12 Refreshing Hill Stations in Karnataka that You Must Visit

It is said that the most stunning, awestruck and wonderful secrets of South India are concealed in the State of Karnataka. The eighth-largest state of India; Karnataka is home to majestic monuments, peaceful shrines, gushing cascades and serene hill-stations offering a wonderful time to the hikers, trekkers, and families on vacation. Look out for the various South India tour packages to bust away all the stress and focus on enjoying your time throughout your trip. The presence of Western Ghats makes this state an ideal destination for adventure junkies as well as nature lovers.

The hill stations in Karnataka are well-acclaimed amongst the travellers of all kind; just like its wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, temples and other monuments. The offbeat, beautiful and scenic hill stations in this state embrace a lot of picturesque spots, a soothing temperature throughout, and some majestic waterfalls. Almost all the hill stations of Karnataka have a plethora of spots that can be perfect for your photography sessions.

Here is a list of top 12 hill station destinations in Karnataka if you are looking for a wonderful time in the Ghats:

1. Coorg

Coorg is undoubtedly one of the best hill stations in Karnataka. Coorg is the headquarters of the Kodagu District and is located approximately 1170 metres above sea level. Blessed with hills, ravines, cascades, and dense forests spread over acres. Owing to its topography, Coorg is also an active trekking and hiking destination for people. While visiting this place, do not forget to capture the hill slopes covered by tea and coffee plantations or oranges. Apart from the scenic hilltops and plantations, tourists can go on a sightseeing spree to Irpu falls, Omkareshwar Temple, Brahmagiri peak and many more. With all these places and some offbeat spots, you are in for a blast in Coorg.

2. BR Hills

Not just a hill station but also one of the best honeymoon places in Karnataka; BR Hills is situated towards the South-Eastern region of Karnataka. Sharing its boundary with Tamil Nadu, this place is often visited by newly married couples. At a height of approximately 1200 metres above sea level, Biligirirangana Hills stand at the confluence of Western and Eastern Ghats. Visiting BR Hills offers plenty of mesmerizing sights, sports that trigger adrenaline rush, wonderful accommodation amidst the flora, and a mixture of mouth-watering cuisines from both the states (Karnataka & Tamil Nadu). With all the diversity and an exceptional location, BR Hills stakes its claim as one of the top hill stations in Karnataka.

3. Kemmanagundi

Kemmanagundi is a pretty and petite hill station which is located near Mangalore. This hill station comes under the territory of the magnificent Baba Budan Range which is also known as Chandra Drona Parvatha according to Puranas of India. Ideally, people visit here during the weekend to enjoy their time amidst nature and serene environment. The best time to visit this hill station in Karnataka is between November and May. While planning your trip to this place, make sure to add Raj Bhavan, Hebbe Falls, Baba Budan Hill, Bhadra Tiger Reserve Rock garden, Kalhattagiri Falls and Z Point as well.

4. Agumbe

Talking about mesmerising hill stations of Karnataka and not visiting Agumbe is a sin. Falling in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, Agumbe is one of the best hill stations in Karnataka. Popularly known as the Cherrapunji of Southern India, it is not just the flora and fauna of the place that attracts globetrotters but the salubrious weather, landscapes, and food. Perching on an elevation of approximately 2750 metres, this quaint destination is home to medicinal plants. Visiting Agumbe for any purpose ensures a wonderful time for adventure enthusiasts, family trips or an expedition with friends.

5. Kodachadri

Kodachadri is a rejuvenating spot for travellers as the entire place is peaceful and quaint. From the food stalls to the accommodation, everything here is wonderful amidst nature. Kodachadri is also announced as natural heritage by the government of Karnataka. The hill station, despite being an offbeat destination, keeps attracting tourists every year. Tucked between gorgeous landscapes, dense forests, and the majestic Western Ghats, this is quite a famous hill station in Karnataka. Upon visiting, you can enjoy trekking, hiking, sightseeing and other wonderful activities. Apart from enjoying the hill station’s sunset point, you can also take out time for Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarvajna Peeth temple, Belakallu theertha waterfalls, Arasinagundi falls, and Nagara Fort.

6. Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is a historic hill station of Karnataka. Translated as ‘Young Daughter’s Town’; Chikmagalur was presented as a dowry to the daughter of Chief of Sakrepatna. Once you reach the destination, there will be no place that won’t smell coffee. There’s a reason this hill station in Karnataka is nicknamed as ‘Coffee land of Karnataka’. Chikmagalur is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts as you can trek, hike, bicycle ride through trails and you can also enjoy a lot of sports here.

7. Kakkabe

If you are an avid photographer, you should definitely visit Kakkabe which is one of the most-visited Madikeri hill stations in Karnataka and located in Kodagu District. The entire hill station is surrounded by dense rain forest on one side and tea & coffee plantation on the other. This hill station is also known to be the largest sweet honey producers in South-East Asia. Marked by multi-hued paddy fields, wild orchids and dense forest; make sure to carry your raincoats along. One sport that people love to enjoy here is rock climbing. Before you try it out, do have all the equipment at hand with a fair knowledge about how to use them.

8. Nandi Hills

Amongst all the hill stations in and around Karnataka, Nandi Hills receives the most numbers of travellers. That’s because it has something in store for everyone who visits this place. Sitting at a height of 4851 feet, it is an exceptionally beautiful place to be at whether it is for honeymoon couples, families or solo travellers. From paragliding, cycling, trekking, to camping, there’s a lot to keep you engaged when here.

9. Kudremukh

Kudremukh is a hill station blessed with several natural trails and rich biodiversity that lures adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. There are several spots where you can execute a wonderful photo session with the blissful beauty of nature in the backdrop. Once, this place was rich in iron ore and was only known for mining whereas today, it’s the flora and fauna that makes it a wonderful tourist attraction. Now, Kudremukh is known to be one of the best hill stations in Karnataka and a popular summer vacation spot. Enjoy the weather, food and location as the hill station is surrounded by five sacred ponds named as Amba Teertha, Naga Teertha, Varaha Teertha, Rudra Teertha, and Vasishtha Teertha.

10. Kudajadri hills (Kodachadri)

‘Majestic’ is the word that personifies Kudajadri Hill. In the Hosangara Taluk of Shimoga District, this paradise is located at an elevation of 1343 metres above sea level and is known to be a perfect spot for nature worshippers and adventure junkies. The list of the best hill stations in Karnataka does not feel complete without this one. Upon your arrival here, make sure to visit the Mookambika Temple that’s situated at the summit of the Kodachadri Hill. For all the adventure and nature lovers, this hill station has a lot to offer including Hidlumane Waterfalls, Arasinagundi Waterfalls, Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Sauparnika River, Nagara Fort, Kodachadri Trekking Route, and Belakallu theertha Waterfalls.

11. Male Mahadeshwara Betta

Located 135km from Mysore and approximately 914 metres above the sea level, Male Mahadeshwara Betta is another hill station in Karnataka that actively hosts tourists throughout the year. The best time to visit here is between October and March. Adventure junkies can enjoy a lot of sports here including hiking and trekking. Further, visitors can also visit the Malai Mahadeshwara forest reserve as well as the Mahadeshwara temple.

12. Madikeri

Madikeri, an active hill station in Karnataka, is surrounded by the lofty peaks of the Western Ghats. It is blessed with eye-catching vistas and magnificent cascading waterfalls. It is a wonderful destination for those who are looking for a rejuvenating weekend in the arms of nature. Make sure to walk through the trails here; you’ll absolutely adore what Mother Nature has in store for you.

We hope you like this list of the best hill stations for Karnataka sightseeing and check these off your travel bucket-list soon.