Last Updated on 28/12/2024
Owing to its proximity to the Himalayas, the northern part of India is home to several fascinating and intriguing hill stations. However, the southern part of the country also boasts a fair share of beautiful hill stations. Read on to learn about the 10 best hill stations in South India.
The southern part of India has many captivating hill stations that’ll captivate you with their mesmerizing natural beauty. The hill stations of South India are characteristically different from those in North India, mainly because of the differences in their geographical locations. Yet, they never fall short of scenic beauty. Explore the top 10 hill stations in South India listed below:
Hill Stations of South India for Honeymoon Vacation
1. Ooty
- Location: Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu
- Things to Do: Toy Train ride, Ooty Lake boating, Botanical Gardens
- Sightseeing: Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak, Rose Garden
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, Sept to Nov
- How to Reach: Coimbatore Airport (85 km), Ooty Railway Station
Ooty is situated in the Nilgiri Hills along the Western Ghats and is largely responsible for drawing thousands of visitors annually. Comprising dense forests, large lakes, green grasslands, and endless roads lined with eucalyptus trees and tea gardens, this place offers amazing scenic beauty. You will also find numerous impressive picnic spots.
2. Idukki
- Location: Western Ghats, Kerala
- Things to Do: Visit Idukki Dam, explore tea estates, wildlife sanctuaries
- Sightseeing: Idukki Dam, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
- Best Time to Visit: Sept to March
- How to Reach: Cochin Airport (96 km), Kottayam Railway Station
Idukki is an intriguing and mesmerizing hill station located in Kerala. It is home to several sanctuaries, tea gardens, and a national park. This place is famous for its panoramic views and the Idukki Dam, the first “arch dam” in Asia and the second in the world.
3. Munnar
- Location: Idukki, Kerala
- Things to Do: Tea plantations, Eravikulam Park trek, Mattupetty Dam
- Sightseeing: Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum
- Best Time to Visit: Sept to May
- How to Reach: Cochin Airport (110 km), Aluva Railway Station
This hill station is situated in Kerala—”God’s Own Country”—and is well-known for its lakes, tea gardens, waterfalls, and divine countryside views. You can also find inspiration from sipping tea at one of the small tea stalls along the tea gardens, offering a stunning aura and peaceful vibes.
4. Devikulam
- Location: Near Munnar, Kerala
- Things to Do: Visit Sita Devi Lake, tea gardens, trekking
- Sightseeing: Sita Devi Lake, Eravikulam Park
- Best Time to Visit: Sept to May
- How to Reach: Cochin Airport (130 km), Aluva Railway Station
Devikulam is one of the most secluded hill stations, located just 5 km away from Munnar, Kerala. Legends say that Lord Rama’s wife, Sita, is believed to have bathed in the Eravikulam Lake, which is surrounded by green hills and is now called the “Sita Devi Lake.” This hill station is rich in biodiversity and offers several options for sightseeing, as it is located near other major hill stations in Kerala.
5. Kodaikanal
- Location: Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu
- Things to Do: Coaker’s Walk, Kodaikanal Lake boating, Pillar Rocks
- Sightseeing: Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Bear Shola Falls
- Best Time to Visit: Apr to June, Sept to Nov
- How to Reach: Madurai Airport (120 km), Kodaikanal Road Railway Station
Kodaikanal is often called the “Princess of Hill Stations” and is located in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in South India. The place is filled with natural beauty, which visitors enjoy exploring. Sightseeing options include Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, Bear Shola Falls, pine forests, Green Valley View, and the Guna Caves.
6. Coorg
- Location: Western Ghats, Karnataka
- Things to Do: Coffee plantations, trekking, Abbey Falls
- Sightseeing: Abbey Falls, Tadiandamol Peak, Dubare Elephant Camp
- Best Time to Visit: Oct to March
- How to Reach: Mangalore Airport (160 km), Mysore Railway Station
Coorg, also known as the “Scotland of the South,” especially by the British, is ideal for a honeymoon vacation. The greenery blends beautifully with the misty environment, offering an unexpectedly serene and refreshing atmosphere.
7. Coonoor
- Location: Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu
- Things to Do: Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Tea Gardens
- Sightseeing: Sim’s Park, Lamb’s Rock, Catherine Falls
- Best Time to Visit: Mar to Jun, Sept to Nov
- How to Reach: Coimbatore Airport (70 km), Coonoor Railway Station
This hill station is famous for its various picnic spots and beautiful tea gardens. You will get lost in time as you stroll across the blooming flora. Coonoor is also home to a variety of flower species and evergreen trees and plants. The best part of this hill station is the magnificent view of the green slopes.
8. Araku Valley
- Location: Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh
- Things to Do: Coffee plantations, Borra Caves, Trekking
- Sightseeing: Borra Caves, Tribal Museum, Coffee Plantations
- Best Time to Visit: Oct to March
- How to Reach: Visakhapatnam Airport (112 km), Araku Railway Station
This valley is one of the most awe-inspiring sites in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The scenic views are mesmerizing, featuring hills, expansive orchards, and lush meadows that add to the pleasant weather, which remains cool throughout the year.
9. Yercaud
- Location: Shevaroy Hills, Tamil Nadu
- Things to Do: Yercaud Lake boating, Shevaroy Temple trek
- Sightseeing: Yercaud Lake, Lady’s Seat, Killiyur Falls
- Best Time to Visit: Oct to Jun
- How to Reach: Salem Airport (35 km), Salem Railway Station
Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is well-known for its unique topography, which gives it a sense of floating in the air. This place is situated along the Shevaroy Hills in the Eastern Ghats. It features waterfalls, lakes, colonial buildings, and well-maintained parks.
10. Ananthagiri Hills
- Location: Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh
- Things to Do: Ananthagiri Temple, coffee plantations, bird watching
- Sightseeing: Ananthagiri Temple, Viewpoint, Coffee Plantations
- Best Time to Visit: Oct to March
- How to Reach: Hyderabad Airport (80 km), Vikarabad Railway Station
The Ananthagiri Hills is one of the three hill stations in the state of Andhra Pradesh and offers the pleasure of being amidst the clouds. It is a pollution-free hill station in India, rich in natural resources and minerals, while also offering an impressive landscape.
With all these options in hand, you will have no trouble visiting hill stations in South India.