A weekend getaway sounds like bliss as it gives you an excuse to get away from your monotonous schedule. India is one of the most beautiful countries, packed with scenic destinations.
If you are a mountain person then the options are endless. There are some breathtaking hill stations near Bangalore which will be perfect for an escape from the noisy city life.
These locations are surrounded by waterfalls, plantations, and jungles. You can rejuvenate by the poolside or head for a trek, there is something for everyone.
Let us take you through the list of the best hill stations near Bangalore.
Table of Contents
Bangalore Hill Stations
1. Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills is just a stone’s throw away from Bangalore. It is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Its serene ambience, pleasant weather, and panoramic views make it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.
Visitors can enjoy activities like trekking, cycling, and paragliding here. The place is a beautiful choice to experience breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Distance from Bangalore: 61.6 km
Best Attractions: Tipu’s Drop with scenic views, Nandi Temple, Amruth Sarovar Lake, cycling and paragliding activities.
Unique Features: The place is close to Bangalore, making it an ideal spot for quick getaways. Its historical significance adds to the charm as it is a former summer retreat for Tipu Sultan. There is also a Dravidian Nandi temple which is approximately 1,200 years old.
Read More: Nandi Hills Sunrise View Point
2. Coorg (Kodagu)
Coorg is known as the “Scotland of India”. This is one of the best hill stations near Bangalore and is renowned for its verdant coffee plantations, mist-covered hills, and cascading waterfalls. The tourist destination promises a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Visitors can explore attractions like Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, and the scenic hill station of Madikeri. You can indulge in the local customs, wildlife safaris and trekking here.
Distance from Bangalore: 250 km
Best Attractions: Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, coffee plantations, Madikeri Fort.
Unique Features: Coorg offers a serene ambience amidst mist-covered hills. It has a rich cultural heritage with local festivals like the Kodava Hockey Festival. The place has many restaurants serving Pandi Curry, which is a delicacy here.
3. Chikmagalur
Another gem in Karnataka’s crown is Chikmagalur. This hill station near Bangalore is famous for its beautiful coffee estates, dense forests, and towering peaks. It is a heaven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
You get a chance to trek, camp, and go for wildlife spotting. Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, is a must-visit for its awe-inspiring views.
Distance from Bangalore: 241 km
Best Attractions: Mullayanagiri Peak, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kudremukh National Park, Hebbe Falls, Baba Budangiri.
Unique Features: The place is known for its coffee estates and is blessed with diverse landscapes. This includes mountains, valleys, and forests. It also offers ample opportunities for trekking and wildlife spotting.
4. Wayanad
Although located in Kerala, Wayanad is easily accessible from Bangalore. It is a popular weekend destination. This picturesque hill station is blessed with dense forests, gushing rivers, and spice plantations.
Visitors can explore attractions like Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls, and Banasura Sagar Dam while enjoying the tranquillity of nature.
Distance from Bangalore: 285 km
Best Attractions: Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls, Banasura Sagar Dam, Thirunelli Temple, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Unique Features: The place offers a mix of lush forests, spice plantations, and rich biodiversity. It is home to indigenous tribes and ancient historical sites. You can go trekking through the Chembra Peak with your travel buddies.
5. Ooty
Ooty is a bit farther from Bangalore compared to other hill stations near bangalore. But its timeless charm makes it worth the journey. Situated in Tamil Nadu, this “Queen of Hill Stations” has lush tea gardens, scenic lakes, and colonial architecture.
There is a Nilgiri Mountain Railway which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a memorable journey through picturesque landscapes.
Suggested Read: Rose Garden Ooty
Distance from Bangalore: 271 km
Best Attractions: Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Rose Garden.
Suggested Read: Botanical Garden Ooty
Unique Features: The hill station is known for its colonial-era architecture, sprawling tea gardens, and charming toy train ride. It offers a cool climate and picturesque landscapes. The main city can be quite populated but the outskirts are worth the tour. You can visit Ooty all around the year but best time to visit Ooty is March to June and October to December in winters.
Read More: Avalanche Lake in Ooty
You can book the Online bus tickets for the Ooty at the lowest price and free cancellation features with zingbus.
6. Yercaud
Yercaud is one of the best hill stations near Bangalore and is tucked away in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. It is a hidden gem and is so pristine that you won’t feel like going back.
The place is characterised by its cool climate, emerald forests, and tranquil lakes. Yercaud offers a rejuvenating escape from the urban chaos. Visitors can indulge in activities like boating, trekking, and exploring the vibrant flora and fauna of the region.
