Hill stations in Tamil Nadu are quite popular destinations and places where the majority of people prefer going for a relaxing vacation. Scenic views, natural beauty, lots of wildlife, and a pleasant climate make all hill stations in Tamilnadu more pleasurable. Though hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, etc. always remain the top destinations, there are numerous other hill stations that offer a unique experience. From lush green gardens to picturesque beaches to mesmerizing peaks to peaceful ambiance, the state of Tamil Nadu has everything in store to delight travelers.
10 Best Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu
If you also plan a trip to Tamil Nadu, then explore the list of hill stations in Tamilnadu mentioned below:
1. Kodaikanal
One of the most beautiful hill stations in Tamilnadu is KodaiKanal. This hill station is located in Dindigul, at a height of 7000ft. It is a less explored destination, relatively with less crowd and home to beautiful scenic attractions.
Kodaikanal is called the Princess of Hill Stations in southern India due to its scenic location and lush green quotient. Most newly wedded couples plan their vacations to this stunning hill station in Tamil Nadu.
Key attractions: Kodai Lake, Bryant Park, Pillar Rocks, Coaker’s Walk, Silver Cascade, and Bear Shola Falls.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Nearest station: Kodaikanal
Nearest City: Madurai 95 km
Best Time to Visit: Sept-May
Peak Time: March-May
Weather in Summer: 12– 22°C
Weather in Winter: 6- 17°C
Nearest Airport to Kodaikanal: Madurai Airport
Nearest Railway Station to Kodaikanal: Madurai Junction
2. Ooty
Ooty or the ‘Queen of hill stations’ is one of the most preferred destinations among travelers. The hill station is located in the Nilgiris at a height of 7440ft above sea level. It is a favorite summer retreat and weekend getaway for most travelers.
Ooty is surrounded by lush green valleys, scenic views, beautiful lakes, and other key attractions including a toy train from Mettupalayam to Ooty, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key places to visit: Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, Pykara Lake, Thunder World, Tea Museum, Madumalai National Park, Deer Park, etc.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3-4 days
Nearest station: Ooty
Nearest City: Coimbatore 89 km
Ideal Time to Visit: March-Jun; Sept-Oct
Peak Months: April-June
Weather in Summer: 11- 23°C
Winter weather: 5- 20°C
Nearest Airport to Ooty: Coimbatore International Airport
Nearest Railway Station to Ooty: Mettupalayam Railway Station
3. Coonoor
Located at a height of 6000ft above sea level, the beautiful hill station in Tamilnadu is known for its lush greenery, huge valleys, amazing gorges, and waterfalls. Located at a short distance of almost 17 km from Ooty, Coonoor is a breathtakingly beautiful hill stations to visit in Tamilnadu which offers a peaceful and relaxing environment. Several tea estates, old colonial bungalows, etc. add charm to the place.
Since Coonoor is located within the Nilgiri district, so one can explore a huge variety of flora and fauna here. Coonoor is also an ideal place for bird watchers.
Key places to see: St. Catherine Falls, Dolphins Nose, Sim’s park, Lambs Rock, Law’s falls, etc. are some of the must-visit destinations.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Nearest station: Ooty
Nearest City: Coimbatore 71 km
Ideal Time to Visit: March-June and September-October
Peak Months: April-June
Weather: 5-25°C
Closest Airport to Coonoor: Coimbatore International Airport
Closest Railway Station to Coonoor: Mettupalayam Railway Station
4. Yelagiri
Located amid four hills at a height of 3,645 feet, Yelagiri is among the less explored hill stations in Tamil Nadu. The pleasant weather and scenic beauty are the two most striking features attracting tourists from different destinations. Beautiful landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, and tall mountains can leave nature lovers lost in the awe-inspiring beauty of this place.
The Jalagamparai Waterfall is a natural swimming pool for bathing. While the Government Herbal Farm produces Ayurvedic Herbs.
Key places to see: The Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Velavan Temple, Nature Park, Yelagiri Adventure Camp, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Amirthi Zoological Waterfalls, etc.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Nearest station: Yelagiri Hills, Jolarpettai
Nearest City: Bangalore
Ideal Time to Visit: September-May
Peak Months: April-June
Weather in Summer: 15- 30°C
Weather in Winter: 10-24°C
Nearest Airport to Yelagiri: Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore
Nearest Railway Station to Yelagiri: Jolarpettai Junction
5. Topslip
Located at an altitude of 800 feet from the sea level in the Anamalai mountain range, Topslip is a popular hill station near Tamil Nadu. Surrounded by rivers named Uppar and Aliar, Topslip is a paradise for nature lovers as it is blessed with pleasant weather and scenic views. The place Topslip will leave you awestruck with its awe-inspiring beauty.
