Tamil Nadu’s geographical diversity will astonish anyone. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is one of the hottest and humidest cities of India and yet, a few kilometres away from Chennai, we can witness stunning hill stations that are sure to take almost anyone’s breath away.

 We have picked 10 such beautiful hill stations near Vellore for you to visit. These places are the perfect getaway from the tropical climate of India. Each of these locations are unique in their own way. Although they are all hill stations, they are very different from each other.

Top 10 Hill Stations Near Vellore

Given below are some of the best hill stations located near Vellore that are considered to be the most awe-striking tourist places. Check them out!

  • Kodaikanal – Nature Lover’s Paradise
  • Yelagiri – Nestled Amidst Lush Gardens
  • Yercaud – An Aromatic Escape
  • Coonoor – Sprawling Grasslands
  • Ooty – Bollywood’s Favorite
  • Malaikodi Hills – Spiritually Inclined
  • Kolli Hills – Tiny Heaven
  • Vellimalai Hills – Famed For Its Temple
  • Palamathi Hills – Picturesque Landscapes
  • Vattakanal – Hidden Gem

1. Kodaikanal – Nature Lover’s Paradise

Kodaikanal

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Kodaikanal is located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. In Tamil, Kodaikanal means “the forest’s gift” . Kodaikanal is also known as the “Princess of Hill Stations”. Kodaikanal plays a huge role in the local economy with its hospitality and tourism industry. Kodaikanal sits between the Gundar and Parappar Valley. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations near Vellore.

During the British era, the British would visit Kodaikanal to get away from the tropical climate. The hill sides are covered with pastures and abundant flora. Mighty eucalyptus and shola forests are a common sight. Gushing streams and waterfalls are abundant. Cypress, acacia and pear trees are in large numbers throughout Kodaikanal.

Best Time to visit: Between October and March
Ideal for: Family, nature lovers, weekend getaways
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 days
Must-visit places nearby: Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Kudanthai Vallapar Temple, Green valley view, Shembaganur Museum of Natural History, Silver Cascade falls and Kodaikanal Solar Observatory.
How to reach:
– From the airport: Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli and Tuticorin airport.
– From the railway station: Palani Station
Weather: 14-25 C
Things to do: Take the Coaker’s Walk, go for boating at the Lake, explore the Guna Cave, stroll around the Pine Forest, go for trekking
Places to Stay: Town Country Guest House, Kodai Drizzle, Clouds And Mist Cottage

Must Read: 50 Best Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu Ensuring The Most Awesome Vacay


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2. Yelagiri – Nestled Amidst Lush Gardens

Yelagiri

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Yelagiri is located in the Tirupattur District of Tamil Nadu. Beautiful rose gardens, meadows and orchards surround Yelagiri. Yelagiri is situated between Jollarpettai and Vaniyambadi. Yelagiri was formerly a Zamindar’s private property. The Government took over in the early 1950s. Yelagiri Summer Festival is a must-visit. It is celebrated in the month of May every year. It is definitely among the best hill stations near Vellore by virtue of the stash of nature’s bounty it blankets.

Best Time to visit: November to February
Ideal for: Family, solo trips, nature lovers
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 days
Must-visit places nearby: Nature park, Punganoor Lake Park, Jalagamparai Waterfalls
How to reach:
– From the airport: Bangalore Airport
– From the railway station: Jollarpettai
Weather: Cool in the monsoon. Pleasant throughout the year.
Things to do:  Stroll around the herbal farm, take a temple tour, try out adventure sports, go boating at the lake
Places to Stay: O Nila Resort, Rhythms Lake View Resort, Dolphin Resort

Suggested Read: Mahabalipuram In Tamil Nadu: Explore The Unique Culture Of Southern India

3. Yercaud – An Aromatic Escape

Yelagiri

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Yercaud, in Tamil Nadu, is situated in the Shevaroy Hills. This region is well-known for it’s orange, coffee, spices and fruit plantations. The natural cliffs in Yercaud are stunning. There are several parks for children in Yercaud. Yercaud is often called ‘Ooty of the poor’. It is beautiful and budget-friendly. The aroma makes it one of the captivating hill stations near Vellore. 

