stations in Karnataka and Chikmagalur as well.
ii) Kudremukh
Also known as the ‘horse faced mountain’ due to its shape, this is the third highest peak in Karnataka. Known for its fascinating trekking trails, charming climate, pictorial waterfalls and rich bio-diversity, it has also been declared as one of the National Parks in India.
However, while opting for trekking in this region, the trekkers should follow certain rules and guidelines laid by the local forest department. It is one of the eco-sensitive areas in Chikmagalur and the visitors should abide by all the possibilities to retain its beauty.
Best time to visit: September-May.
Attractions: Baba BudanGiri Range, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary & Reservoir, Kalasa, Hebbe Falls and Khandya.
Activities: Trekking, Nature Trails, Waterfall Visits, Hiking, Homestays and Plantation Tours.
3. Coorg
Gracious and appealing in its own way, Coorg or ‘Kodagu’ is known for its mesmeric beauty and charm. Situated on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, this enchanting hill station is adorned with aromatic spice plantations, lush paddy fields and never-ending patches of coffee plants.
The colourful cultures and traditions of the locals, who are known to great warriors, are truly delights to witness and enjoy. Moreover the homely ambience of Coorg never allows the visitors to feel the pinch of being away from home. The source of the Krishna River, it is also one of the adventure hubs in Karnataka; enthusiasts from across the country visits Coorg for trekking, hiking and other similar adventure activities.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year.
Attractions: Abbey Falls, Madikere Fort, Tadiyandamol Peak, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and Dubare Elephant Camp.
Accommodations: Coorg homestays.
Activities: Trekking, Cycling, Hiking, Mountaineering, Waterfall Visits and Plantation Tours.
4. Agumbe
A quaint hamlet in the Shimoga district, Agumbe is one of the pictorial hill stations in Karnataka. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is located around 357km from Bangalore and 643m above the sea level. While the whirly terrains of Agumbe add to its magical beauty, its lush and undulated greenery makes it for a salubrious holiday destination. Also known as the ‘Cherrapunji of the South’, this scenic Karnataka hill station is also a splendid destination for trekking, nature photography and several other activities.
Best time to visit: October – February.
Attractions: Koodlu Theertha Falls, Sunset Point, Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, Wildlife and Avifauna.
Activities: Forest Trails, Waterfall Visits, Nature Trails and Trekking.
5. Sakleshpur
At a distance of 37 km from Belur, 44 km from Hassan, 62 km from Chikmagalur, 91 km from Dharmasthala, 151 km from Mangalore, 159 km from Shimoga, 163 km from Mysore and 220 km from Bangalore, Sakleshpur or Sakleshpura is a hill station in Hassan district of Karnataka. Situated at an altitude of 3061 feet, Sakleshpur is one of the best hill stations near Bangalore and among the must include tourist attractions in Karnataka tour packages.
Mangalore Airport is the nearest airport which is at a distance of 162 km from Sakleshpur. It has well connected flights from Chennai, Bangalore, New Delhi, Kochi, Trivandrum, Pondicherry, Goa, Kolkata, Dubai, Bangkok and Singapore. Sakleshpur Railway Station is well connected by trains with Bangalore, Karwar, Mangalore, Kannur and Kasaragod. Sakleshpur is well connected by bus with Bangalore, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Mysore, Shimoga, Mangalore and Karwar.
Accommodation options in Sakleshpur are plenty that range from mid-range hotels to homestays and resorts to budget hotels. Homestays in Sakleshpur are the best places for tourists to stay in to feel at home even on a vacation.
Best time to visit: October – April.
Attractions: Manjarabad Fort, Sakleshwara Temple, Agni Gudda Hill, Magajahalli Waterfalls, Betta Byraveshwara Temple, Hemavathi Dam, Pandavar Gudda and Agni Gudda.
Activities: Camping, Trekking, Sightseeing, Waterfall Visits.
Source – thrillophilia.