Looking to escape the city and head for the hills? Here are the top hill stations in Karnataka worth adding to your travel list.
When it comes to scenic getaways, hill stations in Karnataka offer some of the most peaceful and picturesque retreats in South India. From mist-covered forests and cascading waterfalls to coffee plantations and ancient temples, these highland havens are ideal if you’re planning a short break or a monsoon retreat. Some, like Coorg and Chikmagalur, are well-known, while others—like Agumbe or BR Hills—offer quieter alternatives to explore.
Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation or culture, this list of the best Karnataka hill stations will inspire your next trip.
Biligiriranga Hills (BR Hills)
Biligiriranga Hills, known as BR Hills, are located in Chamarajanagar and act as a natural bridge between the Eastern and Western Ghats. This lesser-known hill station is home to the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary and offers plenty of outdoor activities like rafting, angling and coracle boat rides.
Things to know about visiting Biligiriranga Hills
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Base station: Chamarajanagar
Nearest city: Mysore (85 km)
Best time to visit: October – May
Things to do: Jeep safaris, temple visits, trekking, and spotting the Big Champak Tree
Kemmanagundi
Situated in the Baba Budan range, Kemmanagundi is a lush hill station famous for its medicinal waters and scenic beauty. Legend has it the waters here can cure skin conditions and colds. Don’t miss Hebbe Falls, Raj Bhavan, and the breath taking views from Z Point.
Things to know about visiting Kemmanagundi
Ideal trip duration: 1 – 2 days
Base station: Kemmanagundi
Nearest city: Mangalore (205 km)
Best time to visit: November – May
Peak season: March – May
Things to do: Visit Hebbe Falls, Rock Garden, Z Point, and Bhadra Tiger Reserve
Coorg (Madikeri)
Coorg, often called the ‘Scotland of India’, is one of the most popular hill stations in Karnataka. Perched at 1,525m above sea level, it’s known for its rolling hills, coffee plantations, and Tibetan monasteries. Coorg is a great destination year-round, especially for couples or those looking for a relaxed escape.
Things to know about visiting Coorg (Madikeri)
Ideal trip duration: 1 – 2 days
Base station: Coorg
Nearest city: Mysore (117 km)
Best time to visit: October – May
Peak season: February – May
Things to do: White-water rafting, hiking, cycling, coffee tours, visiting waterfalls and Namdroling Monastery
Chikmagalur
Located at the base of the Mulliyangiri range, Chikmagalur is a peaceful retreat known for its lush green forests, coffee estates, and cool climate. It’s also where coffee was first introduced to India, making it a favourite among caffeine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Things to know about visiting Chikmagalur
Ideal trip duration: 1 – 2 days
Base station: Chikmagalur
Nearest city: Mangalore (148 km)
Best time to visit: September – April
Peak season: March – May
Things to do: Plantation walks, hikes, Kudremukh National Park, visiting waterfalls
Male Mahadeshwara Betta
A lesser-known hill station in Karnataka, Male Mahadeshwara Betta is a sacred site for Shaivism devotees and adventure seekers alike. Nestled 3,000ft above sea level, this hill range offers trekking routes through dense forests and scenic views near the rivers Palar and Cauvery.
Things to know about visiting Male Mahadeshwara Betta
Ideal trip duration: 1 – 2 days
Base station: Chamarajanagar
Nearest city: Mysore (135 km)
Best time to visit: October – March
Things to do: Visit the forest reserve and Mahadeshwara Temple, trek through the hills
Agumbe
Often called the ‘Cherrapunji of the South’, Agumbe is a serene hill station located in the Shimoga district. It’s a biodiversity hotspot with several medicinal plant species and majestic waterfalls. Agumbe is also the setting for the iconic TV series Malgudi Days.
Things to know about visiting Agumbe
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Base station: Udupi
Nearest city: Udupi (54 km)
Best time to visit: September – February
Things to do: Trekking, rainforest trails, visit Barkana and Jogi Gundi Falls, Rainforest Research Station
Nandi Hills
Just 60 km from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is one of the most accessible hill stations in Karnataka. It gets its name from the Nandi Temple at the summit and offers panoramic views, misty mornings and a cool breeze throughout the year. Popular among bikers, hikers, and weekend travellers.
Things to know about visiting Nandi Hills
Ideal trip duration: 1 – 2 days
Base station: Bangalore
Nearest city: Bangalore (60 km)
Best time to visit: September – May
Peak season: March – May
Things to do: Trekking, paragliding, Tipu’s Drop, Lake of Nectar, cycling, Muddenahalli Museum
How to reach Karnataka
Karnataka is well connected by air, rail and road. Bengaluru International Airport is the nearest major hub, with flights from across India and abroad. From there, you can take local buses, trains or self-drive to explore these places to visit in Karnataka.
FAQs about the best hill stations in Karnataka
Discover more
If the mountains are calling, Skyscanner has plenty of inspiration to help you answer. Browse our guide to the best hill stations in India for a full overview of the country's most scenic escapes, or go deeper into the south with our roundup of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Keen to chase snowfall? Our guide to the best places to see snow in India covers everything from beginner ski slopes to snow-dusted hill towns. And for travellers who want to push a little further, our adventure travel section is packed with ideas for your next big trip.
Ready to plan your hill escape? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels, and car hire deals for your next trip.
