For those looking for a quick respite from the humdrum of city life, the hill stations near Bangalore are the best bet. All you need to do is to pack your bags, hit the road, and drive to one of these scenic destinations.
Longing for a peaceful vacation with your family or a luxurious resort experience? Is a short one-day trip on your mind? Or, do you want to trek your way to the heart of nature? The list of hill stations near Bangalore is wide-ranging and caters to all kinds of travelers.
Starting from holiday destinations like Coorg to biodiversity hotspots like Wayanad to trekking havens like Savandurga Hills, Rangaswamy Betta, and Kabbaldurga, there is a good number of hills and hill stations near Bangalore.
Read: Rent A Bike In Bangalore
That’s not all! If you want to spend some relaxing moments away from the crowd, the city has many lesser-explored hill towns within a few hours of driving distance. Horsley Hills, Kolli Hills, and Yelagiri are a few among them.
Read on for a complete list of hill stations near Bangalore where you can find nature in its glory.
Read: 12 Hill Stations In Karnataka For A Scenic Vacation
Hill Stations Near Bangalore Within 100 km
Are you looking for places that are ideal for one-day trips? There is a good range of hill stations near Bangalore within 100 km, each offering you a unique experience hard to find elsewhere. Here’s a list of destinations for a quick getaway:
1. Ramanagara (50 km)
How about taking a trip to the location where the all-time Bollywood classic Sholay was filmed? Head off to Ramanagara, one of the most sought-after hill stations near Bangalore within 100 km.
In addition to the scenic beauty, the place offers a good range of adventure activities to keep you engaged for the day. The vulture sanctuary in Ramanagara makes it a favorite with birdwatchers.
- Location: Ramanagara District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Ramadevara Betta, Kanva Reservoir, Janapada Loka, SRS Hills, Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary, Channapatna, and Ramanagara Silk Cocoon Market
- Activities: Trekking, camping, birdwatching, and rock-climbing
2. Savandurga Hills (50 km)
Savandurga has the reputation of being one of the largest single rock formation hills in the Asian continent. It is also a preferred location for slab climbing near Bangalore. The temple located at the foothills further adds to its popularity.
At a height of around 4025 feet from sea level, Savandurga gives you commanding views of the surrounding region.
- Location: West Bangalore
- Attractions: Manchanabele Dam and Sree Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
- Activities: Photography, trekking, and slab climbing
3. Nandi Hills (60 km)
Perhaps one of the most famous and most-visited hill stations near Bangalore city, the scenic Nandi Hills is a paradise for trekkers, nature lovers, picnickers, cyclists, bikers, and photographers.
From scenic viewpoints, temples, and adventure options to historical attractions, Nandi Hills has it all. Try and reach here in the early hours of the day to watch the sun rising over the mountains covered with fog.
- Location: Chikkaballapur District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Tipu’s Drop, Tipu Sultan’s Fort, Tipu’s Summer Residence, Amrita Sarovar, Brahmashram, and Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple
- Activities: Trekking, cycling, paragliding, picnics, watching the sunrise, photography, and sightseeing
Read: Best Hill Stations In South India To Visit In 2021
4. Skandagiri Hills (60 km)
Also known as Kalavara Durga, Skandagiri Hills is best known as a trekking destination. Panoramic views, historical significance, and proximity to Nandi Hills are some other factors that make Skandagiri one of the most rewarding hill stations near Bangalore within 100 km.
- Location: Chikkaballapur District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Tipu Sultan Fort, Papagni Mutt, and Shiva Temple
- Activities: Trekking and sightseeing
5. Makalidurga (60 km)
Known as a destination for railway trekking, Makalidurga promises you a unique experience. After reaching the summit, you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding region and Gundamagere Lake.
- Location: Doddaballapur, Karnataka
- Attractions: The old Shiva temple on the top of the hill, ruins of the fort, and Ghati Subrahmanya Temple
- Activities: Trekking, landscape photography, and birding
6. Antara Gange (70 km)
Another prominent name in the list of hill stations near Bangalore within 100 km is Antara Gange. This rocky hill in the Shathashrunga Mountain Ranges is home to Sri Kashi Vishweshwara Temple and offers a good range of adventure activities.
- Location: Kolar District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Anthargange Temple or Sri Kashi Vishweshwara Temple, caves, and natural springs
- Activities: Cave exploration and trekking
7. Narayanagiri (70 km)
The 3800-feet high hillock of Narayanagiri is one of the lesser-explored trekking locations near Bangalore. The major attractions here are a temple and the ruins of a fort on the top of the hill, not to mention the amazing views you can enjoy from the rocky hillock.
