5 Best Hill Stations In South India

Exploring the beauty of southern part of India is as rewarding as any other part of the country. At these easily accesible best hill stations in South India, you can experience the colorful customs and traditions in addition to the caves , temples , hills and climate.

The diversified flora and fauna apart from paintings and miniature carvings are things you should pay attention to.Although warm climate dominates this part of India , there are many popular hill stations you can visit .

Best Hill Stations in South India
Best Hill Stations in South India

1 Munnar

Munnar is said to be one of the most beautiful and incredible hill stations of South India. It is in Kerala. The point at which the mountain streams, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala congregate is said to be the place where the beautiful hill station Munnar is located. You will find large plantations of tea.

Beautiful lakes surround these plantations and tourists get a chance to taste the tea being grown there. Tourists interested in paragliding can enjoy themselves here. Other places which are worth visiting on the Munnar hill station are the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, Mudapetty Dam, The Christ Church, and the Evarikulam National Park. If you are visiting South India, Munnar hill station’s visit is a must or else you are surely missing something.

Never to miss !
  • Neelakurinji – a purple blue flower that blossoms gregariously only once in 12 years.It is expected to bloom in 2014.
  • Anaimudi – the highest peak in south India is 13 kms from Munnar.

2 Ooty

Ooty is one of the most common and popular hill stations of South India. Ooty is also known as Udhagamandalam and it rests in the laps of the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu. This is the best hill station to be visited in the summer to cut the heat. Doddabetta which is the highest Nilgiri peak is one of the tourists place present in Ooty.

Apart from this there are other places like The Government Botanical Garden, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Lake View, Deer park and Pykara which can be visited in Ooty. Other attractions in Ooty include the toy train ride from Metupalaiyam to Ooty, boating, and beautiful tea plantations surrounded by peaceful atmosphere and marvelously carved landscapes.

Never to miss !
  • Journey by toy train to Ooty is something you should really consider !
  • Buying Tea from Nilgiris Big Bazar which is cultivated in Coonoor and Kotagiri.

3 Araku Valley

Araku valley is one of the most attractive hill stations of South India located near Vizag. This is one of the hill stations which will mesmerize the tourists with all its beautiful valleys, dense forests, waterfalls.

You should travel by train to Aruku to enjoy the beautiful sceneries and enjoy the train ride passing through many tunnels. Borra caves and the tree top cottages which are surrounded by the beautiful green valleys of the Araku valley are the two main attractions in Araku Valley.

Never to miss !
  • Bamboo Chicken which is a delicious tribal cuisine offered as an specialty of Araku valley in local restaurents
  • A visit to Araku Valley Coffee house

4 Kodaikanal

With the steep and curvy roads, the trip to Kodaikanal proves to be one of the best trips. The meaning of Kodaikanal is a “gift of the forest” and it is also well known as the Princess of hill stations. This serene hill station is located in Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats[1] of the Palani hills.

The whole hill station is filled with greenery and stunning waterfalls, trekking trails and mountains. The main attractions of Kodaikanal are the Kodai Lake.

Never to miss !
  • Green Valley View provides a panoramic view of hills , greenery and Vaigai dam
  • Check out spices and dry fruits as a shopping memory.
  • You can also consider to visit old heritage city, 5 hours away from Kodaikanal, called Thanjavur known for its dancing dolls.

5 Idukki Hill station

This hill station is situated in Kerala. Idukki is considered as the hill station blessed by the Mother Nature. The main attractions of Idukki hill station are the wildlife sanctuaries, elephant rides, mountain trekking and lush green forests verdant. This is an attractive hill station with the most beautiful sceneries ever seen on Earth.

Never to miss !
  • Cheeyapara Water fall cascading down in seven steps between Neriamangalam and Adimali
  • Buy cardamom at the local Idukki market