Find the Cheapest flights to Chennai
Hill stations in South India are popular crowd pullers where most tourists prefer going to for a relaxing holiday. Lush greenery, natural beauty, plenty of flora and fauna and an enjoyable climate is what you will experience in these hills. While some hill stations like Ooty, Munnar, Kodaikanal, and Thekkady are at the top of most itineraries, other hill havens promise to offer an exceptional experience away from the crowds.There are so many visiting Kodaikanal and Ooty, we at Skyscanner thought of getting you a list of unexplored pristine Hill Stations in South India that you must visit once at least.
Hill Stations in South India
1. Yercaud
Known as the Jewel of the South, Yercaud lies 5000ft above the sea in the Shevaroy hills in Salem, Tamilnadu. Named after the lake Yercaud, this hill station is a must visit for its picturesque views, lakes, botanical gardens, and massive waterfalls.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 daysBase station: YercaudNearest City: Coimbatore 193Best Time to Visit: Oct-JunePeak Season: March-MayWeather: Summer: Max – 40°C – Min – 25°CWinter: Max – 32°C – Min – 16°C
2. Idukki
Idukki is one of the greenest hill stations in India, with more than 97% of it covered by mountains and trees. Three well-known rivers the Thodupuzhayar, Periyar and Thalayar flow through a slight gorge that gives this place its name. The Idukki Arch Dam is the biggest of its kind in Asia. Idukki has various attractions like wildlife reserves, hill stations, spice estates and mountain treks you can explore.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 daysBase station: IdukkiNearest City: Kochi 100 kmBest Time to Visit: Oct-MayPeak Season: March-MayWeather: Max – 35°C – Min – 25°C
3. Nandi Hills
Also called Ananda Giri that means the Hill of Happiness, this hill station in South India gets its name from the mountain shaped like a sleeping bull. Nandi Hills is 60 km away from Bangalore. A Tipu Sultan built a fort at the top of the hill is a favourite picnic spot for nature enthusiasts.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 daysBase station: BangaloreNearest City: Bangalore 60 kmBest Time to Visit: Sept-MayPeak Season: March-May
Find the Cheapest flights to Bengaluru
4. Madikeri (Coorg)
Called the Scotland of India, Coorg lies 1525 m above the sea in the Western Ghats. It is one of the most well-known hill stations in Karnataka and a summer retreat in the South. Known for its coffee, this hill station also offers trekking and camping options, white water rafting and elephant rides in Dubare Elephant camp.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 daysBase station: CoorgNearest City: Mysore 117 kmBest Time to Visit: Oct-MayPeak Season: Feb-MayWeather: Summer: Max – 29°C – Min – 18°CWinter: Max – 24°C – Min – 13°C
Cheap Flight Ticket Hacking Tools
5. Araku Valley
Araku Valley near Vishakhapatnam is the least polluted hill station in South India. With plenty of coffee estates, verdant greenery, waterfalls, and brooks this hill station is the perfect place for a honeymoon getaway. It is also a favourite location for several songs in the movies.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 daysBase station: Araku ValleyNearest City: Vishakhapatnam 112 kmBest Time to Visit: Sept-MayPeak Season: March-May and SeptemberWeather: Summer: Max – 26°C – Min – 22°CWinter: Max – 11°C – Min – 8°C
6. Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is at the height of 3,400 feet at the base of Mulliyangiri range in Karnataka. The river Yagachi originates in this mountain range. Famed for its tranquil atmosphere, lush green forests and tall mountains, Chikmagalur means the land of the younger daughter. It was the place where coffee was first grown in India.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 daysBase station: ChikmagalurNearest City: Mangalore 148 kmBest Time to Visit: Sept-AprilPeak Season: March-MayWeather: Summer: Max – 35°C – Min – 23°CWinter: Max – 33°C – Min – 17°C
Find the Cheapest flights to Coimbatore
7. Coonoor
Coonoor is the second-highest hill station in the Nilgiri region. It is renowned because of its serene beauty, but unlike Ooty, it’s not a crowded mess. Situated 6000ft above sea level, this gorgeous hill station in Tamilnadu is known for its lush greenery, deep valleys, magnificent gorges, and waterfalls.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 dayBase station: OotyNearest City: Coimbatore 71 kmBest Time to Visit: Mar-Jun and Sept-OctPeak Season: April-JuneWeather: Max – 24.3°C – Min – 4.8°C
How to Reach South India
Easily accessible through flights available from around the world. The nearest airports are Chennai, or Kerala or Coimbatore or Bengaluru You can then use local transport to visit other places in and around the state. Set up a price alert to keep a check on updated low airfare deals. Know the best places to stay, hire a car and things to do in and around Tamilnadu with the Skyscanner App.