South India is well regarded as the land of beautiful hill stations. Some of the best summer getaways in India like Ooty, Munnar & Coorg are located in the South and they are visited in large numbers every summer. Along with these most popular hill resorts, Trawell.in present the 11 best hill stations in South India based on their popularity, quality of sightseeing options, ease of access and accommodation options.
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Munnar
Munnar is a fascinating hill station located in Idukki district of Kerala and one of the most popular hill resorts in South India. It is also called as the Swiss of South India. It was once the summer resort of the British Governors of South India. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India – Anamudi, which towers over 2695 meters. Trekking facilities are available to reach Anamudi on foot. Munnar is also known for Neelakurinji flowers, which blooms once in 12 years. This is also one of the best places to visit near Kochi, Coimbatore & Madurai and also among the most visited places as part of Kerala tour packages.
Munnar is a trekker’s paradise too, which offers both soft and mountain trekking. Visit the wildlife sanctuaries around Munnar. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and the process involved in brewing tea leaves. Mattupetty Dam, Echo point, Kundala Lake, Top Station, Anamudi peak, Devikulam, Nyayamkad falls, Thoovanam falls, Eravikulam National Park and Attukal Waterfalls, are the top places to visit as part of Munnar tour packages. Munnar offers different experience throughout the year, while March to May is the peak season. It usually takes at least two full days to explore the important places in Munnar.
Distance from Kochi: 120 Kms
Full Details: Places to visit in Munnar
Book Here : Munnar Honeymoon Packages
Ooty
Often referred to as ‘Queen of hill stations’, Ooty is one of the top hill stations in South India and among the best tourist places in India. Also known as Udhagamandalam, Ooty is situated at an altitude of 7,440 feet (2,240 meters), and is the capital of Nilgiris district in the state of Tamilnadu. Ooty served as the summer capital of the Madras Presidency and other small kingdoms, much visited by British during the colonial days. Its stunning beauty and splendid green deep valleys inspired the British to name it Queen of Hill Stations. Ooty is also one of the best places to visit near Bangalore and also the popular honeymoon places in India.
Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Wenlock Downs, Pine Forest, Doddabetta Peak, Emerald Lake, Pykara Dam, Pykara Falls, Avalanche Lake & Sanctuary are the top places to visit as part of Ooty tour packages. The toy train, known as Nilgiri Mountain Railway that runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and must be experienced. The sanctuaries of Mudumalai and Bandipur provide ample opportunity to explore the wildlife of the Western Ghats. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival (Jan) and Summer Festival (May) attract crowds in huge numbers. Ooty is easily accessible by public transportation from Coimbatore, Mysore & Bangalore.
Distance from Chennai: 556 Km
Full Details: Places to visit in Ooty
Book Here : Ooty Honeymoon Packages
Popular Hill Station Tours in South India
Coorg (Madikeri)
Coorg or Kodagu is a district in Karnataka and Madikeri is the district headquarters. At an altitude of 1525 meters on the Western Ghats, it is also known as the Scotland of India. Coorg is the most famous hill stations in Karnataka and one of the best summer destinations in South India. Coorg was under Ganga’s rule during the 9th and 10th centuries and Cholas in the 11th century followed by Hoysalas. Later Coorg was relatively independent under Haleri Rajas until the British occupied the region in 1834. Coorg was a separate state before its merger with Karnataka in the year 1956.
Coorg is the largest producer of Coffee in India and also one of the top tourist places in Karnataka. Also, it is one of the places with the highest rainfall in India, and among the top places to visit near Mysore. Places like Raja’s Seat, Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Omkareshwara Temple, Golden Temple at Bylakuppe, Talacauvery, and Dubare, Mallali Falls are the major attractions you must include in Coorg tour packages. The famous Cauvery River is originated in the hills of Coorg at Talacauvery. It has three wildlife sanctuaries – the Talacauvery, Pushpagiri, and Brahmagiri Sanctuaries, and one national park, the Nagarhole National Park. Coorg is also famous for trekking activities with peaks like Thandiyandamol, Brahmagiri, and Pushpagiri. Elephant rides at Dubare Elephant Camp and white water rafting in the Upper Barapole River are other interesting things to do in Madikeri.
Distance from Bangalore: 265 Kms
Full Details: Places to visit in Coorg
Book Here : Coorg Honeymoon Packages
Wayanad
Wayanad is a district in Kerala formed in 1980 by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Kalpetta is the headquarters of the Wayanad district and also the biggest town in the district. It is a picturesque plateau situated at an altitude ranging between 700 to 2100 meters nested among the mountains of the Western Ghats on the borders of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka States. Wayanad has a rich history and the hills of Wayanad have several evidences of the New Stone Age civilization. It is one of the cheapest hill stations in India and also one of the top places to visit as part of Kerala tour packages.
