21-11-2024Explore the Best Hill Stations in South India and Connect with Nature
What a beautiful explanation of mountains by John Muir, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.”
Hill stations in South India with soothing, cold breezes blow away all negative energies and fill you with gratitude. Gazing at Nilgiri mountain from a toy train or enjoying a honeymoon in Coorg, these top hill stations in South India give an unforgettable experience.
To explore the incredible creativity of nature, this TripzyGo guide is here with the top 10 hill stations in South India. Not only this! We have covered everything from the best time to visit nearby places to South India’s best hill stations to activities you can do here for beautiful memories.
Breathtaking Top 10 Hill Stations in South India
- Ooty, Tamil Nadu
- Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
- Athirapally, Kerala
- Vagamon, Kerala
- Munnar, Kerala
- Coorg, Karnataka
- Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
- Nandi Hills, Karnataka
- Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
- Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
When you want to escape from the world, nothing is better than finding yourself in nature’s lap. Hill stations in South India are the best options for exploring and connecting with your inner self again. To help you with the best hill stations in South India to explore, these options will definitely work:
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Queen of the Nilgiris, Ooty is an unforgettable and one of South India’s best hill stations. One of the summer retreats of the East India Company, it charms you with tea gardens, eye-catching waterfalls, and colonial architecture.
The iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway offers a scenic journey through the greenery, making it a must-experience one in life.
| The best time to visit Ooty | All year, depends on your choice |
| Places to explore Ooty | Catherin Falls, Pykara Lake, Ooty Lake, Rose Garden, Mudumalai National Park, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Mukurthi National Park, and Stone House Ooty |
| Activities to do in Ooty | Camping, Zip Lining, experience Sky Bridge, Trekking |
| Famous places to stay in Ooty | KSTDC Hotel Mayura Sudarshan, Western Valley Resorts, Sterling Ooty Fern Hill, Rosewood by Nature Resorts, Destiny-The Farm Resort, and The Mangifera |
| Famous food of Ooty | Ooty Varkey, Neer Dosa, Chicken Chettinad, Bisi bele bath, Kebab, Tea |
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Located in the heart of Nilgiris, Coonoor is the best South Hill station, brimming with natural beauty and colonial charm. Just 19 km away from Ooty, it offers a beautiful view of the Nilgiri Hills, tea plantations, and Catherine Falls.
Whether you want to enjoy trekking at Dolphin’s Nose or a relaxing escape in tea farms, you will love Coonoor from every side. If you are planning to explore nearby places, the famous temples in Coimbatore are just 68 km away from Coonoor.
| The best time to visit Coonoor | October to March |
| Places to explore in Coonoor | Sim’s Park, Dolphin Nose, Lamb’s Rock, Hidden Valley, Ketti Valley, Shopping in Coonoor |
| Activities to do in Coonoor | Go on Heritage Train, Boating, watch the process of the tea factory, play golf, |
| Famous places to stay in Coonoor | Jungle Hut, Gateway Coonoor, Hillside Spring Valley Resort Masinagudi, Radosri, The Xanadu Coonoor |
| Famous food of Coonoor | Rajma and Avare Beans, Jackfruit Curry, Pickled wild mango, pot-cooked pie, Chicken mushroom pie |
Athirapally, Kerala
Athirapally waterfalls, Kerala’s largest at over 80 feet, attract with their beauty and sheer power. This is one of the majestic hill stations in South India, surrounded by lush greenery. It is a perfect place for a family picnic and a haven for bird watchers.
