Tamil Nadu Tourism: Best Hill Stations Near Thanjavur For A Scenic Retreat

A picture of a beautiful lake and view, rippled water reflecting the blue colour sky.

If you are considering taking some time off from the city of Thanjavur, it would be great to explore some of the lovely hill stations near Thanjavur. Such captivating locales offer a pleasant change with scenic beauty, soothing breeze, and entertaining activities. The hill stations, whether it is the calm Thanjavur hill station vacations or the lazing around in the luxuriant greenery of western ghats, are perfect for that delightful getaway and a warm stay. Explore some of the best hill stations near Thanjavur and their distance and travel guidance for the upcoming vacation.

Hill Stations Near Thanjavur: A Refreshing Getaway

Here is the list of some of the best hill stations near Thanjavur with distance:

1. Kolli Hills

A picture of Kolli Hills, a serene hill station with winding roads and lush greenery.

Photo: Docku / Wikimedia Commons

One extramural station of Thanjavur is the collapsible hill stations of Kolli Hills, located towards the 150th km East of this City. This place is famous for its 70 hairpin bends and, therefore, serves as a cool retreat for glabrous travellers. Major Attractions of this destination include Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, some botanical gardens, and the old Arapaleeswarar Temple. For adventure lovers, several trails can be found winding through the hills and great adventure experiences. Kolli Hills is such a fascinating blend of natural beauty and culture that every traveller looking for a peaceful vacation will be satisfied to explore its many landscapes and cultural offerings.

Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Salem Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: September to December

2. Yercaud

A picture of the Yercaud mountains, one of the best hill stations near Thanjavur.

Photo: Tamal Das / Wikimedia Commons

Yercaud, located 195 km from Thanjavur, is a pleasant hill station with beautiful vistas and a pleasant climate. The infamously termed ‘The Poor Man’s Ooty’ has quite several attractions, including Yercaud Lake for boating, Killiyur Falls, and extensive coffee farms. The cool and foggy climate is excellent for nature trekkers and families who want to go to a peaceful place. Yercaud stands out among the best hill stations near Thanjavur with its serene atmosphere and scenic landscapes.

Nearest Airport: Salem Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Salem Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: October to June

3. Kodaikanal

A picture of Kodaikanal hill station, one of the best hill stations near Thanjavur.

Photo: M.arunprasad / Wikimedia Commons

Kodaikanal is popularly referred to as the ‘ Princess of Hill Stations ‘ and is one of the most popular hill stations near Thanjavur. At a distance of approximately 235 km from Thanjavur, this location is known for misty vistas, Kodaikanal Lake, and the famous Coaker’s Walk. The surroundings are green, and the weather is cool thus, Kodaikanal is considered an excellent location for relaxation and engaging in activities such as hiking and cycling. Whether spending time with the waterfalls or enjoying the scenery within Green Valley, Kodaikanal is an excellent destination for the ideal getaway.

Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kodai Road Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: March to June

4. Ooty

A picture of Ooty, a beautiful hill station, surrounded by tea plantations and misty hills.

Photo: Hemant meena / Wikimedia Commons

Udhagamandalam, or Ooty, is an amazing holiday spot situated at an altitude of 300 km from Thanjavur. This hill station has vast green tea plantations, pleasant weather, and other famous tourist spots such as Ooty Lake and the Nilgiri mountain train. The charm of colonial-era buildings and the beauty of the surrounding hills make it a great place for family vacations. Ooty has a large number of breathtaking valleys and botanical gardens for those who love to be around nature, which is one of the reasons why it is among the best hill stations near Thanjavur.

Nearest Airport: Coimbatore Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Udagamandalam Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November

5. Coonoor

A picture of Coonoor, a tranquil hill station with tea plantations and scenic mountain views.

Photo: ChefAnwar1 / Wikimedia Commons

Coonoor is known as the quieter form of Ooty, and it is positioned 320 kilometres from Thanjavur. With serene spots like Sim’s Park and Dolphin’s Nose that showcase the beautiful hills of the Nilgiri range, this place is a haven for people who enjoy relaxing holidays. Coonoor is also a wanderer’s paradise where one can completely immerse oneself in nature, watch birds, and go sightseeing in tea estates. The climate is favourable, and the serene environment is ideal for a relaxed holiday. It is one of the best hill stations near Thanjavur.

Nearest Airport: Coimbatore Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Coonoor Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: October to May

6. Palani Hills

A picture of Palani Hills, with rolling green landscapes and temple views.

