Introduction:
Bengaluru may be India’s tech hub, but a short drive can swap glass towers for misty viewpoints, the aroma of coffee, and quiet forest roads. If you’re looking for the best hill stations near Bangalore for a peaceful weekend trip, you’re in the right place. From sunrise treks and paragliding take-offs to heritage forts and bird song, these getaways cater to tight schedules and varied budgets. In this guide, we map the most popular escapes by distance and vibe so you can choose a quick day run or a slow, scenic stay. Expect practical picks for couples, friends, and families, along with tips on when to visit, how to avoid crowds, and what not to miss. We’ll highlight viewpoints, short hikes, plantations, and wildlife edges that are safe, accessible, and photogenic. You’ll also find notes on transport, tolls, and local eats to keep planning simple. Before you leave the city, we’ll nod to beloved green pockets and micro-trails that feel like hill stations in Bangalore, then step out to nearby ranges that deliver cool weather and calmer skies.
Why Visit Hill Stations Near Bangalore?
Bengaluru’s pace is exhilarating but it’s also why quick escapes matter. Hill stations near the city offer cooler temperatures, cleaner air, and horizon-wide views within a few hours’ drive, making them perfect for stress resets without using up precious leave. Forested ridgelines and granite outcrops transform weekends into mini-adventures, offering sunrise hikes, short treks, paragliding points, rock climbing crags, and birding trails that are both beginner-friendly and rewarding. If you prefer slower travel, plantation stays, heritage bungalows, and quiet homestays that let you sip fresh coffee, read on verandas, and listen to rain on tiled roofs.
Weather is a significant draw: summers are milder than in the city; the monsoon brings cloud drifts, waterfalls, and emerald valleys; and winters add crisp mornings and clear, starry nights. Culture is also close at hand hill shrines, fort ruins, village markets, and weekend food stalls serving thatte idli, paddu, and filter coffee. Travel logistics are simple: well-maintained highways, frequent KSRTC buses, and easily rentable cars or bikes. Costs are flexible choose dawn-to-noon treks, mid-range resorts, or value homestays.
For readers seeking green breaks without long drives, several elevated micro-getaways and viewpoints in Bangalore offer a similar experience to hill stations ideal when time is tight. When you’re planning, match your vibe to the terrain: misty viewpoints for photographers, crags and caves for adventure seekers, coffee estates for relaxation. Explore our related guides for smoother trips: 1-Day Nandi Hills Itinerary, Skandagiri Night Trek Checklist, and Weekend in Chikmagalur (Coffee, Waterfalls, Homestays).
Top Hill Stations Near Bangalore
Nandi Hills (within 70 kms)
Nandi Hills, a classic sunrise point and the closest of the hill stations near Bangalore, is situated about 60 km away via NH44. Arrive before dawn for the golden glow from Tipu’s Drop, Amruth Sarovar, and cliff-edge viewpoints floating above farmland mist: short stairways, circle fort walls, and quiet yoga spots. Paragliding runs in season. Weekends see crowd caps, so start early and pre-book parking when available pair the sunrise with Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, then enjoy breakfast on a teatime treat in Chikkaballapur. Winter skies are clearest; monsoon brings dramatic clouds and cool drizzle, while summers stay a few degrees kinder plan for tolls, fuel stops, and weekend traffic at bottlenecks. For more info..
Skandagiri Hills (within 70 kms)
Skandagiri also called Kalavara Durga offers the classic night trek among hill stations near Bangalore within 70 km, roughly 62 km from the city. Guided groups leave at midnight to reach the ruins by sunrise, when cloud inversions pool below the ridge. The trail is moderate with rocky steps; carry water, headlamps, and a light windbreaker. Forest permits and limited daily slots apply, so book ahead on weekends. Good shoes matter in the monsoon. After the descent, visit Isha Foundation’s Chikkaballapur centre or nearby vineyards, then refuel with hot paddu and filter coffee before driving back on NH44 plan for tolls, fuel stops, and weekend traffic at bottlenecks.
