Top 17 Hill Stations In Tamil Nadu For A Soothing Getaway

Meera M

There is no dearth of hill stations in Tamil Nadu as it is a state bordered by both the Eastern and Western Ghats. Abundant in natural beauty and blessed with pleasant weather, these hill stations are great destinations for a soothing getaway.

The list of hill stations in Tamil Nadu includes some of the all-time favorites like Ooty and Kodaikanal. The state also has many off-beat and lesser-explored destinations, including Valparai, Kolli Hills, Megamalai, and more.

Besides offering the much-needed relief from the sweltering heat, hill stations in Tamil Nadu cater to the adventure seeker in you. Go trekking or hiking, engage in leisurely activities like boating and nature walks, or enjoy a staycation in the comfort of a luxurious resort – the choice is yours.

Top Hill Stations In Tamil Nadu – Watch The Video

Top 15 Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu

Complete List Of Hill Stations In Tamil Nadu

  1. Ooty
  2. Kodaikanal
  3. Coonoor
  4. Kotagiri
  5. Yelagiri
  6. Yercaud
  7. Valparai
  8. Kolukkumalai
  9. Javadi Hills
  10. Kalrayan Hills
  11. Kolli Hills
  12. Megamalai
  13. Pachaimalai Hills
  14. Ketti Valley
  15. Masinagudi
  16. Manjolai Hills
  17. Bellikkal

Best Hill Stations In Tamil Nadu

Here is a list of some of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu. We have also given other details like the key attractions, activities, how to reach, distance from nearby cities and towns, and more.

1. Ooty

Ooty

Ooty, one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu, needs no introduction, does it? Tucked away in the Nilgiris, at the confluence of the Western and Eastern Ghats, it attracts visitors all through the year.

One of the key factors that make Ooty the Queen of Hill Stations is the diversity of its attractions. Lakes, viewpoints, gardens, viewpoints, tea estates, wildlife, historical attractions, temples, churches, picnic spots, and waterfalls – you name it, and Ooty has it all.

And there’s more! The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, one of the three mountain railways in the country, is in Ooty. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it promises you an exhilarating journey of around five hours (Mettupalayam to Ooty) through a breathtakingly scenic route. 

While here, you can also plan a visit to two other hill stations in Tamil Nadu, namely Coonoor and Kotagiri, both located within 30 km from Ooty town.

Nearest cities and towns to Ooty

Top attractions in Ooty

Top activities to do in Ooty

2. Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal

A hill station as popular as Ooty, Kodaikanal is a traveler’s delight in every sense of the term. At a height of around 7000 feet from sea level, it is located in Palani Hills on the Western Ghats and is nicknamed the Princess of Hill Stations.

Kodaikanal, one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu, has earned a permanent place in the list of best hill stations in Tamil Nadu for more reasons than one. The region is cocooned in thick forests and has natural and manmade attractions, including waterfalls, parks, lakes, viewpoints, museums, temples, and more.

The adventure activities in Kodaikanal are also aplenty, ranging from sightseeing and trekking to camping and picnics. The famous Palani Murugan Temple, one of the most-visited temples in South India, is around 60 km away from here.  

Nearest cities and towns to Kodaikanal

Top attractions in Kodaikanal

Top activities to do in Kodaikanal

3. Coonoor

Coonoor

Coonoor is yet another Tamil Nadu hill station located in the Nilgiris, located around 20 km away from Ooty. The place is best known for its sprawling plantations that produce the world-famous Nilgiris Tea.

Though a small town, Coonoor has several attractions and activities to keep you engaged. Lush green valleys, beautiful parks, cascading waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and charming trekking trails all come together to make Coonoor one of the most picturesque hill stations in Tamil Nadu.

Travelers normally club their trip to Coonoor with two other major hill stations in Tamil Nadu, namely Ooty and Kotagiri. It is recommended that you plan your itinerary such that you can explore the best of all three destinations.

