10 Best Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu | Hill Stations of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu boasts some of the exceptional collection of hill stations that were popular since the olden times of British colonial rule in India. Ranging from breath-taking beauty of Nilgiri Mountains, unique hairpin bend roads, to endless Botanical Gardens there are numerous sites to explore at the wonderful hill stations of Tamil Nadu that any nature lover shouldn’t miss. Yet, it becomes hard to decide which hill top to explore in which season? Worry not! Here is a brief list of 10 exotic hill stations in Tamil Nadu to visit this year, precisely collated with the best times & highlighted places to explore at each hill station respectively. So choose your favourite hilly wonder according to your ease & seasonal holidays. Let’s dive into the beautiful details!

List of 10 Popular Hill Stations To Visit in Tamil Nadu

1. Kolli Malai Hills

Kolli Hills is one of the famous hill stations in TamilNadu that is known for its 70 hairpin bend road. If you wish to explore an untouched natural wonder then Kolli hill station is the perfect choice to explore. It takes just a single day trip from Tiruchirappalli to reach this holiday destination. It is named KolliMalai after the Goddess Ettukai Amman locally entitled as Kolli Paavai. Various tourists hike to Agaya Gangai Waterfalls to capture iconic views of nature. 

Best Time to Visit Kolli Hills: Throughout the year

Places to visit at KolliMalai Hills: Arapaleeswarar Temple, Siddhar Caves, Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Botanical Garden, Masila Falls, Seekuparai & Selur View Points

Read more: Hill Stations in Meghalaya

2. Meghamalai

Meghamalai hill station is an offbeat tourist spot in South India for vacations. It is also well-known by the name of ‘Highwavy Mountains’ that features wonderful cardamom & tea plantations. It is one of the best hill stations in Tamil Nadu to experience the natural retreats of Western Ghats. Due to its exotic luscious greenery it is also known as ‘Paccha Kumachi’ or ‘Green Peaks’ in local Tamil language. 

Best Time to Visit Meghamalai: October to May

Places to Visit in Meghamalai: Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Highway Dam, Megamalai Viewpoint, Manalar Dam, Suruli Falls, Iravangalar Dam, and Maharaja Mettu

3. Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is already a famed tourist destination that is known for its wonderful hilltops across South India. Settled at a distance of about 469 km from the main city it is one of the perfect hill stations to visit in Tamil Nadu for weekends. One of the popular trekking spots in Kodaikanal that every adventure geek must explore at least once is Dolphin’s Nose and Vattakanal.

Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal: October to June

Places to Visit in Kodaikanal:  Kodai Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, and Pillar Rocks.

4. Kotagiri

Kotagiri is a small hill station of Tamil Nadu settled in the popular Nilgiri district. It is one of the oldest & third largest hill stations of the Nilgiris that every nature lover must explore at least once. Through its breathtaking scenic beauty & serene ambiance, it is one of the best getaway destinations to relax. Some of the popular trekking trails of Kotagiri feature extremely picturesque tea-estate views embellished with lush greenery, meadows, and rivers that you mustn’t miss.

Best Time to Visit Kotagiri: December to May.

Places to Visit in Kotagiri:  Kodanad Viewpoint, Catherine Falls, Elk waterfalls, and Rangaswami Peak and Pillar. 

 Read more: Popular hill stations to visit in Madhya Pradesh

5. Yercaud

Yercaud is a surreal holiday destination situated in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. This is one of the top hill stations in Tamil Nadu that was named after the famous Yercaud Lake nestled in its center. In fact, various Stone-age specimens were also recovered from the ancient shrine located near Shevaroy Hills of Yercaud. This hill station is known majorly for its plantation of coffee, orange, jackfruit, guava, cardamom, and black pepper. If you get lucky in the month of May, you can also attend the Summer Festival in Yercaud featuring a 7-day exhibition of beautiful flowers, dog shows, boating races, village fairs, and much more.

