Travel guide
Hill Stations Near Bangalore in Karnataka
Most of Karnataka’s hill country lies in the Western Ghats to the west and south-west of Bangalore, with coffee estates, misty ridges and waterfalls. Here is how the main hill destinations compare, with the route-planner distance for each.
The lay of the land
Which hills are closest and which are worth the drive
The nearest hills are a short drive and make a day out, while the true Ghats destinations are overnight trips. Figures below are route-planner distances and times from central Bengaluru, without traffic or stops, and the last stretch on the hill roads is slower than the highway. Monsoon months bring heavy rain, fog and landslide risk on ghat sections, so check current road conditions before you leave.
Nandi Hills – about 70 km, about 1 h 15 min of driving without traffic. The closest hill outing, an old fort and sunrise point on the edge of the plains that works as an early-morning half-day. See Bangalore to Nandi Hills cab.
Male Mahadeshwara Hills – about 210 km, about 3 h 15 min of driving without traffic. A forested range with a popular temple of Male Mahadeshwara in the south-east of the state. It suits pilgrims and those who want a quieter hill drive. See Bangalore to Male Mahadeshwara Hills cab.
Coffee country
Coorg, Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur
Coorg – about 255 km, about 3 h 30 min of driving without traffic. Kodagu is known for its coffee and pepper estates, the Abbey Falls, the Raja’s Seat viewpoint in Madikeri and the Dubare elephant camp. Rain can arrive at any time of day in the wet months. See Bangalore to Coorg cab.
Virajpet – about 245 km, about 3 h 30 min of driving without traffic. The southern gateway to Kodagu, a quieter base for estate country and the forests that border the district. See Bangalore to Virajpet cab.
Chikmagalur – about 275 km, about 3 h 45 min of driving without traffic. Coffee is said to have first been grown in India on these slopes, and the district holds Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, along with Baba Budangiri and the Hebbe waterfall area. See Bangalore to Chikmagalur cab.
Sakleshpur – about 235 km, about 3 h 15 min of driving without traffic. A quieter alternative to Coorg with coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations, plus the star-shaped Manjarabad fort on the ridge. See Bangalore to Sakleshpur cab.
Hassan – about 190 km, about 2 h 30 min of driving without traffic. Not a hill station itself but the gateway to the Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebidu and the starting point for Sakleshpur and Chikmagalur. See Bangalore to Hassan cab.
Deeper into the Ghats
Overnight destinations in the Malnad
Sringeri – about 335 km, about 4 h 30 min of driving without traffic. A river-valley town on the Tunga, home to the Sharada Peetha established by Adi Shankaracharya, with forest and ghat scenery on the approach. See Bangalore to Sringeri cab.
Horanadu – about 345 km, about 4 h 30 min of driving without traffic. The Annapoorneshwari temple sits in a green valley of the Bhadra, and many travellers pair it with Sringeri or Chikmagalur. See Bangalore to Horanadu cab.
Agumbe – about 360 km, about 4 h 45 min of driving without traffic. A rainforest village known for dramatic sunsets and heavy monsoon rainfall, and for the king cobra research done in its forests. See Bangalore to Agumbe cab.
Shivamogga – about 305 km, about 4 h of driving without traffic. The gateway to Jog Falls and the Sakrebyle elephant camp, set along the Tunga river. See Bangalore to Shimoga cab.
Dandeli – about 455 km, about 5 h 45 min of driving without traffic. A forested stretch along the Kali river known for its wildlife sanctuary and for adventure sports in season. See Bangalore to Dandeli cab.
Beyond Karnataka
If you are willing to cross the border
Strictly speaking, Ooty and Kodaikanal are in Tamil Nadu, and both are the classic southern hill stations. For these trips, interstate permit charges and tolls are extra. Our Bangalore to Ooty cab and Bangalore to Kodaikanal cab pages describe the routes. For other ideas, see the weekend getaways guide.
Plan your timing around daylight. Mist can cut visibility on hill roads in the early morning and after sunset, so most travellers prefer to reach the hills by late afternoon and keep sightseeing for the next day. Carry a light jacket, since the hills are noticeably cooler than the city.
On ghat roads, a driver who knows the bends matters more than engine size. An Innova Crysta or Hycross is comfortable on long climbs, while a Dzire or Ciaz suits two or three people with light bags.
Vehicle options
Cabs for hill roads
Vehicle availability depends on your travel date. Tell us your group size and luggage when booking and we will suggest a suitable option.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Which hill station is nearest to Bangalore?
Nandi Hills is the closest on this list, about 70 km away, around 1 h 15 min of driving without traffic or stops in route-planner data.
How far is Coorg from Bangalore?
About 255 km one way from central Bengaluru, roughly 3 h 30 min of driving without traffic in route-planner data. Allow more for ghat bends, breaks and rain.
Is Chikmagalur better than Coorg for a short trip?
Chikmagalur is about 275 km away and Coorg about 255 km. Both suit a two-day trip; Chikmagalur is known for peaks and Coorg for estates and waterfalls.
Are hill roads safe in the rainy season?
Heavy rain, fog and landslides can affect ghat sections in the monsoon. Check the latest road conditions before leaving, and start early so you finish driving in daylight.
Can a group book a bigger vehicle?
Yes. Innova, Crysta and Hycross cabs, a Tempo Traveller or a mini bus can be arranged. Call 99640 09999 with your group size.
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