Top Hill Stations in South India

Agumbe

Distance: 350 km from Bangalore

Popular places to see: Sunset View Point, Barkana Falls, Kundadri Hills, Onake Abbi Falls, 

Best Time to Visit: October to February 

Araku Valley

Distance: 112 km from Vishakhapatnam

Popular places to see: Chaparai Waterfalls, Ananthagiri Hills, Padmapuram Botanical Garden, Araku Tribal Museum, Borra Caves and Bongulo Chicken.

Best Time to Visit: September to May 

BR Hills

The BR Hills or Biligiri Rangana Hills is a hill range on the eastern boundary of the Western Ghats. This is where the Eastern and Western Ghats meet and form diverse ecosystems. The Biligiri Rangana Hills is named after the Rangaswamy Temple on a white rock. The hills are in Chamarajanagar district and touch the Tamil Nadu border on the south-eastern border of Karnataka.

Distance: 170 km from Bangalore

Popular places to see: Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, K.Gudi Wilderness Camp, Viewpoint and wildlife safari.

Best Time to Visit: Jan to May 

Chikmagalur

If you love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, then you are going to love Chikmagalur, which has an eternal aroma that takes coffee in the air. Chikmagalur, popularly known as the 'Land of Coffee' in Karnataka, is located in the foothills of the Mullayangiri range in Karnataka. With lush green forests everywhere and its serene atmosphere (aside from coffee production), Chikmagalur is a wonderful hill station near Bangalore and a quaint spot from the busy city life.

Distance: 245 km from Bangalore

Best Time to Visit: September to March 

Coonoor

Coonoor Municipality and Taluk, Nilgiris District, in the western edge of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. As far as the size is concerned, Coonoor is the largest of all the beautiful hills of the Nilgiris after ot t, which provides ample land for people to roam around. For more than one trekking expedition, Coonoor is an ideal base and walks up to the Nilgiri Hills. The tourist places in Coonoor are beautiful.

Distance: 285 km from Bangalore and 75 Km from Coimbatore

Best Time to Visit: October-February

Officially known as Corgu, Coorg is the most sought after and popular hill station in Karnataka. Situated amidst high mountains, the landscape of Coorg remains snowy throughout the year. The natives here are Kodava. Apart from Kannada, the other two main languages ​​of this hill station are Kodagu and Kodava.

Best time to visit Kodagu The best season to visit Kodagu is between October and May and the peak season of the hill station is from February to May.  Also, it is one of the hottest rains across the country. With its lush green hills and coffee plantations, tea gardens and orange groves, this hill station is an amazing beauty. Coorg is ideal for trekking.

Distance: 260 km from Bangalore

Best Time to Visit: October to May

Kemmanagundi

With its beautiful gardens, Kemmangandi or KR Hills, the hill station is the highest peak of Mullayangiri in Karnataka. These hills provide summer retreat for nature lovers and adventure lovers. There are also trekking, nature walks and picnics in this area. The Royal Horticulture Society of Karnataka is located here and has some beautiful parks. Rock Garden, Point de Point, Hebbe Falls, Kalahasti Falls, Bababudan Hill Town and Shiva Temple are some of the other attractions.

The name Kemmanagudi means red soil, and the area is popular. It was the summer retreat of King Krishnaraja Odeyar IV of Mysore. Completely stunned and mesmerized by the beauty of the surroundings, he donated his resort to the Government of Karnataka. From beautiful waterfalls to nature treks, this place has a lot to offer. The weather is beautiful throughout the year, and you can visit it throughout the year.

Distance: 275 km from Bangalore

Best Time to Visit: October to May

Kodachadri

Kodachadri Hill is a natural heritage site that is part of the Western Ghats and provides a beautiful backdrop to the famous Kollur Mookambika Temple. Known for its spectacular sunrise and sunset, this hill range is part of the Mukambika Temple Nature Reserve. The summit of Kodachadri (at an altitude of 1343 meters above sea level) can be reached by a five-hour trek. Trekking on Kodachadri Hill with friends or solo travelers can be an adventurous and spiritual experience. On the western side, the hill rises to a height of about 1220 m, which supplies the forests of Udupi district. The trek from this place to the ancient temple is about 4 km through dense forest paths. Kollur is an ideal base for exploring the hills. The name Kodachadri comes from the Sanskrit word kutaj, which means jasmine of the hills.

Distance:430 km from Bangalore and 130 km from Mangalore

Best Time to Visit: October to May

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, a hill station princess, is a honeymoon destination, mainly among other places in India. It is one of the most suitable and beautiful places in the southern part of India as it offers the visitors an immersive experience with memorable experiences. Tourist places in Kodaikanal are a bounty of wilderness and have some dense forests with trees, attractive waterfalls and towering cliffs.

