Top 10 Hill Stations In South India

1. Ooty

Ooty comes first among the top south-Indian hill stations which boasts several attractions to be experienced by the visitors. Whether it is natural splendour, rolling hills, tea plantations, lakes or gardens, it offers a variety of diversity for travellers.

Located in the Nilgiris district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is also known as the queen of hill stations. From Nilgiri mountain train rides, strolling through the botanical garden or sightseeing at the Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, tourists can engage in an array of adventures.

Best time to visit: October to March

Best Places to Visit in Ooty: Pykara Waterfalls, Doddabeta Peak, Ooty Lake, Eik Hill Murugan Temple, Fernhills Palace, Tea Museum etc.

Best Things to Do in Ooty: Toda Huts visit, Enjoy sightseeing from the Doddabeta peak, Participate in the summer festival Ooty, visit the old Stephen’s church, the Nilgiri mountain toy train rides experience.

2. Coorg

Coorg in South is the most frequented hill station located in Karnataka’s southwestern part. Known for its natural charm and diverse wildlife, Coorg’s residents are well-known for their hospitality, kindness and bravery. Coffee plantations are widely popular in the town and their atmosphere smells like the aroma of coffee. Visitors from different parts of India and overseas come to Coorg to enjoy its diverse range of wildlife, its pleasant climate, waterfalls, mountain ranges, valleys, and forests.

Best Time to Visit Coorg: October to June.

Best activities in Coorg: Abbey Falls view, Namdroling Monastery, Stroll through the Elephant Camp, Sunset Watching at Raja’s Seat and White water rafting in Barapole.

Best Places to Visit: Harangi Dam, Kotebetta Trek Peak, Chiklihole Reservoir, Nalknad Aramane Palace, Somwarpet, Raja’s Tomb, Namdroling Monastery etc.

3. Munnar

Another hill destination on the list is Munnar, famous for spice plantations, scenic beauty, wildlife and greenery. Imagine waking up with a view of a misty mountain, waterfall and natural calmness, Indeed, Munnar makes it feasible. A plethora of attractions arrests the tourists sights, including the Marayoor hamlet, Tata Tea Museum and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in the Idduki district of Kerala, Munnar is blessed with virgin forests, scenic valleys and winding walkways.

Best Time to Visit Munnar: September to June

Best Places to Visit in Munnar: Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Eravikulam National Park, Blossom International Park, Kundala Lake, Tea Museum, Attukad Waterfalls, Pothamedu viewpoint etc.

Top Things to do in Munnar: Learn how tea is made, Jeep Safari, Suryanelli Camping, Meesapulimala Trek and Camping, Tree House Stay, Camping at Top Station, Talk to yourself at Echo Point etc.

4. Wayanad

Wayanad offers tranquillity to its visitors unlike the bustling and crowded metropolitan cities. The place is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and has dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and ancient caves. The well-known hill station offers many breathtaking locations that ensure a peaceful and unforgettable experience. Located in the north-eastern region of Kerala, Wayanad has various locations for trekking, and bird watching, a waterfall, and top viewpoints that give adventurers an adrenaline boost.

Best Time to Visit Wayanad: October to May.

Best Places to Visit in Wayanad: Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Kanthanpara Waterfall, Soochippara Falls, Lakkidi View Point, Sree Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple, Banasura Hill etc.

Top Things to do in Wayanad: Camping, Trekking, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Visit, Bamboo Rafting at Kuruva Island, Edakkal Caves visit, Boating at Pakoode Lake etc.

5. Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is the most charming hill station located in the eastern ghat of Karnataka. Illuminating greenery, pleasant climate and serene atmosphere are the reasons that attract visitors from across the world to visit the town. Tourists also extends their stay for a couple of days to enjoy Chikmagalur Adventures and its panoramic scenery. Coffee plantations, lush green forests, tall mountains, trekking trails and historical sites of the city make it a must-visiting destination for explorers.

Best Time to Visit Chikmagalur: September to March

Top Places to Visit in Chikmagalur: Kudremukh National Park, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Baba Budangiri Peak, Hirekolale Lake, Kallthagiri Falls, Bhadra Dam, Manikyadhara Falls, Z Point, Coffee Museum..

Best Things to Do in Chikmagalur: Kudremukh Trek, Camping at different locations, Mullayanagiri trek, Bhadra river rafting, Tea plantation walk, Hebbe Falls view, Jhari Falls visit, Spiritual Tour to Sharadamba Temple etc.

