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Hill Stations near Goa

Mentioned as the adventure capital of South India, Dandeli is synonymous to peace and adventure. Located in the rocky trails of the Western Ghats, Dandeli is a splendid city of Karnataka. This place is situated at an altitude of 1551 ft above sea-level. 

Dandeli is made up of trails and green environment. The beauty of this place resides significantly in the adventurous hikes and beauty of Western Ghats. The untouched green landscapes house a staggering range of flora and fauna. Apart from the adventurous activities, there are several historical places including Ulavi temple, ancient caves of Kavla, and much more.

An integral part of the Western Ghats, Dandeli is home to colossal mountains, nature reserves, and fascinating wildlife. This place is an incredible destination for every kind of travellers. You can head on to the Kali river for a range of watersports, then, stop by Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, or hike on to the Syntheri rocks and engulf the maddening peace and beauty of the Western Ghats; Dandeli is a complete package of fun, peace, and adventures. 

There are plenty of activities to do in Dandeli. If your interests are inclined towards adventurous hiking trips, then you should explore the Syntheri Rocks in the city. Or, feel the adrenaline rush at Kali River while participating in Whitewater rafting, Boat rides, and Kayaking. End your day by relishing the therapeutic Natural Jacuzzi and soaking in nature’s beauty while staying in tents. Moreover, you can also embark on a wildlife safari to spot exotic wildlife at Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Dandeli’s climate is subtropical, with a major influence of the Western Ghats on it. Temperatures can stay between 20 and 42 degrees Celsius. The closeness to the Arabian Sea affects the weather of this place. The post-monsoon season, October to January is the best time to travel to Dandeli. Temperature from September to November is also pleasant as it starts to cool down.

A beautiful city located along the banks of the Tunga river in central Karnataka is Shimoga also known as Shimoga. Offering the beautiful tourist places in Shimoga, this city is encompassed by lush green landscapes, coconut palm trees and abundant waterfalls. Shimoga has a religious history with rich traditions, fine arts and culture. "Kuvempu Rangamandira" and "Karnataka Sangha" and the newly built "Suvarna Samskruthi Bhavana" are the major venues of the city for cultural activities.

Yakshagana, a dance drama, is popular in Thirthahalli, Hosanagara, Sagar, and Sorab Taluks of the district and this art is also performed in Shimoga which adds feathers to the cap of tourist places in Shimoga. There are some professional and amateur troupes from Malnad region, performing this dance drama across Karnataka. The Keladi rulers named the city Shimoga (Face of Shiva) as it was believed that Lord Shiva drank the water of river Tunga. This city was built up by the Keladi rulers amid the lead of Shivappa Nayaka in around 1600 A.D.

The Sahyadri ranges, a part of the Western Ghats, sustain the waterways round the year, and immerse the prolific alluvial soil, with gifts from nature make it the bread provider of Karnataka. Shimoga can be named as 'Heaven on earth’ in India as it is comprised of breathtaking views from the hills and hillocks, refreshing waterfalls with a calm and peaceful weather among the other things to do in Shimoga, nature is surely one of the picturesque blisses of the place. The serenity here attracts many tourists to this city. Visit this wonderful city with your beloved or with your family as it a perfect tourist destination for all.

From the state capital Bangalore, Shimoga can be reached on road by on NH-206. (via Tumkur, Arasikere, Banavara, Kadur, Birur, Tarikere, and Bhadravathi.) KSRTC, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, runs several buses from Bangalore, including Hitech and night services. Shimoga is around 274 km (170 mi) by road from Bangalore. From coastal side, Shimoga is accessible by bus or car. This route passes through Agumbe Ghat or Balebare Ghat roads. Mangalore, Sringeri, Dharmasthala, Udupi, Hubli are connected by Road to this city. Shimoga is better connected with roads from all directions and as such, it is an important bus junction. The tourist places in Shimoga will surely take your heart.

Named after the five majestic hills enclosing it, Panchgani makes for a renowned hill station in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Perched at an elevation of around 1,334 meters above sea level, this hill town is packed with towering mountains, serene valleys, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests.

