South Indian hill stations have always been popular with tourists due to their scenic views and picturesque landscapes. Every year, thousands of tourists come to these hill stations for honeymoons, family vacations, or solo trips.
During the summer, high-altitude towns and places are the best places to escape the heat. At least once a year, one should take time out from their busy lives to enjoy nature. Every corner looks heavenly, made of lands, and enthusiastic.
A trip to one of the hill stations in South India is a great way to get out of the city and spend time with family or friends.
List of the Top 10 Best Hill Stations in South India
The following are the top 10 best hill stations in South India that you should visit:
- Ooty
- Munnar
- Yelagiri
- Idukki
- Coonoor
- Horsley Hills
- Anantha Giri Hills
- Ponmudi
- Wayanad
- Kotagiri Hills
- Coorg
1. Ooty -The Queen of hills
The Queen of Hills is highly preferable for newlywed couples. Sceneries and lush hills make it an incredibly wonderful place to visit. It is one of the most popular hill stations in South India.
The Nilgiri mountains are often called the blue mountains because of the Kurungi flowers that bloom after twelve consecutive years. This view brings immense joy to visitors from all over India.
Sensational resorts make Ooty a remarkable choice for honeymooners.
Best Time to Visit: The climate in Ooty is pleasant throughout the year, but if you are looking for the best time to visit, the summer months, between March and June, are the best. In the daytime, the temperature remains creepy and airy.
Things to do: You must enjoy the fun on a railway ride to witness the beauty of Nilgiri Mountain. Remember to visit the Safari, which is at Mudumani National Park. Discover your extravagant flavors in tea in the tea museum.
2. Munnar – Serene Hill Station
Is tea your medicine for 99% of your problems? Here is your place, Munnar. It is famous for its rolling hills, massive waterfalls, picturesque valleys, countless streams, and tea plantations—a paradise for honeymooners and families with exotic beauty.
It is located in Kerela and is believed to be one of the highest hill stations in South India. The enchanting flora and fauna can effortlessly make people fall for its glorious hill station.
Best time to visit: Visiting here is best between September and May. Remember to witness paradise in Munnar if you are looking for paradise in South India. Visit this serene hill station and let this charming place allure your soul.
Things to do: Cycling in the blossom park makes this place worth it for visitors due to its unique species of flowers. You must visit Kundala Lake and Eravikulam National Park.
3. Yela Giri – Effervescent Valleys
Yella Giri is one of the most magnetic and fascinating destinations, famous for its spectacular picnic spots, temples, and sparkling and effervescent valleys. If you plan to visit the hill station in the summer, Yella Giri is one of the best places to visit.
Home to the temples and staggering waterfalls that dazzle the visitors with its breathtaking sceneries. The towns are blessed with gardens full of roses and magisterial mountains. A paragliding lover can also visit this place, as it is one of the few places in India that offers paragliding.
Best time to visit: Yelagiri always has a cool climate, so that you can visit anytime. However, the best time to visit this enchanting hill station is during the winter season. In November through February, the hills offer their best view.
Things to do: Go to Nilavoor Lake for boating, and the Nature Park will make you fall in love with its view. Several waterfalls, among them Jalagamparai Falls, are the best ones. Visit Swamimalai Hills, which attracts thousands of visitors from all across the country.
4. Idukki – Peaceful Delight
Home of elevated mountains and majestic streams, it offers wonderful forests rich in sandalwood, roses, and teak wood. A visit to Idukki is a must for nature lovers.
The hilly small towns in this place have acquired their names through the Malayalam term “Idukku,” which precisely means “a small gauge.” An elephant ride would help you have a heartfelt experience amidst the beauty of ayurvedic herbs.
Best time to visit: During winter, between November and February, you can schedule your trip to observe the astonishing beauty of chilly weather. The lavish waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries make Idukki a memorable and amusing journey to Southern India.
Things to do: Trekking and camping are popular activities at Idukki among avid adventurers. Visit the wildlife sanctuaries and the famous Idukki Dam; it is one of the best things to do here. Boating can be your best choice to share the majestic view.
- Coonoor – Elegant Hill Station
One of the most amazing hill stations in Tamil Nadu is Coonoor. Famous for Nilgiri tea, it’s situated on the Nilgiri hill of the Western Ghats and is the second largest hill station in the region. Being a hill station, this region also gives visitors excellent joy through its stunning summer view.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit here is from October to June. During this period, the temperature turns between 10 degrees to 20 degrees.
Things to do: Visit the tea plantation and take a road trip to Lamb’s Park. This place offers bewildering views and is shaped like the nose of a dolphin. Catherine Falls would be a great choice for swimming, which is the prettiest and most stunning thing to do in Coonoor.
6. Horsley Hills – Perfect for Hiking and Trekking
It is one of the best hill stations in Andhra Pradesh, famous for families and newlywed couples. The rarest beauty of its flora and fauna is Porcupines, Coffee, Silver Oak, sandalwood, Gulmohar, and Mahogany. The huge rocks and the air give the feeling of a fairy tale to all the visitors.