Key attractions: Catherine Waterfalls, Monkey Falls, Siruvani Falls, Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Wenlock Downs, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, etc. Also, the visitors can enjoy jeep rides and elephant safaris in Anamalai wildlife sanctuary, trekking, hiking, etc.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Nearest station: Sethumadai 5km
Nearest City: Pollachi
Best Time to Visit: November-April
6. Valparai
Valparai is another beautiful place located 60km from Athirapally Falls. Valparai is a beautiful hill station in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. One can see tea, coffee, cinchona, and cardamom plantations here and many exotic bird species in their hill stations to visit in Tamilnadu list.
Valparai has several hairpin bends crisscrossed through this rocking hills of tea. Moreover, the presence of Nirar Dam, Anamalai Tiger Reserve, and Sholayar Dam adds to the charm. In order to promote tourism in the state of Tamil Nadu, a three-day summer festival is organized here in the month of May which has food, music, games, and much more.
Key places to visit: Chinnakallar Falls, Grass Hill meadows, the Aliyar Dam, etc.
Ideal Duration of the Trip: 1-2 days
Nearest station: Coimbatore
Nearest City: Coimbatore 105km
Ideal Time to Visit: Oct – Nov and Mar-May
Nearest Airport to Valparai: Coimbatore International Airport
Nearest Railway Station to Valparai: Mettupalayam Railway Station
7. Ketti Valley
If you are a nature lover and want to experience nature’s abundance and panoramic vistas, then Ketti Valley is the right place to go. The valley is home to many tribes such as the Todas and Bagadas. Ketti is also known as the Switzerland of the Nilgiris as it is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
Key places to visit: Upper Bhavani Lake, Doddabetta Peak, Government Rose Garden, Avalanche Lake, Government Botanical Garden, etc.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Base station: Ooty
Nearest City: Ooty 4 km
Best Time to Visit: Mar-May
8. Kotagiri
Kotagiri which is located 1793 m above the sea in the Nilgiris is among the oldest and third largest and best hill stations in Tamilnadu after Coonoor and Ooty. Kotagiri is a favorite summer retreat, which is known for its breathtaking views, tea estates, coffee plantations, rock climbing, and trekking trails.
Kotagiri is also the third oldest hill station in Nilgiris, and hence, has its old charm. The travelers can enjoy their stay in the tea plantations’ estates ad take blessings at the Kota Temple.
Key places to visit: Longwood Shola Forest, Catherine Falls, John Sullivan Memorial, Kodanad Viewpoint, Elk Falls, Rangaswamy Peak, and Pillars.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest station: Ooty
Nearest City: Ooty 29 km
Most Preferred Time to Visit: Dec-May
Nearest Airport to Kotagiri: Coimbatore International Airport
Nearest Railway Station to Kotagiri: Coonoor Junction
9. Javadi Hills
Dive into the ideal delight for nature’s lush green quotient in Javadi Hills. It is another offbeat destination in Tamil Nadu for nature lovers. Waterfalls like Beeman Falls and the lush green peaks add to the beauty and give numerous photography opportunities to all travelers.
Go on the short treks around the hill station and enjoy the sweet fragrance of spice, tea, and coffee plantations.
Key places to see: Beeman Maduvu Falls, Amirthi Forest, Kommuteri Lake, etc.
Ideal Duration: 3 days
Closest Airport to Kotagiri: Vellore Airport, 88 km/2 hours
Closest Railway Station to Kotagiri: Katpadi Junction, 83 km/2 hour
10. Yercaud
Located in the Eastern Ghats in the Shevaroy Hills, Yercaud is a less-discovered treasure and a rejuvenating hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu. This small hill station is located at an altitude of 1,623 meters and is known for its natural beauty, orange groves, fruit, and spice plantations, oak and sandalwood forests, and huge coffee estates. Indeed, Yercaud is truly a paradise for nature lovers.
Indeed, Yercaud is included in the list of hill stations in Tamilnadu for every traveler. During your stay in Yercaud, don’t forget to capture the orange groves, and walk at the spice, tea, and coffee plantations.
