Picture this, a quiet walk into nature with green slopes and groves all around. At the same time you’re accompanied by fog hanging in the air and have the warm embrace of your shawl. Sounds like a perfect break from reality, doesn’t it? Well, you can relish this scenario in the splendid hill stations of Tamil Nadu. The state is home to several gorgeous hill stations. And here’s a list of the 20 best hill stations in Tamil Nadu that you need to check out for a getaway.
One of the most famous hill stations of Southern India is Ooty. Located in the Nilgiri mountains, it is known as the “Queen of the Nilgiris”. While you’re here, be sure to come across the Nilgiri mountain railway, which is Asia’s steepest railway track. The sprawling tea estates, colonial architecture, and gushing waterfalls are sure to leave you charmed. These scenic views make Ooty a popular honeymoon destination. And before you leave, make sure to take some aromatized tea leaves back home.
How To Reach: Ooty has its own railway station, which is connected to all major cities. You can easily access Ooty by road from Chennai (11-12 hrs), Bangalore (7 hrs), Coimbatore (3 hrs), or Mettupalayam (2 hrs). For those of you travelling from Bangalore, you can take the NH275 or NH209.
Best Time To Visit: March to June.
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Also read: 7 Best Luxury Hotels In Ooty For A Romantic Getaway
After Ooty, Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris. And just like Ooty, this one is famous for its abundant tea production. Not only is it known for the lush green tea garden but also for its cascading waterfalls. Other than exploring the natural scenery and colonial culture, you can indulge in trekking, swimming, or going on a toy train ride. And if you want to escape the summer heat, a trip to Coonoor would be a perfect relief. With several guesthouses and heritage homes in place, this hill station serves to be a dreamy destination.
How To Reach: The nearest cities to Coonoor by road are Coimbatore (NH181), Mysore (NH766 and Mysuru-Ooty road), Pondicherry (NH544, NH81, NH38) or Bangalore (NH948 or NH75). But if you’re traveling by train, then you can get down at the Coonoor railway station, which is a part of the Nilgiri mountain railway.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
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Also read: 9 Things To Do In Coonoor For A Memorable Vacation
Imagine a place with mountains surrounded by lakes, a valley of orchids, and waterfalls flowing at a distance. That would be a description that best fits the hill station of Yelagiri. Being close to Chennai and Bangalore, this hill station is a perfect weekend getaway for the people of both cities. From going on a trek to Jalagamparai falls to paragliding, at Yelagiri you can try it all. With its scenic beauty, it is sure to capture your hearts and minds.
How To Reach: If you plan on traveling by rail, you can get down at the Jolarpettai junction. And by road, you can take state-run or private buses from Chennai (4.5 hrs), Coimbatore (6-7 hrs), or Bangalore (3 hrs).
Best Time To Visit: November to February.
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Anaimalai is home to several elephants in Tamil Nadu. And, the name Anaimalai literally translates to “elephant hills”. This dense forest patch filled with tea, coffee, and teak plantations makes it a sweet spot to do some light trekking. With its cool climate and green carpets of tea garden, Anamalai awaits your arrival.
How To Reach: To reach Anaimalai you can arrive at the Coimbatore or Pollachi railway station. If you are taking the roadways, then you can take NH544 or NH48 from Cochin or Chennai or avail state-run buses to Anaimalai.
Best Time To Visit: December to June.
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Kodaikanal is one of the most famous hill stations in Tamil Nadu, and you must have surely come across this name before. With mystic valleys, vibrant green slopes, and thick forests, it is a nature lover’s heaven. Adorned with plenty of natural wonders, this hill station is truly “the gift of the forests”. Because it is the second coolest hill station in Tamil Nadu, you can visit this hill station any time of the year.
How To Reach: Madurai (3 hrs), Pondicherry (8 hrs), Chennai (10 hrs), and Coimbatore (5 hrs) are some of the nearest cities to Kodaikanal by road. If you’re traveling by train, you can arrive at Kodai road railway station.
Best Time To Visit: April to June.
