Bangalore is mostly associated with words like development, growth, and world-class infrastructure, but if you’re a local you’ll know that terms like warm weather, endless traffic jams, and noise can also be used in this city. Although pleasant throughout the year, the summer heat in Bangalore can be unrelenting. Adults and kids alike looking for a break from the traffic, noise, weather, work, and studies can resort to the hill stations near Bangalore for a breath of fresh air.
Undisturbed by commercialisation and well-connected by all three means of transport— air, road and rail—it is not difficult to make plans for a getaway at these hill stations. Here are 12 famous hill stations near Bangalore to spend a soothing summer away from hectic city life.
Also Read: 30 exciting weekend roadtrips from Bangalore
12 Famous Hill Stations Near Bangalore
1. Featuring Beautifully Carved Shrines: Nandi Hills
Known for its scenic sunrise and pleasant climate, Nandi Hills is one of the most famous hill stations near Bangalore. Featuring beautifully carved shrines, this hill station is situated at a height of 4851 feet above sea level. Scattered with shrines and monuments, you can see a convoy of tourists during the early hours catching a glimpse of the sunrise. Some of the highlights include Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Tipu’s Summer Residence, and Amrita Sarovar.
Distance: 61 km from Bangalore
Read More: A complete guide to visiting Nandi Hills
2. The Ooty Of Andhra: Horsley Hills
Situated at an astonishing height of 4312 metres, Horsley Hills in Andhra Pradesh is an unexplored hill station near Bangalore that attracts visitors for its scenic views and pleasant climate. Often called the Ooty of Andhra, it is an ideal destination for adventure activities such as wall climbing, water walking, rappelling, trampoline, shooting, and archery. A perfect getaway for nature lovers, it is lined with dense forest areas with 113 species of birds. Gangotri Lake, Horsley Hills Zoo, Whisper Wind View Point, and Chennakesava Temple are some popular attractions in Horsley Hills.
Distance: 144 km from Bangalore
3. A Nature Lover’s Paradise: Yelagiri
Situated in Tamil Nadu, Yelagiri is one of the lesser-known hill stations near Bangalore famous for its salubrious climate. Home to some rare species of flora and fauna, this place is a nature lover’s paradise. Offering many adventure activities, one can indulge in trekking, scenic hiking trails, and boating. The local honey made here is considered to be one of the purest and tastiest varieties. Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Punganoor Lake Park, Jalagandeeswarar Temple, and Telescope Observatory are some of the tourist attractions here.
Distance: 159 km from Bangalore
4. The Poor Man’s Ooty: Yercaud
Nestled amongst the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a hill station near Bangalore known for its vast expanses of coffee and orange plantations. Located at an altitude of 4970 feet with a salubrious climate throughout the year, Yercaud is a paradise for nature lovers. You can do a number of things here including visiting waterfalls, going on boat rides, hiking, and trekking. Commonly called ‘the poor man’s Ooty’, it attracts tourists from different parts of the country. Deer Park, Bears Cave, Pagoda Point, and Yercaud Lake are a few of the most famous tourist attractions that can be visited here.
Distance: 204 km from Bangalore
5. Boasting Rich Biodiversity: Sakleshpur
Situated in Karnataka, Sakleshpur is a quaint hill station near Bangalore which is covered in spice, coffee, and tea plantations. Elevated at 950 metres, this place offers idyllic mountain vistas and is covered with lush green trees. Boasting of rich biodiversity, this hill station is one of the 18 diverse spots in the world. Bisle View Point, Sakaleswara Temple, Manjehalli Waterfalls, and Agni Gudda Hill are a few of the most famous tourist attractions that can be visited here.
Distance: 221 km from Bangalore
Read More: The top 12 places to visit in Sakleshpur
6. Largest Coffee Producer: Chikmagalur
Situated in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri Range, Chikmagalur is one of the most beautiful hill stations near Bangalore. Famous for its tranquil environment and tall mountains, Chikmagalur is a popular weekend retreat for the people of Karnataka. Being the largest producer of coffee in the country, Chikmagalur allows visitors to take guided tours through its coffee plantations. A popular trekking spot, Chikmagalur boasts incredible trekking trails, such as the Mullayanagiri trek, the Baba Budangiri trek, and the Kemmanagundi trek. Hebbe Falls, Kemmangundi, and Kudremukh are some popular attractions in Chikmagalur.
