9 Hill Stations to Visit in Tamil Nadu

Land of the tales and influence of Cholas and ancient Dravidian origins, Tamil Nadu is famous for its diverse culture that dates back to around 4000 years. The beautiful landscape, wildlife, and sacred temples can make you feel instantly connected to this striking travel destination. From lush gardens to picturesque beaches; from mesmerising peaks to the quiet ambience, this state has everything in store to delight the travellers. Tamil Nadu is sparsely dotted with impeccable hill stations that make a perfect escape during the peak summer season. To help you plan the perfect vacation away from the busy city life, here is a list of some of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu.

1. Ooty

Situated at a height of 2240 meters, Ooty is famous as the ‘Queen of hill stations’. For all nature and mountain lovers, the idea of travelling to this serene and gorgeous hill station holds an attraction like no other. With lush green valleys, undulating hills, beautiful lakes, and panoramic views, Ooty tops the list of the best honeymoon places in Tamil Nadu. Here, a thick layer of fog covering the abodes during spring, making the city look as striking as scenery from a beautiful painting. Also called Udagamandalam, Ooty has several interesting places like Rose Garden, Botanical Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, Pykara Lake, Thunder World, Madumalai National Park, Tea Museum, Deer Park, Avalanche Lake, and a lot more.

2. Coonoor

Green hills, mists hovering over the deep valleys, majestic waterfalls, and lush forests swarming with wild creatures; Coonoor is the perfect place to experience natural beauty and charm. One of the most serene hill stations in Tamil Nadu, Coonoor attracts tourists with its subtle charm. Nestled at an altitude of 1850 meters and a short distance of 17 km from Ooty, Coonoor is a breathtakingly beautiful hill station with a peaceful and relaxing environment. The long-winding roads, numerous tea estates, and old colonial bungalows enhance the charm of Coonoor. Some of the major attractions of this delightful location include Dolphins Nose, Sim’s Park, Ketti Valley, St. Catherine Falls, Lambs Rock, Hidden Valley, and more. Remember, if you are at this hill station in Tamil Nadu and do not visit the Nilgiri tea estate, then you are going to miss out on a great experience.

3. Yelagiri

Nestled amid four hills at an elevation of 3,645 feet, Yelagiri is among the unexplored hill stations in Tamil Nadu. While the pleasant weather and serenity are the two most striking aspects of Yelagiri, beautiful landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, and misty mountains can leave nature lovers lost in the awe-inspiring beauty of this place. One of the quaint hill stations in Tamil Nadu, Yelagiri attracts visitors with its unparalleled scenic beauty of rustic villages, fruit orchards, green fields, and valleys. You can enjoy the peaceful vibes of the scintillating artificial lake of Yelagiri, visit the Velvan Temple and seek the blessings of god and rejuvenate your soul at the highest peak of Swamimalai at 4338 feet. Some other attractions at Yelagiri include Jalagandeeswarar Temple, Punganoor Lake Park, Telescope Observatory, Yelagiri Adventure Camp, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Amirthi Zoological Waterfalls, and more.

4. Kodaikanal

Situated amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is one of the most popular honeymoon places in Tamil Nadu. With its mist-covered manicured cliffs, pristine lakes, gurgling streams, and cascading waterfalls; the picturesque beauty of Kodaikanal never fails to mesmerise visitors. Nestled at an elevation of 2,133 meters, Kodaikanal is relatively crowd-free and lets you enjoy peace, connect with untouched natural beauty, and feel a step closer to the grandeur of Mother Nature. Also referred to as the Princess of Hills, this beautiful town is home to some amazing places such as Pillar Rocks, Kodai Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Silver Cascade, Bryant Park, and Bear Shola Falls.

5. Kotagiri

One of the oldest hill stations in Tamil Nadu, Kotagiri is famous for its magnificent views, tea estates, coffee plantations, trekking trails, and rock climbing. Snuggled at the height of 1,847 meters, Kotagiri is a part of many Tamil Nadu sightseeing packages. Surrounded by green hills and exquisite landscape of surreal imagination, Kotagiri is rated as the 4th coolest place in the state. Here, the pleasant weather, the stunning countryside, and the slow pace of life attract people who wish to have a relaxing break from the busy and chaotic city life. The highlights of this amazing hill station include Catherine Falls, John Sullivan Memorial, Longwood Shola Forest, Kodanad Viewpoint, Elk Falls, and Rangaswamy Peak and Pillars.

6. Yercaud

Perched in the Eastern Ghats in the Shevaroy Hills, Yercaud is an undiscovered treasure and a rejuvenating hill station in Tamil Nadu. Set at an altitude of 1,623 meters, this hill station is known for its unspoiled and pristine nature, orange groves, fruit and spice plantations, oak and sandalwood forests, and coffee estates. Enveloped under picturesque skies, with grey clouds above lush green forests, Yercaud is truly a paradise for nature lovers. Being one of the unexplored hill stations in Tamil Nadu, this beautiful small town attracts tourists with its untouched charm, fresh breeze, and quaintness. Here, you can visit Botanical Farm, Emerald Lake, Pagoda Point, Deer Park, Bear’s Cave, Silk Farm, Killiyur Falls, Tipperary View Point, and Shevaroy Temple.

7. Topslip

Situated at an altitude of 800 feet from the sea level in the Anamalai mountain range, Topslip is a famous hill station near Tamil Nadu. Bounded by the rivers called Uppar and Aliar, Topslip is blessed with nature’s vast wealth and pleasant weather. Sprawling lush green rainforests teem with marvellous wildlife, and there are picturesque valleys and river streams slowing freely through the hills; Topslip will leave you awestruck with its sublime beauty. Ranked as one of the coolest places in Tamil Nadu, Topslip is home to Catherine Waterfalls, Siruvani Falls, Monkey Falls, Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Wenlock Downs, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, and more. You can enjoy jeep rides and elephant safaris in Anamalai wildlife sanctuary or go for the trekking around the forest along with a guide.

8. Kolli Hills

Covered in evergreen forests and nestled amid pristine mountain range, Kolli Hills is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu. Situated at an altitude of 1400 metres, going for a trip to this hill station is an adventure in itself. With around 70 breathtaking bends and curves as well as the picturesque beauty on your way to Kolli Hills, this trip will give you the most wonderful experience. Also popular as Kolli malai, this popular hill station in Tamil Nadu is the perfect place to observe rich culture and historical significance. Here, you can visit the Arapaleeswarar Temple that attracts people with its Dravidian style architecture, enjoy trekking or stroll through the fruit orchards or coffee plantations. Some other attractions of Kolli Hills include Rock Pillar Viewpoint, Tampcol Medicinal Farm, Agasagangai waterfalls, Ettukai Amman Temple, Siddha Caves, and Vasalurpatty Boat House.

9. Javadi Hills

Located in the Eastern Ghats, Javadi Hills is one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu. With lush green surroundings and a serene environment, Javadi Hills is a hidden wonder of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most beautiful tourist places and hill stations in Tamil Nadu, attracting people with unexplored hills and untrodden trails. Javadi Hills is an ideal spot for nature lovers, campers, trekkers, and passionate photographers. Here, you can capture rare wildlife, mesmerising sunrise and sunset points, and spectacular sights of lush green hills. Major attractions of the Javadi Hills include Beemanmadavu Waterfall, Komutteri Lake, and Kavalur Observatory.

To make exploring these destinations simpler, you can pick a Tamil Nadu tour package as per your preference. Ready to rejuvenate?!