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Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu: 10 Top Tamil Nadu Hill Station List

Staff Writer

August 2, 2018

Situated in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula, Tamil Nadu is an Indian State having records of its origins and continuance since the prehistoric times. A home to numerous historic buildings, religious sites, pilgrimage centres, hill stations and eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, the culture of Tamil Nadu is ever evolving. Featuring a dry sub-humid to semi-arid climate, this place houses a wide variety of flora and fauna. With over 2000 species of wildlife native to this place, Tamil Nadu is a safe haven for a number of migratory ducks and birds as well.

10 Amazing Hill Stations In & Near Tamil Nadu – 2019 List

Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu: Complete Guide for Best Hill Stations In & Near Tamil Nadu

1. Kodaikanal – Colourful Hill Station in Tamil Nadu

Located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is often referred to as the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’. Boasting of a long history as a nature retreat, Kodaikanal is a popular tourist attraction offering a panoramic view of the mesmerizing rugged mountains visible at a distance. Featuring a subtropical highland climate, the weather at this place remains cool throughout the year making it a year-round tourist destination.

Distance from the city centre: 233 km

Why Visit: Perched at a height of 2133 m in the upper Palani Hills, Kodaikanal offers mesmerizing views of the meadows and grasslands that stretch over its hillsides. Known for its abundant flora, Kodaikanal’s natural beauty is quite unparalleled. Housing dominant varieties of big trees, Eucalyptus and Acacia, this place reflects the hues of different varieties of flowers like rhododendron and magnolia that inhabit this fantasy land.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road– Kodaikanal is easily accessible from places like Chennai, Cochin/Kochi, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pondicherry, Trichy, Madurai, Dindigul, Palani and Coimbatore via state transport buses.

If you wish to travel via car you can proceed from Tamil Nadu via Manapparai, Dindigul, Pannaikadu to Kodaikanal.

Alternatively, you can also travel to Kodaikanal from Tamil Nadu via Kannanu, Aravakurichi, Vedasandur and Palani.
Cost of Driving to Kodaikanal: Rs.1500 – 3000 (round)

By Flight – Madurai International Airport in Madurai is the closest airport located at a distance of 134 km from Kodaikanal. JetAirways, SpiceJet, IndiGo and AirIndia flights will fly to this airport.
Fares: Rs.5000 – 10000 (round)

By Train– Nearest Railway Station is Kodai Road Railway Station.

• Tamil Nadu Sampark Kranti Express (New Delhi)
• Okha – Tuticorin Vivek Express (Mumbai)
• Mumbai CSMT – Nagercoil Balaji Express (Chennai)
• Howrah – Kanniyakumari Superfast Express (Kolkata)

Things To Do In Kodaikanal:

• Cycling
• Boating
• Trekking, Horse – Riding
• Balloon Shooting

Places To Visit In Kodaikanal:

1. Berijam Lake
2. Chettiar Park
3. Kodai Lake
4. Echo Point
5. Kurinjiandavar Temple
6. Guna Caves
7. Pine Forest

Best Hotels In Kodaikanal

• New Gold Nest
• Elephant Valley Hotel
• The Carlton Hotel
• Club Mahindra Hill Country Resorts

2. Ooty – Beautiful Hill in Tamil Nadu

Ootacamund, popularly known as Ooty is a serene town located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. Frequented during the summers, this place is well connected to the winding roads of the Nilgiri Ghats. Originally occupied by the tribes of Toda and Badagas, Ooty also served as the summer capital of the Madras Presidency during the rule of the British East India Company.

Distance from the city centre: 281 km

Why Visit: Featuring a subtropical highland climate, the weather here is mild throughout the year. Located in the Nilgiri hills (also known as ‘The Blue Mountains’ due to the Kurunji flower that blossoms once in every twelve years giving a bluish tinge to the slopes), Ooty is often referred to as The Queen of Hill Stations. With its meandering rivers and landscapes that stretch far away, Ooty has a quaint charm that stupefies everyone who visits this place.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road– Offering scenic views of the winding roads and hills visible at a distance, Ooty is easily accessible from places like Karnataka, Kerala, Coimbatore and Tamil Nadu. Plenty of bus services frequent Ooty via Mettupalayam

If you would like to travel via car you can proceed to Ooty from Tamil Nadu via Karur, Avinashi, Mettupalayam and Coonoor.

Alternatively, you can also travel to Ooty from Tamil Nadu via Namakkal, Perundurai, Avinashi, Mettupalayam and Coonoor.
Cost of Driving to Ooty: Rs.1500 – 3000 (round)

By Flight – Coimbatore International Airport in Coimbatore is the closest airport located at a distance of 96.4 km from Ooty. JetAirways, SpiceJet, IndiGo, AirIndia Express and AirIndia flights will fly to this airport.
Fares: Rs.4000 – 8000 (round)

By Train– Nearest Railway Station is Udagamandalam Railway Station.

