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If you are looking for a break from the busy city life and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the hill stations near Kodaikanal offer a good escape. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or someone in need of relaxation, these destinations offer something special for everyone. Each hill station near Kodaikanal is known for its unique attractions, such as trekking trails, tea plantations, peaceful lakes, and historical sites. These hill stations have cool climates and green landscapes which is good for a refreshing retreat.
Top 10 Hill Stations Near Kodaikanal
Here is a list of the top 10 hill stations near Kodaikanal with distance which will make your trip memorable.
1. Palani Hills
Photo: Thangaraj Kumaravel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Palani Hills, about 65 km from Kodaikanal hill station, is a place of natural beauty and religious significance. The hill range is most famous for the Palani Murugan Temple, which is located on top of the hill and attracts many pilgrims every year. Other than its spiritual appeal, Palani Hills offers beautiful trekking trails and scenic viewpoints like Silent Valley View, where you can take in the amazing view of the surrounding valleys and forests. With its calm environment and pleasant climate, Palani Hills is one of the best hill stations near Kodaikanal for a relaxing weekend retreat.
Major Attractions: Palani Murugan Temple, Silent Valley View
How To Reach: 1.5-hour drive from Kodaikanal hill station via the Palani-Kodaikanal road
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Palani
2. Coonoor
Photo: Robinder Uppal / Wikimedia Commons
Coonoor, around 170 km from Kodaikanal hill station, is one of the best hill stations near Kodaikanal located in the Nilgiri Hills. It is famous for its tea plantations and provides tourists with a peaceful atmosphere and plenty of activities. The cool climate and nice surroundings make it ideal for sightseeing and relaxation. Visitors can explore Sim’s Park, a well-maintained botanical garden with diverse plant species, and head to Dolphin’s Nose, one of the idyllic places to visit in Coonoor that offers a nice view of the Nilgiri Hills.
Major Attractions: Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Lamb’s Rock
How To Reach: 3.5-hour drive from Kodaikanal hill station via NH181
3. Munnar
Photo: Arshad.ka5 / Wikimedia Commons
Munnar is a hill station at a distance of 160 km from Kodaikanal and is famous for its green tea plantations and nice scenery. It is located in the Western Ghats and is a top choice for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful getaway. The area has several attractions which include Eravikulam National Park, one of the top places to visit in Munnar is an abode where visitors can spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and Mattupetty Dam, where boating is a popular activity. Munnar’s hills, cool weather, and peaceful surroundings make it one of the best hill stations near Kodaikanal, offering a perfect escape from city life.
Major Attractions: Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam
How To Reach: 3.5-hour drive from Kodaikanal hill station via the Bodinayakanur-Munnar road
Suggested Read: Your Ultimate Munnar Travel Guide To Kerala’s Emerald Paradise
4. Thekkady
Photo: Sibyperiyar / Wikimedia Commons
Thekkady, located about 110 km from Kodaikanal, is famous for its wildlife and scenic landscapes. The main highlight of the area is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can enjoy jungle treks or take boat rides to spot elephants, tigers, and many types of birds. Thekkady’s cool weather and dense forests make it an ideal place for nature lovers. Besides wildlife watching, visitors can explore the area’s spice plantations, learning about the different spices grown locally. The natural beauty, rich wildlife, and unique experiences make Thekkady a must-visit destination for anyone looking to connect with nature.
Major Attractions: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, boat rides, spice plantations
How To Reach: 110 km from Kodaikanal hill station, accessible by road
5. Yercaud
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
Yercaud is a famous hill station about 220 km from Kodaikanal, known for its coffee plantations and beautiful surroundings. The town has a mild climate, which makes it a comfortable place to visit year-round. Tourists often visit Yercaud Lake, one of the tranquil places to visit in Yercaud where they can enjoy a peaceful boat ride, or Lady’s Seat, a viewpoint offering stunning views of the nearby city of Salem and the surrounding hills. The town’s calm atmosphere and scenic settings make it a popular destination for families and couples who want to relax in nature. Yercaud’s peaceful charm provides the perfect backdrop for a restful holiday.
