We’re back and all set to sweep you away onto your next summer vacation. Successfully we have braved the wrath of India’s heat wave. Before school’s reopen and monsoons take over, let’s squeeze in a quick getaway to South India.
Similar to the North, South India has stunning hill stations and plantations rooted in every state with a charm and legacy of its own. Lush green landscapes, tranquil backwaters, gorgeous sceneries and the evergreen climate make these hilltops extremely attractive to those who love nature and yearn to get away from the madding urban crowd once in a while or forever.
Let’s visit soul soothing destinations which will blow your heart away and play cupid to the best end-of-summer family holiday!
7 Must-Visit Hills Of South India
Tamil Nadu
Coonoor
The second largest hill station of the magnificent Nilgiri Hills, Coonoor is a cascade of valleys, velvet tea lawns, exotic fauna, picturesque weather and heritage hotels. It is also a bird watcher’s paradise as it houses a large variety of species like Pipits, Skylark, and Nilgiri Verditer. Also, trekking and hiking in the Western Ghats is an adventurer’s favorite pastime.
- Top attractions: Sim’s Park, Droog Fort, Dolphin’s Nose View Point, Law’s Falls, Hidden Valley, Highfield Tea Estate, and All Saints Church.
- Best time to visit: January – June
- How to reach: Fly into Coimbatore International Airport or take a train to either Coonoor Railway Station or Mettupalayam Railway Station and hire a taxi to the hill station. Government and private buses also run every day from places like Coimbatore, Mettupalayam, and Chennai to the hill.
Kodaikanal
The coldest and the most enchanting hill station of South India is Kodaikanal. Peppered with mesmerizing backdrops, meandering rivers, granite cliffs, dense forests and glorious waterfalls, it is truly the ‘Princess of Hills’. Nature at its best, Kodaikanal is the epitome of beauty. Come sun or rain, the region glitters with sugar, spice, culture and recreation.
- Top attractions: Kodaikanal Lake, Green Valley View, Bear Shola Falls, Pillar Rocks, Coakers Walk, Kurinji Andavar Temple, and Pine Forest.
- Best time to visit: April – June
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport whereas the closest station is Kodai Road Railway Station. Taxis and government/private buses can be boarded from both places to Kodaikanal.
Kerala
Munnar
The ‘Misty Hills’ of the South, Munnar is a quaint town known for its lush expanse of tea estates and endangered animals like the Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji. Trekking and camping are popular activities apart from staying in a treehouse or visiting the tea plantations. A safari tour of Eravikulam National Park and Shikara ride in Kundala lake are must-do’s when in Munnar. Another attractive view point is the three rivers that flow through this area, namely Mattupetti, Periavaru, and Nallathanni.
- Top attractions: Munnar Top Station, Lakkam Waterfalls, Echo Point, Tea Estates, Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Attukad Waterfalls, and Eravikulam National Park.
- Best time to visit: September – June
- How to reach: Cochin International Airport and Kochi Railway Station are the nearest entry points, taxis can be hired from both to the hill station. Also government/private buses connect most of the cities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala to Munnar.
Vagamon
A tiny plantation township with an overtone of never-ending lush green hills, breathtaking ravines and meandering rivulets, Vagamon is a natural rejuvenation center. This hill station has 3 beautiful hills called Thangal hill, Murugan hill and Kurismala that give an enchanting vibe to the place. Trekking, paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing are go-to activities. The Kurisumala monks have a beautiful dairy farm nearby that is an absolute delight to visit.
- Top attractions: Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary, Vagamon Meadows, Kurisumala Ashram, Mundakayam Ghat, Vagamon Pine Forest, Vagamon Lake, and Marmala Waterfalls.
- Best time to visit: September – June
- How to reach: Cochin International Airport and Kottayam Railway Station are the closest entry points from where taxis can be hired. Kerala RTC buses, private buses, and taxis can be taken to reach Vagamon via road.
Karnataka
Chikmagalur
The ‘Coffee Land’ Of Karnataka, Chikmagalur has a perpetual fragrance of coffee lingering in the air with its lush coffee plantations. Seated in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri Peak, this hill station is perfect for trekkers, nature enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and explorers. The pious land is home to numerous temples, including the Sharadamba, Vidyashankara, Kodanda Ramaswamy, and Amruteshwar Temple. It’s also known for its famous waterfalls, namely, Jhari, Hanuman Gundi, Shankar, and Kadambi. The coffee (flower) blossoms are a sight for sore eyes.
- Top attractions: Baba Budangiri, Sunrise At Mullayanagiri, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Coffee Museum, Hirekolale Lake, Coffee Estates and Kalhatti falls.
- Best time to visit: September – June
- How to reach: Mysore Airport and the Kadur Junction are the closest entry points. Hire a taxi or hop onto a local bus to reach the hill station. KSRTC buses run every day to Chikmagalur from various parts of Karnataka.
Coorg
The most affluent hill station in Karnataka, Coorg is sprinkled with aromatic coffee, spice plantations, misty landscapes and cascading homestays. This beautiful place is popularly called the ‘Scotland of India’ and also ‘Kashmir of South’ due to its paradisiacal surroundings. Coorg is a renowned cultural hub and home to Bylakuppe, India’s second-largest Tibetan settlement.
- Top attractions: Raja’s Seat, Golden Temple, Abbey Falls, Iguthappa Temple, Madikeri Fort, Chiklihole Reservoir, Dubare Elephant Camp, and Honnamana Kere Lake.
- Best time to visit: September – June
- How to reach: Kannur International Airport and Kannur Junction Railway Station in Kerala as well as Mysore Junction Railway Station are the nearest entry points from where taxis can be hired. KSRTC buses and Kerala RTC buses frequently ply to Coorg via road.
Andhra Pradesh
Araku Valley
Seated in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Araku Valley is an unexplored hill station of the Eatern Ghats. Home to a handful of tribal caves and the Museum of Tribal Arts, this destination is quite famous for its exquisite coffee plantations, vista points, adventure sports, numerous waterfalls and wonderful weather. Surrounded by tall mountains and foggy clouds, this tourist destination attracts nature lovers, family trippers, and adventure enthusiasts from all over the country.
- Top attractions: Borra Caves, Tadimada Waterfalls, Matsyagundam, Bheemili, Tribal Museum, Padmapuram Gardens, Galikonda View Point, and Coffee Museum.
- Best time to visit: All year round
- How to reach: Visakhapatnam International Airport is the nearest airport. Taxi’s can be hired to the valley. Trains from all over India go to Visakhapatnam Railway Station, and one passenger train rides to Araku Valley Railway Station every day. APSRTC and private buses ply every day from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley.
So, if you are all set to explore charming hill stations in South India for a memorable getaway or a much-needed vacation with your friends, family and loved ones, let the above list guide you to a wonderful yet thrilling experience.
That’s not all, Paytm has got the most exciting discounts and offers on bus, train and domestic flight tickets. Pick your dates, select your place and book your ride on Paytm to get tripping!
