Standing on a hillock one might see the world from a different perspective. Away from the madding crowd one might just plunge deep into the silences of the lone life on the hills of Karnataka, the state which is known for its mystically serene hills and valleys. While on a trip to these destinations one can enjoy the hues of natural existence, the beauty of living and also enjoy the pure pleasure of being one with nature.
The misty Nandi hills located just 45 km from Bangalore can give you the feel of a good walk through the forest even while enjoying the natural beauty of various plants, tress animals and birds. While on walk up the hill one will be able to spot many a rare variety of birds and animals including many migrant species of warblers, flycatchers and thrushes. Nilgiri Woodpigeon, Shaheen Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Uropeltid snakes and Pill millipedes are also found here. It’s that way a bird watcher’s heaven.
And for the history lovers among you, the place could offer a trip to the shadowy corridors of the past. Many a battle did take place in these hills during the times of valorous Tipu Sultan of the Mysore. Spot for several ancient temples which date back into the past the place also has a strong mythological and spiritual grounding. The Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple which dates back to 19th century is a place of natural beauty with its shrine and structure cut out of solid rock formations. The place can be reached on road from International Airport of Bangalore which is just 10 km away. The place is also just 20 km from the national highway.
The hill station has spectacular sunrises and serene sun sets just like the ancient poets described. The hills with its dense forests, flowing lakes, sprouting springs and a rich bounty of flora and fauna will make you want to stay forever. Also known as the Ooty of Karnataka, the place can be visited all through the year. The Hills is located in Chikkamagaluru district of the state and is just 150 km from Bangalore.
When on a trip to these hills one might want to enjoy the spectacular view of a sunrise and sunset from above 1500 ft from the sea level. The best place to get a good view of sunset would be the Raj Bhavan as beautiful guest house located on top of the hills. Another good sunset point is the Z Point which also offers you a 45 minute uphill trek. Just 8 km from the guest is the Kalhatti Falls. A trek to this place could also reveal to you the spiritual beauty of an ancient temple which was built during the period of Vijayanagara Empire. The misty waterfall which tumbles down from a height of 122 m will give you a refreshing experience. Also visit the Rose garden which will give you the sight of a thousand roses all at a time.
Located at a distance of 247 km from Bangalore and 127 km from Mysore, the hill is known to rise over 5000 ft above the sea level. The place has a serene feel to it which is enhanced by the presence of two rivers Kaveri and Tungabhadra on either of its borders.
The must visit places while on a visit to the hills would be the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple which is located atop one of the highest peaks. The temple is known to have specimens of ancient architecture. The Rathotsava or the chariot festival of the temple which falls in the month of April should not be given a miss. Also make it to the Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Sanctuary which hosts rare animals and birds including Gaur, Chital, Sambar, Elephants, Tigers, Panthers and Bears. Kanchi Kamakoti where the ruins of an ancient fort stands and Gopalaswamy temple should also not be left out of your travel plan.
The hill is a mesmerizing place right from the history behind its name. The place gets its name from the shape it forms while standing erect on all its majestic glory. Forming a Kudremukh or the face of a horse, the hillocks stand thrilling the travelers with its beauty.
When here one might want to check out the Kudremukh National Park where one can find animal species including Tigers, Leopards, Wild Dogs, Gaur, Sambar, Wild Pig, Chevrotain, Bonnet Macaque, Common Langur and the Lion Tailed Macaque. The shoal grasslands found in the place can give you the spending sight of green vegetation. The presence of rivers including Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi will soothe your senses. Also visit the Lobo House, built by European settlers, Hanuman Gudi waterfalls. The place is located in Chikkamangaluru district of the state and is over 200 km from Bangalore, the capital city.
Agumbe is the place which one should visit if one loves a hot drink in a rainy climate. One of the places in the country which receives a heavy rainfall, Agumbe has many home stay arrangements which can be occupied on a cold rainy day when one wants a hearth and a quick drink. The place is also a favorite spot for the nature lovers who are interested in rainwater research and the growth of flora and fauna in the region. Agumbe has a famous rainwater research station which is the only natural one in the country.
When on a trip to Agumbe one should not give its numerous waterfalls a miss. Kunchikal waterfall which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the country is located here. Formed by the beautiful Seetha river, Barkana waterfalls is a must visit place. Onake Abbi Falls, Jogigundi Falls and Koodlu Falls should also be visited for their scenic beauty. Agumbe is located 345 km away from Bangalore.
