Hill stations near Bangalore are often enveloped in lush jungles, plantations, and sparkling waterfalls, where you can spend your days lounging in a hammock or trekking through nature. Here are some destinations for a peaceful weekend getaway during the upcoming long weekend. The best part? These spots are just a short drive away. Before you head out, though, make sure you're familiar with the rules of each state, including Karnataka. Don't get caught off guard!
Situated along the southeastern border of Karnataka, the BR Hills connect the Eastern and Western Ghats. This unique ecosystem is rich in wildlife, and on safaris, you may encounter herds of elephants, gaurs, deer, and, if you're lucky, even tigers and leopards. You can choose to relax in cozy lodges nestled in the jungle or opt for a stay at homely farmhouses.
Distance From Bangalore: 171 Kilometres or 3.5 hours
How To Reach: You can reach BR hills by road via the Mysore-Bangalore highway. You can also take the train from Bangalore to Chamarajanagar
Best Time To Visit: Between October and May.
Part of the Nilgiri Hills, Coonoor resembles Ooty but is much less crowded. The scenic views and endless tea plantations are the town's main attractions, and picturesque heritage hotels and homestays abound. At Acres Wild, a farm stay owned by Mansoor Ali Khan (a former Bollywood director and cousin of actor Aamir Khan) and his wife Tina, you can learn how to make cheese. Since Coonoor is not in Karnataka, be sure to check if you need to plan for anything beyond having a stellar time!"
Distance From Bangalore: 290 kilometres or 6.5 hours
How To Reach: There are private buses that go to Coonoor daily as well as government buses. By road, you can go via NH 275 route. You can also fly to Coimbatore and take a taxi to Coonoor. Train from Coimbatore is also an option.
Best Time To Visit: October to Match
Things To Do: From tea museums to riding the toy train, here are the best things to do in Coonoor.
There’s plenty to do in Coorg, that’s for sure. You can trek through the hills and coffee plantations, embark on wildlife safaris, visit local Tibetan settlements, and tuck into delicious Pandi curry. For a taste of the famous Kodava hospitality, you can check into any of the homestays, or you can cool your heels at lavish, star properties as well.
Distance From Bangalore: 265 kilometres or 5 hours
How To Reach: You can drive to Coorg or take a train from Bangalore to Mysore and then hire a taxi to reach Coorg.
Best Time To Visit: October to June
Things To Do: Check out our detailed guide on things to do in Coorg here
In recent years, Chikmagalur has surely climbed up the popularity charts for holiday destinations. Nestled in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range, the place is brimming with coffee plantations. Tour operators also offer camping and trekking tours if you’d like to do more than just lazing around. Luxury resorts have mushroomed as of late but if you are looking for a more homely stay, then check out Villa Urvinkhan or Primrose Villa.
Distance From Bangalore: 243 kilometres or 4.5 hours
How To Reach: Mangalore Airport is only 105 kilometres from Chikamagalur. You can also drive down.
Best Time To Visit: September to May
Things To Do: Visit Hebbe Falls, and kayak on the Bhadra River. and check out the other things to do in Chikmagalur here.
Located north of Bangalore, Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district is home to the magnificent Horsley Hills. The unspoiled hills, blanketed in thick forests, offer a serene spot to catch your breath and enjoy fresh air. Be sure to visit the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary for sightings of wild dogs, bears, sambar deer, and panthers. When planning your stay, you can choose from government-run cottages and resorts.
Distance From Bangalore: 145 kilometres or 3.5 hours
How To Reach: It is well connected via road.
Best Time To Visit: December to March
A honeymooner's paradise, Kodaikanal is known for its green hills shrouded in swirling mists. At the center lies Kodaikanal Lake, a serene oasis from which you can gaze at the majestic Palani Hills. Numerous viewpoints and rock formations around town provide mesmerizing scenery, and you can find homestays that offer a more intimate experience with the surrounding greenery. Whether you prefer upmarket accommodations or budget-friendly options, Kodaikanal has something for everyone.