- Location: Jalamangala, Ramanagara District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Lakshmi Narasimha Temple (open only on weekends) and ruins of the fort
- Activities: Trekking
8. Kabbaldurga (80 km)
A small rocky hill located in the Bangalore Rural district, Kabbaldurga is an ideal destination for night trekking. With steep rocks, rough pathways, and crude steps carved on rocks, it offers you a truly satisfying experience.
- Location: Bangalore Rural, Karnataka
- Attractions: A small temple dedicated to Goddess Kabbalamma and fort ruins
- Activities: Night trekking
9. Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta (80 km)
Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta is one of the emerging trekking destinations near the city of Bangalore. The hill is part of the forest reserve maintained by the Karnataka Forest Department.
The temple at the top of the hill, which is the major attraction in Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta, is built under a huge granite rock.
- Location: Kanakapura (Ramanagara District), Karnataka
- Attractions: Lord Rangaswamy Temple atop the hill
- Activities: Trekking
Hill Stations Near Bangalore Within 200 km
Are you up for a longer trip? Given below are some of the top hill stations near Bangalore within 200 km.
1. Madhugiri (110 km)
Madhugiri hill, one of the largest monoliths in Asia, is ideal for trekking and sightseeing. A fort built by rulers of the Vijaynagar Dynasty and fortified by Hyder Ali and a few temples are the key attractions here.
Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve, which is around 20 km away, can also be covered on your trip to Madhugiri.
- Location: Tumkur District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Madhugiri Fort, Chennarayana Durga, Gopalakrishna Temple, Venkataramana Temple, and Malleshwara Swamy Temple
- Activities: Trekking, sightseeing, and photography
2. Kunti Betta (125 km)
As the name suggests, Kunti Betta is a famous trekking destination with mythological significance – the Pandavas are said to have stayed here during their exile. This picturesque hill is surrounded by coconut trees, sugarcane fields, and paddy fields, which adds to its charm.
- Location: Pandavapura, Mandya District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Kunti Kund, Kunti Temple, Parikrama Point, and Thonnur Lake
- Activities: Camping and night trekking
3. Yelagiri (160 km)
Located in Tamil Nadu, Yelagiri counts among the most scenic and lesser-explored hill stations near Bangalore within 200 km. The place has everything to make your visit memorable, ranging from waterfalls and nature parks to lakes and adventure activities.
- Location: Tirupattur District, Tamil Nadu
- Attractions: Nature Park, Telescope Observatory, Punganoor Lake, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Government Herbal Farm, Swamimalai Hills, Nilavoor Lake, Jalagandeeswarar Temple, and Government Silk Farm
- Activities: Trekking, paragliding, farm tours, rock climbing, nature walks, and boating
4. Horsley Hills (170 km)
How about taking a trip to one of the hill stations near Bangalore, located on the border of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh? A place where you can relax, unwind, and be one with nature?
Make your way to Horsley Hills, a tourist place known for its scenic beauty, mesmerizing waterfalls, placid lakes, amazing viewpoints, and rich flora and fauna. No wonder, the place is called the Ooty of Andhra Pradesh.
- Location: Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh
- Attractions: Gali Bandalu / Wind Rocks, Horsley Hills Zoo, View Point, Kalyani – The Eucalyptus Tree, Mallamma Temple, Gangotri Lake, Kaigal Falls/ Dumukurallu Waterfalls, and Sri Chennakesava Temple
- Activities: Sightseeing, hiking, adventure activities, trekking, and picnics
5. BR Hills (175 km)
Biligiri Rangana Hills aka BR Hills is a protected reserve located at the convergence of the Western and Eastern Ghats. It counts among the top hill stations near Bangalore, thanks to its rich biodiversity, diverse tourist attractions, and a wide range of adventure activities.
- Location: Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, and Dodda Sampige Mara
- Activities: Camping, trekking, wildlife spotting, jungle safaris, and river rafting
Hill Stations Near Bangalore Within 300 km
When you have a couple of days or a long weekend to spend, why not head off to one of the hill stations near Bangalore within 300 km? Here are our suggestions:
1. Male Mahadeshwara Hills (210 km)
You might know Male Mahadeshwara Hills (also MM Hills or Male Mahadeshwara Betta) as a pilgrim town. But did you know that it also counts among the top hill stations near Bangalore?
