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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.
Top 10 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
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
2. Munnar
Photo: Arshad.ka5 / Wikimedia Commons
Munnar is among the famous hill stations in South India. 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
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
4. Wayanad
Photo: Karkiabhijeet / Wikimedia Commons
Wayanad is a South India hill station with an elevation of 700m 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
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
6. Coonoor
Photo: Robinder Uppal / Wikimedia Commons
Coonoor is a South India hill station 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
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
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
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
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
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
