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The hill stations in Eastern Ghats offer a refreshing escape with their cool weather, green landscapes, and peaceful environment. Located in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, these places provide great views and relaxing surroundings. Some of the best hill stations in Eastern Ghats include Deomali, Araku Valley, and Pachaimalai Hills. They are perfect for visiting historical sites, tribal culture, waterfalls, and trekking spots. Whether you want a short break or a long vacation, these destinations are worth exploring. Here is a list of famous hill stations in Eastern Ghats with all the essential details.
Top 10 Hill Stations In Eastern Ghats
Explore the Top 10 Hill Stations in Eastern Ghats, known for their cool weather and green landscapes.
1. Deomali, Odisha
Photo: Mohan Vamsi Somireddi / Unsplash
Deomali is the highest hill station in Eastern Ghats, with an altitude of 1,672 metres. It is a popular spot for adventure activities like trekking and camping. The hilltop provides a wide view of valleys and forests. Winter is the best time to visit when the temperature remains pleasant for trekking and sightseeing. The area is home to the Kondh tribe, who have lived here for generations. They practice traditional farming and celebrate local festivals with music and dance. Deomali does not have a well-established tourist infrastructure, which keeps it less crowded.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Major Attractions: Deomali Peak, Trekking trails, eco-tourism
Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam Airport (160 km)
2. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Araku Valley is one of the best hill stations in Eastern Ghats known for its coffee plantations. The region has rich red soil, which helps grow spices like pepper and cardamom. The best time to visit is from October to March when the temperature remains comfortable. The Tribes of Araku, including the Bagata and Valmiki tribes, have a unique way of life. They make bamboo crafts and perform the Dhimsa dance, a traditional folk dance of the region. Araku Valley was once an important part of the ancient trade routes between the Deccan Plateau and the coastal regions.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Major Attractions: Coffee plantations, Borra Caves, Tribal Museum, Katiki Waterfalls
Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam Airport (110 km)
3. Pachaimalai Hills, Tamil Nadu
Photo: DICSON / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Pachaimalai Hills is a small hill station known for its rich biodiversity. The hills have many medicinal plants, sandalwood trees, and wildflowers that bloom throughout the year. The best time to visit is from November to February, as the weather is cool and comfortable. The Malayali tribal community lives in this region, following a simple lifestyle and growing millet, bananas, and jackfruit through traditional agriculture. The hills have several small temples like Subramanya Swamy Temple, which was built by ancient rulers, adding a historical touch. Unlike other popular destinations, Pachaimalai Hills remains a good place to learn about tribal life.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Major Attractions: Mangalam Aruvi Waterfalls, Tribal villages, Trekking trails
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (80 km)
4. Daringbadi, Odisha
Daringbadi is often called the “Kashmir of Odisha” because of its cold climate. It is one of the famous hill stations in Eastern Ghats, with fertile land for growing turmeric and black pepper. Winter is the best time to visit, as the temperature drops significantly, and frost can be seen in some areas. The local Kandha tribe has lived here for centuries, practising organic farming. Daringbadi is also historically important, as it was once ruled by the Bhanja dynasty, which built several small temples in the surrounding hills.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Major Attractions: Pine forests, Coffee plantations, Midubanda Waterfall, Belghar Sanctuary
Nearest Airport: Bhubaneswar Airport (250 km)
5. Garhjat Hills, Odisha
Photo: Mohan Vamsi Somireddi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Garhjat Hills stretch across Odisha and have thick forests of teak, bamboo, and mahua trees. The area is also home to several waterfalls like Barehipani waterfall. The best time to visit is from October to February when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. The Santhal and Munda tribes have lived in these hills for centuries, practising shifting cultivation. They have a rich tradition of folk music and dance, which is performed during their festivals. Historically, Garhjat Hills were home to several small kingdoms, and old forts can still be found in some parts of the region.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Major Attractions: Khandadhar Waterfall, Simlipal National Park, Tribal villages