• Nilgiri Express (Tamil Nadu)

Things To Do In Ooty:

• Exploring
• Bird – Watching
• Trekking
• Horseback Riding
• Wildlife Photography
• Fishing

Places To Visit In Ooty:

1. Ooty Lake
2. Botanical Gardens
3. Deer Park
4. Doddabetta Peak
5. Mariamman Temple
6. Avalanche Lake
7. Wax World Museum
8. Emerald lake
9. Catherine Waterfall
10. Honey and bee museum
11. Stephens Church
12. Pykara Lake

Here are some other Places To Visit in Ooty

Best Hotels In Ooty

• Hotel Savoy
• Sullivan court
• Sterling Ooty Elk Hill

3. Yercaud – Picturesque Hill Station in Tamilnadu

Stationed in Salem District of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is located in the Shevaroys Hills at an elevation of 1515 m above the sea level. Known for its verdant vegetation, ranging from Coffee Plantations to Citrus fruits, notably Oranges, Yercaud (meaning Lake Forest) owes its name to the abundant forested area near the lake.

Distance from the city centre: 129 km

Why Visit: With its cloud-capped peaks and verdant greenery that stretches across its terrains and hills. Yercaud offers a number of majestic spectacles of the nature in a serene environment.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road– With plenty of hair-pin bends to travel through, you can definitely enjoy a great road drive to Yercaud via Tamil Nadu, Thuraiyur, Koppampatti, Valappadi and Ramalingapuram.

Alternatively, you can also travel to Yercaud from Tamil Nadu via Thuraiyur, Kannanur, Rasipuram and Mallur.
Cost of Driving to Yercaud: Rs.1000 – 2000 (round)

By Flight – Tiruchirappalli International Airport in Trichy is the closest airport located at a distance of 172 km from Yercaud. JetAirways, IndiGo and AirIndia flights will fly to this airport.
Fares: Rs.5000 – 10000 (round)

By Train– Nearest Railway Station is Salem Junction.

• Kerala Express (New Delhi)
• Chennai Central – Coimbatore Shatabdi Express (Chennai)
• Rajkot – Coimbatore Express (Mumbai)
• Howrah – Ernakulam Antyodaya Express (Kolkata)

Things To Do In Yercaud:

• Exploring
• Boating
• Dirt – Biking
• Trekking

Places To Visit In Yercaud:

1. Shevaroy Temple
2. Sacred Heart Church
3. Kiliyur Falls
4. Yercaud Lake
5. Holy Trinity Church
6. Botanical Garden
7. Manjakuttai View Point

Also See: Locales to Visit in Yercaud

Best Hotels In Yercaud

• Hotel Shevaroys
• The Greenberryresort
• The Regent Hill Side Resort

4. Coonoor – Best Hill Station in Tamilnadu

Located at an altitude of 1850 m. above the sea level in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, Coonoor is a beautiful hill station, well known for its production of the Nilgiri Tea. Beckoning tourist attention from all the parts of the world, Coonoor is famous for its vibrant green backgrounds and the variety of wildflowers and birds that inhabit this place.

Distance from the city centre: 264 km

Why Visit: Offering panoramic views of the various hues of the Nilgiri Hills and the verdant valleys, Coonoor is a hub for shopping. You can grab some awesome stuff like Nilgiri Tea, hand-made antiques, shawls & other handlooms, Irish and Belgian Table Sets and shadow-worked bed sheets, all available at affordable prices.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road– State transport and private buses to Coonoor ply from all the major cities of the country. Other than this you can enjoy a great road drive to Coonoor via Tamil Nadu, Karur, Avinashi and Mettupalayam.

Alternatively, you can also travel to Coonoor from Tamil Nadu via Namakkal, Bhavani, Chengapalli, Avinashi and Mettupalayam.
Cost of Driving to Coonoor: Rs.1500 – 3000 (round)

By Flight – Coimbatore International Airport in Coimbatore is the closest airport located at a distance of 79 km from Coonoor. JetAirways, SpiceJet, IndiGo, AirIndia Express and AirIndia flights will fly to this airport.
Fares: Rs.4000 – 8000 (round)

By Train– Nearest Railway Station is Coimbatore Junction.

• Kerala Express (New Delhi)
• Chennai Central – Thiruvananthapuram Central SUPER AC Express (Chennai)
• Bikaner – Coimbatore AC SF Express (Mumbai)
• Howrah – Ernakulam Antyodaya Express (Kolkata)

Things To Do In Coonoor:

• Riding the Toy Train
• Hiking
• Exploring
• Trekking
• Shopping

Places To Visit In Coonoor:

1. Sim’s Park
2. Lamb’s Rock
3. Dolphin’s Nose
4. Droog Fort

Best Hotels In Coonoor

• Taj Garden Retreat
• Rosery Cottage
• The Nest Homestay

5. Yelagiri Hills –  Beautiful Hill in Tamilnadu

Situated in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, Yelagiri is a beautiful hill station located at an altitude of 1110.6 m. above the sea level. Adorned by the orchards, lush valleys and rose gardens that surround this place, Yelagiri Hills have a quaint and unscathed charm that mesmerizes every tourist that visits this place. Featuring a pleasant climate year round, this place is a perfect offbeat destination to break away from the fast pace of the city life.

