The hot and humid climate can dampen the spirits of anyone planning a trip to South India. Fortunately, the region is speckled with hill stations that offer a respite from the scorching sun. You can plan a trip to any of the famous hill stations in South India to behold the natural bounties of the region and partake in the local culture. So, if you are ready for a memorable trip with your near and dear ones, pick any of the following hill stations in South India.
Top 12 Hill Stations in South India for an Amazing Vacay
Munnar – The land of tea estates
This popular hill station in South India will make you fall in love with it at first sight. Munnar is the abode of lush tea gardens, cascading waterfalls, misty hills and rich biodiversity. Owing to its perfect romantic setting, it is also counted among the best romantic destinations in India.
Places to See in Munnar: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Tea Museum, Attukad Waterfalls, Pothamedu View Point, Top Station, Echo Point
Coorg – The Scotland of India
Salubrious weather, rolling hills, lush greenery, undisturbed serenity; Coorg has everything you need to refresh your body, mind and spirit. The rolling hills and misty climate will remind of the Scottish Highlands. Hence, the nickname, ‘The Scotland of India’. Coorg also boasts a bevy of vantage points that offer awe-inspiring vistas of the Western Ghats. All these things make it a remarkable hill station in South India.
Places to See in Coorg: Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Harangi Dam, Honnamana Kere Lake, Omkareshwara Temple, Madikeri Fort, Mallalli Falls
Ooty – The pride of Nilgiri
Short for Udhagamandalam, Ooty is another top hill station in south India’s Nilgiri Hills that draws holidaymakers from near and far. It once served as the summer resort for the British Government elite. The mesmerising charm of this town has earned it the nickname – The Queen of Hills – and made it one of the top hill stations in India. A trip to Ooty will present you with the opportunity to conquer Doddabetta peak, the highest mountain peak in the region.
Places to See in Ooty: Avalanche Lake, Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Deer Park, Doddabetta Peak, Kalhatty Waterfalls, Mudumalai National Park
Kodaikanal – A couple’s haven
A popular hill station in South India’s Tamil Nadu state, Kodaikanal offers an idyllic setting for a romantic trip. It is the abode of serene lakes, evergreen forests and gorgeous waterfalls. A thin layer of mist adds to the enchanting beauty of Kodaikanal. Apart from nature lovers, this hill station also attracts a vast number of thrill seekers who come to try activities like trekking, camping, rappelling, paragliding and more.
Places to See in Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal Lake, Suicide Point, Bear Shola Falls, Dolphin’s Nose, Pillar Rocks, Thalaiyar Falls, Devil’s Kitchen, Coaker’s Walk
Kudremukh – A dream destination for adventurers
Another well-known hill station in South India, Kudremukh is an adventurer’s dream. The rugged terrain of the place and its environs make it ideal for trekking and camping. Kudremukh also makes a perfect destination for a solo trip as well.
Places to See in Kudremukh: Kudremukh Peak, Hanuman Gundi Falls, Kalasa, Janta Market, Kudremukh National Park, Kadambi Falls, Horanadu
Coonoor – For memorable family vacay
The second largest hill station in the Nilgiris, Coonoor is everything serene and breathtaking. If you are planning a vacation with your family, then Coonoor is the perfect spot for it. Nestled at an elevation of over 1800 metres, it boasts mountainous landscape, soothing weather, and a plethora of points of interest to keep your family engaged during the sojourn.
Places to See in Coonoor: Sim’s Park, St. George’s Church, Law’s Falls, Rallia Dam, Dolphin’s Nose, Lady Canning’s Seat, All Saints Church
Wayanad – A delight in God’s Own Country
Although not as popular as Munnar, Wayanad is also a great pick for people seeking top hill stations in South India. It gives you a chance to come across the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats at the 344-sq-km Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The protected area is home to Indian tiger, bison, elephant and deer.
Places to See in Wayanad: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Kuruva Island, Pookode Lake, Neelima Viewpoint, Meenmutty Waterfalls
Thekkady – For the love of the wild
If you are a nature lover who also fancies wildlife, then Thekkady is the perfect hill station in South India for you. It experiences pleasant weather all around the year. Thus, you can plan your trip at any time. You can go on a jungle safari at Periyar National Park to come across tigers, wild bison and other species. The small town of Thekkady is also an ideal place for a laidback, relaxing vacation.
Places to See in Thekkady: Periyar National Park, Thekkady Lake, Anakkara, Spice Plantations, Chellarkovil Viewpoint, Pandikuzhi
Ananthagiri Hills – Escape the heat
Ananthagiri Hills is a breath of fresh air in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This popular hill station in South India lures tourists with lush greenery and serenity. It is also home to a number of vantage points that command panoramic views of verdant mountains. A myriad of lakes and waterfalls also add to the spell-binding beauty of Ananthagiri Hills.
Places to See in Ananthagiri Hills: Borra Hills and Caves, Araku Tribal Museum, Padmapuram Gardens, Lord Anantha Padmanabha Temple, Bhavanasi Lake
Nandi Hills – A getaway near Bangalore
The last name on this list of the best hill stations in South India is Nandi Hills of Karnataka. It is a well-known holiday destination near Bangalore and remains swamped with tourists almost all around the year. The best part of planning a trip to Nandi Hills is that you can do so much here. Explore a historical fortress, capture vistas from vantage points, seek solace at shrines and more.
Places to See in Nandi Hills: Tipu’s Drop, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Tipu’s Summer Residence, Amrita Sarovar, Brahmashram, Muddenahalli
Devikulam – A place of divine beauty
Calling Devikulam – one of the most underrated hill stations in South India – would not be an exaggeration. Apart from mountainous landscape, soothing weather, abundant greenery and undisturbed tranquillity, the place is also renowned for the sacred lake it is home to. Locals believe that Lord Rama and Goddess Sita once took a bath in this water body, and as a result, it holds immense healing power.
Places to See in Devikulam: Devikulam Lake, Thoovanam Falls, Pallivasal Falls, Mattupetty Dam, Meesapulimala, Idukki National Park, Attala Rock Shelter, Kundala Lake, Hill View Park
Read more: Best Honeymoon Places in South India
Yercaud – A quiet place for romantics
Located in the Shevaroy Hills of the Tamil Nadu state, Yercaud is the realm of coffee, fruit and spice plantations, and orange groves. It is a great choice for couples looking for a refreshing hill station in South India with its placid environs, boating opportunities, green spaces and more. You can plan your trip to Yercaud in May to be a part of a lively summer festival organised here every year.
Places to See in Yercaud: Yercaud Lake, Pagoda Point, Rose Garden, Kottachedu Teak Forest, Bears Cave, Kiliyur waterfall, Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple
Now that you know about the most popular hill stations in South India, all that’s left is hitting up your squad, packing bags and hitting the road. Have a whale of a time as you explore these amazing places.