Best Time to Visit Yercaud: October to April

Places to Visit in Yercaud:  Shevaroy Temple, Anna Park, Lady’s Seat, Small Lake, Bear’s Point, Pagoda Point, Killiyur Falls, and Botanical Garden

6. Coonoor

How can I miss Coonoor! Especially when it’s about the famous hill station in Tamil Nadu you must explore this year. Coonoor is a small Taluk and a municipality in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Apart from being an incredible hill station, it is also known for being the birthplace of Nilgiri tea. Coonoor offers exceptionally unforgettable scenic views of the lush green Nilgiri hills lined with breathtaking valleys and refreshing waterfalls.

Best Time to Visit Coonoor:  September to October and March to June

Places to Visit in Coonoor: Lamb’s Rock(for trekking), Sim’s Park Botanical Garden

7. Ooty

Ooty is one of the top hill stations to visit in Tamil Nadu settled just 89 km away from Coimbatore. With an extended name of Udhagamandalam, this hill station possesses a prolonged tribal history of Todas tribes along with other tribal groups. As an ode to its fabulous natural glory, it is also known as the “Queen of Mountains” representing an exquisite ecosystem of Nilgiri Hills. With a surreal view of misty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands, and long-drawn tea gardens greeting the visitors with utmost love & warmth, it’s hard to miss this destination on your holidays in Tamil Nadu. For more jaw-dropping & adventure you can also try 20 beautiful hill stations in Ooty to visit on this trip.

Best Time to Visit Ooty: October to May

Places to Visit in Ooty.  Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Wenlock Downs, Pine Forest, Emerald Lake, Nilgiri Mountain Railway(Toy train tour).

8. Yelagiri Hills

Yelagiri Hills is a perfect vacation retreat not only for foreign tourists but also for all the locals seeking a weekend getaway hill station near Bangalore, TN. It is sandwiched between two popular towns of Vaniyambadi and Jolarpettai.  Blessed with a winding road throughout the hills, it is the best hill station to go on a road trip with your friends. Don’t miss the Yelagiri Summer festival celebrated every year in May. It boasts various flower shows, cultural programs, and Dog Shows to enjoy 

Best Time to Visit Yelagiri Hills: October to April or November to February.

Places to Visit in Yelagiri Hills: Punganur Lake(a manmade lake), Velavan Temple, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, and Nature Park.

9. Masinagudi

Masinagudi is a tiny beautiful hill station of Tamil Nadu nestled amidst the Nilgiri district. It is known for its lush green forests, stunning waterfalls, gushing rivers, and glistening rivulets forming a perfect landscape to adore. Out of all the hilly regions, Masinagudi is the ultimate weekend retreat for any couple. With a thick cover of exotic jungles near Bangalore, it offers a large variety of flora and fauna to spot. 

Best Time to Visit Masinagudi: October to May

Places to Visit in Masinagudi: Theppakadu Elephant Camp, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Mudumalai National Park, Moyar River, Pykara Falls, and Maravakandy Dam

Suggested to Read: Best Hill Stations in Maharashtra

10. Manjolai Hills 

Manjolai Hills is a fabulous hill station in the Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu. Situated at an altitude of 1162 m, it is one of the must-visit hill stations in Tamil Nadu that you should explore on a family holiday. Most of its land is dotted with exotic tea estates and terrace plantations. The greenery of tea estates along with the romantic climate and calm atmosphere in Manjolai Hills yields such a place that any nature lover longs to settle.  

Best Time to Visit: September to May

Places to Visit in Manjolai Hills: Kuthiraivetti (popular viewpoint)  Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Papanasam Dam, Manimuthar Dam, and Dasan Pool.

Hope you liked the aforementioned list of 10 Thrilling Hill stations in Tamil Nadu that you should explore on your holidays this year. Apart from being a glorious flag-bearer of extravagant lush greenery, popular hill stations to visit in Tamil Nadu are also exceptionally easy on budget & offer rich adventure. For more engaging hill station tours try exploring our other blogs at Adequate Travel. Till then Adios Amigos guys!

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