Elevated by Nature: Hill Stations of Karnataka
More than just scenic getaways, these serene retreats offer a deeper connection to the land—through lush nature, warm hospitality, and tranquil moments. Chikmagalur, Coorg, and Agumbe are among the most sought-after hill stations in Karnataka, drawing both nature lovers and luxury seekers alike.
Chikmagalur, the birthplace of Indian coffee, welcomes you with rolling green hills, the scent of roasted beans, and winding plantation roads shaded by silver oaks. Mornings begin with birdsong and mist curling over the Western Ghats, and the day unfolds gently, with walks to nearby waterfalls, coffee tastings, and the comfort of quiet luxury.
Chikmagalur, the birthplace of Indian coffee, welcomes you with rolling green hills, the scent of roasted beans, and winding plantation roads shaded by silver oaks. Mornings begin with birdsong and mist curling over the Western Ghats, and the day unfolds gently, with walks to nearby waterfalls, coffee tastings, and the comfort of quiet luxury.
Further south lies Coorg—a land rich with coffee bushes, red soil, and a constant veil of mist. Coorg offers a balance of raw beauty and refined experiences—from guided plantation walks to fragrant Kodava cuisine.
And then there’s Agumbe, known as the Cherrapunji of the South, where monsoon clouds linger and the forest breathes in rhythm with the rain. A paradise for birdwatchers, it’s one of the few places where you might catch a glimpse of the elusive Malabar hornbill gliding through the canopy.
A Journey Through Heritage and Hill Country
While the hills speak in whispers, Karnataka’s heritage speaks through stone, bold, intricate, and timeless. To experience the state at its most layered, begin in its royal heartlands before retreating into its green corners.
In Mysore, wide boulevards lead to elegant palaces, and the Mysore Palace itself stuns with intricate designs, archways, and stained-glass domes. A few hours north, Hampi stretches out in russet stone, a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with over 1,600 remnants of the Vijayanagara Empire. Carved temples, pavilions, and giant statues speak of a time when this was one of South India’s grandest cities.
In Mysore, wide boulevards lead to elegant palaces, and the Mysore Palace itself stuns with intricate designs, archways, and stained-glass domes. A few hours north, Hampi stretches out in russet stone, a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with over 1,600 remnants of the Vijayanagara Empire. Carved temples, pavilions, and giant statues speak of a time when this was one of South India’s grandest cities.
And just as these cultural landmarks stir awe, the highlands restore balance. As you leave the cities behind, Chikmagalur welcomes you again—with cooler air, quiet trails, and the slow rhythm of plantation life. It’s a gentle retreat, where comfort is effortless and the land speaks softly.
Monsoon Destinations in Karnataka
And when the rains arrive, Karnataka transforms into something lush and lyrical. Rain deepens every shade of green, fills rivers to the brim, and laces the air with petrichor. This is the season when some of the most cherished escapes truly come alive, especially the hill stations in Karnataka, which offer a front-row seat to nature’s quiet drama.
At over 830 feet, Jog Falls roars to life, its mist rising through the valley like a curtain of silver. In Kudremukh, the shola forests and sweeping grasslands turn into a hiker’s dream, as clouds drift low over the ridgelines and trails bloom wild with seasonal colour. And in Chikmagalur, the coffee estates glisten under a steady drizzle, streams cut through the plantations, and the scent of wet soil blends with ripening berries on the branch.
The Serai Chikmagalur: A Luxury Escape Rooted in Nature
Amidst coffee-scented air and gentle rain lies The Serai Chikmagalur—a luxurious retreat inspired by the land it calls home.
Our villas are woven into the very soul of the plantation. Each space is crafted to let nature in, through large windows framing endless green, through the scent of coffee that lingers in the linens, and through textures drawn from earth and wood. Each villa invites the outdoors in, where you could wake to the sound of rustling leaves and step out to a private pool nestled among trees. For those staying in the Estate Villa, this connection with nature takes a personalised turn, with the option to choose between a private pool or a Jacuzzi.
Our villas are woven into the very soul of the plantation. Each space is crafted to let nature in, through large windows framing endless green, through the scent of coffee that lingers in the linens, and through textures drawn from earth and wood. Each villa invites the outdoors in, where you could wake to the sound of rustling leaves and step out to a private pool nestled among trees. For those staying in the Estate Villa, this connection with nature takes a personalised turn, with the option to choose between a private pool or a Jacuzzi.
Beyond your door, curated experiences unfold at an unhurried pace. Hike up to Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s highest peak, or set off on a guided walk through the woods, where flashes of colour from minivets and parakeets break through the green. Join estate staff for a hands-on coffee-picking session, unwind with a spa ritual, or savour the bold flavours of Malanadu cuisine. For quiet drives, Hirekolale Lake and Jhari Falls lie just beyond the hills.