Distance: 243 km from Bangalore
Read More: 10 offbeat things to do in Chikmagalur
7. A Popular Honeymoon Destination: Ooty
Also known as Udagamandalam, Ooty is a hill station nestled amidst Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu famous for its panoramic views. Dotted with charming colonial architecture, tea gardens, and serene waterfalls, this hill station near Bangalore is popular among couples and honeymooners. You can indulge in adventure activities like boating in Ooty Lake, mountain biking in the Blue Mountains, Nilgiri Toy Train rides, and more. The hit Hindi song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ was shot at the Nilgiri Mountain Railways. Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak, St Stephen’s Church, and Government Rose Garden are a few attractions in Ooty that should not be missed.
Distance: 265 km from Bangalore
8. Scotland Of India: Coorg
Officially known as Kodagu, Coorg is an affluent hill station near Bangalore. Amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka, this popular coffee-producing hill station is famous among nature lovers for its perpetually misty landscape. It is well known for its breathtaking lush greenery and exotic scenery. Fondly called the Scotland of India, Coorg also offers golf and trekking experiences. Abbey Falls, Chiklihole Reservoir, and Madikeri Fort are some of the tourist attractions here.
Distance: 268 km from Bangalore
Read More: The best recommendations for where to go and what to in Coorg
9. Famous For Its Spice Plantations: Wayanad
Glorified by the Western Ghats and clear lakes, Wayanad in Kerala is another famous hill station near Bangalore. Famous for its spice plantations and wildlife, this hill station is replete with historical caves, waterfalls, and comfortable homestays. There are many things that you can do to get a taste of Wayanad, such as trekking to the prehistoric caves, walking through the sprawling spice plantations, and experiencing a resort holiday. Pookode Lake, Kanthanpara Falls, and Chembra Peak are some popular attractions in Wayanad.
Distance: 272 km from Bangalore
10. Blessed With Manicured Hills: Coonoor
Coonoor is a dreamy hill station near Bangalore that is situated in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. Situated at an altitude of 1930 metres, it is blessed with manicured hills, slopes of tea plantations and chilly weather throughout the year. Home to several flora and fauna species, Coonoor is a haven for nature lovers. Heritage Train, Sim`s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, and Lamb’s Rock are some popular attractions in Coonoor.
Distance: 285 km from Bangalore
Read More: Top 6 things to see in Coonoor
11. Cherrapunji Of South India: Agumbe
Situated in Shimoga at a height of 826 metres, Agumbe is one of the less crowded hill stations near Bangalore often referred to as the Cherrapunji of South India. Blessed with picturesque beauty, Agumbe houses India’s oldest weather station, Agumbe Rainforest Research Station which exclusively monitors any changes made in the rainforest areas. Beckoning adventure enthusiasts, it also provides great options for trekking. Some of the highlights include Onake Abbi Falls, Agumbe Reserve Forest, and Agumbe Sunset View Point.
Distance: 346 km from Bangalore
12. The Gift Of The Forests: Kodaikanal
Located in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous hill stations near Bangalore. Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal translates to ‘the gift of the forests. Standing at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level, the mist-covered manicured cliffs, pleasant climate and waterfalls make this an ideal setting for a weekend getaway. You can take a stroll through the vast forests surrounding the town or head out on trekking or biking trails. Coakers Walk, Kodaikanal Lake, Berijam Lake, and Pine Forest are some popular attractions in Kodaikanal.
Distance: 466 km from Bangalore
How Can You Make The Best Of These Destinations?
India is blessed with a varied landscape from rolling green hills and lush forests to snow-covered mountains. Nestled among these are a host of hill stations near Bangalore that are ideal for a summer retreat.
In order to have the best experience at these hill stations, we must make responsible choices and reduce our carbon footprint by opting for greener travel methods. We must minimise potential impact and follow certain measures to preserve the beauty of the hill stations.
Anyone can enjoy travelling to these destinations, as it is not freezing cold in hill stations during summer. If you are yearning for a serene getaway, you must visit these hilly retreats near Bangalore and soak in their charm.
