16 Best Hill Stations places to visit in Tamil Nadu

Seated deeply in the southern region of the subcontinent and bounded by the Eastern Ghats Tamil Nadu is a treasure trove for peace lovers, travelers and adventure seekers. A travel package to Tamil Nadu will take you across this state which is dotted with numerous age old historic buildings, pristine hill stations and 8 UNESCO world heritage sites. This state has a plethora of varied traditional art forms including cuisines, literature and dance forms. Mostly this rich mosaic of land is home to some of the most breathtaking hill stations in India with some of the most panoramic vistas which are:

Yercaud

Located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu and nestled comfortably in the lush greenery of the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is known for its abundant lakes and forests which dot the entire region. Yercaud is also popular for its quaint lifestyle which exudes an overall feel of extreme positivity and any visitor will be able to feel it in the atmosphere. The best time to visit this refreshing hill town is during the months of October to June when the skies are cleared and the temperature is comfortable.

Places to Visit in Yercaud - Emerald Lake, Anna Park, Lady’s seat, Shevaroy temple and Botanical garden.

Coonoor

Situated in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu and famous for its Nilgiri tea production, the magnificent hill town of Conoor is located at an altitude of 6,070 feet above sea level. Offering rejuvenating and breathtaking views of the surroundings and seated deep in the lush greenery of the tall trees, this breathtaking hill station of Conoor attracts numerous travelers from across the globe and also people looking for a weekend getaway from nearby places in Tamil Nadu. The best time to explore this place is during the months of March to June and September to October with the peak season being April to June.  

Places to Visit in Coonoor - Sim’s park, Botanical garden, Dolphin’s nose, Catherine falls and Law’s falls.

Yelagiri

This quirky hill town which is dotted with numerous plunging green valleys which represent the various gradients of green rose gardens, paragliding and adventure sports spots and orchards. Situated in the Vellore district and perched at a height of 1,110 metres above sea level the stunning views and encapsulating surroundings makes sure that you have the time of your lives here. This town is known to have been established during the British colonial days when the British people wanted to get away from the scorching heat of the plains.

Places to Visit in Yelagiri - Velavan temple, Jalagamparai waterfalls, Javadi hills and Palamathi hills.

Topslip

Perched at an elevation of 2,445 metres above sea level, Topslip is one of the most untouched parts of Southern India. Away from the busy hustle bustle of the city life Topslip offers panoramic views to its visitors along with a myriad of wildlife culture. This place is filled with unique forests of teak and bamboo which is home to some of the most exotic flora and fauna collection. Apart from the pleasant and comfortable weather he place is also famous for elephant camp, wildlife safaris among other outdoor sports activities.    

Places to Visit in Topslip - tiger reserve forest, Parambikulam wildlife reserve forest, Ambuli watchtower and so much more.

Kotagiri

Situated at an altitude of 1,793 metres above sea level and perched amongst the Nilgiri district this is one of the most picturesque hill town of Tamil Nadu. Kotagiri is also the very first British settlement in Tamil Nadu it is also the oldest and the 3^rd largest hill station in the entire Nilgiris just after Ooty and Coonoor. Famous for its scenic beauty and coffee plantations Kotagiri is a real treat for each of its visitors. The best time to visit this quaint hill town is during the months of December to May.

Places to Visit in Kotagiri - Nehru Park, Longwood shoal reserve forest, Catherine falls and Dolphin’s nose view point.

Kolli Hills

This hill town is one of the most offbeat and unique locations in the entire South India. Away from the maddening crowds and relatively untouched from the commercial tourism Kolli hills is known for its pristine natural beauty and a sense of calm which takes over the traveler. Trekking is one of the most popular activities here which is dotted with numerous panoramic vistas and sites. Except for the monsoon season one can visit Kolli hills throughout the year since the weather and climatic conditions here are extremely comfortable and pleasant.

Places to Visit in Kolli Hills - Agaya Gangai waterfalls, Seekuparai, Selur Nadu, Ariyur solai reserve forest.

Manjolai Hills

Situated at an altitude of 1,162 metres above sea level, this is the perfect getaway option for people looking to beat the terrible heat. Famous for its neatly drawn tea estates and a variety of plantations, this hill station is also famous for its serene and charming vibe. One can observe miles and miles of green cover which engulf the landscape of this place. There are also numerous lakes where people can go, visit and try out boating activities making it the perfect picnic spot for families.

Places to Visit in Manjolai Hills - Singampatti Zamin Palace, Vanapetchi Amman temple, Varakkattai view point.