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Also read: Things To Do In Kodaikanal
Adjoining the Anaimalai hills, is the renowned hill station of Palani. This hilly town is known for its scenic landscape, serene lakes, and the foggy hills. Of these the most prominent attractions are the two hills of Sakthigiri and Sivagiri. Palani hills is also popular for being a Hindu pilgrimage site.
How To Reach: If you’re taking the train you can arrive directly at Palani railway station. By road Palani is about 6-7 hr drive from Cochin (NH544 and NH83), 8-9 hr drive from Chennai (Chennai-Theni Highway), and about a 3 hr drive from Madurai (NH44 or NH85).
Best Time To Visit: November to March.
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If you’re looking to visit an off-beat hill station in Tamil Nadu, then Meghamalai is the place for you. Strolling through the mesmerizing forests of Meghamalai, you will definitely come across several exotic birds. Apart from the rich foliage, you can also have some fun trekking to the enchanting waterfalls. To witness its beauty at its best, you need to be here during the monsoons.
How To Reach: Meghamalai can be accessed via the nearest railway station of Madurai. Alternatively, you can take a private vehicle to Meghamalai, or take a bus from Munnar (4 hrs), Tirunelveli (4-5 hrs), Madurai (3 hrs), Periyakulam (2 hrs), or Bodinayakanur (2 hrs).
Best Time To Visit: October to May.
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A scenery of rolling green carpets on hill slopes with the backdrop of clear blue skies and cotton-like clouds best describes the landscape of Yercaud. What accounts for the lush greenery here are the acres of coffee plantations and orchards. These orchards are home to juicy oranges and pears and the forests are abode to many oak and sandalwood trees. Be it exploring the Bear’s cave, relaxing in the Deer park, or just taking in the panoramic views from Pagoda point, Yercaud is sure to leave its trace in your memory.
How To Reach: If you’re coming by train get down at the Salem junction and take a cab or bus to Yercaud. And if you’re taking the road then maybe arrange a private vehicle or take a bus from Salem (1 hr), Chennai (7-8 hrs), or Coimbatore (4.5-5.5 hrs).
Best Time To Visit: October to June.
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Also read: Best homestays in Coimbatore
If you’re someone who loves to admire the beauty of forests, then you have to visit Valparai at least once in your lifetime. With a large forest cover, Valparai is in a region that has many national parks that are home to a variety of animals and birds. It also has abundant tea and coffee plantations covering the hill slopes. This hill station has a lot to offer along with the bountiful trekking trails for the adventure enthusiast in you.
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Pollachi and you can also take a road trip to this hill station by car or by taking a bus from Pollachi or Coimbatore. From Pollachi you can take the SH78 or NH83 and SH78 from Coimbatore.
Best Time To Visit: May to September.
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Nestled in the Nilgiri hills is the peaceful and calm hill station of Kotagiri. Much like Anaimalai, this one too has lovely tea and coffee plantations. A morning in Kotagiri could start by having a refreshing cup of tea and enjoying the outstanding landscape from the window of your room. The spiky terrains are a prominent feature of Kotagiri’s scenery and might attract you to try some rock-climbing. Kotagiri is also adorned by many European-style houses dating to the British era. And one of the best ways to know more about the roots of Kotagiri is to stay at the homestays.
How To Reach: Coimbatore railway station, is the nearest railway station to Kotagiri. And since Kotagiri has good road connectivity you can also take a road trip or get buses from neighboring cities like Coimbatore (2 hrs), Mysore (4-5 hrs), or Salem (4-4.5 hrs).
Best Time To Visit: December to May.
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Also read: 6 Best Places To Visit In Kotagiri For A Wonderful Vacation
Yet another less explored hill station to make it to our list is the Manjolai hills. This hill station belongs to a thickly forested area. To walk through the meadows of Manjolai is a truly exhilarating experience. Other than wandering through its forests you can spend some quality time with your friends and family at its gushing waterfalls and calm lakes. If you visit the beautiful Kakkachi lake, you will find a natural Golf course adjacent to the lake which is what makes it a famous tourist spot.
