Best Hill Stations In South India To Visit

Meera M

Are you planning a trip this summer to one of the best hill stations in South India? Here’s good news! There is a good range of scenic hill stations spread over the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

While some of the hill stations in southern India are ideal for weekend getaways and honeymoons, others make for ideal locations for short trips with family and friends. All these places boast pleasant weather, so you could plan a trip any time of the year.

Many of these places, such as Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coorg, Munnar, Yercaud, etc., are popular tourist destinations thronged by thousands of travelers.

Do you prefer a calm and peaceful destination? You can opt for some of the off-beat hill stations in South India, including Gavi, Vagamon, Kotagiri, and Ponmudi, among others.

Top 10 Best Hill Stations In South India

Given below is a list of some of the most-visited and best hill stations of South India. We have also given other useful information about each destination, such as attractions, activities, distance from major cities, nearest transportation hubs, and more.  

1. Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg

Topping the list of South Indian hill stations is Coorg aka Kodagu, which is aptly nicknamed the Scotland of India. The place, located in the Western Ghats, offers a gamut of attractions and activities.

Coorg is best known for its coffee plantations, evergreen forests, waterfalls, tourist attractions, homestays, spices and honey, homemade wine and chocolates, and the mouthwatering Kodava cuisine, among others.

Read: 12 Hill Stations In Karnataka For A Scenic Vacation

2. Munnar, Kerala

Munnar

Munnar, another must-visit South Indian hill station, is located in God’s Own Country. It was a summer resort of the British during the colonial period, thanks to its pleasant climatic conditions. Famous for its tea estates, the region is often called the Tea Capital of Kerala.

Munnar also has a good range of natural attractions, including waterfalls, lakes, dams, and wildlife, making it one of the best for nature lovers and honeymooners.

3. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Ooty

Of all the hill stations in South India, Ooty is an all-time and old-time favorite of travelers. Blessed with viewpoints, lakes, gardens, tea estates, waterfalls, wildlife, flora and fauna, picnic spots, and historical places, it is rightly called the Queen of Hill Stations.

A major attraction here is the Nilgiri Mountain Railways, which is popularly called the ‘toy train’. It runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty and is one of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Ooty enjoys easy accessibility from many cities including Coimbatore (85 km), Mysore (125 km), Calicut (160 km), Bangalore (270 km), and Chennai (555 km). It is around 20 km away from Coonoor and 30 km away from Kotagiri, two other major hill stations in South India.

Read: Top 17 Hill Stations In Tamil Nadu For A Soothing Getaway

4. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

Coonoor

Located about 20 km away from Ooty is another one of the top hill stations of South India – Coonoor. If you are visiting Ooty, make it a point to include Coonoor in your itinerary.

The small and scenic town is best known for its tea estates and dotted with several attractions, including waterfalls, parks, and viewpoints. Coonoor enjoys great weather all through the year and is a great summer retreat.

Read: Top 22 Hill Stations Near Chennai

5. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

Yercaud

Yercaud, situated in the Shevaroy Hills on the Eastern Ghats, is one of the most affordable hill stations in South India. The place, which was developed in the 19th century by the British, is around 30 km away from Salem.

From coffee plantations, spice gardens, and orange groves to parks, lakes, viewpoints, waterfalls, temples, and colonial-style buildings, Yercaud has a refreshing mix of attractions and activities.

6. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is called the Princess of Hill Stations and for the right reasons. Situated on Palani Hills and surrounded by thick forests, it counts among the most scenic and best hill stations in South India.

The major attractions in Kodaikanal range from lakes and parks to waterfalls and viewpoints. It is home to a wide range of romantic destinations as well, making it a preferred choice for honeymooning couples.

7. Thekkady, Kerala

Thekkady

Thekkady is another jewel in the crown of Kerala, God’s Own Country. Located in the protected area of Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, this small and scenic town is one of the best hill stations in South India for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

The attractions and activities in the hill station run the gamut from trekking, boating, and nature walks to viewpoints, tiger trails, jungle stays, and bamboo rafting.

The proximity of Thekkady to other South Indian hill stations such as Peermade (30 km), Gavi (40 km), Vagamon (45 km), Munnar (90 km), and Devikulam (100 km), adds to its popularity.

8. Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu

Yelagiri

Fancy taking a trip to one of the quaint little hill stations in South India? You can consider Yelagiri. Though not as popular or frequented as Ooty or Kodaikanal, this hill station surrounded by orchards and valleys has a charm of its own.

From lakes, nature parks, and waterfalls, temples to a good range of resorts and hotels – this small and budget-friendly South Indian hill station has everything you need for a peaceful holiday.

Yelagiri is only a few hours journey from major cities like Bangalore and Chennai, making it an ideal weekend getaway option for the city crowd. In addition to being one of the emerging hill stations in South India, Yelagiri is also a top destination for paragliding and other adventure activities.  

9. Chikmagalur, Karnataka

chikmagalur

Chikmagalur, also called Chikkamagaluru, has earned a spot in the list of best hill stations in South India due to its picturesque landscape, exciting wildlife, great weather, and of course, sprawling coffee plantations.

The hill station is located in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri Peak and attracts travelers, family holidaymakers, adventure enthusiasts, and coffee lovers alike. Thanks to its proximity to Bangalore, it also serves as a weekend getaway destination.

Chikmagalur is also home to a wide range of attractions, from peaks and viewpoints to museums, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Read: Top Hill Stations Near Hyderabad For An Unforgettable Holiday

10. Ananthagiri Hills, Telangana

Ananthagiri

Ananthagiri Hills is not only one of the most-visited hill stations in South India but also a place dotted with spiritual and religious landmarks, including caves, forts, and temples. Located on the Eastern Ghats, it is the birthplace of River Musi.

What makes Ananthagiri Hills one of the top South Indian hill stations is its proximity to Hyderabad (80 km). With a good range of trekking trails, plantations, viewpoints, and lakes, it caters to adventure seekers and nature lovers in equal degrees.
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