10 Best Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu, India’s southern-most province, is literally translated as The Land of Tamils.’ Tamil Nadu also shares its frontier with the Union Territory of Pondicherry, encompassed by Andhra Pradesh in the north, Karnataka in the north-west, Kerela in the west and the Bay of Bengal in the east. Tamil Nadu also shares a coastal border towards the south with Sri Lanka.
The hill stations of Tamil Nadu are all one of a kind, offering a great weekend getaway. Indeed, Ooty is the most popular destination of all travelers, a wonderful place to visit. Places like Yercaud, Kotagiri, Kolli Hills, Javadi Hills and Kolukkumalai will always welcome you if you are looking for a trip on the weekends.
The hill stations here are so diverse, be it with family or just with friends, that you will be delighted with their offerings. This state has a lot to fulfill the desires of all kinds of visitors, from mesmerising peaks to the serene environment, from lush gardens to the breathtaking views of Nilgiri Hills.
Tamil Nadu’s hill stations are renowned for their elegance combined with ancient architecture. You will find a glimpse of European style architecture while in Kotagiri, and when you are in Yercaud, you will be fascinated by its many spiritual structures. Overall, the green and lush gardens are the one thing popular amongst these hill stations.
1. Ooty
Those things that characterize Ooty are the lush green forests, the steep valleys and the walking clouds. Ooty, also known as the Queen of Hill Station, is Tamil Nadu’s most well-known and most visited hill-town. Ooty is a great getaway from the monotonous everyday activities with the pine and Eucalyptus fragrances in the air and chill in the wind. Located in the Western Ghats at an elevation of 2240 meters, Ooty is blessed with magnificent viewpoints. Ooty Lake, St. Stephen’s Church, Toda Huts, Stone House, Ooty Mountain Railway and Botanicals and the Goernment Rose Gardens are the main places of interest in Ooty. The place has the charisma to excite you with the elegance that it celebrates.
Best Places to see in Ooty & nearby
- Rose Garden
- Doddabetta Peak
- Pykara Lake
- Botanical Garden
- Madumalai National Park
- Ooty Lake
- Tea Museum
- Deer Park
- Avalanche Lake
Best Time to Visit Ooty
You can visit Ooty throughout the year, but it’s best to visit during the months of October to February. Days are sunny and night temperatures can drop to 5 degree Celsius.
Summer months of March to June are also good, as daytime temperatures are not too high. June till September is the rainy season, when fresh monsoon breeze brings calmness to the weather.
Best Hotels/Resorts in Ooty
Ooty brings many tourists year round, and there are many hotels and resorts in and around Ooty, which offer comfortable stay, tasty food, besides a number of other amenities.
Some of the best hotels in Ooty are:
- Mount ‘n’ Mist
- Hotel Lakeview
- Delightz Inn
- Sterling Ooty Fern Hill
- La Flora Amberley Resort
How to Reach Ooty
Nearest train station is Metupalaiyam Railway Station, 46 km away. Nearest airport is Coimbatore Airport, which is 91 km away from Ooty.
2. Kodaikanal
Further up the Palani Hills in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is situated. As the winding zigzag roads carry travelers up to the picturesque hilly destination of Kodaikanal, the invigorating scent of pine trees instantly strokes them.
For Kodaikanal, there are plenty of explanations for the name ‘Gift of the Forest.’ Kodaikanal emits affable repose, immersed by foggy mountains and seemingly limitless woodland expansion and orchids.
It also includes a multitude of points that need to be seen. The serene Kodaikanal Pool, the well-maintained Chettiar Park, the special Coaker’s Walk, the must-visit Bryant Park, the mysterious Guna Caves, the colossal Pillar Cliffs, the Sheep Farm, the picturesque Dolphin’s Nose, the idyllic Bejiram Lake, the cascading waterfalls and the ancient Kukkal Cave.
Best Places to see in Kodaikanal & nearby
- Kodai Lake
- Pillar Rocks
- Coaker’s Walk
- Berijam Lake
- Bryant Park
- Silver Cascade Falls
- Dolphins Nose
- Kodaikanal Pine Forest
- Kukkal Caves
- Bear Shola Falls
Best Time to visit Kodaikanal
Winters, from October to February is the best time to visit Kodaikanal. March to June is also best to tour Kodaikanal, as summer temperatures rarely go beyond 30 degree Celsius. You can go in the monsoons too, but rainfall will not let you go outdoors to view tourist places.
Best Hotels/Resorts in Kodaikanal
Being a top tourist destination of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal has both budget and luxury hotels and resorts, and a few best ones are mentioned below:
- Sterling Kodai Lake
- Villa Retreat
- The Carlton
- Kodai Resort
- Le Poshe by Sparsa
How to Reach Kodaikanal
Nearest airport is Madurai Airport, which is 120 km away, and nearest railway station is Kodai Road, 100 km away from Kodaikanal.
