Best Hill Stations Near Chennai For a Perfect Getaway

Known For : Punganur Lake Nature Park Jalagamparai Falls

Yelagiri is not only famous for its nature's vistas of beautiful lakes, lush green valleys, picturesque hills and aromatic rose gardens. But, Yelagiri is one place where you can bring out your inner adventure junkie. At Yelagiri you can experience the enthralling adventures of paragliding to let yourself blend with nature. The sight of soaring high in the sky and experiencing the world beneath you cannot be put into words. Apart from this, you can enjoy various hiking and trekking experiences amid the serene hills of Yelagiri.

Distance from Chennai: 227 km

Best Time: November to February

13 Yelagiri Attractions

Known For : Emerald Lake, Yercaud Pagoda Point Botanical Garden, Yercaud

Resting in the Shevaroys range of the Eastern Ghats at an elevation of 4970 m you will find the forest paradise of South-Yercaud. The abundance of natural vegetation and the pacific Yercaud lakes remains the unmatched beauty of this hill station. You can find here numerous delights of flora and fauna. Being located in the reserved forest area Yercaud houses various species of Bison, Rabbits, Hares, Foxes, Mongoose, Squirrels, Partridges, Snakes, Bulbuls, Kites, Sparrows, Swallows,Deer. 

Distance from Chennai: 364 km

Best Time: October to June

20 Yercaud Attractions

Horsely Hills are a bunch of hills of the Eastern Ghats, named after W.D Horsely, a British collector. Horsely was so awe-gaped by the beauty of this place that he decided to make his retreat and build his residence amidst the unspoilt beauty of Eastern Ghats. The major tourist places around Horsley hills are Lake Gangotri, Viewpoints, Gali Banda, Environmental Park and the Horsley Hills Museum. Horsley Hills is also one of the popular destinations where you can enjoy the adventure of Zorbing.

Distance from Chennai: 274 km

Untouched and explored, is the Kolli hills which still lies a thousand miles away from commercialisation. At Kolli hills you can enjoy the splendid beauty of various waterfalls, the variety of flora and the wilderness of fauna. The famous 70 hairpin bends offer an enthralling ride to the highest point of Kolli hill which will amuse you with its panoramic beauty of Eastern Ghats. Trekking to the Agaya Gangai Falls remains one of the must-do activities of the place.

Distance from Chennai: 350 km

Known For : Echo Point, Munnar Atukkad Waterfalls Munnar Tea Plantations

Famous for the tea estates, greenery, winding roads, blanket of mist, and viewpoints, Munnar is a hill station in Kerala, located in the Idukki district. Lying in the Western Ghats at 1600 metres, it is one of the most sought after and visited travel destinations globally, especially popular amongst honeymooners.

Distance from Chennai: 585 km

Best Time: September to May

51 Munnar Attractions

Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodaikanal Lake Bear Shola Falls

The bewitching and hippie culture awaits you at one of the most sought after tourist destinations of South India. The temperature takes a dip; the clouds begin to cover the hills, the lush green lands begin to cover your sight as soon as you enter the boundaries of Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal is rightfully known as the 'gift of forests', the beautiful flora and fauna that you get to witness at this hill town of Kodaikanal put its name to justice. 

Distance from Chennai: 524 km

Best Time: September to May

35 Kodaikanal Attractions

Known For : Abbey Falls Raja's Seat Mandalpatti

Coorg is known as the Scotland of the East and rightly so. For the bewitching sceneries of hills covered in the mist of clouds and the valleys that seem to have just stepped out of a fairy tale, the beauty of Coorg is no less than that of Scotland. Coorg was called the summer retreat during the British era. The cultural heritage, the pleasant atmosphere, the aroma of coffee and cardamom plantations and the wildlife retreat is what you get to see when you are travelling to Coorg.

Distance from Chennai: 584 km

Best Time: October to March

37 Coorg Attractions

A secluded picturesque hilly territory located in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu, Meghamalai possesses a hoard of natural beauty. It is known for its high wavy mountain ranges, Cloud Land Falls, Vellimalai and much more. The Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various rare species of flora and fauna. Thus, this place is sure to fulfil all the desires of any couple on their honeymoon by offering them a wide array of opportunities to enjoy their time here.

Distance from Chennai: 550.3 kms

Best time: October to March

Known For : Sim's Park Dolphin's Nose Ketti Valley

Resting at an elevation of 1,850 meters in Nilgiris, Coonoor is the second largest hill station in South India. Connor is often referred to as getaway to the Nilgiris. Coonoor would also be your beginning point of you wish to trek Nilgiri hills. It is also known as the chief producer of Nilgiri tea. Hence you will come across various tea gardens, green painted valleys, flowery meadows along with the grandeur of Nilgiris hills in the backdrop.

Distance from Chennai: 537 km

Best Time: October to March

17 Coonoor Attractions

Set amidst the Annamalai ranges of the Western Ghats, is another delightful hill town of South India- Valparai. Located at an elevation of 1,193 m, Valparai is surrounded by the deep-dense forests of the Western Ghats that houses various wildlife species. This hill station is also famous for its tea and coffee plantations and the soothing waterfalls that house themselves at various corners of the town. The mild and pleasant climate that Valparai receives throughout the year makes your trip even better.