Known as the Scotland of India, Coorg is the hill station that one should not miss when in Karnataka. Known to be the land of the beautiful, Coorg will give you the silence and serenity coupled with natural beauty which you might need on a vacation.
When here do visit the Abbey Falls which offers you the sight of gushing water stream tumbling down from a height of over 200 m. The base level of the waterfall is a place for river rafting. Also visit Gaddige, the tombs of Vijayanagara Empire. Talacauvery. The birth place of the river Kaveri and Cauvery Nisargadhama, the 64 acre land which is surrounded on all sides by the serene Kaveri River. Nisargadhama is ideal for elephant rides and boating. The Dubare Reserve Forest and Dubare Elephant Camp should also not be given a miss by those who love the tuskers. Coorg is over 300 km from Bangalore and can be reached on road or by train.
The muddy Kodachadri range is a location where one should go to experience the feel of real trekking. While on a guided trek one might encounter several species of beautiful animals including Malabar Langur, King Cobra, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, Emerald Pigeon, Tiger, Panther, Hyena, Bison and Python. At the end of the long trek, when on top of the Kodachadri peak one can even see the beautiful Arabian Sea lashing on the sides of the ranges.
For the spiritual among you, when at Kodachadri do visit the Moola Mookambika Devi Temple which is one of the ancient temples known for its architecture and style. The place also has many caves which can be checked out just to satiate your curiosity. Some of the caves even have paintings of ancient man on their rock surfaces. Nagara Fort, talks of the history of battles fought here. The fort is an 18th century structure. From Bangalore the place is 350 km and can be reached on road or by train to Shimoga.
Located in a scenic Shimoga district, Kundadri Hills should be visited to view its very majestic existence. The place is believed to have derived its name from a Jain monk, Kundakundacharya who is believed to have performed a penance here. The place has a 17th century Jain temple located at a place which is tranquil even while being surrounded by towering mountains on all sides. The lotus pools surrounding the temple, the place can be one of the most romantic sites in the country.
Located 3,400 ft above the sea level on top of the Sahyadri Mountain ranges, Chikmagalur cab be the ideal location for those who are in love with height and nature. One of the best locations one can stay when here is Baba Budan range which gives you the scenic sight of mountains towering over your cottage.
The place is connected to the history of religious harmony in the region where a Muslim saint, Baba Budan brought coffee seeds from Yemen to plant them here. The feel and scent of the place is complimented by the coffee and tea plantations in the region. Do visit the Mahatma Gandhi Park when here. The place is just 250 km from Bangalore, the capital city.
The place is a good trekking destination with many rocky terrains to try your luck on. Towering over the 3,200 feet above sea level, Kundadri Hill Station is a monolith rock formation which is beautiful due to its green look complimented by the evergreen woods. Varahi dam built on the river by the same name can also be a good picnic spot. Kundadri can be reached from Thirthahalli via Nalur or through Kammaradi-Begar-Hosagadde. For those who love trekking the route to be taken would be from Teerthahalli via Kammaradi-Nadabur-Halakunda. The place is just 6 km from Kammaradi. Bangalore is over 400 km away.
Located 1524 m above sea level, the hill station is part of the beautiful Kodagu district in the state. The place is best visited in the winter when the temperature will be around 11 degree Celsius. A feel of the misty valleys and a sweaty trek to the top of the hill can be enjoyed during this time.
The beautiful hill is the place where one might feel that history blends rightly with the natural surroundings. One of the places to visit, the Raja seat a podium which has arches towering over used to be the place where the Rajas of ancient times called their courtiers for cultural nights where poetry filled the air. The beauteous location stands facing the valleys which blooms every spring. One can feel the poetry of the place and enjoy a stay in the nearby tourist hotels for a better experience. For the more spiritual among you the place to visit would be the Omkareshwara temple which is a 19th century structure built to worship Lord Shiva. The temple stands erect right in the middle of the town and can be visited by all tourists who are interested in Indian culture. When at this place also visit the 17th century fort of Tipu Sultan, the Madikeri fort. The place is 120 km from Mysore, 137 km from Mangalore and 225 km from Bangalore. It can be reached on road from the nearest airport at Mysore and Bangalore.
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