| Karnataka has its share of several lesser known hill stations. Each has its own unique charm; take your pick from sandalwood forests, coffee plantations, trekking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Nestled in the Western Ghats, these hill stations present spectacular views of dense forests, deep valleys, and magnificent sunsets |
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| Coorg |
| Madikeri is the picturesque capital of Kodagu (also called Coorg,) the land of coffee, cardamom, colonels, and the Cauvery. The capital of Kodagu district is located in a beautiful hilly setting surrounded by the forested slopes of the Western Ghats. Here, time seems to have stopped. Dotted with a cluster of red-roofed dwellings and a bustling bazaar, the town, situated at an elevation of 1525m, has a charming old-world look. Madikeri provides access to some excellent picnic spots... More |
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| Agumbe |
| If you enjoy spectacular sunsets, sparkling streams, verdant village vistas, and an unspoilt rustic ambience, Agumbe is the place for you. Situated at an elevation of 826m in Shimoga district, Agumbe provided the perfect setting for R. K. Narayan to film his novel Malgudi Days. Agumbe and its environs are full of exciting trekking routes. Forested trails lead from here to a jungle pond called Emkal Kere, a hillock called Nishani Gudda, and to Barkana Falls. Agumbe is also known as the Cherrapunji of South India. You can also stop by the 14th century temple with Hoysala-style sculptures dedicated to Lord Gopalakrishna. The sunset as seen from Agumbe is a spectacular sight and many visitors come here to watch it, especially between November and January. A microwave tower, a significant landmark of Agumbe, is located at this point |
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| Kemmangundi |
| The picturesque hill station of Kemmangundi is located at a height of 1434m above sea level. This was the summer retreat of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. Ringed by the Baba Budangiri Range and blessed with silver cascades, mountain streams, and lush vegetation, Kemmangundi's beautifully laid-out ornamental gardens and enchanting mountains and valleys views are a treat to the eye. The spectacular sunset view from the Raj Bhavan is a photographer's delight. For the adventurous at heart, Kemmangundi offers many peaks to scale and intricate jungle paths to explore |
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| Kundadri |
| Located on Theerthahalli-Agumbe road, about 12km from Theerthahalli, Kundadri Hill is a gigantic monolithic rock formation. Surrounded by dense evergreen forests, it is a lovely place for trekking. A rough, stone-paved path leads to a Jain temple perched atop the hill. Camping in the open at Kundadri Hills on a full moon night is an exhilarating experience |
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| Kodachadri |
| Situated 100km from Shimoga and 36km from Hosanagara is this enchanting mountain which overlooks the vast Western Ghats. Kodachadri is famed for its glorious sunrises and sunsets. The peak of Kodachadri (at an altitude of 1343 m above sea level) can be reached by a five-hour trek. On the western side, the hill descends steeply for about 1220m, meeting the forests of Udupi district. The famous temple town of Kollur is 12km away. These hills (4411ft.) constitute one of the largest forest areas in Karnataka, and part of this region forms the Mookambika Nature Reserve. Kollur is an ideal base to explore the hills. The Mookambika Nature Camp is 4km south of Kollur |
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| B R Hills |
| Lose yourself in these ancient hills, which take their name from the Ranganatha Swamy Temple that sits at the edge of a granite precipice with a drop of more than 1000ft. into a dense forest. Find inner peace at the foot of the great champak tree (Dodda Sampige,) believed to be more than 2000 years old and worshipped by the Soligas, the tribals of that area. Don't miss the coffee estates, the tribal hamlets and the Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra which displays preserved tribal information and the biodiversity of the region. There are many trekking trails here, including one that leads up to Honnamati, the highest point of the range |
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| Nandi Hills |
| This popular weekend getaway is just 60km from Bangalore. The bracing air and serene environs of Nandi Hills, perched at a height of 1455m above sea level, provided Tipu Sultan and the British with an idyllic summer retreat. Here, you can take leisurely strolls or experience the spine-chilling thrills of paragliding. Two ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva grace the hill, one at the foot and the other at the peak. Marvel at their exquisite architecture and sculpture. Nandi Hills shot into prominence during the visits of Queen Elizabeth II in the 1960s and the heads of SAARC countries in the 1980s. |
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| Chikmagalur |
| Nestled in the Baba Budan hills, Chikmagalur is a calm, serene town full of surprises with hills, valleys, streams and coffee plantations. Coffee seed was planted here for the first time in India. Chikmagalur is a trekker's delight due to its rugged mountain trails, numerous hills, valleys and fresh water streams. Explore the rare wildlife sanctuary, ancient temples and forts. Take a stroll through the coffee plantations or catch a magnificent sunset. Experience the best of Western Ghats in Chikmagalur. For an enriching experience on the world of coffee, visit the Coffee Museum |
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