Key places to visit: Botanical Farm, Deer Park, Emerald Lake, Pagoda Point, Bear’s Cave, Silk Farm, Killiyur Falls, Tipperary View Point, Shevaroy Temple, etc.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 days
Nearest station: Salem
Nearest City: Salem
Most Preferred Time to Visit: December-May
Nearest Airport to Yercaud: Salem Airport
Closest Railway Station to Yercaud: Salem Junction
How to Reach Tamilnadu
By Air
Tamilnadu is easily accessible through direct and connecting flights from all over the world. The state of Tamil Nadu has three main international airports including Coimbatore International Airport, Chennai International Airport, Madurai International Airport, and Tiruchirapalli International Airport. The
Chennai International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in India and several domestic and international flights operate from this airport. The main domestic airlines operating from Chennai Airport include Air India, Jet Airways, IndiGo, SpiceJet, etc. Even international flyers from destinations like Sharjah, Dubai, Mauritius, London, Singapore, and Frankfurt can directly reach Chennai Airport.
By Train
Located in the capital city of Tamil Nadu- Chennai, the Southern Railway covers a large area in Tamil Nadu. Chennai Central is the main railway station located in Tamil Nadu having a huge rail network.
By Road
Road transport in Tamil Nadu is well-maintained and is taken care by Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TSTC) and State Express Transport Corporation. Several National Highways like NH 47, NH 49, NH 208, and NH 220 run from Tamil Nadu into Kerala while other highways connect Tamil Nadu to other states.
Conclusion
These are some of the famous hill stations to visit in Tamilnadu which lure tourists from different parts of the country. There are many offbeat hill stations in Tamil Nadu that are gaining popularity due to the massive tourist crowds at popular destinations. The majority of these hill resort towns of Tamil Nadu can be visited all through the year with your loved ones.
If you are a little confused regarding visiting the hill stations of Tamil Nadu, then get in touch with travel experts at Honeymoon Bug. We create theme-based Tamilnadu tour packages based on the needs of our travelers.
FAQs About Hill Stations of Tamil Nadu
Name the coolest hill stations in Tamil Nadu in summer.
Yelagiri, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Yercaud, Valparai, etc. are a few of the coolest hill stations in Tamil Nadu that can be visited all through the year.
How many hill stations are there in Tamil Nadu?
There are a total of 25 hill stations in Tamilnadu which adds to the beauty and exquisiteness. Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Velliangiri Hills, Kolli Hills, Yercaud, Yelagiri, Kodaikanal, etc. are some of the best hill stations in Tamilnadu.
Which hill station in Tamil Nadu is named the Princess of Hill station?
Kodaikanal is popularly known as the Princess of the hill station and gift of forests.
Name the Tamil Nadu Hill station located in close proximity to Chennai.
Kolli Hills, Yercaud, Horsley Hills, Munnar, Yelagiri, Coonoor, etc. are a few of the best hill stations in Tamilnadu located near Chennai.
Why Kodaikanal is a famous hill station in Tamilnadu?
Kodaikanal or the Princes of Hill Stations is famous for its cool and misty weather, the scenic beauty of the rolling hills, and for wooded forest.
Where is the Yercaud hill station in Tamil Nadu located?
Yercaud hill station in Tamil Nadu is located in the Salem district.
What is the other name of Ooty?
Ooty is commonly known as the Queen of Hills due to its extensive tea plantations, prismatic lakes, and unblemished greenery. In fact, it remains among the top list of hill stations in Tamilnadu. Also, it is the biggest hill station of Tamil Nadu.
What are some adventurous things to do in Tamil Nadu hill stations?
From paragliding in Yercaud to Mountain biking in Ooty to hill climbing in Kodaikanal to jungle trekking in Mudumalai to camping in Valparai, there are numerous things to do while visiting the best hill station in Tamilnadu.
Which is the second-highest hill station located in Nilgiris?
Coonoor is the second-highest hill station to visit in Tamilnadu, which is located at a height of 1,850 meters (6,070 feet) above sea level.
Which is the most difficult hill drive in Tamil Nadu?
Koli Hill Road, Tamil Nadu which is also known as the “Death Mountains,” is the most difficult hill drive in Tamil Nadu. Also, it is an extremely narrow road having many potholes and patches.
