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Tamil Nadu is a beautiful state known for its diverse cultural environment. There are plenty of offbeat hill stations in Tamil Nadu, each offering a unique experience. You can explore scenic destinations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Coonoor, which are known for their cool climates, pretty landscapes, and charming views. For a quieter getaway, hill stations like Yercaud, Yelagiri, and Valparai provide peaceful settings amidst nature. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, Tamil Nadu’s hill stations offer the perfect escape from the bustling city life.
10 Best Offbeat Hill Stations In Tamil Nadu
Here are ten popular offbeat hill stations in Tamil Nadu you can visit:
1. Kalrayan Hills
Photo: Thamizhpparithi Maari / Wikimedia Commons
The Kalrayan Hills, located in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district, are a captivating destination renowned for their scenic beauty, diverse culture, and rich biodiversity. Its serene landscape makes it one of the most sought tourist destinations in the nation. Surrounded by forests, rugged hills, waterfalls, and valleys, the hills offer a prime location for trekking and hiking enthusiasts. This picturesque region is a popular choice among visitors seeking an immersive nature experience in the heart of South India.
Nearest Airport: Trichy Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Villupuram Station
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
Best Time To Visit: October to December
2. Sirumalai
Photo: NAGAMANI / Wikimedia Commons
Sirumalai is a stunning hill situated in Tamil Nadu. Adorned with verdant forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene meadows, it beckons nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers. The region’s rich biodiversity, including diverse flora and fauna, makes it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Trekking trails wind through the hills, offering breathtaking vistas and a chance to connect with the serene nature. Sirumalai is a jewel in the crown of Tamil Nadu’s scenic landscapes.
Tourist Attractions: Annai Velankanni Church, Sirumalai Lake
Nearest Airport: Madurai (107 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Dindigul Junction (25 km)
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 days
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. Devala
Photo: Muneerh27 / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled amidst Western Ghats, Devala is a picturesque hill station located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Renowned for its lush green landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and pleasant climate, Devala is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The region is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. you can enjoy trekking, hiking, and camping in the serene surroundings, as well as explore the local culture and handicrafts and religious culture of Tamil Nadu.
Tourist Attractions: Devala Wildlife Sanctuary,Frog Hill viewpoint
Nearest Airport: Calicut (59.6 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode
Ideal Duration: 3 days
Best Time To Visit: October to May
4. Vattakanal
Photo: Challiyan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Vattakanal, a picturesque hamlet in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, is a hidden gem for nature lovers. Adorned with greenery, waterfalls, and serene meadows, the region offers a tranquil respite from the bustling cities. Trekking trails through the hills, provides breathtaking opportunities to spot diverse flora and fauna. You can immerse in the serene ambience, enjoy the cool climate, and experience the local culture and traditions that make Vattakanal a truly enchanting destination.
Tourist Attractions: Vattakanal Falls, Pillar Rocks Road, Upper Lake View
Nearest Airport: Madurai (120 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Kodaikanal Road Railway Station
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 days
Best Time To Visit: June to October
5. Kotagiri
Photo: Sudarshia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kotagiri is a charming hill station in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, with an elevation of about 1,793 metres. It is known for its tea gardens. You can explore viewpoints like Longwood Shola and Kodanad View Point for breathtaking landscapes. The town features colonial-era architecture and historical churches with various trekking trails. Kotagiri is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful getaway in the hills.
Tourist Attractions: Catherine Falls, Elk Falls, Rangaswamy Pillar
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (65 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Coonoor Railway Station
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 days
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to November
6. Valparai
Photo: Thangaraj Kumaravel / Wikimedia Commons
Valparai is located in the Anamalai Hills range and is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations. This place is a haven for nature lovers as it has a cool, misty climate and is rich in wildlife. The drive to Valparai is too beautiful to describe, with the waterfalls and the vast stretch of forest tracts. It has Sholayar Dam and Aliyar Dam, which are two of the main tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu.
Tourist Attractions: Aliyar Dam, Monkey Falls, Sholayar Dam
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (105 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Pollachi (65 km)
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to November
7. Kolli Hills
Photo: Peter Robbins / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Kolli Hills is the most famous hill station in Tamil Nadu, known for its herbal forests, temples, and waterfalls. This scenic destination offers beautiful views and abundant greenery, attracting trekkers and devotees to the Arapaleeswarar Temple. The weather is warm throughout the year, so it is an ideal destination to visit over weekends. Kolli Hills promises a refreshing escape from the ordinary.
Tourist Attractions: Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Arapaleeswarar Temple
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli (90 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Salem Junction (70 km)
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 days
Best Time To Visit: November to March
8. Yelagiri
Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Yelagiri is a charming hill station in Tamil Nadu, situated at an altitude of about 1,110 meters. Known for its pleasant climate and scenic beauty, it offers a perfect escape from the heat of the plains. Visitors can enjoy boating at Yelagiri Lake or explore the well-maintained parks and gardens nearby. Adventure enthusiasts can trek to Swamimalai Hill for stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Yelagiri is an ideal destination for your family to spend a refreshing time together.
Tourist Attractions: Punganoor Lake, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Nature Park
Nearest Airport: Bengaluru (160 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Jolarpettai (21 km)
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Best Time To Visit: December to February
9. Meghamalai
Photo: Roshan Gracious / Wikimedia Commons
Meghamalai, also known as the “High Wavy Mountains,” is a stunning hill station in Tamil Nadu, with an elevation of about 1,500 meters. The area is rich in biodiversity, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the beautiful Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, home to various flora and fauna, including elephants and several bird species. It’s an ideal destination for trekking, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of the hills, making it one of the famous tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu.
Tourist Attractions: Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Vellimalai
Nearest Airport: Madurai (150 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Dindigul Junction (120 km)
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Best Time To Visit: October to March
10. Manjolai Hills
Photo: Archana Venkatraj / Wikimedia Commons
Manjolai Hills is a hill station in the Meghamalai range of Tamil Nadu, with an elevation of about 1,500 metres. Visitors can explore the nearby Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, deer, and various bird species. The hills offer excellent trekking opportunities, allowing travellers to experience stunning views and unspoiled natural beauty. With its peaceful atmosphere, Manjolai Hills provides a perfect setting for relaxation and is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway with your partner.
Tourist Attractions: Tea Estates, Manimuthar Dam, Kodayar Dam
Nearest Airport: Tuticorin (160 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Tirunelveli (80 km)
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 days
Best Time To Visit: March to June and October to December
In conclusion, offbeat hill stations in Tamil Nadu offer a remarkable blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness. Each destination provides a unique escape from city life from the scenic charm of Ooty and Kodaikanal to the tranquil settings of Yercaud and Yelagiri. Whether you seek thrilling treks, stagnant lakes, or the vibrant tea gardens of Manjolai and Meghamalai, there’s something for everyone.
Cover Photo: Swethasakthivel / Wikimedia Commons
