8 Most Scenic Hill Stations in South India That Would Leave You Spellbound

Before reading this post must read the master post on – Soothe Your Soul at These Summer Destinations In India

The Southern half of India has a distinctive essence and with some of the incredible and most beautiful hill stations that come to the rescue of those frying in the intense heat of the coast and the cities. Let me take you through the 8 best hill stations in South India that allow an escape from that scorching summer heat. So gear up with all your travel essentials and craft your travel itinerary to explore all the astonishing hill stations in South India. 

And also check out essentials you need before you go adventure trip – 6 Must-Have Camping Tools That Would Ease Your Next Outdoor Adventure

1. Munnar — A Perfect Summer Escape

A lush green paradise dotted with spice plantations, sprawling tea gardens and endless treat of breath-taking waterfalls and lakes. Yes! such a fairytale place exists on this planet in the name of Munnar. Spend a lovely night at a hill cottage facing the mist-laden hills, wake-up to the chirping birds and walk through the clouds when you are at this astonishing hill station of Kerala. 

Places To Visit: Attukal Waterfalls, Anamudi, Pothamedu View Point, Echo Point, Eravikulam National Park
Things To Do: Spend some riveting moments at the Elephant Park, feeding, bathing and watching the playful creatures
Where: Kerala

2. Ooty — One of few toy-train cities in India

One of the much-acclaimed scenic hot-spot in Tamil Nadu to spend your holidays in South India. Situated in the Nilgiri Blue Mountains hills, the hill station is often called the Queen of Hills. The famous toy train takes you through the nearby lush hills. The little hill station also offers a lot of places to visit and adventure activities to its visitors.

Places To Visit: Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake, tribal Toda huts, Deer Park, Upper Bhawani Lake, Avalanche Lake, St Stephen’s Church, and Kalhatty Waterfalls
Things To Do: Ride the Nilgiri Toy Train, horse riding, boating in Ooty Lake, mountain biking in the Blue Mountains, and hang gliding at Kalahatti (20 km from Ooty)
Where: TamilNadu

Suggested Read: 6 Must-Have Camping Tools That Would Ease Your Next Outdoor Adventure

3. Kodaikanal — The Princess of Hill Stations

Kodaikanal is to Bangaloreans what Darjeeling is to Kolkatans or what Nainital is to Delhiites. Waterfalls, valleys, meadows, grasslands, forests, and lakes of the quaint hill station of Tamil Nadu make it one of the best places to visit in South India and a perfect summer holiday destination from the peninsula. From cycle rides to yoga, boat rides to treks Kodaikanal has a lot of adventures activity within its heart to offer to its tourists.

Places To Visit: Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Pillar Rocks, Dolphin’s Nose rock, Shembaganur Museum of Natural History, and Bear Shola Falls
Things To Do: Experience Brocken Spectre at Coakers’ Walk, ride a rowboat or pedalo at Kodaikanal Boat Club, cycle around the Kodai Lake, take a trek to Kukkal Caves, and practice yoga at the Kodaikanal Yoga Centre
Where: TamilNadu

4. Coonoor — Beckons a Pleasant Summer Holiday

Picturesque enchantments, splendid buildings, kitty cottages with astonishing views of nature Coonoor has many hidden gems within its lap to offer its visitors. Away from the hustle-bustle of the mad city life, Coonoor is an ultimate retreat and a serene destination to spent some quality time. 

Places To Visit: Doddabetta, Sim's Park, Coonoor, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Catherine Falls, Dolphin Nose View Point, Tiger Hill
Things To Do: St. Catherine’s falls is a popular attraction in Coonoor, for a magnificent view of the falls visit the top of Dolphin’s nose, yet another place to visit in Coonoor is the Droog Fort which was used by the Tipu Sultan, for Golf lovers, Wellington Golf Course will fulfill your sporting spirit
Where: TamilNadu

 Quality Read: 8 National Parks You Need To Visit For The Best Wildlife Experience in India

5. Yercaud — Holiday Perfect at Tamil Nadu's Perfect

Situated in the gorgeous Shevaroy Hills in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a great trekking destination to explore. It's a calm and picturesque hill station with an extensive widespread of orange groves, coffee and spice plantations all across the hill town. Not only among the most beautiful places to visit in South India, Yercaud is gradually becoming a tourist hotspot. 

