One of the most popular tourist destinations in the South, Tamil Nadu is the tenth largest state in India. The spectacular hill stations in Tamil Nadu are ideal for every type of traveller, be it a solo traveller or a couple on a honeymoon, a family vacation or having fun with friends. The splendid views of picturesque locations will make you feel like you have entered serenity. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip, pack your bags and head to Tamil Nadu to explore the idyllic hill stations that will surely make you fall in love with nature.
7 Best Hill Stations In Tamil Nadu
Check out the well-curated list of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu for an unforgettable holiday experience:
1. Ooty
Situated amidst the blue Nilgiri mountains of South India, Ooty is a picturesque hill station that has retained its old-world charm. This queen of hill stations is also known as Udhagamandalam. From gardens and parks to lakes and dams, tribal huts and museums to historical buildings, Ooty is a joy for travellers seeking various tourist attractions. It is the most-visited and the best hill station in Tamil Nadu. The famous Bollywood song Chaiyya Chaiyya was filmed at the top of the Ooty train.
Major attractions: Ooty Lake, Ooty Botanical Gardens, Dolphin’s Nose, St Stephen’s Church, Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Rose Garden, Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Best time to visit: October to June
Distance from Tamil Nadu: 257 km
Must Read: Mahabalipuram In Tamil Nadu: Explore The Unique Culture Of Southern India
2. Yercaud
Known as the “Land of seven forests,” Yercaud lies in the Shevaroy Hills and has many viewpoints which offer exhilarating views of the lush green town. This hill station in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu is known for its falls, coffee plantations, viewpoints, fruit orchards, and temples. The 7-day Yercaud Summer Festival, conducted yearly in May, features flower shows, a butterfly’s life cycle in 3D art, boat races, and dog shows. Trekking is a popular activity in Yercaud, where adventure enthusiasts can witness the enchanting beauty of this scenic town while on trails.
Major attractions: Pagoda Point, Killiyur Falls, Yercaud Lake, Lady’s Seat, Bear’s Cave, Shevaroy Temple, Raja Rajeshwari Temple
Best time to visit: October to June
Distance from Tamil Nadu: 120 km
3. Kodaikanal
Located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is famously known as “The Princess of Hills.” The glorious hill town was a summer retreat during the British era. From the artificial star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake to the giant granite boulders at the Pillar Rocks, from exotic flowers at Chettiar Park to cascading waterfalls at the Bear Sholla Falls, Kodaikanal offers tourists immense beauty to witness. The speciality of Chettiar Park is the Kurinji flower, which blooms once in twelve years.
Major attractions: Kodaikanal Lake, Bear Shola Falls, Suicide Point (Green Valley View), Coakers Walk, Berijam Lake, Chettiar Park, Pillar Rocks, Thalaiyar Falls, Bryant Park
Best time to visit: October to June
Distance from Tamil Nadu: 208 km
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4. Yelagiri
Surrounded by lush greenery, rose gardens, orchard fields, valleys, and pleasant weather all year round, Yelagiri is a hill station with breathtaking views. Adventure sports like paragliding, trekking, and rock climbing are popular activities indulged in by adventure enthusiast tourists here. From scenic falls to lakes and hills to nature parks, Yelagiri is a hill station that will surely make you feel closer to nature with its serene environment. With a quaint cluster of 14 hamlets, Yelagiri is one of the low-budget hill stations in Tamil Nadu.
Major attractions: Jalagamparai Falls, Nature’s Park, Velavan Temple (Murugan Temple), Punganoor Lake, Government Herbal Farm, Fundera Park, Mountain View Adventure Park, Telescope Observatory
Best time to visit: October to February
Distance from Tamil Nadu: 233 km
5. Masinagudi
Nestled amidst the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu, Masinagudi is a part of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. One can spot wildlife during safari tours or nature walks amidst the lush green forest. The intriguing variety of flora, fauna and avifauna is a delight to witness for nature lovers and photographers. From boating at the Moyar River to undertaking an adventurous jeep safari at the National parks, from a spiritual visit to Himavad Golpalaswamy Temple to feeding the elephants at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp, a trip to Tamil Nadu is incomplete without visiting Masinagudi.
Major attractions: Mudumalai National Park, Theppakadu Elephant Camp, Vibhuti Malai Murugan Temple, Moyar River, Bandipur National Park, Himavad Golpalaswamy Temple
Best time to visit: October to March
Distance from Tamil Nadu: 300 km
Suggested Read: 12 Honeymoon Places In Tamil Nadu For A Romantic Getaway
6. Coonoor
Coonoor is considered the second-largest hill station in Tamil Nadu and home to the ethnic group- the Toda tribe. The slopped tea plantations, colonial culture, and stunning locations enhance the beauty of this hill station. The viewpoints in Coonoor offer a mesmerizing view of the sunrise and the sunset. Bollywood movies like Kapoor & Sons, Main Tera Hero, Golmaal Again, and more were filmed in the sublime hill station of Coonoor. Whether you are searching for hill stations in Tamil Nadu for honeymoon or staycation, or even a fun trip with family and friends, Coonoor is the ultimate destination.
Major attractions: Rallia Dam, Lamb’s Rock, Catherine Falls, Droog Fort, St. George’s Church, Law’s Falls, Sim’s Park
Best time to visit: October to March
Distance from Tamil Nadu: 241 km
7. Valparai
Snuggled in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, Valparai is a picturesque and glorious hill station where almost every major tourist attraction is surrounded by tea plantations/fields. It is perched at the top of the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats. Among the less explored or unexplored hill stations in Tamil Nadu, one must visit Valparai for its mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, dams, coffee & tea plantations, and ghat roads. If you are on the lookout for hill stations in Tamil Nadu near Chennai, head to Valparai.
Major attractions: Nallamudi Viewpoint, Karumalai Balaji Temple, Nirar Dam, Karumalal Annai Velankanni Church, Koolangal River, Birla Waterfalls, Chinnakallar Falls, Aliyar Dam
Best time to visit: September to February
Distance from Tamil Nadu: 238 km
Further Read: 50 Best Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu Ensuring The Most Awesome Vacay
Now that you have the list of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu, check out the affordable tour packages of Tamil Nadu and plan your next visit. One can witness the scenic views, lush greenery, breathtaking hilltops, cascading waterfalls, ancient temples, and many enchanting locations at these hill stations in Tamil Nadu. These picturesque hill stations will make your vacation experience a memorable one!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu
What are the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu?
Here is a list of hill stations in Tamil Nadu which are the best of the lot:
1. Ooty
2. Kodaikanal
3. Coonoor
4. Yelagiri
5. Yercaud
6. Masinagudi
7. Valparai
Which is the king of hill stations in Tamil Nadu?
Kodaikanal, located in the Dindigul district, is the king of hill stations in Tamil Nadu.
Which is the Queen of Hills in Tamil Nadu?
Ooty is known as the “Queen of Hills Stations” in Tamil Nadu.
Which is the biggest hill in Tamil Nadu?
Doddabetta Peak in Ooty is the highest peak in Tamil Nadu.
Which is the coldest hill station in Tamil Nadu?
Ooty is the coldest hill station in Tamil Nadu.
Which place is known as Mini Ooty?
Arimbra Hills, a popular tourist spot in Malappuram, Kerala, is also known as Mini Ooty.
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