| The best time to visit Athirapally | September to February |
| Places to explore in Athirapally | Athirapally Falls, Vazhachal Falls, Thumboormuzhi Dam and Garden, Charpa Waterfalls, Chalakudy River, Illithode |
| Activities to do in Athirapally | Rafting, Trekking and nature walk, Bamboo Rafting |
| Famous places to stay in Athirapally | Flora Misty Falls Athirapally, Athirappilly Greenland, Sterling Athirappilly, Niraamaya Retreats Samroha Athrippilly, Rainforest |
| Famous food of Athirapally | Palada Payasam, Appam and Stew, Idiyappam, Malabar Biryani, Varutharacha curry |
Vagamon, Kerala
Situated between Idukki and Kottayam, Vagamon is one of the most peaceful and serene hill stations in South India. It is known for its pleasant climate and mesmerizing beauty, Making it a haven for nature lovers. Trek through its trails, try paragliding, and cycling with your partner along the scenic routes.
| The best time to visit Vagamon | October to March |
| Places to explore Vagamon | Vagamon Falls, Kurisumala, Vagamon Lake, Vagamon Lake, Vagamon Meadows, Idukki, Kurisumala Ashram |
| Activities to do in Vagamon | Nature walk, Trekking, visit forest, Rock climbing, Ziplining |
| Famous places to stay in Vagamon | Misty Wind Valley, Bamboo Creek, Winter Vale Green Stay Resorts, Noah’s Nest Tree House, Coffee and Pepper Plantation Homestay, Wildernest Homestay |
| Famous food of Vagamon | Tamarind fish curry, black chickpeas curry, Idiyappam, Kerala Paratha |
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar, perched at 6,000 feet in Kerala’s Western Ghats, is a dreamy destination for nature lovers. With its rolling tea estates, pristine valleys, and wildlife like Nilgiri Tahr, Munnar is one of the best hill stations in South India.
From trekking and camping to a peaceful Shikara ride on Kundala Lake, Munnara promises an unforgettable adventure.
| The best time to visit Munnar | September to May |
| Places to explore Munnar | Echo Point, Attukal Waterfall, Pothamedu View Point, Eravikulam National Park, Kundala Lake, Carmelagiri Elephant Park |
| Activities to do in Munnar | Explore the history of tea at the TATA Tea Museum, rafting, Photography, spot wildlife, camping, |
| Famous places to stay in Munnar | Zenha resorts, Grand Plaza Munnar, Chandys Windy Woods, the Leaf Munar, Parakkat Nature Resort, Rivulet Resort |
| Famous food of Munnar | Ari Pathri and Chicken Curry, Appam and Prawn curry, Kairali Thali, Idiyappam with egg curry, Puttu and Kadala curry, Kerala style fish |
Coorg, Karnataka
Wake up smelling the freshness of brewed coffee and lose yourself in the “Scotland of India.” Situated in the Western Ghats, this hill station in South India is a misty paradise offering a perfect blend of rich culture, stunning landscape, and adventure.
From the Kodava festivals to driving through mist-laden roads, it is your escape from your mundane life. It also offers numerous of the best places to visit in Coorg.
| The best time to visit Coorg | October to March |
| Best Places to visit in Coorg | Abbey Falls, Mandalpatti, Raja’s Seat, Dubare Elephant Camp, Golden Temple, Iruppu Falls, Madikeri Fort, Coffee Plantations |
| Activities to do in Coorg | Plantation walks, shopping, jeep Safari, whitewater rafting in Barapole |
| Famous places to stay in Coorg | Bendheka- Cliff Front Cottage Coorg, Avadale Coorg, Evolve Back Coorg, Aurika Coorg, The Tamara Coorg, Coorg Wilderness Resort and Spa, Taj Madikeri Resort and Spa Coorge |
| Famous food of Coorg | Pork curry, paputtu, Thaliya puttu, Noolputtu, Bamboo Shoots, Akki Otti, Kakkada Nyend curry |
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Nestled 7200 feet above sea level in Tamil Nadu’s Palani Hills, truly a “Gift of the Forests.” Misty cliffs, peaceful lakes, and beautiful waterfalls spell magic to you. Whether strolling through lush forests, enjoying cycling, or simply soaking the breeze by the lake, Kodaikanal is a dreamy retreat.