Ramanagara Hills (within 100 kms)
Approximately 50 km from Mysuru Road, Ramanagara’s granite domes rank high among the hill stations near Bangalore within a 100 km radius. Climbing and bouldering hotspots like Ramadevara Betta and SRS Hills attract beginners to pros; hire certified guides for anchors and helmets. The Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary shelters long-billed vultures bring binoculars at dawn. Short but steep sunrise hikes offer sweeping views of coconut groves. Combine with the silk cocoon market and rustic lunches at highway dhabas. Summers feel warmer on bare rock, so aim for early starts; post-monsoon weekends are breezy and photogenic for families and first-time trekkers plan for tolls, fuel stops, and weekend traffic at bottlenecks.
Biligiriranga Hills (BR Hills)
Where the Western and Eastern Ghats meet, the BR Hills blend temple heritage with wildlife, located about 180 km from Bengaluru. The hilltop Biligiriranganatha Swamy Temple overlooks rolling shola and scrub; guided drives skirt the BRT Tiger Reserve buffer, occasionally revealing elephant herds and spotted deer. Stay in eco-lodges or forest homestays, and respect the silence rules and dusk movement advisories. Birders tick off barbets, drongos, and crested serpent eagles on powerline perches. Winters are crisp; the monsoon greens the ridges, but keeps the roads slick, while summer evenings are pleasantly cool. Carry cash for forest check-posts and plan fuel stops plan for tolls, fuel stops, and weekend traffic at bottlenecks.
Yelagiri Hills
A compact, family-friendly hill town in Tamil Nadu, Yelagiri lies roughly 160 km from Bengaluru via Krishnagiri and Tirupattur. A stack of hairpins lifts you to orchards, small lakes, and breezy viewpoints. Walk the Swamimalai summit trail, amble to Jalagamparai Falls (best post-monsoon), and unwind at the nature park’s looping paths. Weekend activities include ziplining and zorbing for kids. Stay options range from budget lodges to mid-range resorts, featuring lawns, bonfires, and indoor games. Winters are cool, summers are milder than those in the plains, and light showers freshen the evenings. Local snacks and simple Tamil dishes are readily available plan for tolls, fuel stops, and weekend traffic at bottlenecks.
Coorg (Kodagu)
Coorg is characterised by coffee estates, waterfalls, and misty valleys, located approximately 265 km from Bengaluru, centred around Madikeri, Kushalnagar, and Virajpet. Plantation stays host to bean-to-cup walks; Abbey and Iruppu Falls thunder in season; Dubare offers elephant interactions with ethical-hour limits. Food is a highlight pandi curry, kadambuttu, and strong filter coffee. Trekking ranges from gentle estate loops to Tadiandamol’s longer ridge. Monsoon unveils roaring streams; post-monsoon brings blue skies; winters are crisp and starry. Book early for long weekends, and carry cash for smaller homestays. Roads are good, yet bends demand unhurried driving plan for tolls, fuel stops, and weekend traffic at bottlenecks.
Chikmagalur
About 245 km from Bengaluru, Chikmagalur rises toward Mullayanagiri Karnataka’s highest peak and the Baba Budan range. Dawn drives up the serpentine road, revealing sea-of-cloud mornings; short ridge walks link viewpoints like Sitalayanagiri. The estate lies hidden among silver oaks, serving pour-overs and Malnad meals. In season, shola slopes glitter and Jhari and Hebbe Falls run strong; post-monsoon skies turn sapphire. Coffee-curing tours and museum stops add rainy-day backups. Roads are paved but narrow near peaks yield at bends. Evenings cool down quickly, so be sure to carry layers. Leech socks are also helpful on damp forest trails plan for tolls, fuel stops, and weekend traffic at bottlenecks.
Sakleshpur
Sakleshpur, roughly 220 km on NH75, feels close yet lush tea patches, cardamom estates, and fort-top sunsets at Manjarabad. Estate homestays arrange jeep rides to ridge shrines, stargazing campfires, and local temple fairs. Trek favourites include Ettina Bhuja and Jenukal Gudda for horizon-wide vistas; monsoon paints the hills neon and swells streams, so expect leeches on wooded paths. Railway fans love photographing century-old bridges along the Green Route (no track-walking). Food leans Malnad akki rotti, pathrode, and piping coffee. Expect pleasant winters, misty rains, and mild summers, making it ideal for relaxed itineraries. Be prepared for tolls, fuel stops, and weekend traffic at bottlenecks.
