There are two sides to living in Bangalore. On the one hand, you have the Silicon Valley of India. A bustling city filled with startups, craft brews, and exhilarating climatic conditions compared to other Indian cities. On the other hand, the daily grind of living and working in Bangalore can be tiring. You may find yourself wishing for an environment that doesn’t include skyscrapers, cement, and glass.
Bangalore’s geographical position makes it an easy access point to travel throughout the Western and Eastern Ghats – creating multiple options for travelling when you’re looking for the best way to escape city life and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a misty sunrise, just one hour out, or an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature through coffee, you can find the perfect hill station suitable for every variety of wellness experience.
This guide compiles all the top hill station options, including the best Hill Stations Near Bangalore, within 3 hours from the city, classified according to time and vibe so you can easily plan your perfect outdoor experience in 2026.
The “Morning After” Escapes (Under 100 km)
These are for the restless souls who decide at 3:00 AM that they need to see the sun rise over the clouds.
Nandi Hills: A Legend of the Hills (Approx. 61 km from Bangalore)
To be considered a true Bangalorean, you have to make the trip out to Nandi Hills before dawn and brave the chill whilst waiting at the entrance. Nandi Hills, formerly known as Nandigiri, was the summer retreat of the famous Sultan known as Tipu Sultan.
The Main Attraction: The main attraction is known as the “Cloud Bed.” Between the months of November and February, the entire hilltop is covered in heavy mist, giving you the feeling you are on a floating island in the sky.
What to See: Visit Tipu’s Drop which is a 600mt (over 2,000ft) drop vertically on a cliff face with a very dark and gruesome history. Visit the architectural wonder called Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple located at the base of the hill.
Pro Tip: The traffic at the base can become congested on the weekends. If possible, take time for a mid-week trip to this location to fully appreciate its beauty and tranquility.
Skandagiri (known as Kalavara Durga) is the place to go if you’re looking for a trek. You can see for yourself how beautiful the sunrise will be after climbing a mountain using flashlights and stars for navigation. Most treks start at approximately 02:00 AM and are moderately difficult.
Be sure to book your permit in advance through the Karnataka Eco-Tourism website. A jacket or warm clothing is also recommended because it can be extremely cold at the summit due to strong winds.
The Coffee & Spice Heartland (200–300 km)
When people talk about “heading to the hills,” this is usually what they mean. These destinations require at least a 2-night stay to truly soak in the atmosphere.
Chikmagalur: The Birthplace of Coffee (245 km)
According to legend, Sufi saint Baba Budan snuck out 7 coffee beans from Yemen in the 17th Century and planted them in Chikmagalur. Today, the area is home to a vast emerald landscape filled with Arabica and Robusta plantations.
The Peaks: Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in the state of Karnataka. The ascent is exhilarating, and one can see a complete 360-degree view of the Western Ghats from there.
The Waterfalls: A forest department jeep is needed to reach Hebbe Falls, which is situated inside a coffee plantation. However, the tiered waterfall is worth it and will take you on a bumpy ride.
The Stay: Malnad-style homestays are a much better substitute for hotels. Enjoy authentic Akki Rotti (rice bread) and locally grown coffee while listening to the sounds of the jungle.
Coorg (Kodagu): The Scotland of India (265 km)
Coorg has experienced more than just being classified as a location within the mountains; it is also a cultural experience. Coorg is home to a culture called the Kodava people, who are a warrior race with various customs. This culture provides Coorg a unique combination of comfort, excitement, and history.
The atmosphere in Coorg is always reeking of damp soil, cardamom, and fresh ground coffee due to its constant cloudiness.
Places That Are Necessary To Visit:
Namdroling Monastery (The Golden Temple): Bylakuppe is the home of one of India’s largest Tibetan settlements. When visiting Namdroling Monastery, you will be amazed by the three massive gold-coated statues of Gautam Buddha.
