15 Hill Stations In South India During Summer For A Getaway

The hill stations in South India during summer are perfect places to escape the heat. People visit these hill towns for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring tea and coffee plantations. Some places have waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and lakes where you can go boating. Each destination has something different, from Ooty’s toy train to Munnar’s tea estates. These hill stations are great for short trips, offering a refreshing break from the high summer temperatures.

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Top 15 Hill Stations To Visit In South India During Summer

Explore the best hill stations in South India to escape the summer heat and enjoy a refreshing getaway:

1. Coorg

Image of Somwarpet in Kodagu, one of the best hill stations in South India During Summer

Photo: Akshay S A / Wikimedia Commons

Coorg is one of the best hill stations in South India. It is famous for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and wildlife. The town is cool even during summer, making it a good place to visit. Tourists can take a plantation tour to see how coffee is grown or go trekking on the hills. The local markets sell fresh spices and homemade chocolates. Many visitors enjoy boating in the rivers or camping near waterfalls.

Major Attractions: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Dubare Elephant Camp
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Coorg

2. Munnar

An image showing Munnar, a destination known among famous hill stations in South India

Photo: Arshad.ka5 / Wikimedia Commons

Munnar is among the best hill stations in South India during summer. It is covered with tea plantations and surrounded by hills. The weather remains pleasant even in summer. Tourists can visit tea factories to learn about tea-making or go for nature walks in the plantations. There are many trekking trails leading to viewpoints with amazing sights of the hills. The Eravikulam National Park is home to the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat. Tourists also visit the waterfalls and dams in the area.

Major Attractions: Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Munnar Rose Garden
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

3. Ooty

An image showing Ooty, one of the best hill stations in South India during Summer

Photo: Netha Hussain / Wikimedia Commons

Ooty is one of the highest hill stations in South India, with an elevation of 2240m and a popular summer destination. The town has cool weather, colonial buildings, and large gardens. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a famous attraction that takes visitors on a mesmerising train ride. Boating in Ooty Lake is another enjoyable activity. The botanical garden has a variety of plants and flowers. There are also chocolate shops selling homemade chocolates. Tourists often visit nearby tea plantations to see how tea is processed.

Major Attractions: C.S.I St. Stephen’s Church, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Emerald Lake
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Ooty

4. Wayanad

An image of a landscape of Wayanad with mountain greenery and gardens in the landscape

Photo: Karkiabhijeet / Wikimedia Commons

Wayanad is one of the serene hill stations to visit in summer in India with an elevation of 700 m known for its forests and wildlife. Tourists can explore caves with ancient rock carvings in the Edakkal Caves or visit waterfalls hidden like Meenmutty Waterfalls in the hills. Trekking is popular here, with many trails leading to viewpoints and hills. The local markets like Pulpally Market sell fresh spices, honey, and handicrafts.

Major Attractions: Soochipara Waterfalls, Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport

5. Kodaikanal

An image of mountains of Kodaikanal covered by lush greenery and surrounded by clouds

Photo: M.arunprasad / Wikimedia Commons

Kodaikanal is one of the best hill stations in South India, with an elevation of 1967m and has a cool climate throughout summer. The hill station is famous for its star-shaped lake, Kodaikanal Lake, which offers boating and cycling around its path. Tourists can explore the Pillar Rocks, which are tall rock formations, or visit the Bryant Park garden with a variety of plants. The town also has a unique attraction called the Guna Caves, also known as Devil’s Kitchen.

Major Attractions: Vattakanal Falls, Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport

Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit Near Kodaikanal

6. Coonoor

An image showing the town of Coonoor as seen from a hillside, with buildings and greenery.

Photo: Robinder Uppal / Wikimedia Commons

Coonoor is one of the idyllic hill stations to visit in summer in South India with an elevation of 1746m near Ooty. It is a quieter destination with beautiful views of the Nilgiri Hills. Many visitors prefer Coonoor because it is less crowded. The town is famous for its tea plantations, and tourists can visit tea factories for a tour. Several viewpoints, such as Dolphin’s Nose and Lamb’s Rock, provide wide views of the valleys.

Major Attractions: Wellington Lake, Tiger Hill Cemetery, Brooklands Tea Estate
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport

7. Vagamon

An image of winding road through hills, representing Vagamon via Pullikkanam Elappara Road

Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons

Vagamon is one of the famous hill stations in South India, with an elevation of 1200m. The hill station has green meadows, tea plantations, and pine forests. Tourists can visit Kurisumala, a prominent pilgrimage site for Christians, especially during Lent. Trekking and paragliding are popular activities in Vagamon. The Vagamon Lake is a peaceful spot for picnics and boat rides. The tea estates in Vagamon, like Haileyburia Tea Estates, allow visitors to see how tea is processed.

Major Attractions: Thangalpara, Karikadu View Point, Murugan Hill
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

8. Araku Valley

An image showing a wide view of Araku Valley with hills and greenery in the background

Photo: Arkadeepmeta / Wikimedia Commons

Araku Valley is the best hill station in South India, with an elevation of 910m, in Andhra Pradesh. The valley is famous for its coffee plantations, such as the Anantagiri’s. Visitors can explore the Borra Caves, which have ancient rock formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. The tribal museum here provides information about the local tribal culture of the place. The valley is connected by a scenic train route from Visakhapatnam, which passes through tunnels and bridges, making the journey exciting.