Overlooked by the Sahyadri mountains, this town served as a beautiful summer retreat for the British officials in the bygone times. At the present day, Panchgani is visited by a plethora of tourists seeking peace, romance, nature, and adventure. Enthralling local destinations such as Sydney Point, Table Land, Rajpuri Caves, and Dhom Dam form the major attractions of Panchgani and add to the beauty and charm of the place. Panchgani is not limited just to a few picturesque sights, but also goes beyond to offer its visitors a plethora of mind-boggling activities.

From shopping at Shivaji Circle to admiring nature at Wai and from exploring history at Kamalgad Fort to boating at Venna Lake, this place has everything to let you experience an action-packed holiday. If you are a daredevil and seeking adventure activities, Panchgani can offer you a plethora of adrenaline-fuelled sports including paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, speed boating, and horse riding.

One of the top aspects that adds to the pleasurable vacation at Panchgani is the availability of top-class accommodation facilities in this town. Panchgani is bestowed with a plethora of budget-friendly as well as luxury resorts and hotels that are suitable for families, couples, and friends. These hotels are well-equipped with modern amenities and offer amazing facilities including thrilling outdoor activities. Furthermore, packed with many nature-friendly camping destinations, this place also allows the travelers to enjoy surreal night camping opportunities.

So, no matter the kind of traveler you are, pack your bags to Panchgani and discover an exquisite holiday brimming with history, adventure, nature, and a lot more.

Known as the” cutest little hill station of India”, the Matheran hill station is the best place to enjoy the sunset and sunrise view along with some mind blowing sceneries to keep you fresh and up front. This extraordinary hill station offers the best tourist places in Matheran which are untouched and undisturbed by the rustling city life that surrounds the town. The place is actually located on the Western Ghats that ranges in an elevation of around 800 meter above the sea level. The place always has a pleasant weather to enjoy during any time of the year, but its beauty gets added up during the season of rain and thunderstorm.

 Another thing about the beautiful hill station is that it is eco friendly and has no rush of cars and buses honking on the street. The major was taken by the government of Maharashtra in order to protect Matheran. The best thing about this place is that it is like a quiet and relaxing place with no buzzing of horns and pollution and along with that it contains some mesmerizing places and views of the extraordinary nature that will leave you bewitched of its beauty and make you feel relax and stress free.

 Just not only trekker, Matheran is a treat for the photographers also to explore and capture the best of the beauty of the beautiful hill station. The beauty of Western Ghats, Matheran is the smallest hill station of India. Travellers and tourists who visit the place love exploring the place by walking on foot. By which it becomes more exciting to get lost in the scenic beauty of the town while finding your way. Plan your trip to Matheran and indulge yourself in various activities that Matheran provides like camping, trekking, rappelling etc.

Matheran town is the best option for a person who loves getting lost in the nature and also for those who wants to take a break from their busy city life. The tourist places in Matheran are absolutely breathtaking.

Nestled in the picturesque Western Ghats, tourist places in Mahabaleshwar will captivate your imagination with their natural splendor. Mahabaleshwar is well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades, and majestic peaks. The city comprises of ancient temples, boarding schools, manicured and lush green dense forest, waterfalls, hills, valleys that will take your breath away on your visit. The city is definitely among the most sought-after weekend getaways from metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Pune. Once, a summer capital of Bombay during the British Raj, the city has British influence of in its architecture. It is a very popular hill station that offers a plethora of tourist activities and attractions to avid travelers and nature lovers.

Plan your visit with Mahabaleshwar tour packages and witness the alluring dawns and dusks from the slope, in the midst of the rich green vista. Located about 120 kilometers southwest of Pune and 285 kilometers from Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is a vast plateau measuring 150 kilometers, bound by valleys on all sides. The hill station in the Western Ghats is the source of the Krishna River that flows across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Known for its captivating beauty and the stunning strawberry farms, Mahabaleshwar boasts of zigzagging roads, a calm breeze at all times, vantage points offering stunning views of hills and valleys, plenty of strawberries to gorge on and the main street full of shops offering all kinds of curios and snacks.