Kodaikanal

Popularly known as the princess of hill stations, Kodaikanal is perched at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level. Located among the lush greenery of tall trees and neatly created tea estates this exquisite hill town of the South is a popular tourist destination among numerous travelers and peace seekers. The best time to visit Kodaikanal is during the summer months of April to June. During the monsoon season months of September to October one can experience the hill station in a completely new light.

Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu - Coaker’s walk, Bryant Park, Bear shoal falls, Kodai Lake, Pillar rocks among other range of cascading waterfalls.

Anaimalai Hills:

Also popularly known as elephant Mountains this hills is a part of the lush green southern end of the Western Ghats. This magnificent hill town is home to some of the most dense monsoon forests and coffee and tea plantations. Currently this place is under the consideration for a place among the UNSECO world heritage site for being a world heritage site. The hills serve as a stopover point for pilgrims heading up to the Sabarimalatemple in Kerala. The air is unadulterated and clean and the lush green surroundings offers you some of the most surreal panoramic sights.

Places to Visit in Anaimalai Hills - Anaimalai sanctuary, Parambikulam, Varagaliar elephant camp, Mt. Stuart block.

Javadi Hills:

Spreading majestically across parts of Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts in the Eastern Ghats, Javadi hills is ranked among one of the most picturesque hill town holiday destination. The entire landscape is covered in a vibrantly green colored growth which seems too good to be true. These lands are used for the production of some commercial crops like tamarind, jackfruit, guava, pomegranate among others.

Places to Visit in Javadi hills - Kavalur observatory, Beemanmadavu waterfalls, Amirthi forest, Komutteri Lake.

Kalrayan Hills:

Situated in the eastern Ghats range and separated by the majestic Kaveri river from its other valleys, Kalrayan hills draws a major crowd during the peak summer months. People visit here to beat the scorching summer heat and just kick back and relax. The entire landscape is covered in thick, lush greenery of the tall tress without any open brown spaces. The clear open blue skies blended with the incredibly mesmerizing views makes this place an oasis for peace seekers, nature lovers and solo travelers.

Places to Visit in Kalrayan Hills - Pappanaickenpatti Dam, Periyar Falls, Megam Falls, Nanimuktha Nadhi Dam.

Kolukkumalai:

Sitting at an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level, this small and quaint hamlet is located in the Theni district. Popular for being home to the highest tea plantations in the world this place is celebrated for its fresh and flavourful tea. You will feel like you are walking among the clouds during your visit here. This place is also known for its panoramic vistas which feeds in a feeling of deep relaxation and incredible serenity.

Places to Visit in Kolukkumalai - Devikulam, Chinnar, Idukki, Thekkady, Munnar.

Kurangani:

Located atop the Western Ghats this green wonderland of Tamil Nadu is popular for its lush greenery and every inch is covered with a different gradient of green. Plantation estates present here grow various different edible items like coconut, mangoes, coffee and spices. One of the most characteristic feature which sets this hill town apart from the rest are the low hanging clouds, continuously changing weather conditions and a cool atmosphere.

Places to Visit in Kurangani - Kodagu, Mysore, Thiruvananthapuram.

Meghamalai:

Situated in the district of Theni on the Western Ghats, Meghamalai is home to some of the most vibrant and fulfilling cardamom plantations and tea estates. This place is also located at an elevation of 1,500 metres above sea level making it an ideal spot for having a rich collection of flora and fauna which also contains the popular Meghamalai wildlife sanctuary. There are also a number of untouched and raw evergreen forests which makes the overall atmosphere here extremely refreshing and incredibly rejuvenating.

Places to Visit in Meghamalai - Highways Church, Suruli falls, Sathuragiri Hills, Pilavakkal Dam.

Palani Hills:

Home to one of the most important shrines of Lord Karthikeyan or Murugan, this mountain range forms the eastern extension of the Western Ghats ranges. Situated adjoining the high altitude of Annamalai ranges the entire landscape of this hill scape is covered in a thick green covering offering some of the most panoramic vistas of its surroundings. The Palani hills are known for its scenic beauty and the calmness that it offers to each of its visitors. It is an ideal location if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Places to Visit in Palani Hills - Mannavanur Lake, Palani Murugan temple, Poombarai village, Coaker’s Walk.

Sathuragiri:

Also popularly known as Sundara Mahalingam this place is located at a distance of 10 kms from Watrap. This hill town is known for its unmatchable spirituality and also for being the abode of gods. The obvious vibe of devotion can be felt deeply at this place since it is believed that the 18 siddhas used to reside here. This is also believed to be a mysterious hill where the Siddhars are said to have worshipped Lord Shiva.

Places to Visit in Sathuragiri - Sathuragiri Shiva temple.