Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur district takes its name from the headquarters town of Chikmagalur which literally means younger daughter's town. It is said to have been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna. Another part of the town bestowed on the elder daughter is known as Hiremagalur. Certain ancient inscriptions reveal that these two places were originally known as Kiriya-magalu and Piriya-magalu.

Chikmagalur is located in a lush valley south of the Babu-Budan range. The district houses fascinating monuments of all religions - the Kondadarama Temple, a beautiful blend of Hoysala and Dravidian styles of architecture, the Jamia Mosque and the new St. Joseph's Cathedral with an attractive shell-shaped portico. Hiremagalur which is now a part of Chikmagalur town has an Ishwara Temple with a 1.22 metre high, intriguing figure of Jademuni. The temple also houses a Yoopastambha, believed to be installed by King Janamejaya, during his serpent sacrifice. An ancient fort and its moat are the other places of interest.

Kudremukh
95 kms from of Chikmagalur town is the Kudremukh (Horse Face) range, so named because of the unique shape of the Kudremukh peak. Kudremukh is a secluded hill station which has retained much of its pristine, natural beauty. Sylvan green forests punctuated by mighty rivers, grassy slopes, exuberant cascades and rare orchids provide a wonderful setting for trekking.

Situated 1,894.3 meters above sea level, overlooking the Arabian Sea, Kudremukh is rich in iron ore deposits. 

Gangamoola 
In the Samse Taluk of Chikmagalur district, the Gangamoola hill is surrounded by thick forests. Three mighty rivers, the Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi have their origin here. A Goddess Bhagavathi shrine and a Varaha image, 1.8 metres high, within a cave, are the highlights of the region. The cave is inaccessible during the monsoons.

Jamalabad Fort 
Jamalabad is famous for its fort built by Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore in 1794. The fort was renamed after his mother Jamalbee. The village lies at the foot of a high rock, forming a part of the Kudremukh range of hills near Belthangadi.

Nandi Hills 
Situted 60 km from Bangalore, at an altitude of 1468 m above sea level, is the Nandi Hills resort. What used to be the favourite summer getaway of Tipu Sultan, is now a popular picnic spot with its awesome fort, sprawling lawns and two ancient temples. A fantastic, awe-inspiring cliff fall of almost 2000 feet is known as Tipu's Drop, the views from which are simply stupendous. The stone fortress on the hill is of special interest to students of history. 

Kemman Gundi 
Kemman Gundi is not as famous as the Nandi Hills, but is exceptionally beautiful. 257 km from Bangalore, Kemman Gundi is just 120 km from the better known Jog Falls - the highest in India. 

Madikeri
Cool, beautiful - with lovely walks, wonderful views of the sea, and old buildings such as a historic fort and a palace - the small hill station of Madikeri, 125 km west of Mysore, is set in the heart of exotic coffee growing country. Also known as Mercara, this little hill township, is the capital of the Coorg district, in Karnataka. 

Biligirirangana Hills 
Located 114 km south-east of Mysore, this is a pleasant hill station. There is also a wildlife camp here, run by the forest department. Right on top of the hill, at an altitude of 5,091 feet above sea level, stands the Biligiriranganaswamy Temple, from which the resort takes its name.