Best Time to visit: October to June
Ideal for: Nature lovers, experience seekers, family.
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 days
Must-visit places nearby: Yercaud Lake, Lady’s Seat, Kiliyur Falls, Bakoda Point, Servarayan Temple, Karadiyur View point and Nallur Falls.
How to reach:
– From the airport: Salem airport
– From the railway station: Salem Junction
Weather: 12-30C
Things to do: Try out the various cafes, trek through the forests, witness the views from Lady’s Seat
Places to Stay: Oyla Cottages, Classic Cottage, Bamboo Holiday Cottage

Suggested Read: Monsoon In Tamil Nadu: See The 8 Most Wonderful Places To Explore

4. Coonoor – Sprawling Grasslands

Coonoor

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Coonor is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. Coonoor has more than 1000 plant species. The aromatic atmosphere of this destination is what makes it one of the best hill stations around Vellore that one can visit. This town boasts about sprawling lush greens and tranquility in atmosphere. One should definitely not forget their cameras when planning a trip to this side of the southern country.

Best Time to visit: October to March
Ideal for: Nature lovers, experience seekers, family.
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 days
Must-visit places nearby: Nilgiri hills, Catherine falls, Droog Fort, Lamb’s Rock, Law’s Falls, Sim’s Park and Dolphin’s Nose.
How to reach:
– From the airport: Coimbatore
– From the railway station: Coimbatore, Bangalore, or, the toy train from Ooty.
Weather: 16C
Things to do: Stroll around the botanical garden, devour lunch at Culinarium, witness magnificent views from the dedicated points, visit the tea factory
Places to Stay: HS Holiday Homes Coonoor, The Xanadu, Vasanth Vihar Homestay

Suggested Read: 12 Honeymoon Places In Tamil Nadu For A Romantic Getaway

5. Ooty – Bollywood’s Favorite

Ooty

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Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam is a town in the Nilgiri District of Tamil Nadu. It is also referred to as the ‘Queen of South’. Ooty is world-famous for its chocolates and lush greenery. It is situated in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is amongst popular hill stations near Vellore. The simplicity and lack of boundaries makes everyone feel one with the local culture here.

The journey to Ooty is in itself awe-inspiring. One will witness the tea gardens, the Nilgiri Hills and serene waterfalls. The retro charm of Colonial Architecture, the fresh air reignites the souls of the travellers. The famous ‘Chaiya Chaiya’ song was performed by Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora Khan here, in the Nilgiri Mountain Railways with the Nilgiri hills as a backdrop.

Best Time to visit: October to June
Ideal for: Nature lovers, train lovers, families, weekend getaways, couples and solo trip.
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 days
Must-visit places nearby: Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty Lake, Ooty Botanical Gardens, St. Stephen’s Church, Emerald Lake and Ooty Rose Garden
How to reach:
– From the airport: Coimbatore
– From the railway station: Mettupalyam
Weather: 13C
Things to do: Take a ride on the toy train, visit the botanical gardens, camping, try homemade chocolates, attend the summer festival
Places to Stay: Meadows Residency, Astoria Residency, Treebo TrendLight House

Suggested Read: 9 Best Hotels In Tirupati For A Tranquil Retreat In The Heart Of Tamil Nadu!

6. Malaikodi Hills – Spiritually Inclined

Malaikodi Hills

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It is located on the Highway of Vellore- Odugathur. Malaikodi is famous for its Golden Temple, also known as the Srilaxmi Golden Temple. There is a spiritual park along with the Temple. The temple is adorned with gold.

Best Time to visit: All year round
Ideal for: Religious and spiritual people, families, solo trip, experience seekers, etc.
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Must-visit places nearby: Toad hills, Periya Modu,
How to reach:
– From the airport: Coimbatore
– From the railway station: Coimbatore
Weather: Pleasant
Things to do: Pay respects to the various places of worship located here

Suggested Read: 15 Kodaikanal Hotels To Pick From For Your Next Trip To Tamil Nadu

7. Kolli Hills – Tiny Heaven

Kolli Hills

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Kolli Hills is 286kms away from Vellore. It is a tiny hill station located in the Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu. This location is still untouched by the tourism industry and hence it still retains its true natural beauty.