Located in the foothills of the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. This beautiful city is named after many locals, but the most popular is the "summer viewing spot". The Queen of Mountains is also known as "God's Gift" because of its gorgeous lakes and hills. The beautiful place of Kodaikanal welcomes you with an enchanting beauty as the temperature drops.

Eastern Switzerland is home to a variety of adventures and exciting things to do and places to visit. The romantic city of Kodaikanal gives you a new experience every time to visit different places with the beauty of its pure and untouchable nature and take it one step closer to the glory of nature. Kodaikanal attracts a huge number of national and international adventure tourists and travellers every year.

The king of romantic places, Kodaikanal is one of the best places to visit in the South. We all know that Tamil Nadu is the king of South India and hence the city of Kodaikanal adds a little more trash to its glory. The city is not only for newly wed couples, you can also visit Kodaikanal city sightseeing with your family and enjoy the various sports and adventures that this charming and beautiful city has offer.

Distance:465 km from Bangalore

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai is a mountain range in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. It is relatively untouched by commercial tourism and therefore retains much of its natural splendor. Arpaleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as the mountains have religious significance not only for their natural beauty. The summit is also accessible by road and the road leading to it has many twists.

Distance:88 km from Salem

Best Time to Visit: March to June

Kotagiri

Kotagiri is a beautiful hill station located in the Nilgiris district and is visited by tourists from all over the country. It is one of the oldest hill stations of Nilgiris and is situated at an altitude of 5882 feet. The city, which once served as a coffee plantation, is a 30,000-acre tea plantation. Immersed in lush greenery and rolling hills, Kotagiri offers plenty of trekking and hiking opportunities for adventure lovers.

Home of the famous Kota tribes, Kotagiri is often referred to as Kota Parvat. It is filled with European style houses and the history of British rule in India. The main attraction of this hill station is the 8 km long trek to Katherine Falls. With jagged terrain backed by peaceful grounds, the area is also ideal for rock climbing. Kotagiri is wild and primitive and there can be no better way to experience the destination than without staying at home.

Distance:30 km from Ooty

Best Time to Visit: December to February

Kudremukh

Kudremukh is a hill range in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka and is a part of the Western Ghats. It is a quaint hill station and mining town that has attracted trekking fans from time to time. It is the highest peak of Kudramukh, which is the second highest peak in Karnataka after Mulaiyangiri. The town is historically known as Sampanthara Parvat, and one way to reach here is through Samse village.

Known for its rustic attractions, waterfalls and trekking bliss and a birdwatchers' paradise. Kudremukh is a beautiful place to visit if you crave adventure and adventure in your life. Kudremukh is the most wonderful place for a memorable getaway with your loved ones, showcasing a carpet of pristine natural beauty.

Kudremukh is a picturesque mountain peak which on one side resembles the face of a horse. Its height is 1,894 meters and it is a very attractive place for the mountain lovers of South India. This is a great break where you can enjoy the beautiful views and take in the natural beauty. It is blessed with a landscape that includes eye-catching mountain peaks and vast valleys.

Travelers can also enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna on the popular trek through the Western Ghats. It is located in the protected area of ​​Kudremukh National Park and is a must visit for wildlife lovers. Kudremukh is known to be home to many endangered and endemic species, where you can spot tigers, leopards and wild dogs in the landscape. It is rich in a variety of flora and fauna which includes tropical wet evergreen forests.

Distance:330 km from Bangalore

Best Time to Visit: December to February

Munnar

Munnar is a popular hill station in Kerala, situated at an altitude of 1600 meters in the Western Ghats. Munnar is known as the 'Kashmir of South India' for its tea plantations, various green deserts, fog and rocky peaks. Situated on the banks of three rivers - Madupetty, Nallattani and Periyavar - Munnar tea gardens offer scenic views. Munnar is divided into old Munnar and most of the guest houses with bus stand and Munnar. Eravikulam National Park, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Tea Garden are the main attractions here.

Distance:130 km from Kochi and 475 km from Bangalore

Best Time to Visit: June to September

Ooty

Ooty Situated in the Nilgiris hill, this place is also known as Udhagamandalam, a hill station in Tamil Nadu that serves as a high-end tourist destination. The Queen of the Hills, once considered the summer capital of the East India Company, is a beautiful departure. Tea plantations, serene waterfalls, winding countryside and charming colonial architecture make a perfect break for all. Popular among couples and honeymooners, attracts its visitors with its panoramic views of the Eucalyptus Mountains. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is the fastest track in the whole of Asia. Remember the hit song 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' from Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora's set on the train? Remember the breath-taking sights as the train had lush greenery? Yes, it is the Eucalyptus Mountain Railway and the Eucalyptus Mountains.