Nearest cities and towns to Coonoor

Top attractions in Coonoor

Top activities to do in Coonoor

4. Kotagiri

Kotagiri
Manojtr5664, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kotagiri is the third-largest hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills, the other two being Ooty and Coonoor.  This charming hill town rests on the Western Ghats, at an altitude of over 6000 feet from sea level.

The hill town of Kotagiri is charming, to say the least. You can see many tea plantations and colonial-style cottages sprinkled across the town. The region is also dotted with a decent range of attractions, ranging from waterfalls to viewpoints.

Compared to Ooty, Kotagiri is Compared to Ooty, Kotagiri is a less crowded destination and hence preferred by travelers looking for peaceful staycations.

Nearest cities and towns to Kotagiri

Top attractions in Kotagiri

Top activities to do in Kotagiri

5. Yelagiri

Yelagiri Hills
Yelagiri Hills. Image Source SingaravelanG

Located in the district of Tirupattur, Yelagiri (also called Elagiri) is a quaint hill station comprising 14 villages. The region, surrounded by green valleys and orchards, serves as the perfect summer retreat for people who prefer an off-beat holiday experience.

The main reason why Yelagiri is popular among tourists is its proximity to cities. At a distance of around 160 km, it is one of the best hill stations near Bangalore for a quick weekend getaway. The city of Chennai is around 220 km from Yelagiri.

It also scores high on sightseeing and adventure activities. The region is dotted with many attractions such as waterfalls and lakes, making it a preferred destination for tourists. As Yelagiri is a hub for trekking and paragliding, it is visited by adventure seekers as well.

Nearest cities and towns to Yelagiri

Top attractions in Yelagiri

Top activities to do in Yelagiri

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6. Yercaud

Yercaud

Another noteworthy name in the long list of hill stations in Tamil Nadu is Yercaud, a scenic destination tucked away in the Shevaroy Hill Ranges of the Eastern Ghats. This small hilly town near Salem is known for its cool climate, coffee estates, orange groves, and spice plantations.

Yercaud is also famous among travelers as one of the most affordable hill stations in South India. In addition to an exciting range of attractions like waterfalls, lakes, and viewpoints, the hill station has quite a few activities to keep the adventure junkies engaged.

Being one of the many hill stations in Tamil Nadu developed by the British, the place retains traces of its past in the form of colonial-style buildings and bungalows. Driving through the scenic and winding 32-km Loop Road is another experience you shouldn’t miss out on.

Nearest cities and towns to Yercaud

Top attractions in Yercaud

Top activities to do in Yercaud

7. Valparai

Vaalparai
Mauryasanj, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Stands majestically on the Anaimalai Hill Ranges of the Western Ghats, Valparai is among the lesser-explored hill stations in Tamil Nadu. This small hill town in the Coimbatore district is covered with tea estates and surrounded by the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.

The route that leads to Valparai from the foothills is a scenic one. With 40 hairpin bends, it is a favorite route for bikers. The region is also known for its abundance of wildlife and is home to Nilgiri Tahr and leopards.

The region offers plenty of sightseeing options, including Sholayar Dam and Aliyar Dam. Valparai, one of the most sought after hill stations in Tamil Nadu is located pretty close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, just around 80 km away from the famous Athirappilly Waterfalls in Kerala.

Nearest cities and towns to Valparai

Top attractions in Valparai

Top activities to do in Valparai

8. Kolukkumalai

Kolukkumalai
Arun Muralidhar, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How about taking a trip to the world’s highest tea plantation? Make your way to Kolukkumalai, a tiny village located in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu, at a whopping height of around 7900 feet.

The hilltop village is a visual delight for visitors, thanks to its lush tea gardens and scenic setting, and offers commanding views of the Western Ghats. Munnar, one of the top hill stations in Kerala, is located around 50 km away from Kolukkumalai.

