Tamil Nadu is well-known for its diverse culture, which stretches back about 4000 years. The stunning scenery, animals, and ancient temples may quickly link you to this captivating holiday location. From beautiful gardens to stunning beaches, mesmerizing peaks to a peaceful atmosphere, this state has everything to enchant visitors. Blessed with favourable weather combined with abundance of natural beauty and wildlife, Tamil Nadu is dotted with beautiful hill stations that are ideal for escaping the heat during the summer. While some of these hill stations are well-known, there are a few others that are lesser known and will give a unique experience away from the throng.
Here is a list of some of the greatest hill stations in Tamil Nadu to help you plan the perfect holiday away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
9 Best Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu for an Ultimate Summer Getaway
1. Ooty
The Blue Mountains have long been enveloped in enchantment, and Ooty is no exception. The prospect of visiting the city renowned as the Queen of the Hills entices every mountain lover like no other. Ooty, formerly known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu that is a famous tourist destination for anybody searching for a scenic location to rest and unwind. Once considered the summer headquarters of the East India Company, Ooty is set among the Nilgiri hills at an elevation of 2,240 metres above sea level and has a pleasant climate all year, topping the list of the best honeymoon places in Tamil Nadu every time.
Places to visit: Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake, Rose Garden, Avalanche Lake, Doddabetta Peak, Thunder World Amusement Park
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
2. Coonoor
Lush green hills, misty deep valleys, mesmerizing waterfalls, and forests swarming with wild creatures, Coonoor is the perfect place to experience natural beauty and charm. It is one of Tamil Nadu’s most tranquil hill stations, enticing visitors with its understated beauty. Located at an elevation of 1850 metres and only 17 km from Ooty, Coonoor is a stunningly beautiful hill station with a calm and pleasant environment. Its appeal is enhanced by its meandering lanes, extensive tea farms, and ancient colonial homes. If you visit this hill station in Tamil Nadu, don’t forget to visit the Nilgiri tea farm or you’ll lose out on a fantastic experience.
Places to visit: Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Ketti Valley, Lamb’s Rock, Droog Fort, Wellington Golf Course, Ayurveda Yoga Meditation Resort
Best time to visit: October to March
3. Yelagiri
Yelagiri is a charming small hill station in Tamil Nadu only three hours away from Bangalore, making it ideal for a quick weekend trip. A little more than 30 square kilometres in size and at a height of more than 1100 metres above sea level, Yelagiri provides its visitors some lovely sites such as the Jalagamparai waterfall, sweeping orchards, and rose garden, among others. Yelagiri is a great location for nature enthusiasts because it is entirely off the main tourist route, giving it a quieter and more serene atmosphere compared to other more popular hill stations nearby. It is truly a hidden gem and one of the best hill stations in South India.
Places to visit: Punganur Lake, Nature Park, Jalagamparai Falls, Telescope Observatory, Swami Malai Hills, Yelagiri Adventure Camp
Best time to visit: November to February
4. Kodaikanal
Located at an elevation of around 2133 metres amidst the undulating slopes of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal offers numerous picturesque sites that travellers enjoy on their trip. This hill station is not as marketed as Ooty, and provides a more pleasant experience for tourists with a smaller population. Kodaikanal is the best place to get away from the stresses of daily life and allows you to relax and reconnect with nature as you set out on biking or hiking routes or take a stroll through the extensive forests that surround the town. The place is hailed as one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu for honeymoon couples, so don’t miss a visit!
Places to visit: Kodai Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Pillar Rocks, Vattakanal
Best time to visit: September to May
5. Kotagiri
Kotagiri is Tamil Nadu’s smallest and oldest hill station, situated in the lap of the Nilgiri Hills and surrounded by peaceful and quiet surroundings. A hill station that was originally recognised by the British as a summer retreat from the heat of the lowlands, it is now gaining popularity for its magnificent natural beauty, and coffee and tea plantations.
