25 Best Hill Stations to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Travelling is one of the joys of life. People love to travel around the world to enjoy themselves in different places. Traveling helps to get your mind off the daily problems you have and live your life to the fullest. We have not met people who do not love to travel to new destinations. Rather than going abroad to travel, many places in India will quench your thirst for a good vacation. Tourists are known to love the hill stations in Tamil Nadu.

They provide you with ample things to do when you go on a tour of these hill stations. Tamil Nadu is known for having amazing hull stations which leave people awestruck. We have managed to find the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu. therefore, this article should help you decide on your next vacation spot in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. people travel for different reasons.

We have considered that and have included some of the top unexplored hill stations in Tamil Nadu as well. In other words, this article will be able to help you find a hill station for the exact purpose you have in mind for your trip.

Best Hill Stations to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Ooty

Ooty is one of the most popular hill stations to visit in Tamil Nadu. Regarded as the “Queen of Hills” it does justice to the title bestowed upon it. Ooty is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which has seen tourist activity since the British period. It was the summer capital of the British administration of the Madras presidency. Many consider this hill station to be the Switzerland of India due to its scenic beauty. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

It is one of the few hill stations in Tamil Nadu which offer a glimpse into the majestic beauty of the western ghats. Throughout this place, you will find beautiful tea gardens in addition to, rose and botanical gardens. Moreover, there are activities like zip-lining, bungee swings, rappelling, and other activities to keep you occupied. Though it has become a tourist hotspot, it still manages to be one of the top hill stations in Tamil Nadu.

Yercaud

Yercaud is one of the unexplored hill stations in Tamil Nadu. It is a treasure trove of natural beauty located in Salem in Tamil Nadu. The hills take you through a journey of blissfulness. The calm and serene nature of these hills will make you reconnect with nature. In addition to the beautiful mountains, there is a lake which is popularly known as Yercaud lake. Yercaud manages t be a haven for nature lovers. Most of its wilderness and nature are kept untouched.

It is one of the few hill stations in Tamil Nadu near Chennai which allows travelers to spend some undisturbed time with nature. With Yercaud being a nature lover’s dream, you can find various trekking routes to explore. We recommend you go on a trek to view the majestic Kiliyur falls. The beauty of the hills in addition to the orchards and plantations make Yercaud one of the best-unexplored hill stations in Tamil Nadu you can visit.

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Coonoor

The Nilgiris are incomplete without Conoor. This is one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu if you want to avoid long travel times. Coonoor is located close to an airport which makes reaching this hill station a breeze. When you reach this hill station, there are many activities which you can do. They have Japanese botany gardens which are a treat to the eye.

On the other hand, you can also trek to Dolphin’s nose which gives you breathtaking views of the mountains. Coonoor ranks among the top hill stations in the Tamil Nadu list. You get a relaxing environment in addition to tons of things to explore. It is the second-largest hill station in Tamil Nadu so you might want to have a few days in hand when you visit Conoor.

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is seen as one of the most romantic hill stations in Tamil Nadu and we cannot blame it for this reputation. This hill station in Tamil Nadu has become a famous destination due to its unique topography. You get hills filled with greenery in addition to a beautiful lake with crystal clear water.

Though it is a well-traveled hill station you can still find mesmerizing views and fun activities to do. Kodaikanal has emerged as a popular family destination where there is something for everyone to do. Above all, this is a hill station that takes you close to nature while still keeping you in touch with the modernity of civilization.

Kolukkumalai

Offbeat hill stations in Tamil Nadu near Chennai don’t get much better than Kolukkumalai. Tea plantations are the heart and soul of this place. It is considered to have the hugest tea plantations in the world. You will find only a few people living and working here.

If you need some away from the city, this is one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu that you can visit. Reaching the hilltop gives you a panoramic view of Munnar. The tea plantations let you taste and buy some of the finest tea in the world. So, if you are looking for offbeat hill stations to visit in Tamil Nadu, Kolukkumalai should be on your radar.

Yelagiri

Lovers of adrenaline and adventure have taken a liking to Yelagiri. The hill station houses many adventures and thrilling activities which has made it one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu for tourists who want to feel the adrenaline rush.

Atv rides, gyro experiences, parallel zip lines, and slingshots are just some of the many adventure activities that this hill station accommodates. Summer is one of the best times to visit Yelagiri due to the Yelagiri festival conducted by the Tamil Nadu government.

In other words, during summers you can expect cultural displays and flower shows among other things if you decide to visit Yelagiri. The adventure sports available in Yelagiri in addition to the large amounts of natural beauty make it one of the best hill stations to visit in Tamil Nadu.

