Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu To Beat The Heat

Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty

Situated in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu, Ooty, often referred to as the "Queen of Hill Stations," is a popular hill resort known for its picturesque landscapes, colonial architecture, and pleasant climate. The town boasts of sprawling tea gardens, winding roads, and the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From serene lakes to botanical gardens and historic churches, Ooty offers a blend of natural beauty and colonial charm.

Best Time: Throughout the year

43 Ooty Attractions

Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls

Nestled in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is a tranquil hill station often dubbed "The Princess of Hill Stations." Renowned for its serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush green valleys, the town offers a refreshing retreat from the bustling plains below. Its winding pathways, colonial-era bungalows, and vast meadows make it a favored destination for both nature enthusiasts and leisure seekers.

Best Time: September to May

35 Kodaikanal Attractions

Known For : Sim's Park Dolphin's Nose Ketti Valley

Situated in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu, Coonoor is a picturesque hill station known for its verdant tea plantations and diverse flora. As the second-largest hill station in the Nilgiri range, it offers panoramic views of the misty valleys, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The town is also celebrated for its heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway, aromatic tea gardens, and vibrant birdlife.

Best Time: October to March

17 Coonoor Attractions

Known For : Emerald Lake, Yercaud Pagoda Point Botanical Garden, Yercaud

Perched in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a serene hill station known for its expansive coffee plantations and dense forests. Often referred to as the "Jewel of the South," its gentle climate, picturesque lakes, and misty landscapes make it an ideal getaway for relaxation and nature exploration. Rich in biodiversity, the region offers attractions like the Yercaud Lake, the Shevaroy Temple, and the Kiliyur Falls.

Best Time: October to June

20 Yercaud Attractions

Known For : Punganur Lake Nature Park Jalagamparai Falls

Nestled in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, Yelagiri is a tranquil hill station composed of 14 hamlets set amidst four mountains. Known for its pristine landscapes and orchards, this hidden gem offers a relaxed environment away from the bustle of city life. Attractions such as the Punganoor Lake Park, Nature Park, and the Swamimalai Hills make it a favorite among trekkers and nature enthusiasts.

Best Time: November to February

13 Yelagiri Attractions

Located in the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, Meghamalai, often referred to as the "High Wavy Mountains," is a lesser-known, serene hill station renowned for its lush tea estates and rich biodiversity. With its picturesque landscapes, mist-covered valleys, and diverse flora and fauna, Meghamalai offers a pristine and unspoiled environment for nature lovers and those seeking solace. The region, abundant in wildlife, is also home to the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for many endemic species.

Kolli Hills, situated in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, is a relatively untouched hill station known for its 70 hairpin bends that lead up to the top. Famed for its ancient Shiva temple, the Arapaleeswarar Temple, which holds legends of the mythological figure "Kolli Pavai," the hills are steeped in rich tradition. Apart from its spiritual significance, the region boasts of dense forests, medicinal plants, and the captivating Agaya Gangai waterfalls, making it a delightful retreat for nature enthusiasts and trekkers.

Tucked away in the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu, Bellikkal is a tranquil village that offers picturesque views of verdant landscapes, serene lakes, and abundant wildlife. Far from the madding crowd, this secluded retreat is an ideal destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, with sightings of animals like elephants, bison, and tigers adding to its charm. The pristine Bellikkal Lake, with its captivating surroundings, is a highlight, offering moments of serenity and reflection for visitors.

Best Time: Throughout the year

Located near Coonoor in the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu, Ketti Valley is often dubbed as the "Switzerland of Southern India." Renowned for its verdant valleys and terraced plantations, it is one of the largest valleys in the world and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and villages. A haven for nature lovers and photographers, the valley's pleasant climate and natural beauty, accentuated by numerous small waterfalls and streams, make it a must-visit spot in the region.

Known For : Suruli Falls Meghamalai Vaigai Dam

Situated in the southern part of Tamil Nadu, Theni is a bustling town known for its vast stretches of spice plantations and picturesque landscapes. Acting as a gateway to key tourist destinations like Meghamalai and the Periyar National Park, it offers a blend of nature, culture, and tradition. Famous for its weekly markets, dams like Vaigai Dam, and beautiful temples, Theni is a blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Best Time: November to February

7 Theni Attractions

Known For : Elk Falls Longwood Shola Trekking

Nestled in the Nilgiri hills, Kotagiri is one of the oldest and lesser-known hill stations, offering a quieter alternative to its more famous neighbors, Ooty and Coonoor. With sprawling tea estates, dense forests, and a temperate climate, Kotagiri provides a serene environment perfect for relaxation and nature walks. The region, steeped in history and indigenous tribal culture, offers attractions such as Catherine Falls, Kodanad View Point, and the Longwood Shola forest reserve.

