Picture this, a quiet walk into nature with green slopes and groves all around. At the same time you’re accompanied by fog hanging in the air and have the warm embrace of your shawl. Sounds like a perfect break from reality, doesn’t it? Well, you can relish this scenario in the splendid hill stations of Tamil Nadu. The state is home to several gorgeous hill stations. And here’s a list of the 17 best hill stations in Tamil Nadu that you need to check out for a getaway.
17 Best Hill Stations In Tamil Nadu For A Break
1. Ooty
One of the most famous hill stations of Southern India is Ooty. Located in the Nilgiri mountains, it is known as the “Queen of the Nilgiris”. While you’re here, be sure to come across the Nilgiri mountain railway, which is Asia’s steepest railway track. The sprawling tea estates, colonial architecture, and gushing waterfalls are sure to leave you charmed. These scenic views make Ooty a popular honeymoon destination. And before you leave, make sure to take some aromatized tea leaves back home.
How To Reach: Ooty has its own railway station, which is connected to all major cities. You can easily access Ooty by road from Chennai (11-12 hrs), Bangalore (7 hrs), Coimbatore (3 hrs), or Mettupalayam (2 hrs). For those of you travelling from Bangalore, you can take the NH275 or NH209.
Best Time To Visit: March to June.
Things To Check Out:
- Doddabetta Peak
- Tea Museum
- Dolphin’s Nose
- Botanical Gardens
2. Coonoor
After Ooty, Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris. And just like Ooty, this one is famous for its abundant tea production. Not only is it known for the lush green tea garden but also for its cascading waterfalls. Other than exploring the natural scenery and colonial culture, you can indulge in trekking, swimming, or going on a toy train ride. And if you want to escape the summer heat, a trip to Coonoor would be a perfect relief. With several guesthouses and heritage homes in place, this hill station serves to be a dreamy destination.
How To Reach: The nearest cities to Coonoor by road are Coimbatore (NH181), Mysore (NH766 and Mysuru-Ooty road), Pondicherry (NH544, NH81, NH38) or Bangalore (NH948 or NH75). But if you’re traveling by train, then you can get down at the Coonoor railway station, which is a part of the Nilgiri mountain railway.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Things To Check Out:
- Sim’s park
- Lamb’s Rock
- Catherine falls
- Law’s falls
- Wellington Golf Course
3. Yelagiri
Imagine a place with mountains surrounded by lakes, a valley of orchids, and waterfalls flowing at a distance. That would be a description that best fits the hill station of Yelagiri. Being close to Chennai and Bangalore, this hill station is a perfect weekend getaway for the people of both cities. From going on a trek to Jalagamparai falls to paragliding, at Yelagiri you can try it all. With its scenic beauty, it is sure to capture your hearts and minds.
How To Reach: If you plan on traveling by rail, you can get down at the Jolarpettai junction. And by road, you can take state-run or private buses from Chennai (4.5 hrs), Coimbatore (6-7 hrs), or Bangalore (3 hrs).
Best Time To Visit: November to February.
Things To Check Out:
- Swamimalai Hills
- Velavan temple
- Jalagamparai waterfalls
- Punganoor Lake Park
- Yelagiri Nature Park
4. Anaimalai
Anaimalai is home to several elephants in Tamil Nadu. And, the name Anaimalai literally translates to “elephant hills”. This dense forest patch filled with tea, coffee, and teak plantations makes it a sweet spot to do some light trekking. With its cool climate and green carpets of tea garden, Anamalai awaits your arrival.
How To Reach: To reach Anaimalai you can arrive at the Coimbatore or Pollachi railway station. If you are taking the roadways, then you can take NH544 or NH48 from Cochin or Chennai or avail state-run buses to Anaimalai.
Best Time To Visit: December to June.
Things To Check Out:
- Monkey falls
- Aliyar
- Anaimalai Tiger Reserve
- Attakatti
- Pollachi
5. Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is one of the most famous hill stations in Tamil Nadu, and you must have surely come across this name before. With mystic valleys, vibrant green slopes, and thick forests, it is a nature lover’s heaven. Adorned with plenty of natural wonders, this hill station is truly “the gift of the forests”. Because it is the second coolest hill station in Tamil Nadu, you can visit this hill station any time of the year.
How To Reach: Madurai (3 hrs), Pondicherry (8 hrs), Chennai (10 hrs), and Coimbatore (5 hrs) are some of the nearest cities to Kodaikanal by road. If you’re traveling by train, you can arrive at Kodai road railway station.
Best Time To Visit: April to June.
Things To Check Out:
- Pillar Rocks
- Kodai lake
- Bryant park
- Berijam lake
- Kodaikanal Pine forest
- Kukkal caves
6. Palani Hills
Adjoining the Anaimalai hills, is the renowned hill station of Palani. This hilly town is known for its scenic landscape, serene lakes, and the foggy hills. Of these the most prominent attractions are the two hills of Sakthigiri and Sivagiri. Palani hills is also popular for being a Hindu pilgrimage site.