Distance from the city centre: 285 km

Why Visit: Replete with panoramic views of the natural beauty and rugged hills, the Yelagiri hills offer some mesmerizing spectacles of its lush surroundings and the dense forests that are inhabited by few rare species of flora and fauna to marvel at.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road– Buses to Yelagiri Hills ply from Thirupattur and Jolarpet frequently.

Apart from this you can even travel to this place by your own car and enjoy a great road drive to Yelagiri Hills via Tamil Nadu, Perambalur, Asanur, Vadathorasalur, Thiruvarangam, Thiruvannamalai, Chengam and Tirupattur. Note that there are no petrol pumps in Yelagiri, thus you’ll have to get your car’s tank full at the last petrol station.
Cost of Driving to Yelagiri Hills: Rs.1500 – 3000 (round)

By Flight – Bangalore International Airport in Bangalore is the closest airport located at a distance of 145 km from Yelagiri Hills. JetAirways, SpiceJet, IndiGo, GoAir, Vistara, AirAsia and AirIndia flights will fly to this airport.
Fares: Rs.3000 – 6000 (round)

By Train– Nearest Railway Station is Jolarpettai Railway Station.

• Kerala Express (New Delhi)
• Chennai Central – Coimbatore Shatabdi Express (Chennai)
• Mumbai CSMT – Kanniyakumari (Jayanti Janata) Express (Mumbai)
• Howrah – Ernakulam Antyodaya Express (Kolkata)

Things To Do In Yelagiri Hills:

• Trekking
• Paragliding
• Rock Climbing
• Zorbing
• Zip – Lining
• Boating
• Exploring

Places To Visit In Yelagiri Hills:

1. Punganoor Lake Park
2. Nature Park
3. Jalagamparai Waterfalls
4. Telescope Observatory
5. Jalagandeeswarar Temple
6. Swamimalai Hills
7. Velavan (Murugan) Temple

Also See: Places To Visit in Yelagiri

Best Hotels In Yelagiri Hills

• Aura Valley Retreat center
• Zeenath Taj
• Sterling Holiday Resorts

6. Topslip – Lush Green Hill Station in Tamil Nadu

A popular destination located in the Annamalai Mountain Range in the Coimbatore, Topslip is a Tiger Reserve forest that provides you with a wonderful experience to watch the wildlife at close. One can see the vast expanses of the mountains covered with lush greenery and densely forested areas around. You get to enjoy jeep rides and Elephant safaris organized by the forest department and see the nature and wildlife at their best possible state. With its clusters of teak trees, unique bamboo forests, exotic wildlife and vibrant flora, Topslip is sure to take your heart away.

7. Kotagiri – Cultural Hill in Tamil Nadu

Owing its name to the Kota tribe who lived here in the former years, Kotagiri literally means ‘The Mountains of the Kotas’. One of the top tourist attractions near Tamil Nadu, Kotagiri is a perfect summer retreat away from the heated environments of the other cities. A calm and peaceful place to be at, Kotagiri is adorned with resplendent greenery all around, as far as the eye can see. Bound by aromatic tea estates and verdant green landscapes, this place serves as a treat to the eyes of all the nature lovers. One can explore the city while walking or indulge in adventure activities like trekking or rock climbing here. To watch Kotagiri at its best, visit this place in any month from December to May.

8. Bellikkal – Visually Best Hill Station in Tamil Nadu

A place right from the VFX in movies, Bellikkal is sure to make you skip a heartbeat. With its mesmerizing views of the natural beauty and mountains covered in a sheet of clouds, Bellikkal is one of those places where you can relax for a while without having even the slightest sign of worry on your faces. This serene village is located 15 km away from Ooty, in the southernmost part of the Sigur Plateau in Tamil Nadu. With its ethereal and quaint charm, this place is sure to beckon you back in its fantasy world.

9. Kolli Hills – Forest Covered Hill in Tamil Nadu

A small mountain range located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, Kolli Hills owes its name to Goddess Ettukkai Amman (Kolli Paavai). A home to the evergreen forests including aromatic plantations of tea, coffee, pineapple, black pepper and many other fruits and spices, this place is also inhabited by rare wildlife like sloth bears, Muntjacs, Indian Pangolin, Jacals, Palm Civets, Mongoose and many other birds & reptiles like the endangered Python Molorus.

10. Valparai – Windy Hill Station in Tamil Nadu

Surrounded by thick forests and adorned with numerous tea and coffee estates, Valparai is a beautiful hill station located in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. A mid-elevation hill station perched at an altitude of 3500 ft., Valparai is a great place to enjoy bird watching and spotting the Nilgiri Tahr, an endemic Wild Ungulates. Known to be a home to an abundant flora, this place is also said to house many Leopards. A drive along the winding hairpin bends is sure to give you a major thrill while this place will provide you with a totally calm atmosphere to drown yourself in the beauty of nature.

Other Hills Stations in India

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