Wayanad has pleasant weather throughout the year and is one of the popular Kerala Tourist Places. It has several Waterfalls (Meenmutty Falls, Soochipara Falls, Kanthampara Falls), Dams / Lakes (Pookote Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, Karappuzha Dam), Wildlife Sanctuaries (famous Wayanad WLS), Peaks / Trekking Destinations (Brahmagiri / Pakshipathalam, Chembra Peak), Hill Stations (like Lakkidi) and several Pilgrimage centers (like Thirunelly Temple). Edakkal Caves is one of the prime places to visit on Wayanad packages. Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady are the largest towns in Wayanad after Kalpetta and these three towns are the base stations to visit different parts of the Wayanad district. The famous tribal events and folk dance performances by tribes are hosted between February and May.
Distance from Kochi: 246 Km
Complete Details: Wayanad Tourist Places
Must Read: Top Resorts in Wayanad
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal, often referred to as the ‘Princess of Hill stations’ is located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Kodai is a beautiful hill station at an altitude of about 7000 feet (2133 m) on the southern tip of the upper Palani hills. It has several scenic natural attractions which are enjoyed by its visitors and make it a popular romantic destination. Modern Kodaikanal was established by American Christian missionaries and British bureaucrats in 1845, as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains. Kodai is undoubtedly among the best hill stations of South India, and among the places to visit near Madurai.
Kodaikanal is not extensively commercialized like Ooty and it offers a pleasant experience to tourists with relatively less crowd. Kodaikanal has several tourist attractions like Kodai Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, and Pillar Rocks are among the must-include places in your Kodaikanal tour packages. The hills offer beautiful views all around, especially from the Coaker’s Walk.
Distance from Chennai: 528 km
Complete Details: Places to visit in Kodaikanal
Book Here : Kodaikanal Honeymoon Packages
Araku Valley
Araku Valley, popularly known as Araku, is a scenic hill station in the Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. Located on the Eastern Ghats at an altitude range of 900 to 1400 meters above sea level, Araku is home to several tribal communities. Spread over an area of 36 sq. km, Araku is a perfect tourist destination with a pleasant climate, lush greenery, waterfalls, and streams. It is popular for its famous coffee plantations. Araku Valley is surrounded by mountains like Galikonda, Raktakonda, Sunkarimetta and Chitamogondi. Jindhagada Peak, the tallest peak in Eastern Ghats is situated near Araku. It is also regarded as one of the most prominent places to visit near Vizag.
Araku Valley has some interesting places to visit including Borra caves, Anantagiri Hills, Tyda Nature Camp, Katiki Falls, Chaaparaayi, Tribal Museum & Padmapuram Gardens. Besides, these coffee plantations are a must-visit for those who want to indulge themselves in the flavors of nature. The tourists can see tribal folk dances like Dhimsa and Mayuri. The Araku Tribal Museum houses rich tribal traditions and a number of artifacts and displays related to Eastern Ghat Tribal Culture. Araku Valley is one of the top attractions you must include in Vizag Tour Packages.
The best time to visit Araku Valley is from September to May while the peak season is September & March to May. Usually, it takes 1-2 days to visit all the places in and around Araku Valley.
Distance from Vizag: 112 Km
Complete Details: Places to visit in Araku Valley
Yercaud
Yercaud is a beautiful hill station in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. It is located in the Shevaroy range of hills in the Eastern Ghats at an altitude of 1515 m (4920 ft). Yercaud town got its name from the Yercaud Lake located at its center. In Tamil, Yeri means lake and Kaadu means forest. Sir Thomas Munroe, erstwhile governor of Madras Presidency in 1842 developed this place. The Tea plantation was introduced in 1840s by Dr.Wallich on the property of G.F. Fischer. Yercaud is slowly becoming a popular summer retreat in South India and one of the best hill stations in Tamilnadu. This is also one of the popular hill stations near Bangalore.
Emerald Lake, Anna Park, Lady’s Seat, Shevaroy Temple, Small Lake, Bear’s Point, Pagoda Point, Killiyur Falls, and Botanical Garden are among the must-include places in your Yercaud Tour Packages. Yercaud is a picturesque hill stations on the Eastern Ghats and trekking here can be one of the most pleasurable experiences. The highest point in Yercaud is the Servarayan temple, which is situated at a height of 5326 feet. Summer Festival celebrated in Yercaud in the month of May is a special attraction. This festival is marked by a 7-day exhibition of flowers, dog shows, boating races, and a village fair.