Photo: Aruna / Wikimedia Commons

The Palani Hills are located at a distance of 245 km from Thanjavur, and they act as a backdrop filled with happiness and tranquillity amidst the hill slopes and greenery. This hill station in Thanjavur is popular because of the Palani Murugan temple, which draws in many worshippers from all over the state. The Palani Hills, however, are not limited to their religiosity but provide some trekking opportunities towards the Western Ghats. The cool climate and tranquillity make it an appropriate place not just for people who are believers but also for those who appreciate natural beauty.

Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Palani Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: October to March

7. Topslip

A picture of Topslip, one of the most wildlife-rich hill stations near Thanjavur.

Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons

Next on the list is Topslip. Topslip is a picturesque hill station situated approximately 240 kilometres from Thanjavur in the Anamalai Hills. This region is famous for its biodiversity and exciting wildlife experiences. In the dense, verdant terrain, there are elephants and tigers, which make this a great spot for nature lovers and trekkers. Topslip’s abundant water bodies and rich vegetation make it an entertaining respite and provide a calm and tranquil sightseeing experience for everyone who wishes to take a break from the harsh city life with all the troubles located within.

Nearest Airport: Coimbatore Airport (80 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Pollachi Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: November to April

8. Anaimalai Hills

A picture of Anaimalai Hills, a scenic hill station with rich forests and wildlife views.

Photo: PJeganathan / Wikimedia Commons

Another key attraction is the Anaimalai Hills, located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is known as one of the popular hill stations near Thanjavur. This place is also known as the home of the Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary and the neighbouring Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. It has many trekking routes, nature trails, and diverse flora and fauna, and thus, it is an active tourist destination for people who are nature lovers. Due to its quiet environment and refreshingly cool weather, Anaimalai Hills is an ideal destination for spending a weekend away from the busy city life.

Nearest Airport: Coimbatore Airport (75 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Pollachi Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: October to March

9. Meghamalai

A picture of Meghamalai, a peaceful hill station with tea plantations and misty landscapes.

Photo: Roshan Gracious / Wikimedia Commons

Meghamalai, or the ‘High Wavy Mountains,’ is among the not-so-popular hill stations outside Thanjavur. In addition to extensive tea gardens, cardamom farms, and the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, this tranquil hill station makes a peaceful retreat for travellers. The beauty of the place, which remains calm and has pleasant weather, makes it an ideal spot for trekking, wildlife photography, or just relaxing and soaking in the greenery. For those who wish to venture into the hitherto unexplored hill stations near Thanjavur, Meghamalai would be a fascinating destination.

Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (150 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Theni Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: October to May

10. Valparai

A picture of Valparai, a serene hill station surrounded by tea plantations and misty hills.

Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons

Valparai, located within the Anamalai Hills, is a relatively unexplored hill station located close to Thanjavur. This place boasts amazing views, numerous acres of tea estates, and pristine nature. Valparai is located some 280 km away, and it is still rather obscure compared to popular hill stations like Ooty; it is ideal for those in search of a getaway in the wilderness. The region is also known to support a wide variety of animal life, including elephants, leopards, and the endangered lion-tailed macaque. Tea estate visits, trekking, and spotting of the animals are some activities that are quiet and relaxing away from the normal places overrun by tourists.

Nearest Airport: Coimbatore Airport (110 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Pollachi Railway Station (65 km)
Best Time To Visit: October to March

Exploring these hill stations near Thanjavur offers a refreshing break from the plains, allowing travellers to enjoy scenic beauty, adventure, and serenity. From the green Kodaikanal to the quiet, serene, and gentle mountains of Kolli Hills, people can escape and forget their worries. Be it lazing on the hills or indulging in the wildlife treks, no Thanjavur hill station will disappoint you. Plan your trip now and discover the beauty and tranquillity of these hill stations, which are just a few hours’ drive from Thanjavur.

Cover Photo: Kreativeart / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Valparai and Kolli Hills are lesser-known hill stations near Thanjavur. They offer tranquil settings away from tourist-heavy spots, making them ideal for solitude seekers.
Valparai would be equally favourable for wildlife lovers as it is adjacent to Anamalai Tiger Reserve and is occupied by unique wildlife such as lion-tailed macaques.
Yes, places like Yercaud and Valparai have restrictions on the number of bungalows offered to tourists and which are eco-friendly.
Coonoor and Valparai tea plantations are quite extensive. These centres tend to be very popular, and on offer are simple tours accompanied by the making of tea and the consumption of the tea produced.
Kolli Hills and Ooty offer several trekking routes from beginner to advanced levels. The most adventurous trek is the one that takes you to the Agaya Gangai waterfall, located in the most gorgeous flatter land of the pleasing Kolli hills.

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