Presenting Our Best Picks for a Hillstation Getaway from Bengaluru

Bengaluru is blessed to be located bang in the middle of the Deccan Plateau, with ranges of hills surrounding it on all sides. Not only does that help keep the climate pleasant throughout the year, it also gives Bengaloreans plenty of weekend getaway options to escape to the hills.

So check out these great holiday destinations, a hop, skip and jump away from Bengaluru:

1. Coorg

Kudagu, or Coorg as we know it, is rightly called the Scotland of India. Acres of coffee plantations, hills of sprawling greenery, and milky waterfalls, make this a place to fall in love with, or fall in love in! One of Karnataka’s most popular hill stations, Coorg feels like a piece of heaven, where time stands still.

Things to do: River rafting on the Cauvery, visiting the Tibetan settlement in Bylakuppe, hiking up Mt.Tadiyendamol, having a picnic at Abbey Falls.

Distance from Bengaluru: 279 km

2. Nandi Hills

Practically a stone’s throw from Bengaluru, Nandi Hills are the perfect getaway for a rejuvenating weekend away from the city’s hustle-bustle. Head to this scenic location for some fresh air, a tryst with nature and some lazy strolling along the sprawling vineyards.

Things to do: Take a trip down history and visit Tipu Sultan’s summer residence, or go cycling along the winding lanes.

Distance from Bengaluru: Approx. 60 km

3. Ooty

Set amidst the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats, with tall pine trees, deep blue hills, mesmerising lakes, sprawling grasslands and tea gardens, Ooty has everything one looks for in a weekend getaway.

Things to do: Spend a leisurely afternoon taking a boat ride, trek up to Doddabetta - the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills, visit the Government Rose Garden or the Botanical Garden or try cycling at India’s First Mountain Biking Park. 

Distance from Bengaluru: 330 km

4. Munnar

With its green hills covered with tea plantations, Munnar is South India’s largest tea growing region and a great place to enjoy the low mountain scenery. Beautiful in its own right, you can escape into the clouds as you watch the mountains get carpeted with fog in this beautiful city.

Things to do: Visit the Tea Museum, take a walk to the Mount Carmel Church or hike up a mountain and find yourself the perfect picnic spot. Don’t forget to bring food along!

Distance from Bengaluru: 330 km

5. Wayanad

One of the largest districts in Karnataka, Wayanad has a host of options for travellers. Take you pick from adventure activities to natural reserves, from wildlife sanctuaries to places of spirituality. Spend a rejuvenating weekend here and you’re sure to go back with some awesome memories and even better pictures!

Things to do: Caving adventures at Eddakal caves, trek up Chembra Peak, the tallest peak of Wayanad, attempt a challenging climb up to Phantom Rock, get up close with wildlife at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, get a tea plantation experience and much more.

Distance from Bengaluru: 283 km

6. Chikmanglur

A serene retreat from Bengaluru, Chikmanglur is one of Karnataka’s most scenic locations. With lush greenery around the verdant hills, this charming town is right out of a fairy tale. Nestled amidst low lying clouds, this is a wonderful place for a romantic getaway.

Things to do: Go mountain biking, visit Mullayangiri, the tallest peak of Karnataka, trek to the natural spring Hebbe Falls, or just go for a stroll along the coffee plantations of the region.

Distance from Bengaluru: 243 km

7. Kudremukh

A mere 6-hour road trip from Bengaluru takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kudremukh. A small township built by Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited, which was once a site for mining. It is now a natural reserve, surrounded by dense forest, natural peaks and blessed with great weather.

Things to do: Trekking is a popular activity in Kudremukh, along scenic trails and challenging peaks. Don’t forget to capture the pleasing green pastures, the low-lying clouds flowing like a blanket over the hills and the abundant water bodies flowing freely.

Distance from Bengaluru: 331 km

8. Horsley Hills

One of the best reasons to head to Horsley Hills is to enjoy the great weather and spend a lovely time amidst the flora and fauna of Andhra Pradesh’s hills. Exotic trees and dense vegetation make for some soothing sights, and you can feel the fresh air of the pristine hills as you drive by.

Things to do: One of the only places in India to do Zorbing, also visit Lake Gangotri and Koudinya Wildlife sanctuary.

Distance from Bengaluru: 160 km

9. Biligiriranga Hills

BR Hills for short, these hills are blessed with a vibrant ecosystem, and have recently been a declared a tiger reserve. A paradise for nature enthusiasts, this region attracts Bengaloreans for a quiet time, and lessons in going back to earthy living.

Things to do: Take a bike tour of the hills, get up close with wildlife, take a jeep safari of the tiger reserve, and much more!

Distance from Bengaluru: 173 kms

10. Yercaud

A small town located in the Shevaroys range of hills, this weekend getaway from Bengaluru lies in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district. Overlooking a valley of plains below, this charming hill town is centered around the beautiful Yercaud lake. The lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens and trees, and is a visual treat.

Things to do: Go boating at Yercaud Lake, make a trip to the Natural Orchidarium and Botanical Garden, get a panoramic view of the plains from Lady’s Seat, visit the silkworm farms and learn about methods of silk spinning.

Distance from Bengaluru: 228 km

Make the best of Bengaluru's location and head to the numerous hilly retreats around the city for a quick weekend getaway! Thank us later for the rejuvenating holiday!

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