Best Time: October to November and March to May

Distance from Chennai: 586 km

Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty

Nestled in between misty mountains and cotton clouds, Ooty or Ootakamund is popularly referred to as the ?Queen of the hills?. The Nilgiris or the ?Blue mountains? are one of the major attractions of the hill station. The striking winding roads, the hill atop gardens and miniature toy train add to the already mesmerising scenery. On a clear day with bright sunlight, the tinsel town looks as picturesque as a scenery from a colourful children's book!

Distance from Chennai: 553 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

43 Ooty Attractions

Known For : Elk Falls Longwood Shola Trekking

Kotagiri is a smallest and oldest hill station, nestled in the lap of Nilgiri Hills bounded by surroundings that exhibits peace and tranquility. A hill town that was first noticed by the British as their summer home away from the heat of plains, today, it is again gaining popularity among tourists. In fact, what we see today of the town is nothing but a pure reflection of the glorious past of the British Raj and Kota tribe who inhabited this place in past and has been reduced to a small number at present.

Distance from Chennai: 533 km

Best Time: December to May

7 Kotagiri Attractions

Known For : Borra Caves Katiki Waterfalls Chaparai Waterfalls

Araku Valley is a comparatively unexplored hill station mostly visited by locals as a weekend getaway and is situated some 120 kilometres away from Vishakhapatnam. If you're a tourist looking for exclusivity and tranquillity, Vistadome train leaves Vishakhapatnam at 6.50 AM, making way through 58 tunnels and passing over 84 bridges making way through the breathtaking landscape to reach Araku in approximately in 5 hours, go, catch that!

Distance from Chennai: 894 kms

Best Time: September to February

Distance from Chennai: 900 km

Best Time: September to February

8 Araku Valley Attractions

Covering an expanse of 60,000 acres, Sirumalai is a hilly region in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu. At an altitude of 1600m, this densely forested region boasts of diverse wildlife and flora. The weather in this southern hill station is pleasant throughout the year. Having also been recognised as a place of religious importance, certain sacred and rare medicinal herbs grow in this region. These reserve forests are protected by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.

Distance from Chennai: 460 kms

Best Time: October to March

Distance from Chennai: 459 km

Best Time: October to March

Right between the 200km distance from Coimbatore and Madurai lies the hilly town of Palani. The town has two hills, Sivagiri and Sakthigiri, that are the prominent visual in this scenic, hilly landscape. There are many lakes in Palani that eventually drain into the Shanmuga River at the foot of these hills.

Distance from Chennai: 491 kms

Best time: February to March and October to December

Distance from Chennai: 489 km

Best Time: November-March

Known For : Baba Budangiri Mullayanagiri Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Popularly known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’, Chikmagalur is situated in the foothills of the Mullayangiri Range and is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Karnataka. Chikmagalur has a perpetual fragrance of coffee lingering in the air with it plenty of coffee plantations. Famous for its tall mountains, lush green forests and its tranquil environment (apart from its coffee production), Chikmagalur is a very popular tourist destination and is a quick retreat for the people of Karnataka.

Distance from Chennai: 595 kms

Distance from Chennai: 594 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Chikmagalur Attractions

Known For : Manjarabad Fort Sakleshwara Temple Bisle Reserve Forest

Sakleshpur is a popular yet offbeat hill station in Karnataka flanked by the Western Ghats. There is something for everyone, from the dense rainforest, hiking trails, historical temples and an old fort, mountain peaks and waterfalls. Whether its the significant agricultural products or the discovery of a jyotirlinga by the Hoysalas, the quaint town of Sakleshpur earned its name rightly as it is no less verdant than Ooty.

Distance from Chennai: 573 kms

Best Time: November to February

Distance from Chennai: 572 km

Best Time: October to March, May-June

14 Sakleshpur Attractions

Known For : Banasura Sagar Dam Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Chembra Peak

Replete with waterfalls, historical caves, comfortable resorts and homestays, Wayanad in Kerala is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. Walking through the sprawling spice plantations, trekking to the pre-historic caves and experiencing a resort holiday are one of the many things you can do to get a taste of Wayanad.

Distance from Chennai: 622.6 kms

Distance from Chennai: 619 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

35 Wayanad Attractions

Known For : Periyar National Park Periyar Tiger Trail Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady

Home to the country's largest Tiger Reserve- Periyar, Thekkady is an important tourist destination in Kerala. Periyar National Park, a major attraction, is where you can enjoy bamboo rafting in the catchment area of Mullaiperiyar Dam. Travelers can also experience night treks in the wilderness of Periyar. The Periyar Lake, part of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is one option for couples looking to make the most of their honeymoon in Thekkady.

Distance from Chennai: 567 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

24 Thekkady Attractions

Perched at an altitude of 1930 m above the sea level, Mullayanagiri peak is located in the Baba Budan Giri Range of Western Ghats and is just 45 minutes from Chikmagalur. It serves as the highest peak between the Nilgiris and the Himalayas offering its visitors a peaceful getaway with temperature ranging between 20 - 25 degrees Celsius. 

Distance from Chennai: 615 km