Best Time: December to May

7 Kotagiri Attractions

Pollachi is a picturesque town located in the Coimbatore district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Known for its lush greenery and serene landscapes, it is often referred to as the "Coconut Capital of Tamil Nadu" due to its extensive coconut groves. The town is also famous for its agricultural activities, including the cultivation of crops like coconuts, bananas, and vegetables, making it a vital hub for the region's agrarian economy.

Best Time: December to February

Valparai is a charming hill station nestled in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India. Situated in the Coimbatore district, it is known for its stunning natural beauty, lush tea plantations, and diverse wildlife. Valparai offers a serene and tranquil escape, with its cool climate and breathtaking scenery, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the lap of nature. 

Palani is a historic town located in the Dindigul district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is renowned for the Palani Murugan Temple, one of the six abodes of the Hindu god Lord Murugan. The temple is perched atop a hill and is a significant pilgrimage site, drawing devotees from far and wide who climb the 659 steps to seek blessings and offer their prayers.

Best Time: November-March

Known For : Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Kolukkumalai is a small village in the Theni District of Tamil Nadu, on the border of Idukki District, Kerala. At 7,000 ft above sea level, it is home to the highest tea plantations in the world. The natural beauty here is intoxicating, promising a beautiful sunrise overlooking the Palani hills. The aromatic breeze in this hill-station is unique and fresh, causing the tea in the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate to be special, and guests to feel special.

Best Time: September to March

1 Kolukkumalai Attractions

The Velliangiri Hills or 'Sapthagiri' are located in Tamil Nadu at the border of the Coimbatore District and Palakkad District, Kerala. Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the Sapthagiri or Seven Hills are a scenic, sacred adventure that commemorate Lord Shiva and Vishnu amidst nature and wildlife. River Noyyal originates from here and is a major tributary of River Kaveri. At the highest point of these hills, Shiva is worshipped as Swayambhu - The Self Manifesting God.

Best Time: October to April

Covering an expanse of 60,000 acres, Sirumalai is a hilly region in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu. At an altitude of 1600m, this densely forested region boasts of diverse wildlife and flora. The weather in this southern hill station is pleasant throughout the year. Having also been recognised as a place of religious importance, certain sacred and rare medicinal herbs grow in this region. These reserve forests are protected by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.

Best Time: October to March

Anaimalai Hills or Anamala Hills are a range of mountains that form the southern border of the Western Ghats, through Tamil Nadu and Kerala. While they are famous for the highest peak in South India, the lower slopes boast of expansive tea & coffee plantations. Rosewood, Sandalwood, Teak and Sago Palms form dense monsoon forests in this region. It is a popular trekking destination in South India - a wispy escape from tropical heat.

Best Time: September to June

The Javadi Hills are situated between the Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts of Tamil Nadu, dividing them. A tourist hub, the region promises diverse wildlife, flora and attractions. It has been admired for its picturesque beauty through history, specially during the colonial times. The serenity promised is evidenced by the success of the Vainu Bappu Observatory - taking advantage of clear skies in this region.

Best Time: October to March

The Pachamalai Hills or Pachais in Tamil Nadu are a green hill-range 80 km north of Tiruchirappalli. With rivers Sweata Nadi and Kallar flowing through, these hills offer waterfalls, trekking trails and medicinal gardens. It has recently developed as a region for eco-tourism, especially for weekend getaways. Blossoming flowers and butterflies add to the scenic terrain and views. It is known to be home to tribal communities giving the culture of Pachais a unique flavour.

Best Time: September to June

Chathuragiri or the Sathuragiri Hills are found in the Madurai District of Tamil Nadu. It is believed that this is the meeting point of the four Vedas and is the abode of God. The sacred hills are a religious centre for pilgrims and Shiva bhakti. Reaching Sathuragiri involves a full-day upward trek through a hilly, rock-cut terrain with accompanying streams of clear water. There are two main temples at the top of the hill.

Thally or 'Little England' is a picturesque, hilly town in the Krishnagiri District of Tamil Nadu, 54 km from Bangalore. This small hill is an interesting daycation from Bangalore that offers a garden & lake as a picnic spot. Surrounded by the Anchetty/Banerghatta forests, this hilly region is home to forests and rare, wild flowers. Wispy air and green pastures are a promise!

The Manjolai Hills lie 70 km away from Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. A scenic and serene getaway, the hills boast of emerald green tea gardens and picturesque skies. With vivacious waterfalls and meadows, this densely forested area is a nature lover and trekking enthusiast's perfect getaway. Still unknown to most, these hills at 1162m msl preserve their quaint and tranquil nature. The tea estates, dams and waterfalls in this region give tourists a variety of options. 

The Kalrayan Hills or Kalvarayan Hills are a mountain range in Tamil Nadu that form part of the Eastern Ghats. Spanning over an area of 1095 sq. km, they separate the Salem and Kallakurichi districts. Unknown to most, this region has not received the attention it requires to ensure conservation. Scrub and bush jungles cover this region but there are a few trekking routes here, fit for a day-trip.