Places to visit: Elk Falls, Longwood Shola, Catherine Falls, Rangasamy Peak and Pillar, Kodanand View Point
Best time to visit: December to May
6. Yercaud
Yercaud, located in the Shevaroy Hills of the Eastern Ghats, is a hidden treasure and a revitalising hill station in Tamil Nadu near Chennai. This hill station, located at an elevation of 1,623 metres, is noted for its unspoilt and pure environment, orange orchards, fruit and spice plantations, oak and sandalwood forests, and coffee estates. Yercaud is a true nature lover’s heaven, surrounded by gorgeous sky and grey clouds over lush green woods. This lovely little village lures travellers with its unspoiled beauty, fresh wind, and quaintness as one of the unexplored hill stations of Tamil Nadu.
Places to visit: Pagoda Point, Botanical Farm, Deer Park, Bear’s Cave, Silk Farm, Killiyur Falls, Tipperary View Point, Shevaroy Temple
Best time to visit: October to June
7. Kolli Hills
Kolli Hills, which is covered in evergreen woods and situated among beautiful mountain ranges, is one of the greatest tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu. A trip to this hill station, located at an elevation of 1400 metres, is an experience in and of itself. This excursion will provide you with the most fantastic experience, with about 70 stunning twists and curves as well as the beautiful scenery on your route to Kolli Hills. This renowned hill station in Tamil Nadu, also known as Kolli malai, is the ideal spot to see rich culture and historical importance. You may visit the Arapaleeswarar Temple, which is known for its Dravidian-style architecture, and go trekking or strolling among the fruit orchards or coffee plantations.
Places to visit: Rock Pillar Viewpoint, Tampcol Medicinal Farm, Agasagangai waterfalls, Ettukai Amman Temple, Siddha Caves, Vasalurpatty Boat House
Best time to visit: March to June, September to December
8. Javadi Hills
Located in the Eastern Ghats, Javadi Hills is one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu, a hidden gem with beautiful green surroundings and a quiet setting. It is one of the state’s most attractive tourist destinations and hill stations, luring visitors with undiscovered slopes and untrodden paths. Javadi Hills is a great place for nature enthusiasts, campers, hikers, and photographers. Rare animals, mesmerising sunrise and sunset spots, and breathtaking views of lush green hills may all be found here. The success of the Vainu Bappu Observatory, which takes advantage of the region’s beautiful sky, attests to the promised tranquillity.
Places to visit: Beemanmadavu Waterfall, Komutteri Lake, and Kavalur Observatory
Best time to visit: October to March
9. Meghamalai
Meghamalai, also known as Megamalai, is a picturesque hill town in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district. It is one of the offbeat hill stations in South India and one of the best places to visit near Madurai, located around 126 km from Madurai and 127 km from Munnar. Meghamalai, also known as the Highwavys Mountains, is an undiscovered sanctuary in the Western Ghats, unknown even to the people of Tamil Nadu. Some of the finest sites to visit in Meghamalai are the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and the Highwavy Dam, among others. If you’re searching for a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Megamalai is the place to be.
Places to visit: Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Highwavy Dam, Megamalai Viewpoint, Manalar Dam, Suruli Falls, Iravangalar Dam, Maharaja Mettu
Best time to visit: October to May
Wrapping Up
So, are you ready to visit these gorgeous hill stations in India in the state of Tamil Nadu? Be prepared for an amazing time, indeed.
Related: Top 7 Hill Stations in Andhra Pradesh to Beat the Summer Heat
FAQs
What is the number of hill stations in Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu is home to 25 beautiful hill stations that include Yercaud Hill Station, Yelagiri, Kodaikanal, Ooty, and Coonoor among others.
Which is the coolest place in Tamil Nadu?
Ooty is considered to be one of the coolest places in Tamil Nadu.
Is Kodaikanal the Queen of Hills in Tamil Nadu?
No, Kodaikanal means ‘Gift of the Forest’. While Ooty reigns as the Queen of Hills in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is the ‘Princess of South India.’
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