‘Afoot and lighthearted I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose’ – Walt Whitman
Do you wish to take to the open roads too? Are you a glutton for the green rolling hills of South India? If so, the glorious hill stations near Mangalore are calling you home. Countless treks, dense mist floating about every now and then, valleys illuminated by fireflies, and the hum of silvery waterfalls—all this describes the sublime hill stations of Karnataka. These hill stations near Mangalore are just perfect for your short and spontaneous trip from the city.
15 Best Hill Stations Near Mangalore
Read on to explore the attractions of these spellbinding hills stations near Mangalore and plan a trip soon.
- Agumbe – The Cherrapunji Of South India
- Kundadri Hill – Explore The Ancient Jain Temple
- Chikmagalur – The Coffee Land Of Karnataka
- Coorg – The Scotland Of India
- Biligiriranga Hills – A Refreshing Visual Treat
- Kemmanagundi – For Kalahatti Falls
- Yana – A Hiker’s Paradise
- Nandi Hills – Scenic Beauty And Natural Charm
- Sakleshpur – Your Ideal Weekend Getaway
- Shimoga – Rich With Lush Landscape
- Kodachadri – A Very Nice Place To Trek
- Wayanad – The Buffer Natural Zone
- Munnar – Nature’s Muse
- Kotagiri – A Serene Weekend
- MM Hills – For The Panoramic Views
1. Agumbe – The Cherrapunji Of South India
Image Credits: Shashidhara Halady for Wikimedia
Located in Shimoga district, Agumbe is one of the closest weekend getaways and nearest hill station from Mangalore boasting luxuriant rainforests and scenic Western Ghats. This scenic hill retreat receives highest rainfall in South India, hence the name ‘Cherrapunji of South India.’ Home to rare and endangered medicinal flora Garcinia, Ficus and Hoiligarna etc., forest trails here are perfect for indulging in short treks and enjoying photogenic sunset in the valleys of Agumbe.
Don’t want to miss anything in Agumbe? Read this Agumbe Village Guide to help you explore the best of Agumbe.
Distance between Mangalore and Agumbe: 115 km
Things to do in Agumbe: Do explore the beautiful Jogigundi, Barkana and Theertha waterfalls. Don’t miss the perfect sunset view from the Sunset Point. Agumbe Rainforest Complex, and Gopalakrishna Temple are also worth a visit.
Stay options in Agumbe: Dodda Mane Lodge, Amthi Homestay, and Mallya Residency
Best Time To Stay: October to June
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2. Kundadri Hill – Explore The Ancient Jain Temple
Image Credits: Manjesh for Wikimedia
Located by River Tungabhadra, Kundadri Hill is one of the perfect places to visit near Mangalore to relax and revitalize. It’s one of the unexplored and spectacular hill stations near Mangalore, perched on a high hill with plenty of sparkling streams and dense forest. There is a Jain temple right on the top offering breathtaking views of the valley. It is also one of the best places to visit in Karnataka in winter.
Distance between Mangalore and Kundadri Hills: 125 km
Things to do in Kundadri Hill: Trek to Mattur Lake, Dabbe Falls, Jain Temple, and Sakrebailu Elephant Camp
Stay options near Kundadri Hill: There are no hotels up in Kundadri Hill. One can stay in Agumbe.
3. Chikmagalur – The Coffee Land Of Karnataka
Loaded with sparkling streams and lakes, plush green hills, aromatic coffee plantations and age old temples—Chikmagalur is a popular name on the list of hill stations near Mangalore. Known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’, it is situated in Malnad region, near the confluence of River Tunga ad River Bhadra.
If you are a nature lover, then this is one of the best places to visit near Mangalore to relish the gorgeous beauty of the surrounding sipping a cup of lip-smacking coffee. Those who are into adventures activities can indulge in camping under the stars, trekking, and cycling on the curvy roads of Chikmagalur.
Distance between Mangalore and Chikmagalur: 145 km
Things to do in Chikmagalur: Visiting the Hanuman Gundi Falls, Baba Budan Giri mountains, Kudremukh National Park, and Sharadamba Temple are some of the best things to do in Chikmagalur.