Distance:270 km from Bangalore

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November

Ranipuram

Ranipuram, once known as the Madathumala model, is the true mother of nature! Situated in the Kasaragod region, it is one of the least explored and most virgin hill stations of Kerala! Known as the Queen of Grassland, it is situated at an altitude of 2,460 feet above sea level, and has a fascinating flora and fauna.

Ranipuram, also known as the Ooty of Kerala, attracts much of the charm and atmosphere of Ooty. By visiting this promising hill station in Kerala, tourists can enjoy its enchanting beauty and get tired of doing nothing. Adventure seekers can head to this beautiful hilly region and enjoy fascinating activities like trekking, hiking and wildlife in the rugged and lush green environment of Ranipuram.

Ranipuram is located in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, now known as Ooty of Kerala and was earlier known as Madathumala. It is an offbeat trekking destination, which is sparsely populated and offers panoramic views as you wander through the foggy and lush green meadows. Due to the length of the trail, Ranipuram can be an ideal time of day if you live in or near Mangalore or the northern part of Kerala.

Distance: 45 km from Kanhangad Railway Station and 113 km from Mangalore.

Best Time to Visit: March to June

Sakleshpur

Sakleshpur is a small town in the western Karnataka state of Karnataka state. Surrounded by astonishing plantations of coffee, tea and spices, Sakleshpur's economy thrives on these. Also, with the recent development of tourism around the city, places to visit in Sakleshpur have recently gained a reputation for their beauty and the experiences they offer, both of which are unique.

Easily connected to major cities like Bangalore and Mangalore, Sakleshpur has beautiful places to see man made and nature gifts. A prime example of this is the old Manjarabad fort built in the form of a star, one of the major tourist destinations of Sakleshpur. But this is not the same, the list of names goes on and on, and sometimes mixed with man-made structures, to see where you can treat yourself to the best views of the natural beauty of Sakleshpur.

Distance: 220 km from Bangalore

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Valparai

Valparai Hill Station is located at an altitude of 3500 feet above sea level in the Anamalai range of the Western Ghats and is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu. Valparai Hill Station is a pollution free heavenly land filled with tea plantations. It stands splendidly with lush green mountains and beautiful forest all around. Traveling from Pollachi to Valparai is a fascinating experience.

The place is surrounded by densely forested tea and coffee plantations. The season of Valparai is best suited for tea, coffee, cardamom and cinchona trees. According to previous records, in 1846, Sri Ramaswamy Mudaliar started coffee cultivation on his private property. Then, in 1864, the Karnataka Coffee Company started its own coffee plantation here, but could not make it profitable, so they sold a part of their farm. In 1890, W. Vintil and Norden bought a large part of the British Raj from the Madras State Government at Valparai under the British Raj. Vintil deforested the area and established a tea and coffee estate. He was assisted by veteran planter Carver Marsh. Carver Marsh, because of his dedication and hard work, later came to be known as the father of Annamalai. A statue is erected on the Kawerkal estate dedicated to Carver Marsh.

Distance: 102 km from Coimbatore

Wayanad

Wayanad, a green paradise nestled amidst the Western Ghats mountains, forms the fringe world of the lush green part of Kerala. This land of swatch and ancient, enchanting and compelling is full of history and culture. The Wayanad hills are close to Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur in Karnataka, thus creating a vast landmass for wildlife to move into their most natural habitat.

Geographically, Wayanad district lies at the southern end of the Deccan Plateau, and its main glory is the majestic Western Ghats, with its high ridges and rugged terrain, dense forests, emerald forests and deep valleys. This place has a strategic location as it is surrounded by major tourist destinations of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Bangalore, Coorg and Kannur.

Wayanad consists of 3 talukas covering an area of ​​2132 km with a population density of 369 people/km² (7 Census 2001) - Manantavadi, Sultan Bathery and Vaithiri. The district headquarters are located in Kalpetta Municipality, which has a population density of 369 people/km (7 Census 2001).

Distance: 275 km from Bangalore

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Yelagiri

Yelagiri, a beautiful hill station, is located on Vaniyambadi Tirupattur Road in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. Yelagiri village, sometimes called Elagiri village, is situated at an altitude of 1,110.6 m above sea level. It is surrounded by charming gardens, rose gardens and lush green valleys, which makes for the most luxurious Yalagiri tour package.