3. Yercaud
Yercaud is a hill station situated in the Eastern Ghats’ Shevaroy Hills. Literally, Yercaud translates from its local language as The Lake Forest.’ Yercaud is known for its thick forests of sandalwood, teak and silver oak that can be encountered in their natural forms. In order to maintain the natural flora and fauna of the area intact, a portion of the forest is limited and left undisturbed by the government. In recent years, the hill station has become popular among tourists as it is a fast getaway from the hustle and bustle of the nearby subways. Yercaud is also known for its coffee, guava, black pepper, cardamom and citrus fruit plantations, including orangesHuge Lake or The Emerald Lake, Arthur’s seat, The Lady’s seat, Gent’s Seat and Children’s Seat, Orchidarium, Horticulture Farms, Silk Farms and Rose Gardens, and Pagoda Point or Pyramid Point are the places of interest in Yercaud. For the locals, Shevarayan Temple is also a popular religious spot.
With a rich geographical landscape, Tamil Nadu is blessed and houses some of India’s most beautiful hill stations. Tamil Nadu has the luxury of welcoming its tourists all year long to gulp the serenity of the lush green forests it flaunts, having a tropical climate all year round.
Best Places to see in Yercaud & nearby
- Bear’s Cave
- Emerald Lake
- Deer Park
- Pagoda Point
- Killiyur Falls
- Anna Park
- Botanical Farm
- Lady’s Seat
- Shevaroy Temple
- Tipperary View Point
- Silk Farm
Best Time to Visit Yercaud
You will get pleasant weather during October to June in Yercaud. December, January might be a bit cold, and you will have to take light woollens with you. Summers are also good for going to Yercaud.
Best hotels/resorts in Yercaud
You will find the best budget hotels and luxury resorts in Yercaud. Some of the top names are:
- Happy Nest
- Grand Palace Hotel and Spa Yercaud
- Sterling Yercaud
- The Brook Resorts & Spa
- Cliff Resort
How to Reach Yercaud
Nearest airport to Yercaud is Salem Airport, 38 km from Yercaud. Salem Railway Station is the closest railway station to Yercaud.
4. Coonoor
Coonoor is located right below Ooty on the western edge of Tamil Nadu, and people usually combine with Ooty as their only way to the Queen of Hills. With the nearest airport being 79 kilometres away, Coonoor is very open. With the population being lower, Coonoor provides a very quiet and relaxing atmosphere that may not be provided by popular Hill Stations Coonoor has some nice viewpoints, such as Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint, Lamb’s Rock, from where you can enjoy the wonderful views of Nilgiri’s beautiful Hills.
Best Places to see in Coonoor & nearby
- Sim’s Park
- Dolphin’s Nose
- Lamb’s Rock
- Wellington
- Droog Fort
- Highfield Tea Estate
- Catherine Falls
- Law’s Falls
- Rallia Dam
- Lady Canning’s Seat
Best Time to Visit Coonoor
Winter season between October to March is the best season to visit Coonoor. July to September is also a perfect time to see the greenery of the hills. Summer is also best for sightseeing in and around Coonoor.
Best Hotels/Resorts in Coonoor
Best hotels in Coonoor are available for budget travellers and for luxury seekers. They offer the best amenities to tourists, and some top names are:
- Sunvalley Homestay
- Teanest
- Bella Vista Stay
- Neemrana’s – Wallwood Garden
- Gateway Coonoor
How to Reach Coonoor
Closest airport to Coonoor is Coimbatore Airport, 45 km away. Mettupalayam and Coimbatore Junction are the closest railway stations to Coonoor.
5. Yelagiri Hills
Yelagiri is a cluster of 14 hamlets situated between four mountains with an altitude of 3500 ft, spread over an area of 30 sq km. In agriculture, horticulture, forestry, etc the tribal people who live here are involved. Surrounding these hills are orchards, rose gardens and lush valleys.
Athanavur, which has a winding path through the hills with scattered villages, is the main city of the Yelagiri Hills. The whole of Yelagiri was once the private property of the Zamindar family of Yelagiri. During the early 1950s, it was taken over by the government of India. In Reddiyur, there is still a house for the Yelagiri Zamindars.
Yelagiri is also one of the most popular locations for trekkers. Swamimalai Hill, standing tall at 4,338 ft with stunning views, is the highest point in Yelagiri. A good number of trekking trails through dense reserved forests are provided by the hill. There are other choices for trekking, including smaller peaks such as the Javadi Hills and Palamathi Hills. The Lake of Punganur is a manmade lake and one of the region’s famous attractions. Another sport that attracts tourists is paragliding. The other attractions in Yelagiri are the Velavan Temple, Jalagamparai Waterfalls and the Nature Park.