Major Attractions: Yercaud Lake, Lady’s Seat, Pagoda Point
How To Reach: 5-hour drive from Kodaikanal hill station via NH44
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Yercaud For A Tourist Holiday
6. Meghamalai
Photo: DAIVASIKHAMANI / Wikimedia Commons
Meghamalai, often called the “High Wavy Mountains,” is a beautiful hill station located around 140 km from Kodaikanal. The area is famous for its tea plantations, green forests, and wildlife. Visitors to Meghamalai can explore the Highwavy Dam or visit the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, where they can see various plants and animals in their natural habitat. The cool climate and untouched beauty of the region make it an ideal destination for those who love eco-tourism. Whether you’re enjoying a walk through the tea estates or spotting wildlife, Meghamalai offers a perfect escape into nature.
Major Attractions: Highwavy Dam, Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, tea estates
How To Reach: 2.5-hour drive from Kodaikanal hill station via NH183
7. Poombarai
Photo: JVN5871 / Wikimedia Commons
Poombarai is a hidden hill village nestled in the Palani Hills at approximately 1,920 m elevation. From lush green terrace farms to ancient temples and vibrant local markets, there’s a lot to explore here. Some of the major attractions of Poombarai include Poombarai Viewpoint, Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple, Vellagavi Forest, Perumal Peak, Dolphin’s Nose, and Mannavanur Lake. Poombarai, offering a blend of spiritual heritage, rural charm, and untouched nature, is a must-visit destination in Tamil Nadu.
Major Attractions: Poombarai Viewpoint, Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple, and step farms
How To Reach: 40–50 min drive via Kodaikanal–Poombarai Road
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Trichy For A Memorable Time In Tamil Nadu
8. Mannavanur
Photo: Harish Govindarajan / Wikimedia Commons
Tucked away 35 km from Kodaikanal, Mannavanur is a tranquil plateau in the Palani Hills renowned for its serene lake, sheep farm, and rolling meadows. Here, you can enjoy a scenic boat ride at the Mannavanur Lake, taking in breathtaking vistas of the surroundings or explore the sheep farms. One of the idyllic places to visit near Kodaikanal, Mannavanur is the perfect destination for travellers seeking a peaceful getaway away from the bustling tourist spots.
Major Attractions: Mannavanur Lake and sheep farm
How To Reach: 1.5 hours drive via Kodaikanal – Poombarai – Mannavanur Road
9. Vattakanal
Photo: San95660 / Wikimedia Commons
Helmed with glistening waterfalls, verdant valleys, rolling hills, and rugged trails, Vattakanal is one of the nearest hill stations to Kodaikanal. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Some of the major attractions here include Vattakanal Falls, Vattakanal Shola Tree Nursery, Dolphin’s Nose, and Echo Point. Vattakanal, a haven for Israeli tourists, also has many eateries offering Middle Eastern cuisine to sate your tastebuds.
Major Attractions: Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, Vattakanal Waterfalls, and Echo Rock
How To Reach: 10–15 minutes drive by Vattakanal Road
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Vellore
10. Thandikudi
Photo: Bharathi Raja / Wikimedia Commons
With sprawling coffee plantations, ancient temples, and archaeological richness, Thandikudi is one of the mesmerising tourist places near Kodaikanal within 40 km. It offers a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of the region. Some of the major attractions here include Sri Balamurugan Temple, coffee & spice plantations, Marudanathi Dam & Waterfalls, and more. From lush green coffee hills to ancient rock tombs, this quiet village offers a rejuvenating escape from the chaos of city life.
Major Attractions: Vellimalai, Horticulture Research Station, and spice plantations
How To Reach: 1.5 hours drive via Perumalmalai or Adukkam routes
The hill stations near Kodaikanal provide the perfect break from the rush of city life, offering calm and scenic beauty. From Palani Hills’ spiritual charm to Munnar’s misty tea plantations, these hill stations are ideal for anyone seeking peace or adventure. Ready to explore the amazing places near Kodaikanal? Plan your trip with TripXL today for a great and memorable journey.
Cover Photo: KARTY JazZ / Wikimedia Commons
