Hill Stations In Chennai: 10 Top Chennai Hill Station List
Chennai, also known as the soul of South India has developed into a bustling city with luxurious hotels, sparkling skyscrapers, swanky cafes and boutiques. However, many want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re one of those people then, we have a list of some of the beautiful hill stations near Chennai that you will love. Read on!
10 Amazing Hill Stations In & Near Chennai – 2019 List
| Hill Stations in Chennai | Region | Distance from City |
| Yercaud | Near Salem | 30 Kms |
| Kolli Malai Hills | Near Madurai | 90 Kms |
| Horsley Hills | Near Madanapalle | 150 Kms |
| Yelagiri Hills | Near Jolarpettai | 21 Kms |
| Kotagiri Hills | Near Coonoor | 21 Kms |
| Kodaikanal Hills | Near Madurai | 120 Kms |
| Ooty Hill Station | Near Coimbatore | 90 kms |
| Meghmalai Hills | Near Madurai | 15 Kms |
| Sirumalai Hills | Near Madurai | 65 Kms |
| Palani Hills | Near Coimbatore | 100 Kms |
Hill Stations Chennai: Complete Guide for Best Hill station In & Near Chennai
1. Yercaud – Beautiful Hill Station in Chennai
Yercaud is a summer paradise located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. Yercaud is perched at 1515 metres above sea level where you can view the beautiful landscape of the Shevaroys Hills in the backdrop.
Why Visit: Yercaud is a beautiful hill station and will enthral you with its unique flora and fauna. It is best known as the jewel of the South and is popular for tourist spots like the Yercaud lake. Yercaud’s cool breeze is just one of the things that make it the most popular hill station near Chennai.
Distance from the City: 366 Km from the city
Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Yercaud is well connected via road, so taking a road trip from Chennai will offer you the best views. The average one-way fare for a rental hatchback from Chennai to Yercaud is Rs.7566.
By Flight: You can take a flight to the Salem Airport which located 38 Km from the town of Yercaud. You can also take a flight to the Tiruchirappalli International Airport which is located at 165 Km from Yercaud & drive down to the hill station.
Flights that operate to Yercaud:
- Air India
- Indigo
- Jet Airways
- Sri Lankan Airlines
- Air Vistara
Fares for the flights to Yercaud: Rs.3000/- (One-way average fare)
By Train: Salem Junction is the nearest railway station located at a distance of 38 Km from Yercaud. It takes 4-5 hours on average by train to go from Chennai to Salem Junction.
Trains to Yercaud:
- Yercaud Express
- Ahilyanagari Ex
- Cheran Express
- Coimbatore Express
- Kovai Express
- Nilagiri Exp
- Shatabdi Exp
Things To Do In Yercaud
- Boating in Yercaud Lake
- Drive down to the Loop Road
- Calm your mind at Pagoda Point
- Visit Silk Farms & Rose Garden
- Explore the Bear’s Cave
- Trek in the Kottachedu Teak Forest
- Witness the Kiliyur Falls
- Visit the Ladies Seat
- Take a stroll in the Orchidarium
Get to know more about the best places to visit in Yercaud
Best Hotels in Yercaud
Hotel Shevaroys | Grand Palace Hotel | Sterling Yercaud
2. Kolli Malai Hills – Offbeat Hill Station in Chennai
The Kolli Malai Hills are one the most offbeat destinations located in the state of Tamil Nadu. The hills rise to a height of 1300 meters and are known for their hairpin bend roads. The view of the verdant woods touching the enormous blue sky makes for a perfect weekend getaway.
Why Visit: The wondrous hill station of Kolli Malai has 70 hairpin bends from base to peak. It is a popular pilgrim destination often called the “Mountain of Death”. It is named after “Kolli Pavai”- the goddess who chased demons away from the hills. You must visit the Kolli Malai hills to explore the temples, scenic beauty and adventure activities.
Distance from the City: 361 Km from the city
Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Take a road trip to the beautiful hills of Kolli Malai in a rental car which will take you under 7 hours. The average cost of a renting hatchback from Chennai to the Kolli Malai Hills is Rs.7000.
The shortest route to Kolli Malai is the Chennai – Villupuram – Trichy – Kanyakumari Road.
The alternative is NH 48 – Srinagar and Kanyakumari Highway.
By Flight: Salem Airport is the closest airport to Kolli Hills and is located 46 Km from the hill station.
Flights that operate to Gaya:
- Air India
- Indigo
- Jet Airways
- Sri Lankan Airlines
- Air Vistara
Fares for the flights to Kolli Hills: Rs.3000/- (One-way average fare)
By Train: The only major railway station near the Kolli Hills is the Salem Junction which is located 52.95 Km from Kolli Hills. You can also book your trains to Mahadanapuram which is at a distance of 33.07 Km from Kolli Malai.