How To Reach: The nearest train station is Tirunelveli and the airport is Tuticorin, from here you can take a cab or bus to Manjolai. Buses to Manjolai can be availed from any of the major cities of Tamil Nadu, like Tirunelveli.
Best Time To Visit: November to March.
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The road leading up to Kolli hills has bizarre hairpin bends. Maybe that is why it gets the ominous name “Mountain of Deaths”. Since these hills are away from the touch of mainstream tourism, the natural gifts of Kolli hills are well-preserved. From waterfalls to ancient caves, this hill station has it all. Other than these marvels, it is known for the Arapaleeswarar temple, which houses the idol of Lord Shiva.
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Salem. You can also easily get buses to Kolli hills from major cities like Chennai (10-11 hrs), Bangalore (8 hrs), Coimbatore (2.5 hrs), Kochi (7-10 hrs), Salem (4.5 hrs), or Madurai (6 hrs).
Best Time To Visit: February to December.
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Velliangiri hills is located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is also known by Sapthagiri or Seven Hills. Among its serene natural beauty and rich wildlife, is the sacred temple of Lord Shiva. Surrounded by forests, you can even meditate here in solitude as the sages do. On your trip to Velliangiri, you also gear up for a trekking adventure. And if you’re lucky you might even spot a deer or two.
How To Reach: The best way to access Velliangiri hills is to arrive at Coimbatore by rail. You can also plan to take the roadways to Velliangiri by taking regular buses to the hill station from Coimbatore and Kozhikode.
Best Time To Visit: October to April.
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Unlike the other spectacular hill stations of Tamil Nadu located on the Western Ghats, Javadi hills are on the Eastern Ghats. And, it is just as lovely as the other hill stations of Tamil Nadu. You can witness its beauty in the thick forest covers and the dazzling white streams. In the forests of Javadi hills, you might spot some birds and animals that you don’t get to see every day. Thanks to the many vantage points on the hills, to which you can trek and soak in the picturesque views from here.
How To Reach: The nearest railway station to Javadi hills is Katpadi at a distance of 54 km. If you’re coming by road from Chennai you can take the NH4, or you can arrive at Thiruvannamalai and take a regular bus to Javadi hills.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
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Yet another hill station on the Eastern ghats is Sirumalai. The landscape of Sirumalai might remind you of one of those serene wallpapers on your screen, with misty mountains and greenery all around. The route to this hill station has many hairpin bends, so make sure you’re an experienced driver or have one along. With its less explored mountains and forests filled with rich wildlife and many medicinal plants, Sirumalai is one of the calm and cleanest hill stations.
How To Reach: At just 90 km away is the Madurai airport. The nearest railway station is the Dindigul junction, which is around 25 km away. You can also consider taking buses from Dindigul or Madurai to reach Sirumalai.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
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Being home to 27 rich forests, Theni is a hamlet filled with greenery. Another reason to add to its green patches is the vast tea gardens. So it shouldn’t be a surprise as to why you can get the faint aroma of tea when you’re in Theni. Other than this, Theni is also known for its mighty hills and mountains, and the gushing waterfalls, rivers, and dams. Also, if you are someone who is crazy about handloom products, then the local markets of Theni could be your paradise!
How To Reach: The nearest railway stations are Madurai, Coimbatore, and Chennai. If you’re planning a road trip, then these are the favorable highways from Chennai NH48 and NH44, from Coimbatore NH183 or NH81, and from Madurai NH85.
Best Time To Visit: December to February.
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Known as the Switzerland of India, Ketty valley is a stunning hill station between Ooty and Coorg. The best way to get your head around the beauty of Ketti valley is to take a toy train ride around the valley. Ketti valley offers you the chance to find your inner peace, but surrounding you with the serenity of its natural wonders. These include the lush green tea gardens, cascading waterfalls, and blue mountains. You can also check out the famous Shiva Lingam temple while you’re in Ketti valley.
