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South India, a land renowned for its sun-drenched beaches and ancient temples, also boasts a wide range of hill stations. As you look for some respite from the scorching heat of the summer months, the hill stations in South India offer an amazing experience. Beyond the comfort of the weather, the majority of these spots boast stunning landscapes and picturesque valleys that are bound to leave you speechless. It is time to unleash your inner explorer and create memories that last for a lifetime with these surreal places in South India.
10 Hill Stations In South India
With misty mountains, rolling hills and tea and coffee plantations, there are quite a few charming hill stations in southern India that are worth exploring.
1. Munnar
Photo: Arshad.ka5 / Wikimedia Commons
With hilly terrains, tea estates and fascinating landscapes, Munnar alludes to one of the best hill stations to explore in southern India. Beyond sightseeing experiences, here you can enjoy physical activities that make it such an enriching vacation spot. You can make your tea at the Tata Tea Museum, or rent a cycle to explore Blossom Park and the scenic views in the surroundings. You can also witness the stunning views of the hill station from the famous Pothamedu View Point.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Avg Temperature: 5°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Tea Museum
Top Experiences: Trekking through idyllic tea estates, wildlife safari in the national park, savouring freshly brewed tea, etc.
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 days
Suggested Read: A Detailed Guide To Some Of The Best Hill Stations In India
2. Ooty
Photo: Mohammed Faris / Wikimedia Commons
The charm of Ooty, aka Udhagamandalam, is enough to explain why it’s termed ‘the Queen of hill stations in India’. From views of the towering mountains and tea estates to riding the Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train, it offers various experiences to indulge in. Established by the British in the 19th century, Ooty exudes a colonial charm in every corner. The Botanical Gardens are a primary highlight with 650+ species of trees, plants and flowers, and the Rose Garden alone has 2000+ rose species.
Best Time To Visit: October to June
Avg Temperature: 5°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Ooty Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak, Rose Garden
Top Experiences: Boating on Ooty Lake, trekking, hiking
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
3. Coorg
Photo: KshitijBathwal / Wikimedia Commons
Kodagu, also known as Coorg, located in Karnataka, is another charming hill station that’s worth visiting if you are holidaying across South India. With steep hills and lush green-covered mountains, Coorg is primarily known for its coffee plantations and is nicknamed the ‘Scotland of India’. Plan a stay at one of the homestays and explore different regions like Tadiandamol, Kodachadri, and Kumara Parvatha. Rent a car to take you to Talacauvery, the point from where River Cauvery originates. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city and sprawling greenery from Raja’s Seat.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Avg Temperature: 15°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Abbey Falls, Madikeri Fort, Dubare Elephant Camp, Nagarhole National Park, etc.
Top Experiences: Coffee plantation tours, trekking, camping, river rafting in Barapole, etc.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In South India
4. Kodaikanal
Photo: Kreativeart / Wikimedia Commons
Kodaikanal is one of the few hill stations in South India that brings a blend of natural beauty with a peaceful environment. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, go on a night safari in the deep jungles or opt for a boat ride on Kodaikanal Lake. If you are interested in adventure and trekking, head over to Guna Caves or the nearby Perumal Peak. Visit the waterfalls like Silver Cascade Falls and Thalaiyar Falls for some soothing symphonies. With the laid-back and slow-paced lifestyle, Kodaikanal enables you to unwind and relax.
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to October
Avg Temperature: 10°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, Pillar Rocks, Kurinji Andavar Temple, etc.