Kotagiri

Kotagiri is the hill station you have to go to get away from the distractions of the city. With pleasant weather throughout the year, it is an ideal travel destination in Tamil Nadu. This place manages to slow your life for you.

It encourages you to take in the beauty of the place and have a relaxed time over there. On the other hand, if you want to et out on adventures, you can try out the trekking trails and rock climbing sessions. Catherine falls, Shola forest, and Elf falls are just some of the wonderful places waiting to be discovered here.

Javadi Hills

Javadi hills are one of the gems when it comes to unexplored hill stations in Tamil Nadu. the footfall of tourists is quite less which allows you to take in the environment at your own pace. The increasing popularity behind this place is due to the amazing opportunity it presents for photographers.

A large number of sunset points in addition to, the beautiful wildlife gives you enough opportunities to store a part of the Jadvadi hills in your camera. Untraveled routes and undiscovered wildlife await you in Javadi hills. So, you must consider this place as one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu.

Kalrayan Hills

Lying in the lap of nature is one of the most blissful experiences. Kalrayan Hills is one of the lesser-known hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Many people tend to miss this place while making their list of the hill stations to visit in Tamil Nadu. You should not make the same mistake as them.

Trekking routes can be found in abundance as a result you’ll manage to find thrill-seeking things to do. Most importantly, this is one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu to find inner peace and spend time engulfed in nature.

Pachaimalai hills

Spending time in solitude with nature is something which we love to do. Panchaimalai Hills is one of the top hill stations in Tamil Nadu which is tucked in the Eastern Ghats. The two rivers of Kallar and Sweata which flow through these hills make it the ideal place to meditate.

The presence of Mayil Uthu falls in addition to these rivers only helps make the environment more peaceful. Similarly, the deep forests also present you with a chance to be surrounded by birds and animals of virtuous species. For nature lovers’ Panchaimalai hills are one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu.

Meghamalai

At 1500 meters above sea level, Meghamalai presents you with a series of wavey hills. The hills are filled with lush green vegetation which makes you feel like you are in paradise. There are a series of temples which you can visit in these hills.

The aroma of spices fills the air and herbal tea can be found in abundance. The Meghamalai falls in addition to the numerous dams provide enough spectacles to keep you engaged with your love for nature. So, if you are looking for magnificent hill stations on the Tamil Nadu list, you should visit this place.

Masinagudi

When you visit Ooty, you might want to add Masinagudi to your trip as well. Being just 30 km away from Ooty, you can easily reach this place. This hill station is a part of a wildlife sanctuary which makes it home to tons of birds and animals. Above all, it houses some of the most exotic species of birds which will bring out the bird watcher in you.

The Theppakadu elephant camp promises an experience that you will not forget. Though it is quite close to Ooty it has remained out of popular travel plans. So, next time you are thinking about a trip to Ooty, be sure to add this place to the itinerary.

Manjolai Hills

Manjolai Hills is what you would call a nature retreat. Being in the western ghat, this place doesn’t have many things to do compared to the other hill stations in the Tamil Nadu list. Most of the people go to this hill station to take a break from their busy lives.

It is one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu if you want to spend your days lazying by and taking in the breathtaking views of a waterfall. Likewise, there are many small plantations and settlements you can visit.

Kolli Hills

A fan of Dravidian architecture is sure to appreciate the importance of the Kolli hills. There are temples of historic significance that you can visit during your stay. The medical farm and botanical gardens are other things that bring tourists to this spot.

Most importantly, the hill station is very versatile. It has thighs for you to explore in addition to, having scenic views to relax by.  You will love the time you spend here no matter which time of the year you visit. However, January can become very cold so we recommend you avoid that month.

Anaimalai

Anaimalai has a cool climate which makes it popular. They boast of the monsoon type of forests.  Hardwood trees such as rosewood, sandalwood, and more dominate the vegetation in these forests. It is one of the hill stations in Tamil Nadu near Chennai which offers the experience of hills and a forest.

This hill station is great for spending a day or two amidst nature. Anaimalai has small cottages which you can rent. Therefore, you will be spending a lot of time being a part of nature.

Ketti valley

Ketti Valley is surrounded by the famous Nilgiris which makes it a famous destination for many tourists. Though it is a valley, it is still considered to be a hill station due to its elevation. Many people regard Ketti valley as one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu due to the variety of things which you can do.

The Shiva Lingam temple is one of the famous temples where tourists offer prayers during their journey. The scenic beauty of this place is the main attraction. However, there are quite a few adventures to take on for the brave of heart.