How To Reach: If you’re taking the train you can arrive directly at Palani railway station. By road Palani is about 6-7 hr drive from Cochin (NH544 and NH83), 8-9 hr drive from Chennai (Chennai-Theni Highway), and about a 3 hr drive from Madurai (NH44 or NH85).
Best Time To Visit: November to March.
Things To Check Out:
- Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
- Thiru Avinankudi temple
- Kuthiraiyar dam
- Bogar Samadhi
- Periyanayaki Amman temple
7. Meghamalai
If you’re looking to visit an off-beat hill station in Tamil Nadu, then Meghamalai is the place for you. Strolling through the mesmerizing forests of Meghamalai, you will definitely come across several exotic birds. Apart from the rich foliage, you can also have some fun trekking to the enchanting waterfalls. To witness its beauty at its best, you need to be here during the monsoons.
How To Reach: Meghamalai can be accessed via the nearest railway station of Madurai. Alternatively, you can take a private vehicle to Meghamalai, or take a bus from Munnar (4 hrs), Tirunelveli (4-5 hrs), Madurai (3 hrs), Periyakulam (2 hrs), or Bodinayakanur (2 hrs).
Best Time To Visit: October to May.
Things To Check Out:
- Meghamalai falls
- Vellamalai
- Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
- Maharajamettu view point
8. Yercaud
A scenery of rolling green carpets on hill slopes with the backdrop of clear blue skies and cotton-like clouds best describes the landscape of Yercaud. What accounts for the lush greenery here are the acres of coffee plantations and orchards. These orchards are home to juicy oranges and pears and the forests are abode to many oak and sandalwood trees. Be it exploring the Bear’s cave, relaxing in the Deer park, or just taking in the panoramic views from Pagoda point, Yercaud is sure to leave its trace in your memory.
How To Reach: If you’re coming by train get down at the Salem junction and take a cab or bus to Yercaud. And if you’re taking the road then maybe arrange a private vehicle or take a bus from Salem (1 hr), Chennai (7-8 hrs), or Coimbatore (4.5-5.5 hrs).
Best Time To Visit: October to June.
Things To Check Out:
- Emerald lake
- Pagoda point
- Anna Park
- Silk Farm
- Killiyur falls
9. Valparai
If you’re someone who loves to admire the beauty of forests, then you have to visit Valparai at least once in your lifetime. With a large forest cover, Valparai is in a region that has many national parks that are home to a variety of animals and birds. It also has abundant tea and coffee plantations covering the hill slopes. This hill station has a lot to offer along with the bountiful trekking trails for the adventure enthusiast in you.
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Pollachi and you can also take a road trip to this hill station by car or by taking a bus from Pollachi or Coimbatore. From Pollachi you can take the SH78 or NH83 and SH78 from Coimbatore.
Best Time To Visit: May to September.
Things To Check Out:
- Solaiyar Dam
- Vellamalai Tunnel River
- Birala waterfalls
- Chinna Kallar falls
- Balaji temple
10. Kotagiri
Nestled in the Nilgiri hills is the peaceful and calm hill station of Kotagiri. Much like Anaimalai, this one too has lovely tea and coffee plantations. A morning in Kotagiri could start by having a refreshing cup of tea and enjoying the outstanding landscape from the window of your room. The spiky terrains are a prominent feature of Kotagiri’s scenery and might attract you to try some rock-climbing. Kotagiri is also adorned by many European-style houses dating to the British era. And one of the best ways to know more about the roots of Kotagiri is to stay at the homestays.
How To Reach: Coimbatore railway station, is the nearest railway station to Kotagiri. And since Kotagiri has good road connectivity you can also take a road trip or get buses from neighboring cities like Coimbatore (2 hrs), Mysore (4-5 hrs), or Salem (4-4.5 hrs).
Best Time To Visit: December to May.
Things To Check Out:
- Elk falls
- Kodanad viewpoint
- Catherine falls
- Longwood Shola
- Rangaswamy Peak and Pillars
11. Manjolai Hills
Yet another less explored hill station to make it to our list is the Manjolai hills. This hill station belongs to a thickly forested area. To walk through the meadows of Manjolai is a truly exhilarating experience. Other than wandering through its forests you can spend some quality time with your friends and family at its gushing waterfalls and calm lakes. If you visit the beautiful Kakkachi lake, you will find a natural Golf course adjacent to the lake which is what makes it a famous tourist spot.
How To Reach: The nearest train station is Tirunelveli and the airport is Tuticorin, from here you can take a cab or bus to Manjolai. Buses to Manjolai can be availed from any of the major cities of Tamil Nadu, like Tirunelveli.
Best Time To Visit: November to March.