Nearest Airport: Bhubaneswar Airport (190 km)
6. Papi Hills, Andhra Pradesh
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons
Papi Hills is known for its location along the Godavari River, with thick forests growing on its slopes. The region has teak and bamboo forests, along with various medicinal plants. The best time to visit is winter, from November to February, when the temperature remains cool. The Koya tribe lives in this area and follows a traditional lifestyle, depending on fishing and small-scale farming. Papi Hills has historical connections to the Satavahana dynasty, which ruled this region and used the river as a trade route.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Major Attractions: Godavari boat ride, Perantapalli village, Papikonda National Park
Nearest Airport: Rajahmundry Airport (80 km)
7. Shevaroy Hills, Tamil Nadu
Photo: !ME / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Shevaroy Hills, one of the best hill stations in Eastern Ghats, is filled with coffee estates and fruit orchards. Oranges, pears, and jackfruits grow in abundance here. The best time to visit is from October to March when the air is fresh, and the climate is pleasant. The Malayali tribal community lives in these hills and is known for its age-old farming practices. They grow medicinal plants and rare herbs. The hills also have a small temple dedicated to Lord Shevaroy, which is an important religious site for the locals.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Major Attractions: Yercaud Lake, Pagoda Point, Shevaroy Temple, Bear’s Cave
Nearest Airport: Salem Airport (38 km)
8. Kalrayan Hills, Tamil Nadu
Photo: sudheer meduri / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kalrayan Hills is one of the offbeat Eastern Ghats hill stations covered with forests of teak and silver oak trees. The region is also known for its wildflowers that bloom after the monsoon. The best time to visit is from September to February, as the temperature stays moderate. The Malayali tribe, native to this region, follows traditional farming of mixed cropping, relies on organic manure methods, and grows ragi, millets, and turmeric. The hills have old temples and ancient cave shelters that provide clues about early human settlements in this area.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Major Attractions: Periyar Falls, Gomukhi Dam, Vellimalai Temple
Nearest Airport: Salem Airport (150 km)
9. Chitteri Hills, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Kumar Vivek / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Chitteri Hills is covered with thick forests where teak, tamarind, and banyan trees grow in large numbers. The area also has many fruit-bearing trees, including mango and gooseberry. The best time to visit is from October to February, as the temperature remains comfortable. The Irula tribe lives in these forests and has a deep knowledge of medicinal plants. They are also known for their traditional snake-catching skills. Ancient temples, believed to be over a thousand years old, are scattered across the hills. The roads leading to Chitteri Hills pass through dense forests, making the journey interesting.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Major Attractions: Chitteri Reserve Forest, Trekking trails, Bird watching
Nearest Airport: Salem Airport (90 km)
10. Lambasingi Hills, Andhra Pradesh
Photo: venki cenation / Unsplash
Lambasingi is one of the coldest places in Andhra Pradesh, where temperatures drop to near zero during winter. The region is known for its apple and strawberry farms, which are rare in South India. The best time to visit is from December to February when the mist covers the hills and the fresh air blows. The Konda Dora tribe lives in this area, following traditional farming methods and growing crops like pepper and coffee. Lambasingi has historical importance as a trading point during the rule of the Vizianagaram kings, who used this region to cultivate spices for export.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Major Attractions: Coffee plantations, Kothapally Waterfalls, Sunrise viewpoints
Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam Airport (100 km)
The hill stations in Eastern Ghats provide a variety of experiences, from coffee estates in Araku to cold winters in Lambasingi. Some hill stations, like Deomali and Lambasingi, offer great views, while places like Papi Hills provide a mix of rivers and forests. Explore the tribal culture, trek, or simply relax; these destinations are worth visiting. Book your trip now with TripXL and explore the best of Eastern Ghats.
Cover Photo: Mohan Vamsi Somireddi / Unsplash