Distance from Chennai: 349 Km
Full Details: Places to visit in Yercaud
Also Read: 26 Best Places near Chennai
Chikmagalur
Chikkamagaluru (also known as Chikmagalur) lies at an altitude of 3,400 feet at the foothills of Mulliyangiri range in the south-western part of Karnataka. The Western Ghats start from this area. The Yagachi River is originated from the surrounding hills. Chikmagalur is famous for its serene environment, lush green forests and tall mountains. Chikmagalur literally means the Land of the Younger Daughter. It is said to have been given as a dowry to the youngest daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna. It is one of the popular hill stations near Mangalore.
Chikkamagaluru is also famous for coffee and is known as the coffee land of Karnataka. It is the place where coffee was cultivated for the first time in India. It was Baba Budan, a Muslim saint who brought coffee seeds from Yemen in 1670. Later, when the Europeans came to India, they took over the plantations and started trading of coffee and tea. Hirekolale Lake, Mahatma Gandhi Park, Amruthapura, Baba Budangiri, Mulliyangiri, Ayyanakere Lake, Belavadi, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kemmangundi and Manikyadhara Falls are important tourist places and among the must include places in your Chikmagalur tour packages.
Distance from Bangalore: 240 Km
Full Details: Places to visit in Chikmagalur
Book Here: Chikmagalur Honeymoon Tour Packages
Coonoor
Coonoor is a beautiful hill station and known for its production of Nilgiri tea. At an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level, Coonoor is famous for its verdant environs and for a variety of wildflowers and birds. It is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri hills after Ooty,and can be visited as part of Ooty packages. Coonoor provides the travelers with the panoramic view of the lush green Nilgiri hills, with its ravines, valleys and waterfalls. The major attraction of Coonoor is Sim’s Park, a well-maintained Botanical Garden that houses several varieties of plants found missing in the other Hill Stations. Viewpoints and picnic spots around Coonoor include Lambs Rock, Dolphins Nose, Law’s Fall, St. Catherine Falls, etc.
Coonoor is an ideal base for several trekking expeditions leading into the Nilgiris. One of the popular trekking trails is to Lamb’s Rock which is 9 km from Coonoor, among the most scenic hill stations near Coimbatore. Lamb’s Rock overlooks the Coimbatore plains, providing a spectacular view of the tea and coffee plantations. A little ahead of Lamb’s Rock is the Lady Canning’s Seat which offers a panoramic view of the Nilgiris. Coonoor started attracting more tourists these days due to the buzzing over the urbanization of Ooty. A major fruit and vegetable festival is held in the month of May at Sim’s Park which draws a major crowd.
Distance from Chenani: 545 Km
Also Read: Most Popular Tourist Places near Coimbatore
Idukki
Idukki is a beautiful hill station and the second largest district in Kerala state (Painavu as headquarters). Idukki offers diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation centers, and mountain treks. The district was formed on January 26, 1972 carving out Devikulam, Peerumedu, and Udumbanchola taluks from Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk from the Ernakulum district. According to History, Idukki was part of the Chera dynasty and was later ruled by the Kulasekhara Kings from the 9th to 11th century AD. The name Idukki is supposed to be derived from the Malayalam word Idukku which means a narrow gorge. Idukki is one of fascinating hill stations in Kerala and also one of the best tourist places in Kerala.
The major attractions in Idukki include Idukki Dam, Painavu, Kalvari Mount, Ilaveezha Poonchira, Another major tourist attractions are the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries near Kochi. The best time to visit Idukki is between October and May while the peak season is from March to May. It usually takes 1-2 full days to explore this area.
Distance from Kochi: 100 Km
Full Details: Idukki Travel Guide
Book Here : Idukki Tour Packages
Yelagiri Hills
Yelagiri is a hill region in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, located in between the towns of Vaniyambadi and Jolarpettai. This is the considered as the best hill station near Bangalore, and among the top places to visit near Chennai. Yelagiri is a cluster of 14 hamlets lie between four mountains spread over an area of 30 sq km having an altitude of 3500 ft. The main town of Yelagiri Hills is Athanavur, which comprises a winding road through the hills with isolated villages. The Whole of Yelagiri was once the private property of the Yelagiri Zamindar Family. It was taken over by the government of India during the Early 1950s. The house of the Yelagiri Zamindars still exists in Reddiyur.
Yelagiri is also one of the famous places for trekkers. The highest point in Yelagiri is the Swamimalai Hill, standing tall at 4,338 ft with spectacular views. The hill provides a good number of trekking trails through thick reserved forests. There are other trekking options that include smaller peaks like Javadi Hills and Palamathi Hills. The Punganur Lake is a manmade lake and one of the popular attractions of the region. Paragliding is another sport that’s drawing visitors. The Velavan Temple, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, and Nature Park are the other attractions in Yelagiri.
Distance from Chennai: 230 Kms
Full Details: Yelagiri Hills Travel Guide
Book Here : Yelagiri Hills Tour Packages
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