There are numerous enchanting tourist places in Mahabaleshwar exuding charm and elegance. Bordered by a few murmuring waterways, evergreen timberlands, captivating slopes and mountains there are some mesmerizing tourist places in Mahabaleshwar. Arranged in the Satara region in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar Sightseeing tours will get you near the captivating excellence of nature. The wonderful hill retreat brags of being one of the most splendid evergreen slope stations in India.

One of the most picturesque destinations for mountain lovers, Kudremukh is located in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. It is a quaint hill station and a mining town which has enchanted the trekking aficionados from time to time. It is known for having the Kudremukh peak which is the second-highest peak after Mullayangiri in Karnataka. The town was historically famous as ‘Samseparvata’ as one way approaching it was through the Samse village. 

Known for its religious tourist attractions, waterfalls and for being a trekker’s delight and a bird watcher’s paradise, Kudremukh is a beautiful destination to be explored if you crave for adventure and thrill in your life. Showcasing a carpet of pristine natural beauty, Kudremukh is one of the most brilliant getaways for a memorable escapade with your loved ones. 

Literally meaning horse face in Kannada, Kudremukh is a fascinating mountain peak resembling a horse face from one side. It has a height of 1,894 metres and is one of the most alluring places for mountain lovers in South India. It is a wonderful respite where you can enjoy a plethora of scenic vistas and marvel at the natural beauty. It is blessed with a landscape that comprises eye-catching mountain peaks and verdant valleys. 

The tourists here are in for a treat as they can witness the beautiful flora and fauna along the popular trekking routes through the Western Ghats. It is located in the protected area of Kudremukh National Park which makes it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. Kudremukh is known to be a habitat for a number of endangered and endemic species where you can see tigers, leopards and wild dogs in the landscape. It is blessed with distinct flora and fauna that comprises tropical wet evergreen forests. 

Translated as the ‘Young Daughter’s Town’ as it was presented as dowry to the younger daughter of the Chief of Sakrepatna, Rukmangada, this serene city is also known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’ tranquilizing you from within with its aroma.

Lush green trees set against the backdrop of majestic Mullayangiri ranges, Chikmagalur is one of the most popular spots for trekkers, nature enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and explorers. The pious land is home to numerous temples including the Sharadamba Temple, Vidyashankara Temple, Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple, and Amruteshwar Temple adding grace to the grandeur of the vicinity bringing in devotees from far and close offering their prayers.

Chikmagalur stands at an elevation of 3,400 feet, covered with eye-catching tea and coffee plantations, making it a major commercial hub of the state, and also bringing in tourists from all over the world to entice the unique experience of walking through the plantations.

This entrancing hill station is not just about temples and sightseeing but also adventure activities that would savor your inner thrill enthusiast.  Do not miss out on the famous waterfalls, namely, Jhari Waterfalls, Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls, Shankar Falls, and Kadambi Falls as there are plenty of them that will surely leave you mesmerized by spellbinding scenic beauty. Cascade of water flowing over the rugged terrain, it is a view that you will remember all through your life.

If you wish to find an escape from the monotonous 9 to 5 life, this is just the right place for you to spend some time amidst the flora and fauna. Do not forget to carry your camera along to come back with pictures to flaunt on your social media. 

Lonavala city is one of the most beautiful retreats, that takes you away from the maddening rush of the metropolises. It is located in the western part of India in the Pune district of Maharashtra. This hill station lies 96 kilometres east of the metropolitan city of Mumbai and 64 kilometres west of modern-day Pune city. Therefore, a profound location on the Mumbai-Pune expressway makes Lonavala cater to both cities with the smoothest connectivity through roads.

Lonavala City is popularly called the “city of caves' and the “Jewel of Sahyadri”. That is because the hill station boasts some of the most spectacular settings, including luxuriant green valleys, remarkable caves, serene lakes and stunning waterfalls. The spectacular rock-cut Bhaja and Karla caves in Lonavala have been notable tourists with their old beams, motifs and inscriptions.