Best Places to see in Yelagiri & nearby
- Panganur Lake
- Jalagamparai Falls
- Nature Park
- Velavan Temple
- Nilavoor Lake
- Amirthi Zoological Waterfalls
- Government Herbal Park
Best Time to Visit Yelegiri
November to February is the best time to go to Yelagiri.
Best Hotels/Resorts in Yelagiri
You will get to stay in good quality hotels and resorts in Yelagiri, such as:
- Hotel Landmark
- Sterling Yelagiri
- AGS Holiday Resorts, Yelagiri
- Cloud9 Resort by Rai Hospitality & Resorts
- Kumararraja Palace Yelagiri
How to Reach Yelagiri
Bengaluru Airport, 191 km away, is the nearest airport to Yelagiri, and Jolarpettai Railway Station is the closest railway station, 19 km away.
6. Meghamalai
Meghamalai is a small but tempting destination, popularly known as high wave mountains, nestled in the laps of Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu. This quaint hill station, situated at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level, is the ideal place to unwind and drink in the splendor of nature. Be prepared to be greeted by the scintillating fragrance of pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon as you make your way into this place.
Once here with a sip of fresh herbal tea, you can invigorate your senses, discover the diverse wildlife in its forests or appreciate the surreal beauty of nature at Meghamalai Falls. The hilly town also includes about six dams from which you can enjoy the entire region’s aerial views. Some other must-see attractions in the city include Mangla Devi Temple, Maharaja Mettu Stage, and Murugan temple.
Best Places to see in Meghamalai & nearby
- Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
- Meghamalai Falls
- Vellamalai
- Maharajamettu View Point
- Dams (Thoovanam Dam, Thekkady Dam, Manalar Dam, Iravangalar Dam, Vanniar Dam)
- Tea, Coffee, Cardamom, Cinnamon Estates
Best Time to Visit Meghamalai
Winter season (October to February) is the best time to visit Meghamalai. Climate is cool and sunny days make it perfect for sightseeing.
Best Hotels/Resorts in Meghamalai
Most hotels are situated at Thekkady in Kerala. The best of them are:
- Forest Canopy
- The Elephant Court
- Wood Note Thekkady
- Cardamom County
- Spice Village
How to Reach Meghamalai
Madurai is the nearest airport and railway station, 118 km away from Meghamalai.
7. Valparai
Valparai is a beautiful hill station and a municipality in the Tamilnadu district of Coimbatore. Originally known as Poonachimalai, it is one of South India’s least explored hill stations and among Tamil Nadu’s top tourist places to visit.
Valparai, located at an altitude of 3500 feet, is a little piece of heaven tucked away in the cradle of the Western Ghats in the Anamalai mountain range. Evergreen deciduous forests lined with lakes, waterfalls, mountain peaks, and lush verdant valleys surround the pollution-free hill station. The Anamalai Hill Ranges, home to large varieties of flora and fauna, are renowned for their pristine climate. During the monsoons, Valparai gets among the highest rainfall in the country (around June).
Valparai is renowned for its numerous plantations of coffee and tea that are surrounded by dense forest. In 1846, Mr. Ramaswamy Mudaliyar started cultivating coffee in his farm, according to the previous records. The Karnatic Coffee Company subsequently started their coffee plantation here in 1864, but they were unable to make it profitable, so they sold part of their property. In CE 1890, W. A large portion of land in Valparai was purchased by Wintil and Nordan from the Madras State Government under the British Raj. The region was deforested and tea and coffee estates were developed by Wintil. Carwer Marsh, an accomplished planter, helped him. Carwer Marsh later came to be regarded as the Founder of Annamalais due to his devotion and hard work. The statue of Carwer Marsh can be seen at Kavarkal Estate
Best Places to see in Valparai & nearby
- Sholayar Dam
- Aaliyar Dam
- Monkey Falls
- Loam’s View Point
- Grass Hills
- Nirar Dam
- Tiger Valley
- Athirapally Falls
Best Time to Visit Valparai
December and January are best to tour Valparai. September to March overall is best time to visit Valparai.
Best Hotels/Resorts in Valparai
You will find many hotels, resorts, private bungalows, home stays, cottages to stay in Valparai. Some of the best are:
- Petra Family Guest House
- Hotel Saravana Grand
- Stanmore Bungalow
- Briar Tea Bungalows – Valparai
- Hotel Holiday Break
How to Reach Valparai
Coimbatore (220 km) is the nearest airport to Valparai, and Pollachi is the nearest railway station, 64 km away from Valparai.
8. Kotagiri (Near Ooty)
Kotagiri is famous in the Nilgiris as the most beautiful hill station. This is one of the most visited locations in Tamil Nadu, surrounded by lush tea plantations, emerald-green meadows, and rugged nature trails. Kotagiri’s greatest draw is its beautiful weather, the slow pace of life, and the amazing countryside that attracts travelers who want to take a break from the chaotic life of the city.