The road leading to Kolukkumalai is rugged, so the place can be accessed only in jeeps. The bumpy jeep ride to the top of the village is an adventure experience in itself.

Nearest cities and towns to Kolukkumalai

Top attractions in Kolukkumalai

Top activities to do in Kolukkumalai

9. Javadi Hills

Javadi Hills
Karthik Easvur, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Not all hill stations in Tamil Nadu are on the Western Ghats. Some are tucked away in the mountain ranges of the Eastern Ghats too. Javadi Hills (also called Jawadhi Hills and Jawadhu Hills) is one such destination, blessed with abundant natural beauty.

Javadi Hills is located around 45 km away from Yelagiri, another one of the off-beat hill stations in Tamil Nadu. It is recommended that you cover both these destinations together to make the most of your trip.

The astronomical observatory established by the famous Indian astronomer Vainu Bappu is a major attraction in Javadi Hills. You can also find waterfalls and a few other attractions sprinkled around the region.

Nearest cities and towns to Javadi Hills

Top attractions in Javadi Hills

Top activities to do in Javadi Hills

10. Kalrayan Hills

Kalrayan Hills
Thamizhpparithi Maari, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kalrayan Hills, locally known as Kalvarayan Hills, is among the lesser-known and lesser-explored hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Located in the Kallakurichi district, it is one of the main ranges of hills in the Eastern Ghats.

The hills are cocooned in forests and surrounded by several places of interest, including two waterfalls. Kalrayan Hills is also a great destination for trekkers, especially for those who prefer lesser-explored trails.

The region is easily accessible from Salem, which is around 70 km away. Located within a distance of 100 km from Kalvarayan Hills are two other popular hill stations in Tamil Nadu, namely Yercaud and Kolli Hills.

Nearest cities and towns to Kalrayan Hills

Top attractions in Kalrayan Hills

Top activities to do in Kalrayan Hills

11. Kolli Hills

Kolli Hills
Kurumban at Tamil Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Another one of the Tamil Nadu hill stations located in the Eastern Ghats, Kolli Hills aka Kolli Malai is a hidden gem in the heart of nature. This small hill range is in the Namakkal district, a short distance away from Salem (55 km).

One of the key attractions at Kolli Hills is the route that takes you to the top of the hill – it has 70 hairpin bends! It goes without saying that exploring this scenic route on a bike is an exciting experience in itself. 

There are waterfalls, viewpoints, and other places of interest around Kolli Hills. The region also attracts devotees and nirvana seekers, thanks to the presence of the Arapaleeswarar Temple.

Nearest cities and towns to Kolli Hills

Top attractions in Kolli Hills

Top activities to do in Kolli Hills

12. Pachaimalai Hills

Sirsi

Fancy spending your days at one of the most verdant hill stations in Tamil Nadu? You must add the Pachaimalai Hills or Pachais, a lush green hill range in the Eastern Ghats, to your bucket list. And guess what, the name Pachaimalai means ‘green hills’ in Tamil.

Pachaimalai Hills is in the district of Tiruchirappalli, also called Trichy, and covered with dry deciduous and dry evergreen forests. Several waterfalls and small streams cascade through these forests, adding to the pristine charm of the region.

The forests in Pachaimalai Hills also have several scenic trekking trails. The Forest Department of Tamil Nadu has developed the region into an eco-tourism destination with guided trekking tours and accommodation facilities.

Nearest cities and towns to Pachaimalai Hills

Top attractions in Pachaimalai Hills

Top activities to do in Pachaimalai Hills

13. Megamalai

Megamalai
Sivaraj.mathi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Megamalai or Meghamalai is a remote, small, and extremely scenic Tamil Nadu hill station perched at a height of over 4900 feet above sea level.  Also called the High Wavy Mountains and Paccha Kumachi, this hill range in the Western Ghats is located in the district of Theni on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border.

Covered by dense evergreen forests, Megamalai is among the least explore hill stations in the southern part of India. Several tea plantations and cardamom estates dot the region, further adding to its picturesque beauty.

The Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, which borders the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala, is home to a diverse species of wildlife, flora, and fauna. There is also a good array of tourist attractions in and around the hill station, including dams, waterfalls, and viewpoints.

Nearest cities and towns to Megamalai

Top attractions in Megamalai

Top activities to do in Megamalai

14. Ketti Valley

Ketti Valley
No machine-readable author provided. AHEMSLTD~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When you want to get yourself lost in panoramic vistas, soothing climate, and nature’s abundance, there is no better place than Ketti Valley. Located in the Nilgiris, a short distance away from Ooty, Coonoor, and Kotagiri, it is one of the largest inhabited valleys in the country.

The valley and the town nestled in it attracts travelers all year round. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway passes through the valley, which enhances its tourist appeal. Often called the Switzerland of the Nilgiris, Ketti Valley is a haven for nature lovers and photographers.

The valley and its surrounding region also contain a few places of interest, such as tea plantations and temples. The valley and the surrounding hills can be viewed from Ketti Valley Viewpoint, which also has a telescope room to give you better and closer views.

Nearest cities and towns to Ketti Valley

Top attractions in Ketti Valley

Top activities to do in Ketti Valley

15. Masinagudi

Masinagudi
Jaseem Hamza, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Masinagudi, located in the Nilgiris, is a hill station blessed with lush green forests and rich wildlife. It is part of the Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary and can be easily accessed from other popular hill stations in the Nilgiris, including Ooty (30 km) and Coonoor (50 km).  

Of the many things that make Masinagudi one of the most popular hill stations in Tamil Nadu is its natural beauty. The region is known for several tourist attractions and adventure activities such as wildlife safaris, dams, elephant camps, rivers, and more.

Masinagudi is also one of the most popular destinations for jungle stays and retreats. There is a good range of wildlife resorts and jungle huts located deep inside the forest, where you can experience wilderness in close quarters. 

Nearest cities and towns to Masinagudi

Top attractions in Masinagudi

Top activities to do in Masinagudi

16. Manjolai Hills

Manjolai Hills
Sathishngp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Another one of the hill stations in Tamil Nadu in the southern parts of the Western Ghats, Manjolai Hills is your perfect little summer resort. Located in the Tirunelveli district, it forms part of the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.

The Manjolai region is best known for its tea plantations and it also has a decent array of tourist attractions like waterfalls and viewpoints. It is one of the top off-beat hill stations in Tamil Nadu to beat the summers, thanks to its cool weather and serene settings.

Since Manjolai Hills is part of a reserve forest, you must obtain prior permission from the forest department to visit the region in private vehicles. Hotels and restaurants are also scanty in the area, so it is recommended that you plan the trip accordingly.

Nearest cities and towns to Manjolai Hills

Top attractions in Manjolai Hills

Top activities to do in Manjolai Hills

17. Bellikkal

Nandi Hills

A quaint little hamlet located around 15 km away from Ooty, Bellikkal is one of the hill stations in Tamil Nadu where you can put your feet up and unwind. Perched at an altitude of around 5,500 feet in the Nilgiri Mountains of the Western Ghats, it oozes serenity and natural beauty.

Bellikkal, unlike Ooty or Coonoor, is not frequented by hundreds of tourists and hence serves as an off-beat holiday destination. This lesser-explored hill station has a few attractions, which includes Bellikkal Lake.

Though best suited for laid-back vacations, the place also offers a good range of outdoor activities for nature lovers, including birdwatching and wildlife spotting. You can easily cover Bellikkal and its attractions on your trip to Ooty.

Nearest cities and towns to Bellikkal

Top attractions in Bellikkal

Top activities to do in Bellikkal

When there are so many hill stations in Tamil Nadu for a quick getaway or a relaxing vacation, why wait any further? Plan a trip and soak in the splendor of nature.  

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