Top Experiences: Boating on Kodaikanal Lake, trekking to Dolphin’s Nose, exploring the Pine Forest, etc.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
5. Wayanad
Photo: Nitin Pai / Wikimedia Commons
Ever wanted to zipline through tea plantations? If yes, then Wayanad is one of the best hill stations in southern India for this purpose. Go for a trekking and caving expedition to Edakkal Caves or stay in a treehouse to explore the wilderness in the deep jungle. Besides that, you can bathe under the Soochipara Falls or enjoy bamboo rafting at Kuruva Dweep. To explore the local wildlife species of the region, take a trip to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Take in the breathtaking views at Banasura Sagar Dam. This hill station boasts a laid-back life with nature’s beauty backing its charm.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Avg Temperature: 10°C to 25°C
Top Experiences: Trekking to Chembra Peak, wildlife safari and boating in Banasura Sagar Dam, etc.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In North East India
6. Coonoor
Photo: T. R. Shankar Raman / Wikimedia Commons
Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris, offering an extremely calm and relaxed holiday experience. If you want to bathe in natural beauty and stunning ‘picture-perfect’ places in Coonoor, start with Sim’s Park, one of the most popular botanical hubs in South India. For a look into the history, visit Droog Fort, followed by a heritage train ride. For some adventure on your trip, plan a quick hike to the Dolphin’s Nose to capture panoramic views of the entire hill station. Do not forget to visit Nilgiri Mountains Railways to witness the stunning views of tea estates.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Avg Temperature: 15°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Law’s Falls, Lamb’s Rock, Catherine Falls, Highfield Tea Factory, etc.
Top Experiences: Trekking, toy train ride, etc.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
7. Yercaud
Photo: Mithun Kundu / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is one of the least explored hill stations in southern India. Perfect for solo travel or when travelling with friends and family, Yercaud offers a diverse range of experiences, including adventure sports like high rope and zipline at Grange Treetop Adventure. You can trek up to the Pagoda Point road to witness nature up close with a stroll along the nature trails. To treat the adventurer in you, sign up for an ATV ride for an off-road and bumpy adventure, or visit the Botanical Garden to witness the rich flora species here.
Best Time To Visit: October to June
Avg Temperature: 13°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Yercaud Lake, Shevaroy Temple, Anna Park, and Lady’s Seat
Top Experiences: Boating on Yercaud Lake, trekking, hiking, etc.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 days
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In India
8. Chikmagalur
Photo: Mallikarjuna Sarvala / Wikimedia Commons
To strike a balance between an adventure-filled holiday and a laid-back experience, Chikmagalur is the perfect hill station in South India to explore. With varying nature trails, you can embark on the exhilarating Kudremukh Trek or enjoy camping under the stars. Another trekking expedition that’s popular in Chikmagalur is Mullayanagiri. Further for your adventurous soul, take up the Bhadra River Rafting experience, followed by a walk to the base of the Hebbe Falls. For another soothing experience, consider planning a tour of the Coffee Museum.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Avg Temperature: 14°C to 32°C
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
9. Ponmudi
Photo: Sakthibalan / Wikimedia Commons
Located around 56 km from Trivandrum, Pondmudi is one of the most offbeat and less explored hill stations in Kerala. While you are in the hill station, there are a series of unique activities and places that you can explore and visit, starting with the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. To immerse yourself in the history and the royal experience, Koyikkal Palace is a great addition to your itinerary too. If you are a trekking enthusiast, you can plan a trek to Agasthyakoodam or Varayattumotta. To marvel at the natural beauty, visit Golden Valley or Kallar, both of which are located nearby.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Avg Temperature: 10°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyikkal Palace, Agasthyakoodam, Varayattumotta
Top Experiences: Wildlife spotting, nature walks, trekking
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Summer In South India
10. Nelliyampathy
Photo: Kjrajesh / Wikimedia Commons
Endling the list of the top South India hill stations with Nelliyampathy, which is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and local culture. To create the perfect itinerary, start with Nelliyampathy Hill. To immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity in the area, you can plan your visit to Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary or Nenmara, which is a quaint village that’s located nearby. There’s Palagabandi estate and Padagiri that are also worth adding to your itinerary to further enhance your travel experience.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Avg Temperature: 10°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Nelliyampathy Hills, Nenmara, Palagabandi estate
Top Experiences: Wildlife spotting, trekking, historical exploration
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
From the rolling hills to the serene valleys, the hill stations in South India have their unique charm and numerous experiences for their visitors. With so many varying options, you can pick and choose a place for your next holiday depending on your preferences and budget. Book your next holiday with TripXL for a seamless and streamlined holiday with the best deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: RAJEEVrk246 / Wikimedia Commons