Major Attractions: Galikonda View Point, Katiki Waterfalls, Chaparai Water Cascade
Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam International Airport

9. Ponmudi

An image showing a winding road with dense vegetation through the hills of Ponmudi, Kerala

Photo: Ajay V Nair / Wikimedia Commons

Ponmudi is a small South India hill station in Kerala with an elevation of 1100m, and the place has winding roads, forests, and tea plantations. Tourists often take trekking trips to the nearby hills like Varayadumotta, Seethatheertham, and Manchala. The Golden Valley is a popular attraction where visitors can see streams and rocky terrains. The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is home to elephants and other animals, and visitors can take a boat ride at the Peppara Dam, which was built across the Karamana River inside the sanctuary.

Major Attractions: Vazhvanthol Waterfalls, Ponmudi View Point
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport

10. Yelagiri

An image showing a lake surrounded by hills and trees at Yelagiri, with boats on the water

Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons

Yelagiri is one of the famous hill stations in South India, located in Tamil Nadu, with an elevation of 1410m. It has a pleasant summer climate and is known for its adventure activities. Trekking is a common activity here, with Swamimalai Hills being a popular trekking route. The Punganoor Lake is a good spot for boating and picnics. Jalagamparai Waterfalls is another attraction that is home to the Ancient Shiva Temple.

Major Attractions: Fundera park, Mountain View Adventure Park, Thrill Valley
Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore

11. Valparai

A view of Valparai, one of the serene hill stations in South India, during summer.

Photo: Thangaraj Kumaravel / Wikimedia Commons

Valparai, nestled in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, is one of the serene hill stations in South India. Suffused with sprawling tea plantations, dense forests, and majestic mountains, Valparai is an ideal destination for a scenic getaway in the wilderness of nature. From taking in the quaint beauty of the Birla Waterfalls and spotting wildlife at Grass Hills National Park to wandering through the Tea Estate Garden and marvelling at the Chinnar Kallar Falls, there’s a lot to see in this mesmerising abode.

Major Attractions: Aliyar Dam, Monkey Falls, and Sholayar Dam
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport

12. Yercaud

A breathtaking view of the majestic mountains of Yercaud, a scenic destination.

Photo: Balamurugan / Wikimedia Commons

Tucked away in the Eastern Ghats at an altitude of 1,515 metres, Yercaud is one of the stunning places to visit in summer in South India. With tranquil lakes, dense forests, and panoramic views, it offers a blend of serenity and tranquillity. The major attractions of Yercaud include the Emerald Lake, Killiyur Falls, Anna Park, Yercaud Rose Garden, Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple, the Grange, and more. For travellers seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Yercaud is the ideal destination.

Major Attractions: Yercaud Lake, Pagoda Point, and Lady’s Seat
Nearest Airport: Salem Airport

13. Kotagiri

A view of Kotagiri, one of the serene hill stations in South India, during summer.

Photo: Hari Prasad Sridhar / Wikimedia Commons

Known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, rolling tea plantations, and peaceful atmosphere, Kotagiri’s serenity is a delight to the eyes. One of the idyllic places to visit in south india in march, this place offers a tranquil retreat in the lap of nature. It is situated in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu and boasts numerous attractions. Here, you can soak in scenic beauty at the Kodanand View Point, explore the John Sullivan Memorial, marvel at the Rangasamy Peak & Pillar, visit the Catherine Falls, and more.

Major Attractions: Catherine Falls, Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar, and Longwood Shola Forest
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport

14. Kolli Hills

A mesmerising glimpse of the majestic peaks and lush greenery of Kolli Hills.

Photo: Docku / Wikimedia Commons

Kolli Hills, situated in Namakkal District of the state of Tamil Nadu. Kolli Hills translates to ‘Mountains of Death’. This place got its name due to the majestic peaks that are over 1000 to 1300 meters in height, and the dense forests, adding a layer of beauty to it. In addition to its charming natural beauty, the Kolli Hills also house some major attractions, including the Arapaleeswarar Temple, Botanical Garden, and Tampcol Medicinal Farm. Explore one of the best hill stations in South India during summer, Kolli Hills, for an unforgettable experience amidst the rolling hills.

Major Attractions: Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Arappaleeswarar Temple, and Botanical Garden
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport

15. Meghamalai

A view of Meghamalai, one of the serene hill stations in South India, during summer.

Photo: Sivaraj.mathi / Wikimedia Commons

Perched amidst the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, Meghamalai in Theni district is one of the astonishing hill stations to visit during summer in South India. It is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here, visitors can take in the picturesque beauty of verdant valleys, towering peaks, and lush greenery. You can also choose to trek through the rugged terrains to add a dose of adventure to your getaway. Some of the top attractions of Meghamalai include the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, tea plantations like Highwavys Estate, and scenic viewpoints such as Maharaja Mettu and Meghamalai Viewpoint.

Major Attractions: Upper Manalar Dam, Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, and Manalar View Point
Nearest Airport: Madurai International Airport

Visiting the hill stations in South India during summer is a great way to enjoy cooler weather and outdoor activities. Whether you want to explore waterfalls, trek to viewpoints, or relax near a lake, these places have something for everyone. Plan your trip with TripXL to these hill stations for a comfortable and enjoyable summer holiday away from the heat.

Cover Photo: Robert Haverly / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

15 Best Hill Stations In South India During Summer For A Cool Escape