Distance from Bangalore: 229 km
Best Attractions: Yercaud Lake, Lady’s Seat, Pagoda Point, Kiliyur Falls, Shevaroy Temple.
Unique Features: Yercaud is lesser known compared to other hill stations. It has a peaceful surroundings and dense flora and fauna. The place offers a perfect retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.
7. Horsley Hills
Horsley Hills is a hidden gem and one of the relaxing hill stations near Bangalore. It is situated in Andhra Pradesh and is known for its relaxed climate, dense vegetation, and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in activities like ziplining, rappelling, and trekking. If you are a nature lover, you can explore the beauty of its diverse flora and fauna all around.
Distance from Bangalore: 160 km
Best Attractions: Horsley Hills Viewpoint, Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Gali Bandalu (Windy Rocks), Horsley Hills Museum.
Unique Features: This hill station is ideal for adventure activities like ziplining and rappelling. There is a famous zoo and Gangotri Lake to explore with your family.
8. Shivanasamudra
Shivanasamudra is located in the Mandya district of Karnataka. Counted under some of the best hill stations near Bangalore, this tourist destination is known for its crystal-clear waterfalls and peaceful surroundings.
The Shivanasamudra Falls is formed by the Kaveri River and is a sight to behold. If you visit during the monsoon season, you will be mesmerised.
Visitors can also explore nearby attractions like the Gaganachukki and Bharachukki waterfalls and the ancient temples in the locality.
Distance from Bangalore: 132 km
Best Attractions: Shivanasamudra Falls, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki Waterfalls, Ranganathaswamy Temple.
Unique Features: The hill station is famous for its majestic waterfalls formed by the Kaveri River. It provides a refreshing retreat amidst nature’s beauty. There is a Kaveri Wildlife Sanctuary which attracts tourists throughout the year.
9. Yelagiri
Yelagiri is a quaint hill station near Bangalore and is situated in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its scenic beauty and the peace experienced everywhere. The place is surrounded by green valleys and orchards.
Yelagiri offers opportunities for trekking, boating, and nature walks. Some of the must-visit attractions here are Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Punganur Lake, and Swamimalai Hills.
Distance from Bangalore: 144 km
Best Attractions: Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Punganur Lake, Swamimalai Hills, Telescope Observatory.
Unique Features: This serene hill station with fewer crowds offers scenic beauty, adventure activities, and a pleasant climate. It is ideal for offbeat travellers seeking escape. You can go for hiking and paragliding here.
10. Kemmangundi
Kemmangundi is situated in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. It is a mesmerising hill stations near Bangalore. The place is known for its misty hills, forests, and waterfalls.
Kemmangundi is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The Hebbe Falls, Z Point, and Kalhatti Falls are among the popular attractions here.
Distance from Bangalore: 256 km
Best Attractions: Hebbe Falls, Z Point, Kalhatti Falls, Raj Bhavan.
Unique Features: Kemmangundi is popular for trekking and nature walks.
11. Biligiriranga Hills
BR Hills is located at the union of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats in Karnataka. It is a biodiversity hotspot and a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts.
As you visit this hill stations near Bangalore, you can check out the Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to diverse flora and fauna and offers opportunities for wildlife safaris, trekking, and birdwatching.
Distance from Bangalore: 177 km
Best Attractions: Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Dodda Sampige Mara (Big Champak Tree), Kallahathigiri Falls.
Unique Features: The hill is a biodiversity hotspot with a diverse range of flora and fauna. You can spot gaurs, barking deer, leopards, elephants, wild dogs, sambhars, chital, and other animals here.
12. Anthargange
Anthargange is situated in the Kolar district of Karnataka. It is known for its unique volcanic rock formations and cave exploration activities.
Trekkers and adventure seekers flock to Anthargange to explore its network of caves, rock-climbing routes, and hiking trails. The hill stations near Bangalore also offers stunning sunrise and sunset views from its vantage points.
Distance from Bangalore: 68.2 km
Best Attractions: Anthargange Caves, Kashi Vishweshwara Temple, hiking trails, and rock climbing routes.
Unique Features: The stunning sunrise and sunset views add to its charm.
Book Your Tickets to the Hill Stations Near Bangalore
The places to explore are endless. If you are searching for the best hill stations near Bangalore, pick one from the options shared above. All these destinations are easily accessible via road.
You can book your bus tickets online with zingbus and begin your budget-friendly trip in the upcoming weekend!
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