Wayanad
Cross into Kerala for Wayanad’s rainforests and cool valleys, 270–300 km from Bengaluru via Mysuru. Edakkal Caves display ancient petroglyphs; Muthanga and Tholpetty wildlife drives operate seasonally; Neelimala, Kurumbalakotta, and sunrise points frame layered ranges. Treehouse stays and estate villas overlook pepper vines and paddy fields. Cuisine runs from puttu–kadala to Malabar biryani. Monsoon turns slopes emerald and births countless cascades; winters are clearest; summers stay warmer, but shaded trails help. Roads are scenic yet winding pack motion meds for kids and plan buffer time for check-post queues on holidays. Plan for tolls, fuel stops, and weekend traffic at bottlenecks.
Horsley Hills
Andhra’s Horsley Hills offers breezy plateaus, eucalyptus groves, and serene sunsets, located approximately 150–160 km from Bengaluru via Madanapalle. The climb’s hairpin cluster ends at viewpoints like Gali Bandalu and Wind Rock, both of which are family-friendly. Short nature walks, a small deer park, and basic playgrounds suit kids; couples pick cottages with valley-facing balconies. Summers are milder than the plains; winters bring crisp dawns; monsoon wraps the hilltop in mist. Carry cash for local eateries and book stays ahead for holiday weekends. Rooms are limited and sell out quickly during peak weather periods. Plan for tolls, fuel stops, and weekend traffic at bottlenecks.
Best Hill Stations Near Bangalore for Adventure & Relaxation
Whether you chase ridgelines or prefer verandas and coffee, here are the best hill stations near Bangalore by travel style so you can match your weekend to the mood and distance.
Adventure seekers
- Skandagiri: Night trek to a ruined hill-fort with cloud-bed sunrises; permits and guides recommended.
- Ramanagara: Granite domes for rock climbing, rappelling, and bouldering; hire certified operators near Ramadevara Betta.
- Nandi Hills: Dawn stairways, paragliding in season, and cycling-friendly ascents; start early to beat weekend crowds.
- Chikmagalur: Mullayanagiri and Baba Budan range ridge-walks; monsoon brings leeches carry socks and rain gear.
- Sakleshpur: Ettina Bhuja and Jenukal Gudda treks, jeep trails, and starry campsite nights on estate edges.
- Wayanad: Forest trails, ziplining, and seasonal wildlife drives at Muthanga/Tholpetty with strict timing rules.
Relaxation
- Coorg: Plantation stays, bean-to-cup walks, Abbey/Iruppu falls, and slow breakfasts with pandi curry and kadambuttu.
- Yelagiri: Compact hill town with lakeside strolls, nature park loops, and easy Swamimalai viewpoints.
- Horsley Hills: Breezy plateaus, eucalyptus groves, and balcony sunsets ideal for couples and first-time hill trips.
- BR Hills: Temple vistas over shola ridges, birdwatching mornings, and quiet eco-lodges near the sanctuary buffer.
- Nandi Hills (weekday): Misty verandas, heritage walks, and café stops when crowds thin after sunrise.
Practical pick: For quick wins, choose within 70–100 km Nandi Hills, Skandagiri, and Ramanagara fit one-day adventure sprints; Horsley Hills and Yelagiri make unrushed overnighters without very long drives. Further classics Coorg, Chikmagalur, Sakleshpur, Wayanad, and BR Hills reward a two-night plan with cooler weather, darker skies, and better estate time. Book stays in advance for long weekends, carry layers even in summer, and respect check-post timings, waste rules, and noise limits for a genuinely low-impact, high-joy getaway.
