Karnataka is a vast extensive land which is a simmering medley of different kind of people, cultures, environments and climates. It is a highly favored travel destination too, with ample of sites to discover from monuments built by the kings to the waterfalls flowing since the beginning of time.
Of course, Karnataka is not scarce in the presence of hill stations either. There are many hilly, cool destinations where couples and families and groups and even solo travelers show up! Some of them are very popular and see a high number of tourists while others do not. You do not need to stay in a place for a week to truly explore it anyway, you could consider booking hourly hotels if you are short on time.
Read on to find out about 17 such hill stations across the state of Karnataka!
1. Agumbe
Agumbe is a popular hill station. It is a small village located at a high altitude, surrounded by the western ghats. It has a very popular sunset view and is also known for its many waterfalls including but not limited to Onake Abbi, Bakarna and Jogi Gundi falls.
2. Anthargange hills
Located in the south eastern part of Karnataka, anthargange hills are a part of the Shathashrunga mountain range. It is popularly known for its temple dedicated to lord shiva, Sri Kashi Vishweshwara temple, also known as Kashi of the South.
3. BR hills
The BR Hills or the Biligirirangana Hills are a range of hills located at an altitude of 1200 metres from the sea level. It displays a unique variety of flora and fauna, owing to the fact that it is located at the conjunction of the eastern and the western ghats.
4. Brahmagiri Hills
A misty hillstation, Brahmagiri hills is yet another lesser known location. Owing to its seecludedness from the rest of the population and many secrets that are to be discovered, it is a perfect romantic destination.
5. Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur translates to the ‘younger daughter’s town’, owing to a local tale. It is a small city located at the foot of the mullayana giri hill. Consider booking rooms for a short time here in chikmagalur.
6. Coorg
Another very popular tourist destination, Coorg is a little farther than Nandi hills on the map. It is famous for its coffee plantations and numerous available activities along with the beautiful environment. It is known for the Raja’s seat, a simple and subtle monument which overlooks forests and fields of rice paddies. Tourists also visit Omkareshwara Temple in this area.
7. Gangamoola Hill
Located in the Chikkamagaluru district, Gangamoola Hill is known as a quaint little hill station which also happens to be the source of three rivers, Tunga, Bhadra and Netravathi. It is a part of the Kudremukh National Park.
8. Kemmanagundi
Also known as Sri Krishnarajendra Hill Station, Kemmangundi is located more than 1400 metres above sea level. It is known for its picturesque valleys and mountains and gardens. Also popular are many waterfalls like Kallathigiri Falls, Hebbe falls, and Manikyadhara falls.
9. Kodachadri
It is the 13th highest peak of Karnataka and is covered with lush, green forests. It has been declared as a natural heritage site of Karnataka. It is known for its serene views and the presence of different species of flora and fauna like Malabar langurs, king cobras, hyenas, bison and pythons.
10. Kotagiri Hills
Kotagiri is a panchayat town in the nilgiri district. It also happens to be the third largest hill station located in the nilgiri hills. A popular spot is the Mavathuru lake located nearby.
11. Kudremukh
A hill station and mining town, Kudremukh is home to a high of also the same name. It literally translates to ‘horse face’ owing to the side view of a particular spot which resembles a horse.
12. Kundadri Hills
Kundadri hill is located in the dense forests of the western ghats, known amongst its regulars for its beautiful morning sunrise and tranquil beauty.
13. Male Mahadeshwara Hills
Male Mahadeshwara Betta Madheswaran Malai is a popular pilgrim town, located at around 210 kms from the city of Bangalore. It is known for its Sri Male Mahadeshwara temple, who was believed to be a reincarnation of Lord Shiva. It has a set of seven spectacular hills around it.
14. Mullayanagiri hills
Mullayana giri hill is the highest peak of Karnatake, standing at an extensive height of 1930 metres above the sea level. It is a suitable place for those who are into trekking. At the top of the hill is a small temple.
15. Nandi Hills
It is a widely popular tourist destination and is located about 60 kilometres from the city of Bangalore. It is renowned for its romantic and beautiful sunsets and innumerable tourist attractions.
16. Sakleshpur
Yet another small hill station which is located on the Western Ghats, Sakleshpur is known for being surrounded by sloping plantations of tea, coffee, and all sorts of spices. It is also popular for having a star shaped fort, the Manjarabad fort, built in the shape of a star.
17. Yelagiri Hills
A rather offbeat tourist destination, this hill station is known for its many orchards, gardens of roses, and lush greenery all over. It also has a colourful murugun temple situated on the top, which offers a spectacular view of the valley below.
And with that we end our expansive list of 17 beautiful, splendid and breath taking hill stations located in the state of Karnataka. Make sure to visit as many as you can and cherish the prized views that they have to offer, and check our hourly hotels nearby on our website!