6. Nandi Hills

Located in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka near Bengaluru, Nandi Hill offers amazing hill escape in South India. Those looking for a peaceful vacation in the natural landscape away from the big cities’ noise and pollution should spend their weekends or vacations in this beautiful location. Tourists can also enjoy various adventuring sports in Nandi Hill. The place has historical significance too and has served as the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan due to its cool climate. It is nearby the Kempegowda International Airport and Bengaluru Railway Station.

Best Time to Visit: September to May

Best Places to Visit in Nandi Hills: Tipu’s Drop, Bhramashram, Sri Bhoga Nandishwara Gudi, Nandi Hills Sunrise Viewpoint, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Muddenahalli, Amrita Sarovar etc.

Top activities of Nandi Hills: Camping, Day excursion in foothills, Paragliding, Skandagiri Hills Trek, Chennagiri Trek, Cycling and Biking, Visit to Tipu’s Drop, Visit To Amrita Sarovar etc.

7. Coonoor

The next on the list is the famous and second-largest hill station in Nilgiri Hills. It is known for its quieter atmosphere, stunning viewpoints, and diverse collection of plant species. Coonoor is also popular for Dolphin’s Nose, a popular viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas, which are key attractions. It is also the most beautiful hill station, famous for its lush greenery, bird sanctuaries and tea plantation. It sits at an altitude of over 6000 in the western ghat Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu.

Best Time to visit Connor: October to March.

Best Places to Visit in Coonoor: Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Tiger Hill Cemetery, Lamb’s Rock, Highfield Tea Factory, Rallia Dam, Droog Fort, Laws Falls, etc.

Best Things to do in Coonor: Nilgiri Mountain Railway ride, Hidden Valley trekking, Picnic at Sim’s Park, Road trip to Lamb’s Rock, Highfield Tea Factory exploration, Swimming at Catherine Falls, Historical excursion at Droog Fort etc.

8. Vegamon

Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Vegamon is famous among tourists for its green lush landscapes, tranquil atmosphere, spice garden and forests. It offers several recreational outdoor activities and sightseeing and has various falls, hills and viewpoints. Additionally, it is also famous for its wide Mountain ranges, green grass and pine forests. Tourists can also engage in leisure activities and visit Pilgrimage sites in Vegamon. It is a perfect gateway for thrilling experiences including, paragliding and trekking

Best Time to Visit Vegamon: October to April

Best Places to Visit in Vegamon: Kurisumala, Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary, Vagamon Falls, Kurisumala Ashram, Barren Hills, Vagamon Pine Forest, The Pattumalai Church, Vagamon Lake etc.

Top things to do in Vegamon: Lake Boating, Pine forest exploration, Paragliding, Trekking, Visit to Murugan Mala, Reaching Karikadu View Point, Visit to Thangal Para- a pilgrimage site.

9. Kodaikanal

Popularly known as the princess of hill stations, Kodaikanal is a prominent hill resort in Tamil Nadu, India. The place is a famous holiday destination in South India, which has an array of attractions including, rolling hills, wooded forests, valleys, lakes, waterfalls and grassy hills. The hill station stands 7200 feet above sea level and is located close to Madurai in the Western Ghats’ upper Palani Hills. Tourists admire Kodaikanal’s exhilarating activities and enjoy the Night Safari, boating, hiking, cycling etc at this hill station.

Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal: October to May.

Best Places to Visit in Kodaikanal: Kodai Lake, Green Valley View, Bear Shola Falls, Thalaiyar Falls, Silver Cascade Falls, Brayant Park, Silent Valley View, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Kukkal Caves, Berijam Lake, La Salette Church.

Best Things to Do in Kodaikanal: Night Safari, Boat ride, View from Dolphin Nose, Hiking, Bear Shola fall visit etc

10. Anaimalai

The final destination on the list is Anaimalai, which is also known as the Elephant Mountains. Located in the western ghat of Kerala, Anaimalai is enriched with biodiversity, natural landscape and abundant wildlife. There are various wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and reserve forests that take the attention of travellers from various Indian cities and beyond. Tourists can engage in a line of activities at Anaimalai including wildlife visits, trekking, waterfalls etc.

Best time to visit Anaimalai: September to June.

Top Places to Visit in Anaimalai: Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Idamalayar Reserve Forest, Mankulam Forest Division Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, and Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Athirappilly Water Falls, Cheeyappara Waterfalls etc.

Best Time to visit: September to June.

Best Things to do in Anaimalai: Wildlife sabcturies visit, Temple visit, Dam visit etc.

Best Places in Anaimalai: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Idamalayar Reserve Forest, Mankulam Forest division Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Anamalai Tiger Reserve etc.