The surrounding regions of Lonavala are blessed with an unbeatable collection of waterfalls that include the Kune waterfall, Bhivpuri, Bhagirath and Jummapatti waterfalls. The refreshing ambience of the postcard-perfect landscape of Aamby Valley, Pawna Lake and Lonavala Lake is bound to impress you. Lonavala is famous for its natural wonders, religious attractions, and historical sites. These include the Tikona Fort, Duke’s Nose, Lohagad and Rajmachi fort.

Lonavala hosts an array of fun activities for tourists and these include rappelling, camping at the Pawna Lake, hiking to the Tikona Fort, trekking to the Rajmachi fort and riding at Wet and joy water slides.

Lonavala has a tropical climate but the weather is an all-time maritime one. However, all the stunning places and sites of Lonavala come alive during the winter and monsoon seasons. Thus, pack your bags and come here because Lonavala has something for everyone, from quiet time to adventure.

Wake up to the smell of tranquilizing coffee, and enjoy the scenic beauty of this misty land of hills and streams. Popularly known as the Scotland of India, Coorg lives up to its name with luring amalgamation of history, luxury, adventure, mouth-watering cuisine. Located along the western ghats, this famous coffee-producing hill station is well-known for its jaw-dropping ravishing scenery and opulence.

Not just the scintillating beauty, this misty landscape has a rich culture and a unique local clan - Kodavas specialised in martial arts, widely known for their hospitality. Ranging from admiring the beauty of this heavenly destination to a challenging trek or deep insight into the culture at the Madikeri Fort to the enthralling adventure at Abbey Falls or the spicy curries to the sweet heart-melting handmade truffles, Coorg will make you oscillate to the extremes in everything.

With so many activities in the house, this is indeed an ideal destination for everyone, whether you are a foodie, an explorer, an adventurer, or a tranquility seeker. Not to forget the popular festivals -  Keil Poldu (worship of weapons), Cauvery Shankaramana (return of the river goddess) and the Huttari (harvest).

Stunning mountains, the cascade of falling waters, and eye-feasting view of the flora and fauna, this place is indeed a perfect holiday destination for people who need an escape from their monotonous 9-5 hectic life. Much-acclaimed to be the preferred destination for trekking sports and white water rafting, Coorg qualifies to be the perfect location for the thrill-seekers.

Quench your thirst for adventure as you drive along the misty roads in the winter afternoons around the hills. Though the tinge of excitement is unnerving enough to boost your enthusiasm, do take care of the safety measures while you enjoy your exhilarating journey to Coorg.

Make sure you do not miss out the mesmerising towns including Gonikoppal, Somwarpet, Kushalnagar, Pollibetta, and Virajpet to add rewarding experiences to your itinerary. 

Established right in the lap of the divine nature, Madikeri city is located in Karnataka between Mysore and Mangalore. Amidst the lush green forests, the town encapsulates a number of scenic landscapes, dazzling waterfalls, temples, monasteries and other tourist places in Madikeri. Furthermore, travelers from around the globe visit this beautiful destination for not just its vast nature delight but also the calm and soothing environment. A variety of ancient buildings, cultures and interesting traditions also make Madikeri an instant attraction.

Madikeri tourism blossoms all year round but the perfect time for a vacation to this hilly town is between July and September. During this time the weather is calm with a hint of rain and the temperature is on point for a peaceful stay. Additionally, waterfalls like Abbey falls shimmer around this time of the year and the tropics tantalize. Individuals who love architecture and enjoy temples and monuments would definitely love the Tibetan Monastery, Raja's Tomb and Madikeri Fort. These places are an emblem to the traditions and cultures of the city that have sustained throughout the years. Furthermore, they also contain some very intriguing architectures that the travelers will admire.

For nature enthusiasts, parks like the Kote Betta and Mercara Gold Estate Coffee Plantation are a must-visit. The parks provide an opportunity for individuals to gaze upon the vast greenery and rich flora and fauna that extend up till the horizon. All attractions and places of Madikeri are spot on for a family vacation and prolonged holidays. In a nutshell, there are a number of monuments and architectural glees, natural joys and a bag of fun activities like trekking in Madikeri and rappelling that make the city an ideal destination for wanderers to visit. So, if you are thinking about a weekend getaway plan for the monsoon season, then Madikeri city is an option you must consider.