Hill stations or hilly areas in summer are just like candy for a child. It gives a huge smile on the faces of people as and when they hear about them. Blissful, serene, aromatic, and whatnot- the hill stations of southern Indian states are simply amazing.
From calming and soothing weather to the tea and coffee estates; one gets a lot of diversity to rejoice. So, while we pick up a few names for you and list down some important information. Make sure you have all your plans ready and bookings done.
Wait a moment, want help in that as well? No problem, let’s just do it together. Pick your destination and check out the information given below and enjoy your vacation with your partner, friends, family, or even alone (if you want that).
Here is a list of some best hill stations to visit in South India on 2023
1. Ooty
Okay, so Ooty might not be the first name that would strike your mind when you think about hill stations in South India, but it will surely be there. You cannot miss out on the beauty of Nilgiris and all that’s on offer. Ooty is probably one of the most peaceful and beautiful hill towns in India.
There are thousands of visitors who plan their trip to the Queen of Hills every year. From family movers to solo travelers; you will find each one of them here. And it won’t be wrong to say that Ooty is among the best hill stations in South India for summer.
See Also: Best Time to Visit Ooty
Nearest Airport | Coimbatore Airport |
Nearest Railway Station | Coimbatore Railway Station |
Location | Tamil Nadu |
Ideal For | Honeymooners, Families, Couples, Adventure lovers |
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See More: Things to do in Ooty |
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2. Munnar
Munnar’s natural beauty is unfathomable and that’s the reason why this hill station or hill town of Kerala is known as the Kashmir of South India. It is located in the Idukki district in the Western Ghats of India. Bird watching, sightseeing, enjoying delicious delicacies, and so much more is on offer at this amazing place to visit in Kerala.
From exploring the tea estates to enjoying the summits- you have all the amusing activities here to enjoy. And don’t forget the tea tasting sessions.
Nearest Airport | Cochin International Airport |
Nearest Railway Station | Ernakulam Railway Station |
Location | Kerala |
Ideal For | Adventure Lovers, Couples, Honeymooners, Families |
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See More: Places to visit in Munnar |
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See More: Things to do in Munnar |
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3. Madikeri (Coorg)
Situated at an altitude of 1452 m; Madikeri (Coorg) is an amazing hill station or hill town situated in Karnataka. This beautiful place is situated in a perfect location making it immensely beautiful. From cascading waterfalls and spice plantations to green verdant forest and misty mountains- Coorg is rightfully the “Scotland of India.”
The unparalleled beauty of this place leaves people mesmerized and they wish to stay here for long. Multiple people visit here over and over again.
See Also: Best Time to Visit Coorg
Nearest Airport | Mangalore Airport |
Nearest Railway Station | Mysore Junction |
Location | Karnataka |
Ideal For | Couples, Honeymooners, Families, Leisure Travelers |
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4. Kodaikanal
If you were to list some of the amazing hill stations in Tamil Nadu, then Kodaikanal has to be there on your list. One of the most vibrant towns in the state and a place where you get to enjoy the peaceful environment at its best. While visiting Kodaikanal you will see that there is a huge diversity in terms of visitors.
From leisure travelers to families, you will find a lot of different types of people here. And there is no dearth of amusing and breathtaking attractions at this hill station.
Nearest Airport | Madurai Airport |
Nearest Railway Station | Madurai Railway Station |
Location | Tamil Nadu |
Ideal For | Honeymooners, Nature Lovers, Leisure Travelers |
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5. Ponmudi
Now, Ponmudi is a bit offbeat and not as popular as the other hill stations on this list. This place is a very beautiful and enjoyable destination for all kinds of travellers. You can carry out a lot of different types of activities and also make sure that you don’t miss out on the fun.
Spending a weekend to a complete week is doable here. So pack your bags and hit the destination with your travel partners.
Nearest Airport | Trivandrum International Airport |
Nearest Railway Station | Trivandrum Railway Station |
Location | Kerala |
Ideal For | Honeymooners, Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers |
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6. Coonoor
One of the finest hill stations in South India-Coonoor is a peaceful destination. If you are looking for a place that is more of a hideout from the hustle-bustle of cities, then Coonoor will serve you right! With all the attraction offerings and amazing things to do- it won’t be wrong to say that Coonoor is a top-notch hill station in Tamil Nadu. Apart from this, you can also visit Ooty which is not far away from here.
The hill station is also home to several colonial-era bungalows and cottages that offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Sim’s Park, a beautiful botanical garden with a variety of exotic plants and trees, is another popular tourist attraction in Coonoor. Also, Coonoor is one of the highest hill stations in South India.
