Hill-Stations

Karnataka has many well known hill stations. Each one is famous for its own unique charm, some for sandalwood forests, some for coffee plantations and others for trekking trails, waterfalls and wildlife. Located in the Western Ghats, these hill stations present outstanding views. Dense forests, deep valleys and magnificent sunsets, you name it and you've got it.

Some of the famous hill stations of Karnataka are:

[ Nandi Hills | Kermana Gundi | Madikeri | Biligiri Hills | Kudremukh | Chikmagalur | Gangamoola ]

Nandi Hills
Located 60 kms north of Bangalore is the summer resort of Karnataka called Nandi Hills. It is also known as Nandidurga, it was once one of the summer retreats of Tipu Sultan. Nandi Hills was also a favorite of British, who built bungalows and laid out gardens here. Today, its a popular weekend destination among Bangaloreans. The 1478-m high Nandi Hills is the originating point of many rivers.

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Kermana Gundi
Located in the Tarikere Taluk of Chikmaglur district is a picture perfect hamlet - Kemmanugundi, also called K.R.Hills named after the Wodeyar king Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, who made it his favourite summer destination. Situated on the Baba- Budan range at a height of 1,434 m, Kemmanugundi is the perfect get away destination from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

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Madikeri
An enchanting town situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft above sea level is Madikeri hill station. Breathtaking views ignite your senses and cool wind blowing lets you unwind yourself. Its misty mountains, wooded hill slopes and breathtaking views and the fragrance of coffee fills surprise you unexpectedly.

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Biligiri Hills
Situated 120 kms from Mysore and 247 kms from Bangalore, the Biligirirangana range of hills is beautifully situated between the Cauvery and the Tungabhadra rivers. At a height of 5,091 ft above sea level, this hill station stretches from north to south for about 16 kms. Bordered by deciduous trees, the forests are swarming with wildlife.

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Kudremukh
Situated 95 kms south-west of Chikmaglur town is the Kudremukh (Horse Face) range, named after the unique shape of the Kudremukh Peak. It overlooks the Arabian Sea and the broad hills are bound to one another with deep valleys and steep precipices. Discovered by tourists, Kudremukh is a secluded hill station, which retains its serenity and natural beauty. The hill is covered by Sylvan green forests, beautified by mighty rivers, grassy slopes, exuberant cascades and rare orchids, providing a wonderful setting for trekking. Situated 1,894.3 meters above sea level, Kudremukh is rich in iron ore deposits.

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Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is situated in a lush valley south of the Babu-Budan range. It derives its name from the headquarters town of Chikmagalur which literally means younger daughter's town. It is believed that it was given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna. Hiremagalur, another part of the town, was given to the elder daughter. Certain ancient inscriptions reveal that these two places were originally known as Kiriya-magalu and Piriya-magalu. This hill station has several interesting attractions like, the Kondadarama Temple, the Jamia Mosque and the new St. Joseph's Cathedral.

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Gangamoola
Located in the Samse Taluk of Chikmagalur district, the Gangamoola hill is surrounded by thick forests. It is the origin of three mighty rivers, the Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi. The highlights of the region are a Goddess Bhagavathi shrine and a Varaha image, 1.8 metres high, within a cave, which become inaccessible during the monsoons.

Getting There

• Air : The nearest air station at Tornagallu in Sandur Taluk which is 32 kms. from Hospet. The
  second nearest airport is Bellary(74 kms). Other convenient airports are at Belgaum (190 kms)
  and Bangalore(353 kms).
  
  
• Rail: Hospet is the nearest rail head (13 kms). Hospet is linked by rail to Bangalore, Bijapur,
  Hubli and Guntakal.
  
  
• Road: Hampi is 350 kms from Bangalore. KSRTC Buses ply regularly from Hospet.

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