Hop along the luxuriant green slopes, lean into the cool kisses of wispy white clouds, inhale fresh breath, let the different hues of green bring sparkle and new light into your eyes. Karnataka offers you a huge range of hills that are beautiful.
YANA
The gigantic rock formations of Yana stand proud and tall among the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats in Uttara Kannada district. Located 25km from the coastal town of Kumta and 40km from Sirsi near the Chandrika River , Yana is an ideal destination for pilgrims, trekkers, and nature-lovers alike.
A 16km trek through the cool and breezy hills brings you to the foot of the mountain where the rock formations begin. At the top, a stunning sight awaits you: The awesome Bhairaveshwara and Jaganmohini shikharas, or peaks. A cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva lies below these shikharas. The vagaries of time have caused these limestone structures to turn blackish brown; a profusion of beehives dots the rock surface.
A popular legend associated with Yana holds that Bhasmasura,
an evil demon, performed penance to Lord Shiva and obtained the power of reducing to ashes anybody on whose head he placed his hand. An ungrateful Bhasmasura, however, soon decided to test the boon on his benefactor. Devotees believe that when Bhasmasura pursued Shiva with the intention of destroying him, Shiva took abode in the Bhairaweshwara peak at Yana . Legend has it that the other peak is called Jaganmohini in honour of Vishnu, who took the form of Mohini and saved Lord Shiva’s life.
How to Reach : Kumta – 25km; Sirsi – 40km; Bangalore – 490km
Where to stay : There is no accommodation at Yana . It’s best to stay at Kumta or Sirsi.
KODACHADRI
Situated 100km from Shimoga and 36km from Hosanagara is this enchanting mountain, which overlooks the vast Western Ghats . Kodachadri is famed for its glorious sunrises and sunsets. The peak of Kodachadri (at an altitude of 1343 m above sea level) can be reached by a five-hour trek. On the western side, the hill descends steeply for about 1220m, meeting the forests of Udupi district. The famous temple town of Kollur is 12km away. These hills (4411ft.) constitute one of the largest forest areas in Karnataka, and part of this region forms the Mookambika
Nature Reserve. Kollur is an ideal base to explore the hills. The Mookambika Nature Camp is 4km south of Kollur.
How to Reach: Kollur – 12km; Hosanagara – 36km; Shimoga – 100km; Bangalore – 365km
Where to stay: Accommodation is not available here. You will have to stay at Kollur or Coondapur.
KEMMANGUNDI
An ideal retreat of solitude and natural beauty, located in Baba-Budan range. Placed at a height of 4,702 ft above sea level, Kemmangundi has a bracing climate, mineral enriched water and a tranquil verdant mountains cape. The two waterfalls-Kalahasti and Hebbe are ideal picnic spots. BABABUDAN MOUNTAINS , 30 km from Kemmangundi, are the loftiest range of hills with a stupendous ridge. The Dattatreya Peetha here is a well known pilgrimage shrine both for the Hindus and the Muslims.
How to Reach : Chikmagalur – 53km; Bangalore – 245km
Where to stay: Chikmagalur or the Horticulture Department Guest Houses at Kemmangundi.
KUNDADRI
Located on Theerthahalli-Agumbe road, about 12km from Theerthahalli, Kundadri Hill is a gigantic monolithic rock formation. Surrounded by dense evergreen forests, it is a lovely place for trekking. A rough, stone-paved path leads to a Jain temple perched atop the hill. Camping in the open at Kundadri Hills on a full moon night is an exhilarating experience.
How to Reach : Theerthahalli – 18km; Bangalore – 345km
Where to stay: Accommodation is available only at Theerthahall
AGUMBE
If you enjoy spectacular sunsets, sparkling streams, verdant village vistas, and an unspoilt rustic ambience, Agumbe is the place for you. Situated at an elevation of 826m in Shimoga district, Agumbe provided the perfect setting for R. K. Narayan to film his novel Malgudi Days. Agumbe and its environs are full of exciting trekking routes. Forested trails lead from here to a jungle pond called Emkal Kere, a hillock called Nishani Gudda, and to Barkana Falls . Agumbe is also known as the Cherrapunji of South India.
You can also stop by the 14th century temple with Hoysala-style sculptures dedicated to Lord Gopalakrishna. The sunset as seen from Agumbe is a spectacular sight and many visitors come here to watch it, especially between November and January. A microwave tower, a significant landmark of Agumbe, is located at this point.
How to Reach : Sringeri – 23km;Manipal – 55km;Kollur – 60km ;Shimoga – 90km;Bangalore – 365km
Where to stay: Accommodation is not available. You will have to stay in Manipal.
CHICKMANGLUR
The district takes its name from the headquarter town of Chikmanglur which literally means youngest daughter’s town. The Chikmanglur district is full of scenic surprises – hills, valleys, streams and snow white coffee blossoms. It is also trekker’s territory.
Ishwara Temple: It has a 1.22 meter high idol installed by King Janmejay.
Lodandarama Temple : This temple is a synthesis of Hoysala and Dravidian style of architecture.
How to Reach : Bangalore 240 kms; Mangalore 170 kms
Where to stay: Nature Nirvana (Home Stay), The Taj Garden Retreat, The Planters Court Hotel, Hotel Mount Palace, Hotel Malnad Paradise, Hotel Rajmahal, Woodlands, Giri Lodge, Soundarya Residency, J P Lodge and Restaurant, Hotel President’s Palace, Padmashree Lodge, Prakash Lodge, Asha Hotel, Usha Lodge.
KUDREMUKH
Literally means 'Horse face'. The deep valleys and steep precipices of this hill station have great natural beauty. It is also known as 'the Mining Giant of Asia' and is famous for Iron. The broad hills 95km south-west of Chikmagalur town overlook the Arabian Sea and are chained to one another by deep valleys and steep precipices. As yet ‘undiscovered’ by tourists, Kudremukh is a trekker’s paradise. Let the wonderland of lush green forests interspersed with rivers, grassy slopes, captivating cascades, rare orchids, caves, ruins, and traces of old civilizations amaze you as you trek your way through it. The best time to visit is after the monsoon when everything is lush green and the rivers, streams, and waterfalls are at their best.
How to Reach : Kalasa – 20km;Karkala – 50km;Mudigere – 75km;Mangalore – 130km;Bangalore – 350km
Where to stay: Silent Valley Corporate Resorts, Seethanadi Nature Camp, and Hotel Chandan.