Stay options in Chikmagalur: The Gateway Hotel, Trivik, The Serai, and Silent Valley Resort
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Best Time To Stay: Throughout the year
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4. Coorg – The Scotland Of India
Image Credits: Saiprasad for Wikimedia
Coorg is a picture-postcard hill station coupled with expansive spice and coffee estates. The spectacular greenery all around, serenity, stunning hills, and misty climate make it one of the most romantic honeymoon places in South India. Popular amongst adventure enthusiasts for rafting, camping, trekking, quad biking, and elephant rides, this picturesque little town is one of the most preferred hill stations near Mangalore for a peaceful yet thrilling retreat.
Distance between Mangalore and Coorg: 148.5 km
Things to do in Coorg: Trek to Abbey Falls, Brahmagiri Peak, and Raja’s Seat (the highest point for stunning views). You can also visit Dubare Elephant Camp and Namdroling Monastery.
Stay options in Coorg: Orange County, Vivanta by Taj, and Club Mahindra Resort Prestige Residency are popular names. There are also some beautiful and cozy homestays, including Casa Coorg, Silver Brook Estate, and Birds of Paradise.
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Best Time To Stay: September – June
5. Biligiriranga Hills – A Refreshing Visual Treat
Image Credits: Shyamal for Wikimedia
Locally called BR Hills—this place looks splendid particularly during monsoon. It is one of the most incredible places near Mangalore known for its hypnotizing beauty and BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary is located at an altitude of 5,091 feet and spread across an area of 540 km.
One can spot sloth beers, elephants, porcupines, bison, deers in the sanctuary. It’s a paradise for bird lovers, as there are about 250 species of birds, including Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Hawk Eagle etc. The hill station is also a perfect spot for those who are into adventurous activities like rafting in River Cauvery.
Distance between Mangalore and BR Hills: 175 km
Things to do in BR Hills: Explore BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, trek to Dodda Sampige Mara ( The Big Champak Tree believed to be more than 2000 years old), and visit Rangaswamy temple
Stay options in Mangalore: Champakaranya Farm House, Gorukana, K Gudi Wilderness Camp, and Nijaguna Residency
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6. Kemmanagundi – For Kalahatti Falls
Image Credits: Yathin S Krishnappa for Wikimedia
Kemmanagundi is one of the most sought after tourist places around Mangalore featuring stunning vistas of mist-covered mountains peaks and verdant valleys. Trekking up to the water falls through the forests is one of the most interesting things to do in Kemmanagundi. The gorgeous sunset view from Raj Bhavan will leave you speechless. Kemmanagundi is one of the surreal hill stations in South India.
Distance between Mangalore and Kemmanagundi: 204 km
Things to do in Kemmanagundi: Hebbe Falls, Rock Garden, Z Point, Shanti Falls, Kalahati Falls, Shiva Temple and Rajendra Hill
Stay options in Kemmanagundi: Government Guest House run by Horticulture Department is one of the best stay options. Apart from this, there are many decent homestays like Kanthi Homestay, Z Point Homestay, Shivgiri Trails Homestay and The Last Resort.
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Best Time To Stay: Sep-May
7. Yana – A Hiker’s Paradise
Image Credits: Bishnu Sarangi for Pixabay
Surrounded by Sahyadri Range, Yana offers amazing sight of Bhairaveshwara peak and Mohini peak. Mostly frequently visited by photographers and hikers—Yana is a popular summer retreat and one of the not-to-miss hill stations near Mangalore.
The little hill village is particularly known for its 120 meters high Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and 90 meters high Mohini Shikhara, the two prominent rock outcrops made of black, crystalline Karst limestone. Yana has also been attracting devotees because of its cave temple situated below the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara.
Distance between Mangalore and Yana: 230 km
Things to do in Yana: Trek through the dense forest to reach Vibhooti Waterfall, bird watching and photography.
Stay options in Yana: There is no accommodation in Yana. There are few budget stays in Kumta (25 km) and Sirsi (40 km).