The place, located amidst dense forest, offers a visual treat for nature lovers. The trail from Male Mahadeshwara Betta to Naagamale and Palar is quite popular among trekkers.
Surrounded by the Palar and Cauvery rivers, this hill station at a height of about 3000 feet from sea level offers magnificent views.
- Location: Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Malai Mahadeshwara Temple and Nagamale
- Activities: Trekking
2. Sakleshpur (220 km)
Sakleshpur, a small and scenic hill station nestled on the Western Ghats, is an ideal getaway for nature lovers. The place is blessed with lush green hills and is home to expansive plantations of coffee, areca, and spices.
Located close to Coorg, one of the most celebrated hill stations near Bangalore, Sakleshpur is dotted with tourist attractions. It also scores high on adventure activities and sightseeing opportunities.
- Location: Hassan District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Sri Sakleshwara Swamy Temple, Manjarabad Fort, Hadlu Waterfalls, Manjehalli Waterfalls, Shettihalli Church, Agni Gudda Hill, Pandavar Gudda, Jenukal Gudda, Belur And Halebid Temples, Bisle View Point, and Kukke Subramanya Temple
- Activities: Trekking, local sightseeing, camping, plantation tours, and watersports
3. Yercaud (230 km)
Over the last few years, Yercaud has emerged as one of the top hill stations near Bangalore for family vacations, plantation stays, camping, outing, sightseeing tours, and adventure activities.
Tucked away on the Eastern Ghats, the place has a rich colonial history as it was developed by the British during the 19th century. The coffee plantations, lakes, and orange groves further add to the surreal beauty of Yercaud.
- Location: Salem District, Tamil Nadu
- Attractions: Pagoda Point, Emerald Lake, Rose Garden, Lady’s Seat, Silk Farm, Kottachedu Teak Forest, Anna Park, Bear’s Cave, Montfort School, Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple, Kiliyur Waterfall, Tipperary View Point, and Shevaroy Temple
- Activities: Walking through the teak forests, driving through the 32-km Loop Road, plantation stays, heritage building tours, boating, sightseeing, trekking, and plantation walks
4. Mullayanagiri Hill (240 km)
At a height of around 6300 feet, Mullayanagiri is famous as the highest peak in Karnataka state. Situated in the Chandra Dhrona Hill Ranges of the Western Ghats, it attracts visitors with lush greenery and exhilarating views.
The place is known predominantly as a trekking destination – the trail from Sarpadhari to Mullayanagiri is a favorite with trekking enthusiasts. At the top of the peak is a small temple dedicated to sage Mullappa Swamy, which can be reached by climbing 450 plus steps.
To make the most of your trip, you can also plan a visit to Kemmanagundi. Another one of the pristine hill stations near Bangalore within 300 km, it is less than 70 km away from Mullayanagiri.
- Location: Chikkamagaluru District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Mullayanagiri Temple, Baba Budangiri, Coffee Museum, Manikyadhara Falls, Jhari Waterfalls, and Hirekolale Lake
- Activities: Trekking, sightseeing, camping, photography, and mountain biking
5. Chikmagalur (245 km)
Chikmagalur, or Chikkamagaluru as it is officially called, was where coffee was first cultivated in the country. Today, it is home to thousands of acres of coffee plantations – the reason why Chikmagalur is fondly called the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’.
These are not the only reasons that make Chikmagalur one of the must-visit hill stations near Bangalore. In addition to the excellent climate, the land is blessed with amazing wildlife, scenic trekking trails, and several tourist attractions. The river camps and nature camps at River Bhadra also attract thousands of visitors.
Located at the foothills of Mullayanagiri Peak, Chikkamagaluru gives easy access to Kemmanagundi (60 km) and Kudremukh (105 km).
- Location: Chikkamagaluru District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Bhadra Dam, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Jhari Waterfalls, Kallathigiri Falls, Baba Budangiri, Ballalarayana Durga Fort, Sri Veeranarayana Swamy Temple, and Hebbe Falls
- Activities: Rafting, river camps, nature camps, trekking, jeep safaris, plantation tours and homestays, watersports, photography, and birdwatching
6. Pushpagiri (260 km)
At a height of over 5600 feet, Pushpagiri (also called Kumara Parvatha) is famous as the fourth highest peak in the state of Karnataka. Located in the Western Ghats, it forms part of the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Coorg.
