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
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.
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.
Madikeri
An enchanting town situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft (1,525 m)
above sea level is Madikeri hill station. Breathtaking views ignite your
senses and cool wind blowing lets you unwind yourself. Beautiful people
smile at you and the fragrance of coffee fills the atmosphere.
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.
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.
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.
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.