In Tamil Nadu, just a stone’s throw from Kotagiri, one of the most popular places to visit is Elk Falls. The beauty and attractiveness of the fall are intensified by the surrounding lush forests and a nearby old European house that gives the place an old-world charm. For nature lovers who want to lose themselves in nature’s rustic wilderness, the forests of Longwood Shola are a must-visit.
This tropical rainforest of 115 hectares is home to over 80 species of exotic birds, plants and trees. Another attraction revered by the local Irulas tribe is situated minutes away. Rangasamy Hill has a shrine on its summit dedicated to Lord Rangasamy. The top of the hill provides spectacular views of the surrounding trees, hills and valleys and is a perfect overlook to see a lovely sunset.
Exploring its authentic, natural beauty on foot is one of the best things to do in Kotagiri. There are many great hiking trails here with the Kotagiri-Kodanad trail being the most common. Kotagiri also helps you to witness a stunning sunset at its different view points. Dolphin’s Nose is one of the best places to do which also lets you enjoy views of the surrounding ravines and waterfalls.
Best Places to see in Kotagiri & nearby
- Catherine Falls
- Kodanad Viewpoint
- Elk Falls
- Longwood Shola Forest
- Rangaswamy Peak & Pillars
- John Sullivan Memorial
Best Time to Visit Kotagiri
Just before summer starts, and in the winter months from November to December, is the best time to visit Kotagiri.
Best Hotels/Resorts in Kotagiri
Some of the hotels and resorts in Kotagiri are:
- Teanest Nightingale
- Nahar Retreat & Spa
- Hanging Huts
- La Maison
- Twin Tree Kotagiri
How to Reach Kotagiri
Coimbatore is the closest airport to Kotagiri and Coonoor is the nearest railway station to Kotagiri.
9. Manjolai Hills (Near Tirunelveli)
Manjolai Hills The Manjolai region is set deep in the Western Ghats with elevations ranging from 1,020-1,500 meters (3,350-4,920 ft). The Manjolai area is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu, comprising many tea plantations and small settlements around it, situated on top of the Manimuthar Dam and the Manimuthar waterfalls. Upper Kodaiyar Dam and a windy viewpoint called Kuthiravetti are also accessible.
Best Places to see in Manjolai Hills & nearby
- Upper Kodaiyar Dam
- Kuthiravetti viewpoint
- Dasan Pool
- Kuttiyar Dam
- Kakkachi Lake
- Manimuthar Tea Estate
- Kuthiravetti
- Nalumukku
- Manjolai Tea Estate
- Banatheertham Falls
- Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Best Time to Visit Manjolai Hills
November to March is the best time to visit Manjolai Hills
Best Hotels/Resorts in Manjolai Hills
Though Manjolai Hills does not have hotels or restaurants, you will find guest houses by Tamil Nadu State Tourism. Tirunelveli is a major city nearby which has many hotels to stay.
- Singampatty Zamin Palace Guest House
- Baskar Lodge
- Hotel Appletree
- Thamirabarani Lodge
- Hotel Gowri Sankar
How to Reach Manjolai Hills
Turicorin Airport, Thiruvananthapuram Airport are close to Manjolai Hills. Nearest railway station is Tirunelveli Junction Railway Station, 63 km away.
10. Kolli Hills (Near Tiruchirappalli)
Kolli Hills, in the state of Tamil Nadu, is located very close to the important industrial town of Salem. The distance to Kolli Hills from Salem is just 52km. The beauty of this hill station is increasingly being unveiled day by day to travel enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The place is lovely and invigorating, a holiday resort that is also renowned for its nearby highway that goes through 72 meanderings. In this hill station, lovely weather conditions and marginal discovery offer ample activities to do in the open air. It is an extra pleasure to arrive at Kolli Hills to linger on the lap of nature in addition to Agaya Gangai Waterfalls.
Best Places to See in Kolli Hills & nearby
- Arapaleeswarar Temple
- Ettukai Amman Temple
- Agasagangai waterfalls
- Botanical Garden
- Siddha Caves
- Rock Pillar Viewpoint
- Vasalurpatty Boat House
- Tampcol Medicinal Farm
Best Time to Visit Kolli Hills
Kolli Hills is a hill station that enjoys pleasant weather all-round the year. However, February to December is best to visit Kolli Hills.
Best Hotels/Resorts in Kolli Hills
- Silverline Retreat Hotel
- Nallathambi Resort
- Hotel Green Ridge
- Ulo Rejoice Villa Resorts
- Nala Hotels
How to Reach Kolli Hils
Trichy is the nearest airport, which is 133 km from Kolli Hills. Salem is the nearest railway station to Kolli Hills. It’s 90 km from Kolli Hills.