Kurangani

Kurangani creates a magical experience for all the tourists who come to visit this hill station. This hill station has low-hanging clouds. In other words, it almost feels like you can touch the clouds which creates a magical experience.  You can spot coconut, mangoes, and other trees in their natural habitat.

There are trekking routes that take you through the entire hill station within just two days. Therefore, making this one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu for short trips. Take in the scenic beauty or go out and discover the undiscovered. The choice is in your hands when you come to Kurangani.

Velliangiri Hills

When you have a paucity of time, Velliangiri Hills is an ideal destination when it comes to the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Many people call this place the ‘Kailasha of the South’. There is a Shiva temple that is very famous and attracts pilgrims from around India.

Being a smaller hill station, you can get trekking journeys which get over in 1 day. However, the trek is not for amateurs. The entire route is filled with dangerous areas where the trek route is not made. Therefore, you should only consider trekking here if you have the suitable experience needed to take up a trek of such difficulty.

Sirumalai

Sirumalai makes an entry into the hill stations of Tamil Nadu list. The climate of this hill station is always pleasant. It is one of the more unexplored hill stations in Tamil Nadu. people love to take short rips here where they enjoy the nature which the hill station has to offer.

When you go out to discover the place you will stumble upon a small waterfall. Moreover, the serene nature of the waterfall will make you want to stay there for hours. So, whenever you have a few days to kill, plan a trip to Sirumalai to get away from the stress of regular life.

Palani Hills

Palani hills offer a picturesque landscape along with a dose of history. This is one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu which has a waterful, temples, and more. You should just spend a few days looking out at the astounding scenes of nature as they unfold before your eyes.

This is one of the top religious hills in Tamil Nadu. but on the other hand, it is an exceptional place to spend a few days in isolation from the modern world. You’ll have enough to do without getting bored.

Sathuagiri Hills

There is a history behind the formation of the Sathuagiri Hills that the locals believe. They believe it to have been formed with the four Vedas of Hindu mythology met. These hills are considered ta spiritual abode and have become famous among the people. Locals believe these hills to have spiritual owers which makes them famous among spiritual travelers.

However, if you are not looking for spiritualism, you can just relax and enjoy the beautiful sceneries that this hill station has to offer you. Be it for spiritualism or just for tourism, this is one of the top hill stations to visit in Tamil Nadu which should make it into your list.

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Topslip

While Topslip does not have the elevation that some of the other hills on this list have. It is still one of the great hill stations to visit in Tamil Nadu. What it lacks in elevation is compensated by the wildlife which is present in abundance. An elephant sanctuary and a tiger project are the crown jewels of Topslip. Both of these institutions allow you great opportunities to get up close with the wildlife.

Moreover, the elephant safari offers you a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you travel the forest on the back of an elephant. Many trekking trails surround the hill station as well. So, book your next trip to Topslip and experience one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu.

Valparai

Dams and a wildlife sanctuary are among the best things this hill station has to offer. It is one of the most unexplored hill stations in Tamil Nadu. The abundance of viewpoints gives all tourists views which keeps them awestruck.

You will find yourself amidst luscious green hills which give you a sense of calmness with every move. The wildlife sanctuary is a great place to spot a few animals living their best life. Valparai gives you time to get away from the noise of the city and take a break from the monotony of life.

Thally

Have you ever wanted to cut yourself from the world and spend a few days contemplating life? Thally would be an amazing place to spend those days. It is located in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu. Thally doesn’t have much to offer in terms of activities ut has a panoramic view of mother nature.

It is a small village where you will find the essentials to live. Above all, it gives you a place to focus and rejuvenate away from the hustle and bustle of modern cities. Thally can easily become your secret getaway. There is a nature park and lake which is home to some of the most amazing birds. Try to visit during the migration season if you are looking to spot some non-native birds.

Conclusion:

Hill stations give you a sense of calmness and serenity. Most of the hill stations in the Tamil Nadu list meet these criteria. In this extensive list, we have covered all of the reasons why you should visit each of these hill stations. Even if you want to have a small getaway, hill stations in Tamil Nadu near Chennai will help you do so. If you are not like every other traveler and want a less known destination we have got you covered.

Throughout the list we have mentioned some of the most unexplored hill stations in Tamil Nadu. in addition to being a good vacation spot, they will also help you to rejuvenate and connect with nature. All of these hill stations have their own story to tell, and their own experiences to offer to every traveler who stumbles upon them. So, before you plan your next trip, use this article for consultation.