Things To Check Out:
- Dasan Pool
- Kuthirai Vetti Watch Tower
- Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
- Manimutharu waterfalls
12. Kolli Hills
The road leading up to Kolli hills has bizarre hairpin bends. Maybe that is why it gets the ominous name “Mountain of Deaths”. Since these hills are away from the touch of mainstream tourism, the natural gifts of Kolli hills are well-preserved. From waterfalls to ancient caves, this hill station has it all. Other than these marvels, it is known for the Arapaleeswarar temple, which houses the idol of Lord Shiva.
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Salem. You can also easily get buses to Kolli hills from major cities like Chennai (10-11 hrs), Bangalore (8 hrs), Coimbatore (2.5 hrs), Kochi (7-10 hrs), Salem (4.5 hrs), or Madurai (6 hrs).
Best Time To Visit: February to December.
Things To Check Out:
- Seeku Parai Hill Point
- Ettukai Amman temple
- Agaya Gangai waterfalls
- Siddhar caves
- Arappaleeswarar temple
13. Velliangiri Hills
Velliangiri hills is located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is also known by Sapthagiri or Seven Hills. Among its serene natural beauty and rich wildlife, is the sacred temple of Lord Shiva. Surrounded by forests, you can even meditate here in solitude as the sages do. On your trip to Velliangiri, you also gear up for a trekking adventure. And if you’re lucky you might even spot a deer or two.
How To Reach: The best way to access Velliangiri hills is to arrive at Coimbatore by rail. You can also plan to take the roadways to Velliangiri by taking regular buses to the hill station from Coimbatore and Kozhikode.
Best Time To Visit: October to April.
Things To Check Out:
- Siruvani waterfalls
- Siruvani reservoir
- Bheeman Stone
- Velliangiri Sivan Temple
14. Javadi Hills
Unlike the other spectacular hill stations of Tamil Nadu located on the Western Ghats, Javadi hills are on the Eastern Ghats. And, it is just as lovely as the other hill stations of Tamil Nadu. You can witness its beauty in the thick forest covers and the dazzling white streams. In the forests of Javadi hills, you might spot some birds and animals that you don’t get to see every day. Thanks to the many vantage points on the hills, to which you can trek and soak in the picturesque views from here.
How To Reach: The nearest railway station to Javadi hills is Katpadi at a distance of 54 km. If you’re coming by road from Chennai you can take the NH4, or you can arrive at Thiruvannamalai and take a regular bus to Javadi hills.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Things To Check Out:
- Komutteri Lake
- Bheeman waterfalls
- Vainu Bappu Observatory
15. Sirumalai
Yet another hill station on the Eastern ghats is Sirumalai. The landscape of Sirumalai might remind you of one of those serene wallpapers on your screen, with misty mountains and greenery all around. The route to this hill station has many hairpin bends, so make sure you’re an experienced driver or have one along. With its less explored mountains and forests filled with rich wildlife and many medicinal plants, Sirumalai is one of the calm and cleanest hill stations.
How To Reach: At just 90 km away is the Madurai airport. The nearest railway station is the Dindigul junction, which is around 25 km away. You can also consider taking buses from Dindigul or Madurai to reach Sirumalai.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Things To Check Out:
- Sirumalai Reserved forest
- A.vellodu dam
- Kutladampatti falls
- Annai Velankanni Church.
16. Theni
Being home to 27 rich forests, Theni is a hamlet filled with greenery. Another reason to add to its green patches is the vast tea gardens. So it shouldn’t be a surprise as to why you can get the faint aroma of tea when you’re in Theni. Other than this, Theni is also known for its mighty hills and mountains, and the gushing waterfalls, rivers, and dams. Also, if you are someone who is crazy about handloom products, then the local markets of Theni could be your paradise!
How To Reach: The nearest railway stations are Madurai, Coimbatore, and Chennai. If you’re planning a road trip, then these are the favorable highways from Chennai NH48 and NH44, from Coimbatore NH183 or NH81, and from Madurai NH85.
Best Time To Visit: December to February.
Things To Check Out:
- Suruli falls
- Vaigai Dam
- Chinna Suruli falls
- Bodinayakkanur
17. Ketti Valley
Known as the Switzerland of India, Ketty valley is a stunning hill station between Ooty and Coorg. The best way to get your head around the beauty of Ketti valley is to take a toy train ride around the valley. Ketti valley offers you the chance to find your inner peace, but surrounding you with the serenity of its natural wonders. These include the lush green tea gardens, cascading waterfalls, and blue mountains. You can also check out the famous Shiva Lingam temple while you’re in Ketti valley.
How To Reach: To reach Ketti Valley by train you need to arrive at the nearest railway station of Mettupalayam. Otherwise, you can take a road trip to Ketti Valley or take a bus from Ooty via NH181.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Things To Check Out:
- Ketti Valley viewpoint
- Government tea garden Ooty
- Katary waterfalls
- Cairn Hill Reserve forest.
