Top 10 Hill Stations Near Chennai For A Refreshing Escape

An image of a refreshing hill station near Chennai, surrounded by greenery and scenic views.

The popular hill stations near Chennai promise a refreshing escape in serene landscapes and cool climates. Whether you need to watch out for adventure, nature, or peace, many hill stations around Chennai offer the perfect retreat. The hill stations close to this city offer a serene haven with breathtaking scenery and lush vegetation. They provide a pleasant diversion from the bustle of the metropolis. This article explores the best hill stations near this region, offering something unique at each station.

Top Hill Stations Near Chennai

Here are some of the most popular and scenic hill stations near Chennai that you can visit on a holiday here:

1. Yelagiri Hills

An image of Yelagiri Hills, a peaceful hill station near Chennai with green landscapes.

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Yelagiri Hills is a prominent hill station near Chennai, providing scenic beauty and weather. It is about 1,110 metres altitude and offers peaceful climate conditions, rich greenery, orchards, and rose gardens. Among its various attractions, the hill station is a popular trekking place like Swamimalai Hill Trek, providing a panoramic view of the valley. Boasting a cool climate and scenic beauty, Yelagiri is apt for a weekend retreat from the hubbub of city life.

Location: Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu (90 km from Chennai)
Best Time To Visit: November to February

2. Nagari Hills

An image of Nagari Hills, a scenic hill station near Chennai, famous for its trekking spots.

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Around 75 km from the city, Nagari Hills is another refreshing hill station near Chennai, great for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The main feature of Nagari Hills is the Nagari Nose, just like a rock nose, and many trekkers visit this attraction. The breathtaking views of the valleys and the plains make it an attraction for trekkers and photographers. Its proximity to Chennai makes it a tremendous destination for those wanting clean mountain air without long queues.

Entry Fee: Free
Location: Nagari, Andhra Pradesh (75 km from Chennai)
Best Time To Visit: October to March

3. Javadi Hills

An image of Javadi Hills, a serene hill station near Chennai, surrounded by dense forests.

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About 80 km from Chennai lies the peaceful destination of Javadi Hills, which has emerged as a new destination for travellers seeking to explore a relatively less crowded hill station in Chennai. It is a must-visit place for natural enthusiasts and adventure seekers, characterised by dense forests, crystal clear streams, and picturesque landscapes. Trekking, birdwatching, and nature walks are the most undertaken activities at this hill station. The climate in Javadi Hills is refreshing and relaxed throughout the year.

Entry Fee: Nil
Address: Javadi Hills, Tamil Nadu, 80 km from Chennai
Best Time To Visit: November to April

4. Pallavaram Hills

An image of Pallavaram Hills, a hill station near Chennai, offering beautiful views and nature walks.

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Pallavaram Hills is one of the closest hill stations to Chennai, situated just 30 km away from the city. From the beautiful viewpoints, Pallavaram Hills offers a stunning visual treat of its surroundings, so it’s a perfect destination for a short and relaxing trip. The serene and peaceful ambience of the hills de-urbanizes the visitors; hence, it is one of the best photography locations with plenty of birdwatching opportunities.

Entry Fee: Nil
Address: Pallavaram, Tamil Nadu (30 km from Chennai)
Best Time To Visit: October to February

5. Vandalur Hills

An image of Vandalur Hills, a hill station near Chennai, known for its zoological park and wildlife.

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Famous for its widespread zoological park, Vandalur Hills is a quick getaway that is 35 km away from Chennai. This is ideal for family and animal lovers who want an accessible hill station near Chennai. The Vandalur Hills encompass the famous Arignar Anna Zoological Park, which houses several species of wildlife. While tourists can stroll along the park, they can also take panoramic views or short walks through the rolling hills surrounding it.

Entry Fee: Free, though entry to the Zoological Park will depend on its fee
Location: Vandalur, Tamil Nadu, 35 km from Chennai
Best Time To Visit: November to March

6. Kolli Hills

An image of Kolli Hills, a hill station near Chennai, with mist-covered peaks and waterfalls.