Travel Tips & Best Time to Visit
Getting there is simple from Bengaluru: by car, take NH44, NH75, or NICE Road spurs for Nandi, Skandagiri, Chikmagalur, and Sakleshpur; allow buffer time for tolls and holiday queues. Bikes are great for dawn ascents carry rain liners and avoid night rides on forest stretches. KSRTC and private buses connect major hill towns, such as Madikeri, Chikmagalur, Wayanad border points, and Horsley Hills junctions. Pre-book window seats for the winding sections.
Best seasons vary. Summer brings milder highs than the city, clear early mornings, and crowdier weekends start at sunrise. Monsoon paints valleys emerald, powers waterfalls, and cools the air, but trails get slick and leeches thrive choose grippy footwear and keep itineraries flexible. Winter offers crisp air, blue skies, and starry nights, perfect for estate stays and ridge views; evenings can feel chilly.
Pack light but bright: quick-dry layers, a windbreaker, cap, sunscreen, and insect repellent; trekking shoes with good grip; a headlamp for pre-dawn hikes; compact first aid and any necessary prescriptions; cash for checkposts and homestays; refillable water bottles and snacks. For photography, consider carrying microfiber cloths during the monsoon. These tips keep trips to hill stations near Bangalore comfortable, safe, and low-stress.
Weekend Itinerary Suggestions
1-Day Trips (focus: hill stations near Bangalore within 70 kms)
- Nandi Hills Sprint
04:30 start → 06:00 sunrise at Tipu’s Drop → 07:30 temple walk at Bhoga Nandeeshwara → 08:30 thatte idli breakfast → 09:30 vineyard/coffee stop → 11:30 return. Notes: pre-book parking on peak days; carry a windcheater.
- Skandagiri Night Trek
00:30 trailhead check-in → 03:30 summit for cloud inversion → 06:00 descent → 08:00 Chikkaballapur breakfast → 10:30 optional Isha Center stop → 12:00 return. Notes: Permits are mandatory; headlamp and shoes with grip are required.
- Ramanagara Adventure Mix
05:30 drive → 06:30 sunrise hike (Ramadevara Betta) → 09:00 rock-climb/boulder session with certified operator → 12:30 rustic lunch at highway dhaba → 14:00 vulture-watch point → 16:00 return.
2-Day Trips (focus: hill stations near Bangalore within 100 kms)
- Nandi–Skandagiri Combo
Day 1: Nandi sunrise, Fort Loop, café crawl; check-in at Chikkaballapur Homestay.
Day 2: Skandagiri dawn trek (permit), late breakfast, visit to a flower farm, return by evening.
- Ramanagara Slow Weekend
Day 1: Hilltop hike, silk cocoon market, resort check-in, sunset viewpoint.
Day 2: Guided climbing/rappelling or birding at Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary; brunch and drive back.
- Devarayanadurga & Nearby (short add-on to diversify within 100 km)
Day 1: Temple Hill viewpoints, Namada Chilume spring, and forest drive; stay in the outskirts of Tumakuru.
Day 2: Short trail + breakfast, stop for thatte idli on NH48, return by noon.
These plans strike a balance between distance, sunrise goals, and crowd management, while maintaining flexible budgets. For longer breaks, graduate to farther picks in our list—but for quick wins, these are the best hill stations near Bangalore for easy 1–2 day itineraries.
Conclusion
From misty sunrise points within 70–100 km Nandi, Skandagiri, and Ramanagara to longer, laid-back escapes like Coorg, Chikmagalur, Sakleshpur, Wayanad, and BR Hills, Bengaluru is ringed with options for every mood and budget. Adventure seekers enjoy ridge walks, climbs, and night treks; slow travellers discover plantations, eco-lodges, and verandas with coffee and the sounds of birdsong. Summers are milder than the city, monsoon turns the valleys emerald, and winters bring crisp skies so there’s always a good weekend to go. Keep trips easy: start early, secure permits where needed, book stays ahead for long weekends, and carry light layers, good shoes, and cash for check-posts.
Ready to trade screen glare for mountain air? Pick a hill, set your start time, and plan your getaway now these hill stations near Bangalore make refreshing, realistic weekend trips you can repeat throughout the year.
