Exploring Hill Stations Near Bangalore: A Perfect Monsoon Getaway

In the months of July and August as the monsoons come in, Bangalore becomes a luscious green paradise inviting tourists to discover its scenic surroundings. If you desire to take a break from normal life, a short excursion out of the city to explore the gorgeous hill stations around Bangalore sounds like an opportunity in the waiting. Should one be looking forward to a family holiday or even planning for a one-day trip near Bangalore, these places guarantee an unforgettable experience. This article will highlight some of the best hill stations near Bangalore that one can visit during monsoons in India.

Coorg: The Scotland of India

For travellers seeking exciting rain getaways, Bangalore to Coorg is a very enticing journey because it runs through beautiful landscapes. Coorg is also known as Kodagu and it is renowned for its coffee plantations, misty hills and dense forests. During monsoon back home in Bangalore, there is nothing better than spending time at Coorg for nature lovers and those who are not. It’s one of the ideal places to visit near Bangalore during monsoons due to lush greenery and cascading waterfalls.

Homestays in Coorg provide an opportunity like no other when it comes to getting up close with local culture and hospitality. These accommodations are surrounded by coffee estates making them serene environments for relaxation purposes. Some of the must-visit sites when in Coorg include Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat and Talacauvery among others. Abbey falls is a sight that appeals directly to your eyes when you see it running full stream ,while Raja’s Seat provides panoramic views of the valley especially glorious during either sunrise or sunset.

Coorg caters for all tastes with adventure activities like trekking through dense jungles, river rafting or camping. For instance, many people opt for Tadiandamol trek which goes through thick forests offering really amazing views from the peak point. Another thrilling experience would be Barapole River white water rafting.

Chikmagalur: The Coffee Land

Another hill station close to Bangalore for a family holiday is Chikmagalur. With its coffee plantations and serene landscapes, Chikmagalur is a wonderful monsoon hideout. Being one of the best destinations in India to visit in July, it has a cool climate as well as lush surroundings. During monsoon season, Chikmagalur is transformed into a rich paradise with numerous waterfalls and flowing streams.

To experience the authentic local lifestyle, stay at homestays in Chikmagalur. These homestays are built right inside coffee estates creating that home feeling within them. Don’t miss visiting Mullayanagiri-the highest peak in Karnataka- and Hebbe Falls which are stunningly beautiful. You will be greeted by mist covered valleys stretching as far as the eye can see when Mullayanagiri comes into view. Even though Hebbe Falls requires some trekking, it is very rewarding considering that it lies amidst a coffee estate.

Chikmagalur offers many activities for adventure enthusiasts such as trekking to Kudremukh or Kemmanagundi among others. Taking visitors through the process of planting beans to brewing coffee are popular coffee plantation tours . For those who want to see wildlife including tigers, leopards, elephants etc., Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary offers jeep safaris.

Nandi Hills: The Closest Hill Station to Bangalore

Nandi Hills is ideal for one-day trips from Bangalore. Just a short distance away from town Nandi hills gives you breathtaking views that especially during the rainy season look fantastic.The magic of lush greenery combined with cool breeze while misty atmosphere creates an unforgettable experience. Driving up these hills proves scenic wonder with hair pin bends giving glimpses of beautiful landscape on either side of the road ahead being breathtaking especially if you take proper time during the journey.

Nandi Hills, apart from its natural beauty, is rich in history. It has Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and the old Nandi Temple. The Islamic architectural piece that is seen here in this palace is a beautiful example of Rashk-e-jannat which means Heaven’s envy. The ancient Dravidian style temple called nandi temple was dedicated to Nandi and it stands at the hilltop.

Adventure activities are also very popular in Nandi Hills. Paragliding is very famous here and one can have a bird’s eye view of the surrounding landscape. For hiking enthusiasts, there are numerous trails leading up to the peak each offering different experiences

Sakleshpur: Hidden Gem

Sakleshpur comes alive during the monsoon as it turns into another enchanting hill station. This small town offers a quiet escape with coffee and spice plantations. Lush landscapes and many trekking trails make it a choice for nature lovers all around India. During the monsoons, Sakleshpur district appears green everywhere we search.

Don’t miss visiting Manjarabad Fort, Bisle View Point and Jenukal Gudda when you go to Sakleshpur Manjarabad Fort Built by Tipu Sultan provides spectacular views of Western Ghats. Bisle View Point opens up onto mountain ranges and valleys that look mesmerising especially during monsoon season Jenukal Gudda also known as Honey Stone Mountain is Karnataka’s second highest peak with amazing sights.

Trekking in Sakleshpur Railway Trek or Ombattu Gudda Trek give challenging yet fulfilling experiences that travellers seek when they visit this place. Alternatively take your time by walking through a coffee plantation or check out those waterfalls nearby.

Wayanad: Scenic Wonderland

Within Kerala lies Wayanad though a bit far but worth mentioning for those who decide to extend their stay further To reach Wayanad from Bangalore itself is an unforgettable road journey through some of the most mesmerising landscapes. Wayanad is a heaven for monsoon tourists due to its waterfalls, caves and wildlife. The refreshing ambience and greenery around make it one of the best monsoon places near Bangalore.

The main attractions are Edakkal Caves Soochipara Falls and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. These caves are famous for ancient rock engravings that date back more than 5000 years. Surrounded by deep forests, Soochipara falls also known as sentinel rock waterfalls has three levels The wildlife in Wayanad national park consists of elephants, tigers and deer among others.

Wayanad is a good place for enjoying your adventure activities. Trekking to Chembra peak which is the highest peak in Wayanad is a popular activity. There are tea plantations on this trek which give stunning views from the top. The major attraction nearby is the heart shaped lake at the top of chembra peak.

Conclusion

Monsoon season makes these places to visit near Bangalore in monsoon even better and fresher giving you an opportunity to enjoy their true beauty. From Coorg and Chikmagalur with misty hills to Nandi Hills with historical charm as well as Sakleshpur, a place so serene that you feel it in every breath you take or even Wayanad’s divinely green atmospheres, they offer perfect escape spots for everyone; be it families going out on vacation or any other short term escapes or getaways promising memorable rainy season adventures

Every hill station near Bangalore has its own distinct character and charm that guarantees that no one is left out. So, start packing your bags now, experience the magic of monsoon season in Bangalore as you stay at a few of the most stunning villas and homestays near Bangalore at these hill stations. Enjoy your trip!