Talakaveri: This site is located on Brahmagiri Hill and is the origin of the Kaveri River.
Foodies Should Taste These Dishes When In Coorg:
“Pandi Curry” (Pork Curry) and “Kadamuttu” (Rice Dumplings) are two dishes that you must eat while in Coorg!!
Sakleshpur: The Offbeat Alternative (221 km)
With Coorg and Chikmagalur growing in popularity as tourist destinations, Sakleshpur has become the place for people who want a little peace & quiet.
Manjarabad Fort: Located close to Sakleshpur, Manjarabad Fort was constructed by Tipu Sultan and has a unique eight-pointed star shape. On clear days you can see the Arabian Sea from the fort!
Bisle Ghat: One of the richest ecosystems in the world, the Bisle Ghat region of the Western Ghats features a great look out point called “Bisle Viewpoint” from which you can see Pushpagiri, Kumaraparvatha & Yenikallu Betta peaks.
The Green Route: Although railway trekking via this route is forbidden, the 50+ tunnels and bridges that lead from Sakleshpur to Kukke Subramanya make for one of India’s most beautiful train rides!
A Comparison for Quick Planning
| Destination | State | Distance | Ideal Duration | Best For |
| Nandi Hills | Karnataka | 61 km | 1/2 Day | Sunrise & Breakfast |
| Skandagiri | Karnataka | 62 km | 1 Day | Night Trekking |
| Horsley Hills | AP | 144 km | 1-2 Days | Quiet Solitude |
| Sakleshpur | Karnataka | 221 km | 2 Days | Nature & Photography |
| Yercaud | Tamil Nadu | 230 km | 2 Days | Budget-friendly Getaway |
| Chikmagalur | Karnataka | 245 km | 2-3 Days | Coffee Lovers & Trekking |
| Coorg | Karnataka | 265 km | 3 Days | Culture & Luxury |
| Ooty | Tamil Nadu | 275 km | 3 Days | Classic Heritage |
Practical Tips for Your Road Trip
The Best Time to Travel – The Western Ghats are Year-Round Travel Destinations. They Have Different Experiences Dependent Upon When You Go.
- Monsoon Season (June-Sept) – During this time the hills are at their greenest. The waterfalls are in their full glory. Be Prepared for Leeches and Potential Blockage on the Road.
- Post Monsoon Season (October-February) – The best time for trekking and seeing crystal clear views. Weather is cool, but pleasant.
- Summer (March-May) – This is a great time to escape the heat of Bangalore; however, the landscape will have dried up a little over the previous months.
Getting Around – There are Several Ways to Get to and From Chikmagalur and Coorg.
Self-Drive – This is the best way to explore the area around Chikmagalur and Coorg because the roads leading to both of them are generally good; the time saved using the new Bangalore-Mysore Expressway has reduced trip time to Coorg by almost 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Bus – KSRTC has Airavat Volvo Buses that run to and from all three of these destinations, so taking the KSRTC Bus is a great way to travel stress free.
Traveling Sustainably – The Western Ghats are an Environmentally Sensitive Area.
No Plastic – The use of single-use plastics is illegal in many parts of the Western Ghats, including Coorg and Nilgiri. Be sure to bring your own water bottles.
Respect Wildlife – Do not stop on the side of the road or feed any wildlife while driving through forest patches (like Bandipur on the road from Mysore to Ooty). Not only is it illegal; it could be very dangerous.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
- If you have one morning, go to Nandi Hills.
- If you want to trek the highest peak, choose Chikmagalur.
- If you want world-class pork and luxury resorts, head to Coorg.
- If you want a vintage, romantic vibe, take the train to Ooty.
- If you want to disappear from the map, hide away in Sakleshpur.
The hills that surround Bangalore are much more than just places to visit; they serve as the city’s “reset button.” Regardless of how many deadlines you are facing or how long you were stuck in Silk Board traffic, spending a weekend in the Western Ghats can often restore your sense of perspective on life.