| The best time to visit Kodaikanal | September to May |
| Nearby places to explore Kodaikanal | Kodai Lake, Green Valley View( suicide point), Bear Shola Falls, Pillar Rocks, Thalaiyar Falls |
| Activities to do in Kodaikanal | Night safari, Coaker’s walk, Trekking, Biking at Kanyakumari Road, Hike. |
| Famous places to stay in Kodaikanal | Avadale Kodaikanal, The Carlton Kodaikanal, Craigmore by Kodai Resort Hotel, Villa Retreat, JC Residency Kodaikanal |
| Famous food of Kodaikanal | Biryani, Tibetan food, Noodle soup, momo, and homemade chocolate. |
Nandi Hills, Karnataka
Imagine escaping from the crowded cities and finding yourself in the lap of Nandi Hills, just 60 km from Bangalore. At 4,851 feet above sea level, this serene haven greets you with foggy roads, cool breezes, and a mesmerizing sunrise that paints the sky golden.
With playful monkeys, lush greenery, and beautiful resorts, this is one of the best hill stations in South India.
| The best time to visit Nandi Hills | Between October to June |
| Places to explore at Nandi Hills | Grover Vineyards, The River Arkavati, Bhoga Nandeeshwara, Tipu’s Summer residence, Tipu’s Drop |
| Activities to do in Nandi Hills | Paragliding, Camping, Cycling |
| Famous places to stay in Nandi Hills | Mulberry Shades, Viewtopia, Stay at Nandi, Nandi Hills View Cottage, Aura Foothills |
| Famous food of Nandi Hills | Parathas, Coconut water, traditional South Indian Meals |
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Araku Valley is a peaceful South India hill station just 120 km from Visakhapatnam. This serene spot is reachable by the Vistadome train, departing at 6:50 a.m. and winding through 58 tunnels and 84 bridges in a beautiful five-hour journey.
Located in the eastern Ghats, Araku is home to vibrant tribal communities, tribal caves, and a unique museum of Tribal Arts.
| The best time to visit Araku Valley | September to February |
| Places to explore in Araku Valley | Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls, Chaparai Waterfalls, Tadimada Waterfalls, Matsyagudam, Bheemili Beach |
| Activities to do in Araku Valley | Visit the Coffee plantation, toy train ride at the Botanical garden, Trekking, Zipline |
| Famous places to stay in Araku Valley | Home Prakruthi Resorts, Itsy by Treebo, Casa Holiday Resorts, Pickurstay Holiday Resort, The Araku Hill Resort Villa, Nature’s Nest |
| Famous food of Araku Valley | Organic coffee, bamboo chicken |
Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Yercaud is a charming and peaceful hill station in Tamil Nadu that is like a hidden gem. At 4,970 feet up in the Shevaroy Hills, you will find coffee plantations everywhere and this beautiful lake right in the middle of the town.
Locals also call it “Ooty of the Poor” because it is as beautiful as Ooty yet budget-friendly.
| The best time to visit Yercaud | October to June |
| Places to explore in Yercaud | Emerald Lake, Pagoda Point, Botanical Garden, Lady’s Seat, Killiyur Falls |
| Activities to do in Yercaud | Hiking, Trekking, Boat Riding |
| Famous places to stay in Yercaud | Le Yercaud, GReaT trails Yercaud, TGI star holiday resort, and WOW Bison Woods |
| Famous food of Yercaud | Dosas, Uthappam, Paniyaram, Upma |
Find Peace in the Lap of South India Top Hill Station
When you want to find peace and lose yourself in the serenity of nature, a visit to the top hill stations in South India is the perfect remedy. With lush greenery and tranquil vibes, hill stations like Ooty, Munnar, and Coorge offer the ultimate retreat.
Whether you want to smell the freshness of tea gardens, explore adventure activities in Coorg, or lose yourself in the midst of cool breezes, hill stations in South India are a peaceful gateway. What are you waiting for?
Get ready for a beautiful rejuvenation in South India Hill Station, and make your trip hassle-free with TripzyGo!