Trains to Kolli Malai:
- Yercaud Express
- Ahilyanagari Ex
- Cheran Express
- Coimbatore Express
- Kovai Express
- Nilagiri Exp
- Shatabdi Exp
Things To Do In Kolli Malai Hills
- Seek blessings at the Arapaleeswarar Temple
- Stroll at the botanical gardens
- Visit the Tampcol Medicinal Farm
- Trek to the Agaya Gangai Falls
- Boating at the Vasalurpatty Boat House
- Explore the Siddhar Caves
Best Hotels in Kolli Malai
Hotel Shevaroys | Happy Nest | Hotel Dreams Paradise
3. Horsley Hills – Scenic Hill Station in Chennai
Nestled in the hills of the Eastern Ghats, Horsley Hills is a perfect weekend getaway from Chennai. The hill is named after W.D Horsley who was once a British collector of the region. Located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh which is about 9 miles from the Mandanpalle town.
Why Visit: The Horsley Hills are abundant with a wide variety of flora and fauna which makes it a wonderful retreat. Explore the scenic views, waterfalls and ancient temples that are bound to make you feel exhilarated. It is a great place to go on some amazing short treks.
Distance from the City: 263 Km from the city
Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Horsley hills are well connected to a lot of cities including Chennai. Driving a rental hatchback to the hills station will cost around Rs.5883 for both ways.
The best route is via NH71 which will take you 6 hours and 13 minutes to reach the hill station. While you can also take NH48 or the NH48 along with the Kadapa Chittoor Highway.
By Flight: Take a flight to the Chittoor International Airport 148.2 Km from Horsley Hills. You can also take a flight to the Bangalore International Airport which is at a distance of 139.9 Km from the hill station.
Flights that operate to Gaya:
- Air India
- Indigo
- Jet Airways
- Air Vistara
- Air Asia
Fares for the flights to Horsley Hills: Rs.3000/- (One-way average fare)
By Train: The nearest railway station to the Horsley hills is Madanpalle which is located at a distance of 27 Km from the Horsley Hills.
Trains to Horsley Hills:
- Chennai Central
- Nagercoil-Mumbai Central
Things To Do In Horsley Hills
- Seek blessings at the Mallamma Temple
- Visit the Thalakona Waterfalls
- Take a safari at the Kaundinya Wildlife sanctuary
- Visit the Horsley Hills Zoo
- Indulge in some adventure at the Adventure Camp
- Get detoxifying Ayurvedic Massages
- Witness the sun set at the View Point
Best Hotels in Horsley Hills
Holiday Home Castle Winds | Bans The Hotel | Chandra Hotel
4. Yelagiri – Serene Hill Station in Chennai
Are you looking to calm your minds from your everyday regime? If yes, then you must travel to Yelagiri which is located amidst lush green meadows and mountain ranges. Located at a height of 3465 ft. Yelagiri houses 14 small villages. It makes for a perfect weekend getaway due to its proximity to multiple cities.
Why Visit: Yelagiri has many ancient temples, serene landscapes, waterfalls and lakes which make it one of the best hill stations near Chennai. The Hindu Temples in Yelagiri will flatter you with their ancient architecture. So, visit this mesmerizing hill station to relax your minds.
Also, check out the top places to visit in Yelagiri
Distance from the City: 229 Km from the city
Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Yelagiri is close to Chennai and the fastest route is through NH48. It will take you around 4 hours to reach Yelagiri. You can also take the Tirupati road and NH48 highway to reach Yelagiri, however, it might take you a little more time.
Book a car to Yelagiri at an average one-way cost of Rs.4500. You can also book a bus from any local bus station in Chennai to Yelagiri to save money.
By Flight: If you are planning to travel via air, then book your flights to the Bangalore International Airport. It is the nearest airport to Yelagiri situated 160 Km from the hill station.
Flights that operate to Yelagiri:
- Air India
- Indigo
- Jet Airways
- Air Vistara
- Air Asia
- Go Air
Fares for the flights to Yelagiri Hills: Rs.3500/- (One-way average fare)
By Train: Jolarpet will be the nearest station to the hills of Yelagiri. Located at a distance of 25 Km from Yelagiri, you can book your trains to the Jolarpet railway station to reach Yelagiri.
Trains to Yelagiri:
- Chennai Bangalore Express
- Kovai Exp
- Brindavan Exp
- Chennai -Jolarpet Yelagiri Express
- Patna Blr Sanghmitra Exp
Things To Do In Yelagiri
- Take a boat ride in Punganoor Lake Park
- Stroll at the Nature Park
- Visit the Jalagamparai Waterfalls
- Take a look at Asia’s largest Telescope at Telescope Observatory
- Seek blessings at the Jalagandeeswarar Temple
- Visit the Government Herbal Farm
Best Hotels in Yelagiri
Hotel Landmark | Touchstone Resort | Sterling Yelagiri
5. Kotagiri – Relaxing Hill Station In Chennai
Kotagiri is a town snuggled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. Situated at an elevation of 1793 m above sea level, Kotagiri is a great place to relax. The hills were once a territory of the Britishers and its colonial architecture is enchanting.