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8. Nandi Hills – Scenic Beauty And Natural Charm
Image Credits: Bishnu Sarangi for Pixabay
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway to spend time in peace, then Nandi Hills is where you should go. Locally called Nandidurg—the hills are among the most visited scenic places near Mangalore. The refreshing nirvana is also famous for bike tours through its winding roads. It offers a soothing climate, easy accessibility, and splendid vistas – basically everything you expect from a laidback weekend trip. This is also one of the best places to visit in Karnataka.
Distance between Mangalore and Nandi Hills: 380 km
Things to do in Nandi Hills: One can visit Tipu Sultan’s Summer Abode, Nandi Temple, Yoga Nandeeshwara, Amrut Sarovar, Muddenahalli Museum, and Tipu Drop (a steep cliff offering magnificent view). Adventure enthusiasts must try mountain biking, trekking, and paragliding in the hills.
Stay options in Nandi Hills: Mayura Pine Top (KSTDC property) and Mount Palazzo with an outdoor pool
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Best Time To Stay: Oct-Jun
9. Sakleshpur – Your Ideal Weekend Getaway
Image Credits: Shanmugam for Wikimedia
The hill station of Sakleshpur is a great weekend destination if you are a Mangalore resident. The town is filled with plantations of coffee, areca, cardamom and pepper. The landscape of the town is pretty vast as it lies in the Western Ghats and the Deccan Plateau. There is also a conglomeration of rivers that either originate or flow through the taluk including the Hemavathi river, Kempuhole, Netravati and Kumaradhara river. This Mangalore hill station is definitely a must-visit.
Distance between Mangalore and Sakleshpur: 120 km
Things to do in Sakleshpur: Camping near Sakleshpur Lake Park, travel in the Donigal railway and visit the Manjarabad fort
Stay options in Sakleshpur: Some of the best homestays in Sakleshpur are located in the hilly regions while you can stay at the numerous resorts as well. CoffeeBean Villa, Sereno Resort and Stone Valley Resorts are some of the best places to stay!
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Best Time To Stay: October-March, May-June
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10. Shimoga – Rich With Lush Landscape
Image Credits: Arkadeep for Wikimedia
Shimoga is a hilly region with the Tunga river flowing all through the town. Multiple paddy fields and waterfalls enrich the lush landscape with life. The Shivappa Nayak Palace, Purdal Dam, Gajanur Dam and Shiva Temple make for one of the top attractions while touring Shimoga. Western Ghats surround the place and so do the breathtaking views and nature including Jog Falls, Sharavathi valley, Shivgange and Kunchikal Falls.
Distance between Mangalore and Shimoga: 190 km
Things to do in Shimoga: Trekking in the valleys, playing with elephants at Sakrebailu elephant camp and exploring the Gudavi Bird Sanctuary are some of the best things to do in Shimoga.
Stay options in Shimoga: Green View Clarks Inn, Blue Crystal Lodge & Restaurant and Royal Orchid Central are some great stay options in Shimoga.
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Best Time To Stay: Jul-Dec
11. Kodachadri – A Very Nice Place To Trek
Image Credits: Azam for Wikimedia
Probably, Kodachadri is the best out of the rest destinations near Mangalore. It is mostly a hill equipped with breathtaking views, lush greens and amazing camping spots. With a pleasantly cool surrounding, acres of serenity, Kodachadri fulfills all your dreams of a natural wanderlust. The surroundings are also filled with a dozen temples which you can flock to for a spiritual experience!
Distance between Mangalore and Kodachadri: 165 km
Things to do in Kodachadri: Trekking, hiking and engaging in a lot of adventure sports
Stay options in Kodachadri: With multiple resorts and homestays in the vicinity, Amruthavana Nature Resort, Kodachadri Akshaya Home Stay and Prakruthi Homestay are some of the best places to stay.
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Best Time To Stay: October – May
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12. Wayanad – The Buffer Natural Zone
Image Credits: Muhsin Mohd for Pixabay
Wayanad is located in Kerala and is particularly famous for its amazing hills, lakes, waterfalls and natural beauty. It acts as a buffer zone between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. With the full place lying in the serene Western Ghats, the chance to find natural landscape just increases. You can visit the Kuruvadweep, Banasura Sagar Dam, Thirunelli Temple and so much more located within the mesmerizing hills.