Distance From Bangalore: 446 kilometres or 8.5 hours
How To Reach: It is well connected by road and there are public and private buses that ply the route daily
Best Time To Visit: October to June
Things To Do: Check out this list of top things to do in Kodaikanal
A tiny hill station, Kudremukh (meaning 'horse face' due to the shape of a local hill) was once a mining hotspot. This hilly retreat is cloaked in greenery, with rivers crisscrossing the landscape. The gushing Kadambi Waterfalls are a spectacular sight, and the National Park is home to the rare lion-tailed macaque. If you're not part of a trekking and camping tour, you can book a homestay instead.
Distance From Bangalore: 323 kilometres or 6.5 hours
How To Reach: It is easily connected via road. You can also fly to Mangalore from Bangalore. Trains are running from Bangalore to Sakleshpur as well.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
One of the latest additions to travel guides, Kolli Hills feature 70 hairpin bends that will test your driving skills. Once you’ve navigated them, you'll be rewarded with untouched cascades, pathways lined with silver oaks, and stunning views of the surrounding hills. As the area remains largely unexplored, there are only a handful of resorts and mid-range hotels available for accommodation.
Distance From Bangalore: 270 kilometres or 5.5 hours
How To Reach: It is easily accessible via road.
Best Time To Visit: All through the year
Surrounded by tea plantations interspersed with waterfalls, Munnar exudes romance, making it a popular stop for honeymooning couples. For sightseeing, you can visit the endangered Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park and tour the Tea Museum. In the hills, you can choose from secluded hotels and homestays, while basic hotels are common in town."
Distance From Bangalore: 510 kilometres or 9.5 hours
How To Reach: There are government and private buses that go daily to Munnar. You can also drive down.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Crowned the ‘Queen of the Hill Stations,’ Ooty attracts holiday-goers by the dozens. While the central area can be quite busy, exploring the outskirts provides a rewarding experience, where you’ll discover charming old-world buildings from the British era nestled among lush foliage. You'll find plenty of fancy resorts and mid-range hotels for your stay.
Distance From Bangalore: 274 kilometres or 6 hours
How To Reach: There are private buses that go to Ooty daily as well as government buses. By road, you can go via NH 275 route. You can also fly to Coimbatore and take a taxi to Ooty. Train from Coimbatore is also an option.
Best Time To Visit: All through the year
Things To Do: Trek up hills to shopping at Main Bazaar, here are all the things you can do in Ooty.
Bright, green paddy fields and tall hills stretch out on either side of the roads as you drive through Wayanad. Your itinerary can include a trek through Chembra Peak, a safari ride through the Wayanad Sanctuary, and visiting the ancient caves at Edakkal. You’ll find plenty of resorts that are perfect for families and couples.
Distance From Bangalore: 275 kilometres or 5.5 hours
How To Reach: You can drive down to Wayanad as it is easily accessible by road. There are no direct train or flight options.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Things To Do: If you are a thrill seeker or nature lover, here are the things to do in Wayanad
Just outside Chennai, the winding hills of Yelagiri make for a great weekend getaway. You can spend hours ambling through the many orchards and gardens that dot the hill and also take a leisurely boat ride in the Punganur Lake. Budget hotels are the norm here.
Distance From Bangalore: 155 kilometres or 3.5 hours
How To Reach: It is well-connected by road and there are private buses and government buses that ply the route.
Best Time To Visit: All through the year
Sitting pretty amidst the Shevaroy hills, Yercaud has been tourist favourite for a while now. Paddle around the Big Lake, at the heart of the hill station, for panoramic views. Strolling in parks, fruit orchards, coffee plantations, and by waterfalls will help you leave behind the mundane of city life. Lavish hotels, hill resorts, and budget stays are all available here.
Distance From Bangalore: 212 kilometres or 4.5 hours
How To Reach: You can fly down to Salem as it's only 38 kilometres from Yercaud. You can also drive down or take a private bus.
Best Time To Visit: October to June
While not quite a hill station, don’t overlook Nandidurg (its original name) for a quick getaway. Along with refreshing, crisp air and lovely views of the rapidly expanding Bangalore, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing sunrise. Explore the 1,200-year-old Dravidian Nandi temple—a monolithic monument worth visiting—Tipu’s Drop (where the ruler had prisoners thrown off), and the government bungalows that feel frozen in time, perfect for an overnight stay.
Distance From Bangalore: 60 kilometres or 1.5 hours
How To Reach: It is well connected via roads.
Best Time To Visit: All through the year
Things To Do: Here's all you need to know about Nandi Hills