How To Reach: To reach Ketti Valley by train you need to arrive at the nearest railway station of Mettupalayam. Otherwise, you can take a road trip to Ketti Valley or take a bus from Ooty via NH181.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
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Located in the eastern ghats, Kalrayan hills is one of the exotic hill stations of Tamil Nadu. It is the bridge between Kallakurichi and Salem districts. Kalrayan hills are also a less-explored hill station with shrubs and bushes spread all over the area. It is a perfect place for adventure enthusiasts and trekkers to begin an adventure. You could also set up a camp and chill with your friends or family. Kalrayan hills are also home to many scenic views that you must not miss out on!
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Villupuram. If you’re coming from Trichy then take NH38 and if you’re coming from Chennai then take Chennai-Villupuram-Trichy road. You can also take buses from Kallakurichi or Villupuram.
Best Time To Visit: July to February.
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Located in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu, is the town of Thally. Also known as “Little England”, it is the closest hill station to the city of Bangalore. This is why it serves as a perfect place for city dwellers to enjoy a picnic with lakes and gardens all around. It is also home to many wild flowers as it has a dense forest area. With an ancient temple in place, you can also go for a religious expedition on your trip to Thally.
How To Reach: If you’re traveling by train then you can either get down at Hosur or Kelamangalam railway station. By road, you can take buses from Kelamangalam (45 mins) or Hosur (1 hr).
Best Time To Visit: November to February.
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Sathuragiri hills are not just a hill station for a getaway. It is believed to be a sacred place of the Gods. With the temples of Lord Shiva on the hills, it attracts devotees and pilgrims from all over the nation. Do not forget to visit the Goraknathar caves which has an alluring stream flowing through them, offering a spectacular view to the visitors. If you’re looking for a blend of adventure and spirituality, then Sathuragiri hills have to be on your bucket list.
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Srivilliputhur, which is just 25 km away. From the railway station you can take a taxi or auto rikshaw to Thaanipaarai, from here you need to go on a 4-7 hour upward trek to reach Sathuragiri hills. Those of you coming from Madurai can take NH744 or NH38 and SH154.
Best Time To Visit: October to February.
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Summing Up
So these were the best 20 hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Although they are all hill stations, each one has its own essence. That being said, get all your warm clothes out of your closet and start packing to make the best of your chill break.
Which Is The Famous Hill Station In Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu is studded with several popular hill stations of the South. Some of the famous hill stations are Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coonoor, Yercaud, Meghamalai, Yelagiri, Anaimalai, and Valparai.
Which Is The Coolest Place In Tamil Nadu?
The coolest place in Tamil Nadu is the hill station of Ooty. It is one of the top hill stations in Tamil Nadu and is known for its rich tea plantations. With a cool climate throughout the year, it remains a popular choice among tourists, especially honeymooners.
How Many Hill Stations Are There In Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu is home to 25 gorgeous hill stations. Some of these are Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coonoor, Yelagiri, Kolli hills, Sirumalai, Palani hills, and Yercaud.
Who Is The Queen Of Hills?
Nestled in the Garhwal hills, is Mussoorie the queen of hills. With its picturesque views of the foggy mountains, serene sunsets, and architecture dating back to the British era, it is one of the most popular hill stations in all of India.
Which Is The Highest Hill Station In Tamil Nadu?
Soaring at 8,650 feet above sea level is the Doddabetta peak. It is the highest peak in Tamil Nadu. And being situated in the Nilgiris, it is also a neighbour of the gorgeous hill station of Ooty.
Which Is The Queen Of Hill Station In Tamil Nadu?
Ooty, the number one hill station in Tamil Nadu is known as the “queen of hill stations”. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the south and with a pleasant climate throughout the year, it is also a famous honeymoon destination.
Which Is Cold Kodaikanal Or Ooty?
Ooty is colder than Kodaikanal. This is because Ooty is located at a higher altitude than Kodaikanal.
Which Is The Most Peaceful Place In Tamil Nadu?
Yercaud is known as the most peaceful and beautiful place in Tamil Nadu. With a wide variety of flora and fauna and several picturesque views, it is a perfect place to find some calm among the everyday chaos.