Best Time to visit: Tourism Festival in August; November to February.
Ideal for: Offbeat travellers, nature lovers, experience seekers, family and solo trips.
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Must-visit places nearby: Jollarpettai
How to reach:
– From the airport: Salem
– From the railway station: Salem
Weather: 19C
Things to do:  Visit the waterfalls, take a ride on a boat, visit the caves, trekking
Places to Stay: Silverline Retreat Hotel, Nallathambi Resort

Suggested Read: 10 Best Hotels In Vellore For A Cosy and Luxurious Accommodation In The Ancient City

8. Vellimalai Hills – Famed For Its Temple

Vellimalai Hills

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It is well-known for Vellimalai Sri Temple. It is believed that in this temple couples are blessed with a baby if they pray for a child. This is that hill station near by Vellore that is mostly visited by newly married couples or those who have been longing to have a kid.

Best Time to visit: Year round
Ideal for: Family, spiritual people, religious people, nature lovers, experience seekers, etc.
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Must-visit places nearby: Kallakurichi, Kalrayan Hills
How to reach:
– From the airport: Salem
– From the railway station: Salem
Weather: Pleasant
Things to do: Get refreshed at the waterfalls, witness the stunning views of the surroundings

Suggested Read: 15 Things To Do In Vellore That Make Sure That You Have A Trip To Remember

9. Palamathi Hills – Picturesque Landscapes

Palamathi Hills

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Situated 14 kms from Vellore. It is well-known for its picturesque landscape and the Murugan Temple. It is among the hill stations around Vellore. This hill station home to impeccable marvels of mother nature that does not fail to inspire awe.

Best Time to visit: October to March
Ideal for: Family, religious people, spiritual people, nature lovers, etc.
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 days
Must-visit places nearby: Jalakandeswarar Temple, St.John’s Church, Periyar Park
How to reach:
– From the airport: Coimbatore
– From the railway station: Salem
Weather: Pleasant
Things to do: Visit the various temples located in this region, stroll around the park

Suggested Read: 19 Interesting Places To Visit In Vellore

10. Vattakanal – Hidden Gem

hill station view

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Vattakanal, also known as Vatta, is a hidden gem in Tamil Nadu. It is located in the Palani Hills. The serenity and tranquility of this place is refreshingly unlike the other hill stations. This place is not a busy ‘touristy’ place as most people have not discovered this beauty yet. People from all over the world come to visit this place and you might be surprised to see some Israeli people out here who have settled here for a long time and have opened their own businesses.

The air is fresh, cool and clean. Vattekanal is popular amongst Israeli people. They come here every year around October and Vattekanal is also called ‘Little Israel’.

Best Time to visit: September through December
Ideal for: Nature lovers
Ideal trip duration: 3 days
Must-visit places nearby: Altaf’s Cafe, Dolphin’s Nose, Vattakanal Waterfalls, RC Stores/Guest house
How to reach:
– From the airport: Nearest airport is Madurai
– From the railway station: Kodaikanal road(KQN) or Dindigul
Weather: 14C .
Things to do: Explore the forests, witness the stunning views of the surroundings, try out different eateries, visit the falls

Further Read: 50 Best Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu Ensuring The Most Awesome Vacay

The above-mentioned hill stations near Vellore will recharge just about anyone’s batteries. If you feel like you need a break from the daily humdrum of life, then hurry up and book your trip to Tamil Nadu now!

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Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations Near Vellore

What is famous in Vellore?

Vellore is a city in Tamil Nadu that is famous for its many ancient Himdu Temples. The most famous one being Jalakandeswarar Temple. Also, the traces of Vijaynagar kingdom can be seen at the Vellore Fort.

Does Vellore have an airport?

Vellore doesn’t have an airport in the city and the nearest one is the Chennai International airport, 130 km away.

Why is Vellore so hot?

Since, Vellore is surrounded by mountains and hot northwestern blows by the city, Vellore is one of the hottest places in Southern India.

Are Ola & Uber cab services in Vellore?

No, Ola and Uber cab services are not yet available in Vellore city.


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