Photo: Bimal K C / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kolli Hills is a perfect scenic hill station near Chennai. It is a rarely explored destination with a panoramic view and a serene environment. Situated about 100 km from the city, the destination is famous for lush greens, mist-covered peaks, and waterfalls like the Agaya Gangai Falls. Treks and nature walks are also popular adventures on these hills. It is considered to be one of the best hill stations in Chennai. It is mainly for those searching for connectivity with nature.

Entrance Fee: Free
Location: Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu (100 km from Chennai)
Best Time To Visit: September to February

7. Pulicat Hills

Pulicat Hills, a hill station near Chennai, overlooking Pulicat Lake and lush greenery.

Photo: Nagarjunan A / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Pulicat Hills, some 55 km from Chennai, is an ideal hill station near Chennai where anybody can relax and have a quiet time. The area is known for Pulicat Lake and has a distinct coastal feel to the hill station, which draws in nature lovers and bird observers. During the migratory bird season, the lake becomes a haven for bird lovers. The hills provide glorious views of the lake and the lush greenery. For a serene retreat, Pulicat Hills offers the ideal mix of the hill station charm with the beauty of the lakeside, and it is perfect to spend the weekend on an excursion from the city. It’s one of the best options for a peaceful retreat in a Chennai hill station.

Entry Fees: Nil
Location: Pulicat, Tamil Nadu (55 km from Chennai)
Best Time To Visit: November to March

8. Mahabalipuram Hills

Mahabalipuram Hills, a hill station near Chennai, featuring ancient temples and scenic hillocks.

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Mahabalipuram Hills is a great hill station near Chennai, offering a perfect combination of old history and scenic beauty within 50 km of Chennai. Mahabalipuram is famous worldwide for its UNESCO World Heritage temples and rock-cut sculptures, but serene hillock views and windswept coastal charm are equally gorgeous attractions. The hillocks around the location are perfect for short treks and scenic walks. Visiting here offers an opportunity for tourists to explore the cultural and natural attractions of the place, making it one of the diversified best hill stations for Chennai for a short trip.

Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu (50 km from Chennai)
Best Time To Visit: October to March

9. Sirumalai Hills

Sirumalai Hills, a peaceful hill station near Chennai, known for its panoramic valley views.

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Sirumalai Hills is a peaceful hill station that is 95 kms from Chennai and is primarily known for dense forests and cool climate. It is ideal for nature walks and bird watching, with panoramic views of the valleys surrounding the hills. This is one of the lesser-known hill stations, excellent for those looking for solitude and the beauty of nature. Whether adventure or just a peaceful escape, Sirumalai is one of the top choices in the best hill stations near Chennai, with the distance that makes weekend getaways easy and enjoyable.

Entry Fees: Free
Location: Sirumalai, Tamil Nadu (95 km from Chennai)
Best Time To Visit: November to April

10. Kanchipuram Hills

Kanchipuram Hills, a hill station near Chennai, offering serene hillocks and cultural heritage.

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Mainly known for its rich cultural heritage and temples, Kanchipuram Hills provides scenic hillocks and peaceful environments; it is a distinctive hill station near Chennai. It is 75 km from the city; therefore, it is the ideal destination to view the natural beauty. The small hillocks around Kanchipuram are peaceful spots for picnics or short hikes. It is a perfect destination for those seeking to learn and immerse themselves in culture and find serenity amidst serene surroundings – an experience not to be found elsewhere in other hill stations in Chennai.

Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu (75 km from Chennai)
Best Time To Visit: November and February

One who wants to escape the busyness of the city and indulge in nature can visit any of the hill stations in and around Chennai. If you’re going to move out of the city and spend some quality time in tranquil surroundings or enjoy scenic views, there are hill stations in Chennai that promise it all. Whether on a family trip or travelling alone, these hill stations will leave you fresh and rejuvenated. Explore these hill stations with TripXL for a memorable experience.

Cover Photo: Arjun Singh Kulkarni / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The closest one is Pallavaram Hills, 30 km from Chennai.
Nagari Hills and Yelagiri Hills are good trekking options near Chennai.
The best hill stations near Chennai are Yelagiri, Yercaud, Kodaikanal, Ooty, and Kolli Hills. Each offers a beautiful retreat from city life, great for nature lovers.
Yelagiri Hills is about 90 km from Chennai.
Many hill stations have luxury resorts and boutique stay provisions for those who want a comfortable experience with premium offers such as Ooty and Kodaikanal.

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