Distance between Mangalore and Wayanad: 250 km
Things to do in Wayanad: Some of the best things to do in Wayanad are going for nature walks, hiking and trekking in the hills. You can also set up camps to take in the beauty.
Stay options in Wayanad: Vythiri Resort, KTDC Pepper Grove, The Coffee Country Resort are some of the best places to stay in Wayanad.
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Best Time To Stay: October – May
13. Munnar – Nature’s Muse
Image Credits: Ginu C Plathottam for Pixabay
Nobody needs a reason to travel to Munnar. The gorgeous green valleys and their natural allure are reasons enough to pack your bags and prepare for a weekend of some adventure activities, sightseeing, and enjoying a picnic with a view. Make sure that you carry your best camera as the highlands can present some of the most photogenic faces of nature on your journey.
Distance between Mangalore and Munnar: 500 km
Things to do in Munnar: Some of the best things to do in Munnar are hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying a staycation.
Stay options in Munnar: Eastend Hotel, Tea County Munnar
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Best Time To Stay: October – May
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14. Kotagiri – A Serene Weekend
Image Credits: Balaji Srinivasan for Pixabay
Among the best trekking places near Mangalore, Kotagiri is nestled in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, the hills are not just a tourist attraction, they are saturated with some of the most diverse flora and fauna. It is also the third-highest hill station in India popular for trekking, sightseeing, and family vacations.
Distance between Mangalore and Kotagiri: 250 km
Things to do in Kotagiri: Some of the best things to do in Kotagiri is trekking, sightseeing, and indulging yourself in the local cuisines and cultures.
Stay options in Kotagiri: Vythiri Resort, KTDC Pepper Grove, The Coffee Country Resort are some of the best places to stay in Wayanad.
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Best Time To Stay: October – May
15. MM Hills – For The Panoramic Views
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Located at a distance of 338 kilometers from Mangalore, a drive to the MM Hills can make for a serene road-trip that you can enjoy with your friends. The Male Mahadeshwara Betta hill range is one of the most popular landscapes in the state of Karnataka and is very often frequented by trekkers, and adventure travelers for an escape from the bustle of daily life.
Distance between Mangalore and MM Hills: 388 km
Things to do in MM Hills: Religious observations, Sightseeing
Stay options in MM Hills: KSTDC Hotel, Hotel Mayura Biligiriyura Biligiri, Sri Priya Lodge
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Best Time To Stay: October – May
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If you’re game for some fun and adventure this weekend in the hill stations near Mangalore, then pack your bags and plan a trip to Karnataka! We hope you have an amazing time exploring these scenic hill stations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations Near Mangalore
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Yes, it is perfectly safe to visit these places as the place has a relatively low number of cases. But don’t take our word for it: check up on the latest travel advisory, Covid-19 measures, and the number of cases before your departure. It is safer to undertake solo travel or with a small group of people to somewhere that is not overly crowded at the moment.
How can I spend a day in Mangalore?
One can spend a day in Mangalore by visiting the cashew nut factory, Kadri Manjunath Temple, and Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple.
What is the best time to visit in Mangalore?
The months between September to April are best to visit Mangalore due to pleasant weather conditions.
What is the specialty of Mangalore?
Mangalore is touted as one of the cleanest cities in the country, famous for beaches, and sea sports.
Is Mangalore a hill station?
Numerous hill stations are in close vicinity and can be reached through Mangalore but the city is not a hill station.
Does Mangalore have a beach of its own?
Panamur beach lies 9 km away from the city of Mangalore and is the only beach in the city and definitely worth a visit.
Is Mangalore bigger than Mysore?
Yes, Mangalore is far bigger than Mysore and the biggest city after Bangalore in terms of area is Mangalore.
What is the distance between Gokarna from Mangalore?
Gokarna is situated 293 km away from Mangalore and can be reached by road in an estimated time of 5 hours.
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