Nearest Airport | Coimbatore Airport |
Nearest Railway Station | Coimbatore Railway Station |
Location | Tamil Nadu |
Ideal For | Nature and Peace Lovers |
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7. Yercaud
Tamil Nadu is filled with many amazing and beautiful hill stations in South India. It is one of the best places if you want to enjoy peacefulness with good food. Not to forget the amazing palate of activities that can be enjoyed here. And talking about hill stations, you can’t leave aside Yercaud. An ideal destination for every kind of traveler and there is another thing about it; Yercaud is known as the “Ooty of the Poor.” And this is a beautiful place to visit and one of the cheapest hill stations in South India.
Nearest Airport | Trichy Airport (Major Airport) |
Nearest Railway Station | Salem Railway Station (Major Railway Station) |
Location | Tamil Nadu |
Ideal For | Nature Lover and Peace Lover |
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8. Araku Valley
Looking for a hill station in Andhra Pradesh? Why don’t you think of visiting Araku Valley? It is situated in the Eastern Ghats and is surrounded by thick forest. There is a tribal museum which is dedicated to the indigenous tribes of the state.
The valley is surrounded by dense forests that are home to a variety of flora and fauna. The coffee plantations, with their lush green foliage, offer a refreshing respite from the heat and dust of the city. The Borra Caves, located in the valley, are a popular tourist attraction and offer a surreal experience with their unique rock formations and stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
Nearest Airport | Visakhapatnam Airport |
Nearest Railway Station | Visakhapatnam Railway Station |
Location | Andhra Pradesh |
Ideal For | Nature Lovers |
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9. Wayanad
The natural beauty of Wayanad lies in its lush green forests, rolling hills, and sprawling tea plantations. It is home to an extensive range of flora and fauna that adds to the beauty and charm of the region. It is a perfect getaway destination in the mesmerizing Western Ghats. The district is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that are home to an array of animals such as elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, and langurs.
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is one such popular attraction that offers a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the region. The sanctuary is also home to several rare species of birds, including the Malabar Grey Hornbill, the Blue-Winged Parakeet, and the Indian Peafowl. Wayanad is known to be the coldest hill station in South India, but it is highly subjective.
Nearest Airport | Calicut International Airport |
Nearest Railway Station | Kozhikode Railway Station |
Location | Kerala |
Ideal For | Honeymooners and Nature Lovers |
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See More: Things to do in Wayanad |
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10. Idukki
The amazing hill station of Idukki is a district located in Kerala. This wonderful hill town is known for its natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and rich biodiversity. The district is situated on the foothills of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is home to several protected areas, including the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, which covers an area of over 77 square kilometers.
The district is characterized by its rolling hills, lush forests, sparkling rivers and waterfalls, and sprawling tea and spice plantations. The forests of Idukki are home to a rich variety of flora, including several species of rare and endangered plants, such as the Neelakurinji, a flower that blooms once in 12 years. The district is also known for its tea and spice plantations, which cover vast stretches of land and add to the scenic beauty of the region. The serenity and beauty of Idukki is known to be a perfect honeymoon hill station in South India.
Nearest Airport | Cochin International Airport |
Nearest Railway Station | Kottayam Railway Station |
Location | Kerala |
Ideal For | Honeymooners and Solo Travelers |
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11. Yelagiri
The Yelagiri hill station is known for its serene natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and scenic landscapes. The town is situated at an altitude of 1,410 meters above sea level, and its surroundings are covered with lush green forests, rolling hills, and cascading waterfalls.
The hills of Yelagiri are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. The hill station is surrounded by dense forests of teak, sandalwood, silver oak, and eucalyptus trees. The forests are also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, wild boar, spotted deer, rabbits, and a wide range of bird species. It is also named as one of the highest hill stations in South India.
Nearest Airport | Bangalore International Airport |
Nearest Railway Station | Jolarpettai Junction |
Location | Vellore district, Tamil Nadu |
Ideal For | Flora and Fauna Lovers |
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12. Kotagiri
The hill town of Kotagiri is surrounded by lush green tea estates, rolling hills, and dense forests that are home to a variety of wildlife. The area is also known for its cool and pleasant climate. The town is also surrounded by many waterfalls, including Catherine Falls, Elk Falls, and Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar.
Kotagiri is home to a range of trees, including eucalyptus, acacia, pine, and wattle. The forests here are home to a variety of wildlife such as bison, deer, wild boar, and several species of birds. One of the popular attractions in Kotagiri is the Longwood Shola, a forest reserve that is home to many rare and endangered species of plants and animals.
Nearest Airport | Coimbatore International Airport |
Nearest Railway Station | Mettupalayam Railway Station |
Location | Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu |
Ideal For | Adventure Seekers and Nature Lovers |
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Conclusion
We have a few more amazing hill stations in South India which we are going to include in this blog. But for now, this is the list and you can decide based on that. Make sure you have all the needful items required for a wonderful trip. More or less we have given all the important information that’s required to you.
Ensure that you have already done the bookings because that’s the best way to travel if you don’t want to face any hiccups.
See Also: Hill Stations in India | Hill stations in North India