South India is blessed with some of the most beautiful and diverse hill stations in the country. These places are famous mostly for their scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and rich biodiversity.
You can visit any of them for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure trip, according to your preferences.
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From the lush green Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu to the coffee and spice plantations of Kerala and Karnataka, there are a lot of options for hill lovers in south India.
In this article, you will get to know about the following hill stations in south India,
Let’s look at these hill stations, each with its own scenic beauty and charm.
1. Munnar, Kerala
| State | Kerala |
| Elevation | 1532 meters |
| Best time to visit | September – June |
Munnar is one of the height hill stations in south India, situated at a height of 1532 meters.
It is also known as the “Kashmir of South India” for its mesmerizing landscape of green valleys, tea estates, and wildlife. These features make it a popular hill station in Kerala.
You can enjoy the spectacular views of nature from various viewpoints and admire its beauty.
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Munnar is an ideal place for a family holiday or a romantic getaway, with plenty of activities to choose from. You can go boating on Kundala Dam Lake, cycle in Blossom International Park, stroll through the tea gardens, try paragliding, and more.
The best time to visit Munnar is from September to June when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in full bloom.
2. Coorg, Karnataka
| State | Karnataka |
| Elevation | 900 meters |
| Best time to visit | October – March |
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is another scenic and famous hill station in the state of Karnataka in south India. It is often called the “Scotland of India” because it resembles the Scottish highlands.
This place is situated 900 m above sea level and boasts lush green landscapes, vast coffee and tea estates, misty mountain peaks, and stunning viewpoints.
Coorg is a perfect destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. It also has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several ancient temples and monasteries. Some popular attractions that you can explore are Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Madikeri Fort, Nagarhole National Park, Iruppu Falls, and Talacauvery. You can also enjoy trekking, wildlife spotting, and photography here.
The best time to visit Coorg is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and the hills are covered with colorful flowers.
(Check out other famous hill stations in Karnataka)
3. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Elevation | 2240 meters |
| Best time to visit | November – March |
Ooty is a charming hill station in Tamil Nadu, situated at an altitude of 2240 m. It is often referred to as the Queen of Hill Stations for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate.
This place attracts nature lovers, mountain enthusiasts, and honeymooners with its verdant valleys, rolling hills, serene lakes, and breathtaking views. In spring, the misty mountains create a stunning backdrop for the city.
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Ooty has many beautiful places for you to explore. Some of these places include the Botanical Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, Pykara Lake, Mudumalai National Park, Tea Museum, and Avalanche Lake. It also has many colonial buildings and churches as it was also the summer capital of the Madras Presidency during British rule.
Another memorable experience you can have in Ooty is riding the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which runs on a steam engine and offers a scenic ride through the hills.
You can visit Ooty between November and March to experience the pleasant weather and have a relaxing holiday in nature’s lap.
(Check out other hill stations in Tamil Nadu)
4. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Elevation | 2133 meters |
| Best time to visit | October – March |
Kodaikanal, nestled in the Palani Hills, is considered one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Tamil Nadu. It is located at an elevation of 2133 meters, offering a pleasant weather throughout the year.
This place allows you to experience the serenity and connect with the rhythms of nature. Kodaikanal will mesmerize you with the view of its mist-covered cliffs, huge lakes, gurgling streams, and surging waterfalls. These make it a perfect destination for a peaceful retreat from city life.
This picturesque town, which is also known as the Princess of Hills, is home to several attractions. Some must-visit places are Pillar Rocks, Kodai Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Silver Cascade, Bryant Park, and Bear Shola Falls.
5. Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Elevation | 976 meters |
| Best time to visit | September – February |
Tirumala is a popular hill station and a sacred town in Andhra Pradesh. Home to the Tirupati Temple, this place draws many pilgrims and tourists with its divine atmosphere and scenic beauty. It is situated on the Tirupati Hills, which are revered by the followers of Lord Vishnu or Venkateshwar.
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This hill station in south India offers a breathtaking view of the Eastern Ghats and the clear blue sky. This makes Tirumala a perfect place to find peace and spirituality.
It has pleasant weather throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for any season.
6. Lonavla, Maharashtra
| State | Maharashtra |
| Elevation | 624 meters |
| Best time to visit | October – March |
Lonavla is a gorgeous hill station in Maharashtra with breathtaking views of the landscape showcasing the beauty of nature. It is located 95 km away from Mumbai and can be easily accessed by train.
This place in the Western Ghats is a sought-after tourist destination in India, as it is known as the “Jewel of Sahyadri” for its splendid views and calmness.
Lonavla has a lot to offer to its visitors. It is home to ancient Buddhist Caves, majestic Waterfalls, and historical forts. You can explore Della Adventure Park, Lohagad Fort, Karla Caves, Bhushi Dam, and Lion’s Point.
You can also indulge in various activities like trekking, camping, bird watching, and photography.
The best time to visit this hill station is from October to June.
These are some famous and must-visit hill stations in South India. They provide a refreshing escape from daily life and are ideal destinations for a short holiday.
Apart from these popular destinations, many off-beat hill stations in South India are worth exploring. Some of them are, Idukki, Araku Valley, Vagamon, Ananthagiri Hills, Ponmudi, and Thenmala.
So, arrange a trip to any of these sites and create many lasting memories. No matter which hill station you visit, you will be greeted with stunning views, fresh air, and warm hospitality.
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