Yelagiri Hill Station is mainly a group of fourteen settlements, whose main and capital is Athanavur. Yelagiri is one of the most famous places in India known for its many trekking and climbing adventures as it climbs some beautiful hills and mountains. The highest point of Yalagiri village is Swamimalai Hill, which is 4,388 feet high and is dotted with some breathtaking views and places that will make your trek a memorable one.

The beautiful hills and valleys of the district allow you to treat your eyes to exotic places, no doubt there are a lot of places and places for the traveller or adventurer. Punganur Lake is one of the most spectacular and enchanting places in the region, which attracts many tourists and tourists every year. This is one of the many places to visit in the district during your stay.

Every year during the summer months, Tamil Nadu tourism department organizes a summer festival in Yelagiri district, showcasing various cultural heritage and arts from across the country, which is considered to be the best Yelagiri tour package. They organize flower shows, dog shows and other cultural events. All these festivals are organized every year in which people from all over the state and country come to participate and it is a great opportunity to learn more about Yelagiri people and past.

Distance: 160 km from Bangalore

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Yercaud

Yercaud is Situated on the eastern side of the Chevarai Hills, Yercaud is a revived hill station in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. It is surrounded by Emerald Lake, also known as Yercaud Lake. The emerald green shade of a beautiful natural lake takes its meaning from the hill station. In the local language, the word Yercaud means, Lake Forest, it is in fact. This Tamil Nadu weekend destination is full of lush green landscape, snow clad hills, fresh air and soulful feel.

Situated at an altitude of 4970 feet above sea level, this site is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions and countryside. From flora and fauna to an air of freshness and purity, Yercaud is also known as the poor's wai due to its low-cost tourism. This hill station grows coffee, spices and fruits under a beautiful sky overlooking the dense forests and is full of orange fruits. It houses some of the most famous parks and gardens, with floral masterpieces like Anna Park and Rose Garden to name a few. Discovered by the British in the 19th century, Yercaud offers some astonishing views that help tourists to take in the beauty of the city.

Owing to its clean and pristine nature, Yercaud is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers and adventurers, taking you to various trekking destinations like Kiliyur Falls and Tipperary Point. It looks less congested than most hill stations, which is why it is quite unpaved and thus cost-effective. Moreover, Yercaud is a compact destination that can be easily explored in a day or two. The hill is beautiful with its orchards and spice and coffee plantations, and deserves its own flora and fauna that attracts all kinds of tourists. Described as the jewel of South India, this lake is undoubtedly the attraction of the hill station and its quaintness is undoubtedly one of the most important places to visit in Tamil Nadu.

Distance: 205 km from Bangalore

Horsley hills

Horsley Hills or Horslakeonda or Yenugullah Mallamma Konda are a range of hills about 9 miles from the town of Madanapalle in Madanapalli Taluk of Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. The original name of the hill is Yenugu Mallama Konda. The place was named after a legend of Mallamma, a saintly old man who lived on the top of a hill and was believed to have been fed by elephants. The place was called Horsley Hills around 1870 when British collector WD Horsley made his home. Compared to the hot and dry areas around, the place was cool, cool and refreshing, so what inspired Horsley was his residence.

Horsley Hills is a beautiful hill station situated between the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It is the perfect combination of the charming, rustic quality of Andhra Pradesh and the splendid setting of the hills. It is also affectionately known as Andhya Yat. This natural wonder is 4312 meters high and is known for its stunning landscapes. Horsley Hills is home to the largest banyan tree and the oldest eucalyptus tree. The place is full of dense forests and diverse flora and fauna including 113 species of birds. Apart from being a refuge for nature lovers and bird watchers, the beautiful landscape of Horsley Hills doubles as an adventure sports destination, featuring trampoline, shooting, bow and arrow, wall climbing, water walking, rappelling, swimming pool and fish activities. Spa and mini zoo.

The main tourist places around Horsley Hills are Gangotri Lake, Various Views, Gali Banda, Eco Park and Horsley Hills Museum. Horsley Hills is one of the few places that twist in India. But it requires early reservations and a group package usually of at least 20 participants. Other adventure sports that run are rappelling and trekking. Horsley Hills has a pleasant climate throughout the year and can be visited at any time of the year. 

Distance: 160 km from Bangalore

Popular places to see: adventure sports destination, featuring trampoline, shooting, bow and arrow, wall climbing, water walking, rappelling, swimming pool and fish activities. Spa and mini zoo.

Best Time to Visit: February to May