The south west of Karnataka along the western ghat can be seen in two prominent tribal regions, one that includes Dakshin Kannad and Chikmangalur region and the other Kodagu and Mysore region. The Koraga, Malaikudi, Malayekandi, Maleru and the Marati are the tribal communities of the former region. These communities were traditionally hunters and gatherers, now mostly agricultural and plantation labourers and small-scale cultivators. Some of the Maratis are self-employed in beedi making. Of the communities of the later region, the Kudiya, Meda, Maratha, and Yerava live in Kodagu while the Soliga, Kadu Kuruba, and Kaniyan are in Mysore. The Jenu Kurubas are found in both Kodagu and Mysore. These tribes are mainly coffee plantation labourers. The Kaniyan practice silkworm rearing and silk reeling. The rise in the production of coffee, pepper, tea and cashewnuts in this region may explain the percentage proportion of tribal concentration.

The Irula tribe common to Tamil Nadu and Kerala are present in the southwest of Karnataka and are agricultural labourers. The Hakkipiki, a nomadic tribe are found dispersed in south central, southeast and southwest regions of the state. A small proportion of them practice settled cultivation and also work as agricultural labourers now. The Hasalaru living in the hilly tracts of the western border were previously bonded labourers, now agricultural and plantation labourers. The Koli Dhor engaged in operating ferries and subsisting on fishing live in the north east of the state.