The region is covered with forests and thick vegetation, and a trek to the top of the hill is a rewarding one. While here, you can also explore the sanctuary where you can find several rare and unique species of birds.
- Location: Kodagu District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Pushpagiri Peak, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mallalli Waterfalls
- Activities: Trekking, birdwatching, wildlife adventure safari, and camping
7. Kolli Hills (260 km)
A few hours of drive from Bangalore will take you to Kolli Hills, a beautiful and serene hill station in Tamil Nadu. This small mountain range is part of the Eastern Ghats and enjoys a pleasant climate all through the year.
You have to cross 70 continuous hairpin bends to reach the top of the hill, which is an exhilarating experience in itself. The scenic winding route makes Kolli Hills a favorite spot for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Arapaleeswarar Temple, one of the top attractions in the region, attracts a good number of devotees. Dotted with waterfalls, viewpoints, and other attractions, Kolli Hills is one of the best off-beat hill stations near Bangalore.
- Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu
- Arapaleeswarar Temple, Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Tampcol Medicinal Farm, Botanical Garden, Masilla Falls, Ettukai Amman Temple, Seekuparai Viewpoint, and Selur View Point
- Trekking, boating at Vasalurpatty Boat House, sightseeing, and bike trips
8. Kemmanagundi (275 km)
A haven for nature lovers, Kemmanagundi is a hill station in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. History has it that Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the 24th maharaja of the Mysore Kingdom, used it as his summer retreat.
Kemmanagundi Peak and its surrounding region have everything to please your senses – from waterfalls to lush greenery to scenic viewpoints. The place also caters to trekkers and adventure buffs.
- Location: Chikkamagaluru District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Z Point, Rock Garden, Hebbe Falls, Kallathigiri Falls (Kalhatti Falls), and Shanti Falls
- Activities: Sightseeing, photography, and trekking
9. Brahmagiri (280 km)
Brahmagiri, nestled on the border of Karnataka and Kerala, is a picturesque mountain range in the Western Ghats. The region is known for its lush green forests and grasslands and also boasts rich wildlife.
The mountain and its surrounding region are part of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. The area is sprinkled with several tourist attractions – some of these attractions are in Kerala, while others are in Karnataka.
Brahmagiri is located near two other major hill stations near Bangalore, namely Wayanad (40 km) and Coorg (110 km).
- Location: Kodagu District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Thirunelli Temple(Kerala), Pakshipathalam (Kerala), Iruppu Falls (Karnataka), and Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka)
- Activities: Trekking, birdwatching, and photography
10. Coorg (270 km)
Coorg, also called Kodagu, is undoubtedly one of the most-visited hill stations near Bangalore and for the right reasons. Like most other hill stations in Karnataka, it is also located in the Western Ghats, surrounded by hills and forests.
The place has an exquisite array of experiences and attractions in store for you, ranging from plantation homestays, nature walks, and adventure activities to waterfalls, historical monuments, temples, and more.
While here, don’t forget to shop for items Coorg is famous for – homemade chocolate, homemade wine, honey, and spices. You must also take some time out to relish the delicious Kodava cuisine.
- Location: Kodagu District, Karnataka
- Attractions: Abbey Falls, Namdroling Monastery, Cauvery Nisargadhama, Dubare Elephant Camp, Madikeri Fort, Raja’s Seat, Raja’s Tomb, Talakaveri Temple, and Omkareshwara Temple,
- Activities: Plantation tours, trekking, hiking, plantation homestays, whitewater rafting, camping, and rock climbing
Wayanad (295 km)
One of the most celebrated hill stations in Kerala, the hill district of Wayanad attracts travelers with its soothing climate, spice plantations, picturesque landscape, and a wide range of natural and man-made attractions.
The region is located on the Western Ghats and promises you an enriching holiday experience. The place has numerous resorts and homestays where you can put your feet up and enjoy some relaxing moments.
It is also an ideal location for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and photography buffs.
- Location: Wayanad District, Kerala
- Attractions: Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Pookode Lake, Neelimala View Point, Kuruva Island, Chembra Peak, Soochipara Falls, Meenmutty Waterfalls, Pakshipathalam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Thirunelli Temple, and Thusharagiri Falls
- Activities: Trekking, boating, plantation homestays, plantation tours, sightseeing, hiking, wildlife safaris, farm tours, cycling, bamboo rafting, and camping
With so many hill stations near Bangalore, you won’t have any difficulty planning your next vacation in the lap of nature. After all, the best way to enjoy nature is by being one with it!