Places To Visit: Shevaroy Hills, Kiliyur Falls, Lady's Seat, Kiliyur Falls, Gents Seat, TreeTop Adventure, Children's Seat
Things To Do: Go on a hike to Kiliyur Falls to witness the majestic views of the lush green rolling hills and take a soothing bath under the falls, go on a refreshing walks on through the hills, pay a visit to the beautiful Shervaroyan temple, Japanese Park, Pagoda Point, The Grange, Anna Park, and White Elephant Tooth Rock, take a long drive for panoramic views of spice and tea plantations
Where: TamilNadu

6. Devikulam — A Cool Holiday in the Sweltering Summers

Strikingly hypnotic, Devikulam is a blissful tourist destination in Kerala. Sanctified with serenity, foamy mists, cold streams, silky pine trees, enchanting views, entrancing climate, and numerous sightseeing is truly a treat to the eyes. A gentle boat ride in the lake, stroll through the woods, and the tranquility of the splashing waterfalls will definitely enliven you. 

Places To Visit: Pillar Rocks Viewpoint, Guna Caves, Silver Cascade Falls, Sacred Heart College Museum, Wax Museum
Things To Do: Devikulam has everything from beautiful waterfalls to sparkling lakes – the Bear Shola Falls, Berijam Lake and Devikulam Lake, visit Shenbaganur Museum to learn about the history and architecture of Devikulam , visit the famous temple in Devikulam which is Kurinji Andavar Temple to seek blessings from Lord Murugan, rent a boat and cruise in the serene lakes to for a incredible experience.
Where: Kerala

 

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Must Read: The Greatest Adventure Lies Ahead: Top 8 Adventure Destinations In India

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7. Coorg — Scotland of India

Flaunting the tropical wonders of the Western Ghat of Karnataka, this Scotland of India is a regnant summer refuge with ligneous slopes, rich biodiversity, mesmerizing cascades, as well as its a treasure of inimitable heritage. Coorg posses a heart-warming expansion of spice and coffee plantations. One of the perfect places to visit in South India for a wildlife enthusiast. Explore the nature's most beautiful wildlife reserves of Nagarhole, Dubare, and Pushpagiri.

Places To Visit: Tadiandamol Peak, Brahmagiri Hill, Iruppu Falls, Golden Temple, coffee estate
Things To Do: Coorg hosts mind-blowing adventures, ranging from camping, trekking and rock climbing to microlight flying and white-water rafting
Where: Karnataka

 

8. Horsley Hills — Romancing With The Hills

A dainty metropolis situated at an altitude of 1265 meters, famous amongst the newlyweds & families alike is one of the well-known hill inns in Andhra Pradesh. Blessed with thick verdure of diverse species of plants, unadulterated air and mighty rocks Horsley Hills is a picture-perfect fairy-tale attraction.

Places To Visit: Gali Bandalu / Wind Rocks, Kalyani - Eucalyptus Tree, Horsley Hills Zoo, Chennakesava Temple - Sompalle, Gangotri Lake
Things To Do: Trekking, Hiking, Rappelling and Zorbing 
Where: Andhra Pradesh

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FAQ's

Q. What are some beach destinations in South India?
A. Kovalam, Varkala, Gokarna Karnataka, Mamallapuram, Kochi, Chennai, Mangalore, Karwar Karnataka, Kappil Thiruvananthapuram

 

Q. Which is the best place for trekking in South India?
A. Nilgiri — Tamilnadu, Coorg — Karnataka, Peermede — Kerala, Ananthagiri Hills — Andhra Pradesh, Kodachadri — Karnataka, Munnar — Kerala, Chembra Peak — Kerala, Paithalmala — Kerala