Best time to visit: It is a year-round destination for families, so they can visit at any time of the year. The winter months of October through February are perfect for honeymooners to visit this hill station.
Things to do: Go for rock climbing to have a wonderful experience. Visit Gali Banda to witness Hills Zoo and Kaiga Falls and experience the wildlife and beautiful streams.
7. Anantha Giri Hills – Wonders for Waterfalls and Coffee Plantation
This hill station in Telangana has breathtakingly beautiful views and resorts for visitors. At night, this place is perfect for camping because of its location. You can even enjoy trekking and kayaking and bonfires during the night.
Ananthe Girl Hills is one of the best places to visit in India for couples to create cherished memories. You can immerse yourself in the green and lush forest to inhale the calming and fresh air of the mighty hills.
Best time to visit: The hill station remains crowded between November and March, which is a wonderful time to visit here. Ananthagiri hills experience moderate temperatures in the months from July to October.
Things to do: Go to Chilkur Balaji Temple, Singur Dam, and Nehru Zoological Prak. Most importantly, visit the Anantha Giri Temple and walk in the coffee plantation.
8. Ponmudi – Destinations for enchanting hills
Ponmudi is one of the most beautiful hill stations in South India. It is considered to have enchanting beauty and marvelous views of nature. You can indulge yourself in its beauty and even spend the whole time admiring it.
The word “Ponmudi” itself means the golden hill and golden beauty, and nevertheless, this place is genuinely wonderful due to its astonishing hills. If you’re planning a vacation in a mountain area, this charming hill station should be on your bucket list.
Best time to visit: October to March are the best times to visit Ponmudi as the weather becomes quite misty during this time. The Kallar River and shimmering waterfalls are never miss out on views.
Things to do: Visit the Peppara wildlife sanctuaries and the nonfictional museums. Enjoy your trekking in Braemoor. The Meenmutty Falls and Deer Park are great places to visit in Ponmudi.
9. Wayanad – A Charming destination for tourist
People usually go to Wayanand Hill station to adventure the wildlife sanctuaries and look for exotic creatures such as elephants, egrets, and tigers. This is one of the best hill stations in Kerala. The stunning waterfalls can attract any visitors through their captivating views. Waterfalls such as Soochipara Falls, Chethalayam Waterfalls, and Meenmutty Falls
The Banasura Hills is the tallest hill in Wayanad district. It quenches the thirst of all travelers across India through its joyous weather.
A mixture of various farmlands and tribal settlements along with green hills. It shows the traditional lifestyle of Kerala by offering its captivating views of nature.
From visiting through the mist trails to indulging in its heritage by exploring its ancient hollows and caves, this place offers several other traditional lives of Kerala people.
Best time to visit: Wayanad offers spectacular views year-round, so visitors can visit this scenic hill station any time of the year. If you still want to know the best time to visit, it is between September to April, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
Things to do: Visit the Banasura Sagar Dam to adore its beauty. Go to Pookode Lake to enjoy boating, and remember to visit the Chembra Peak.
10. Kotagiri Hills – Lushy views and mesmerizing landscape
It is a beautiful town and famous for its painted countryside and landscape. It is popularly known for its nature’s beauty and the atmosphere.
Catherine Falls and Elk Falls make it worth visiting Kotagiri Hills. You will be guided throughout trekking as it is difficult, so a guide will help with all the activities and make your experience an easy and safe adventure.
This hill station in south India is fantastic for photographers, as it offers stunning views of the falls.
Best time to visit: This stunning hill station is best visited between September and March. At this time of year, this hill station looks so charming due to the cool weather.
Things to do: Do indulge in chocolates from the nearest local stores. Visit Green Shops, which has the best collection of several products like spices, chocolates, and honey.
11. Coorg – Scotland of India
Kodagu or Coorg is one of the most famous hill stations in south India. The natural scenery and greenery make it an ideal honeymoon destination. Forest-covered hills, spice, and coffee plantations only add to the landscape. Moreover, the Coorg Resorts offer visitors a chance to enjoy nature’s best gifts.
Best time to Visit: The winter season is the best time to visit this hill station of south India. During these months, Coorg has pleasant weather, which makes it the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities.
Things to do: This hill station offers many activities, including trekking, coffee plantation tours, camping, and Jeep safaris
Frequently asked questions
Q1. What is the perfect month to visit Ooty?
Ans. The best time to visit Ooty is between October and June.
Q2. Which is the nearest railway hill station in Kotagiri?
Ans. The nearest railway station in Kotagiri is Coimbatore.
Q3. Which is the nearest airport to Yelagiri?
Ans. The nearest airport at Yelagiri is Bangalore International Airport.
Q4. Which is the best place to stay in Wayanad?
Ans. Some of the best places to stay at Wayanad are the Serenity Resort, Fort Resort, and Contour Island Resort.
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