Why Visit: The town will give you a quick escape from your busy city lives with its cool temperature. The town was once a site for coffee plantation, however, now tea plantations cover around 30,000 acres of the region. Uncover the magnificence of this hill station by visiting its ancient temples, picturesque viewpoints, waterfalls, colonial structures and more.
Distance from the City: 536.2 Km from the city
Best Way To Get There:
By Road: Drive your way to the hills of Kotagiri via the Chennai-Villupuram-Trichy-Kanyakumari Rd and NH97 which will take 9 hours 45 minutes to reach Kotagiri.
The average cost of a rented car from Chennai to Kotagiri will cost you Rs.9257 (hatchback price).
By Flight: The Coimbatore Airport is 100 Km from the Kotagiri Hills and serves as the nearest airport to the hill station.
Flights that operate to Kotagiri:
- Air India
- Indigo
- Jet Airways
- Air Vistara
- Air India Express
Fares for the flights to Kotagiri Hills: Rs.4000/- (One-way average fare)
By Train: Coimbatore Junction is the nearest railway station to the Kotagiri Hills. Located at a distance of 66.6 Km from Kotagiri, you can book your trains from the nearest railway station to Coimbatore Junction.
Trains to Kotagiri:
- Allepey Express
- Nilagiri Express
- Cheran Express
- West Coast Exp
- Coimbatore Express
- Trivandrum Exp
Things To Do In Kotagiri
- Visit the Catherine Falls
- Witness the sunset at Kodanand View Point
- View the landscape from Rangasamy Peak
- Pray at the CSI Wesley Church
- Visit the John Sullivan Memorial
Best Hotels in Kotagiri
Green Nest Resort | Teanest | Sunvalley Homestay
Other Hill Stations Near Chennai
6. Kodaikanal – Alluring Hill Station in Chennai
Kodaikanal also known as the “Gift of forests” is a place sprawled with lush green forests. The dip in the temperature makes the clouds cover the head of the hills. This heavenly beauty in Tamil Nadu is not only a locale of alluring landscapes but, also a place abundant with ancient structures.
Visit the Silver Cascade falls and relish gazing at the enormous range of mountains from the Dolphin’s nose. Exploring the Kukkal Caves is bound to make your getaway even more exhilarating. There are plenty of places in Kodaikanal that you can explore, so pack your bags and leave for this hilarious hill station.
7. Ooty – Picturesque Hill Station in Chennai
Ooty is a paradise where the blue mountains aka. Nilgiris stand tall kissing the enormous blue sky. A town which was first a territory of the British is now the most famous hill station in South India. Elevated at a height of 2240 m, Ooty will take you on a fun-filled ride with its magnificence. Take a toy train ride on the railway line built during the British era, witness the abundant flora and fauna at the Mukurthi National Park or delve into the serenity of Ooty from the Doddabeta Peak. A trip to Ooty is bound to give you some everlasting memories.
Check out these amazing places to visit in Ooty
8. Meghmalai – Peaceful Hill Station in Chennai
Visit the greenest of green lands-Meghmalai that will spellbind in its allure. Abundant with cardamom and tea plantations, Meghmalai is one offbeat hill stations near Chennai. Visit Meghmalai in the months of October to March and feel like you are walking in the clouds. Experience the rare flora and fauna at the Meghmalai wildlife sanctuary. Witness the Meghmalai falls cascading peacefully from up above the hill or visit the gigantic Vaigai dam.
9. Sirumalai – Non-Commercial Hill Station in Chennai
Another marvel nestled in the Eastern Ghats mountain range of Tamil Nadu is the hill station of Sirumalai. It serves as the most non-commercialized towns located in the southern state. With serene surroundings and enchanting valleys, Sirumalai will take your breath away. Take a closer look at the stars at the Telescope house in Sirumalai or row yourself in a boat in Kamarajar Lake. Exhilarate your taste buds by relishing amazing biryanis at Thalapakkati Biryani Centre.
10. Palani Hills – Exciting Hill Station in Chennai
Set amidst the Western Ghats mountain range and the Annamalai range, Palani Hills must be your next weekend getaway from Chennai. The verdant woods form a part of the Palani Wildlife sanctuary that you must visit when visiting Palani Hills. If you are an adrenaline junkie then you can go for activities like hiking, camping, mountaineering, bird-watching and rock climbing. Go for boating in the Mannavanur lake or take a stroll at the Coakers walk. So, travel to this hidden gem of Tamil Nadu that is bound to soothe your minds.
