Places to Visit in Western Ghats for the Perfect Weekend Escape

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

One of the three beautiful Nilgiri hill stations, Coonoor is the second largest hill station of the Western Ghats. It is situated at an altitude of 1930 meters and just 19 km from Ooty. With slopes of tea plantations, dotted with many attractions and blessed with chilly weather throughout the year, this place is a perfect summer retreat.

Best Time: October to March

17 Coonoor Attractions

Known For : Elephant's Head Point Chinaman's Falls Dhobi Waterfall

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station located in the Western Ghats, in Satara district of Maharashtra. Apart from its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks. It is among the most sought after weekend getaways from Pune & Mumbai, located about 120km south-west of Pune and 285km from Mumbai.

Best Time: October to June

31 Mahabaleshwar Attractions

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

Munnar is a popular hill station of Kerala perched at an altitude of 1600 metres in the Western Ghats. Famous for its tea estates, various shades of green, blankets of mist forming natural-view points, Munnar is aptly known as the 'Kashmir of South India'.

Best Time: September to May

51 Munnar Attractions

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

Nestled in the Shivaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a hill station in the Eastern Ghats steeped in abundant greenery. Commonly called ‘Ooty of the Poor’, this region has a history dating back to the time of the British. Located at an altitude of 4970 feet, Yercaud is known for its vast expanses of coffee plantations and great weather.

Best Time: October to June

20 Yercaud Attractions

Known For : Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary Kurisumala Vagamon Falls

Located near Kottayam-Idukki Border, Wagamon, popularly known as Vagamon, is a quiet offbeat hill station in Kerala. With a pleasant climate throughout the year, this breathtaking tourist spot has meandering rivulets and lush green hills surrounding it. The tea garden, pine forests, waterfalls, mesmerising meadows are all that makes Vagamon the perfect getaway.

Best Time: Throughout the year

17 Vagamon Attractions

Known For : Abbey Falls Raja's Seat Mandalpatti

Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is a popular coffee producing hill station. It is popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specializing in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.

Best Time: October to March

37 Coorg Attractions

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

Home to the country's largest Tiger Reserve- Periyar, Thekkady is a great way to enjoy a jungle vacation.

Best Time: Throughout the year

24 Thekkady Attractions

Known For : River Rafting in Dandeli Kali Tiger Reserve Magod Falls

Located on the Western Ghats of Uttara Karnataka, Dandeli is bestowed with the lush green forests and lies on the banks of the Kali river. Known for its many fantastic adventure opportunities, Dandeli is a hub for river rafting on river kali . Adventure seekers have many options such as mountain biking, trekking, cycling, kayaking and canoeing. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is another exciting element that Dandeli has to offer.  This is perfect for nature lovers too as they can spot Bisons and Black Panthers here as well as be amidst beautiful flora as well.

Best Time: October to May

25 Dandeli Attractions

Known For : Karapuzha Dam Kanthanpara Waterfalls Shopping in Kalpetta

Kalpetta is a quaint town with a backdrop of majestic hills lurking in the shadows, lush green surroundings, fresh air and picturesque beauty. Housed in the Wayanad District of Kerala, at a height of 780 m above the sea level, Kalpetta is a perfect place for nature lovers as well as honeymooners.

Best Time: October to March

20 Kalpetta Attractions

Situated at 1500m above sea level in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, Valparai is an offbeat yet tranquil hill station in the Anamalai Hills. Its alluring picturesque sights entice tourists from all over the country making it one of the sought-after destinations in the south of Western Ghats.

Best Time: December to January

Mollem National Park part of the famous Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is the biggest national park in Goa that takes you on a fascinating wildlife adventure. Jeep safaris take the tourists right into the heart of the dense forest reserve, bringing them closer to the vibrant wildlife. It is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for all nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Touring the park during the monsoon season is a great leisure activity.

Best Time to Visit : October - March

Entry Permit : All tourists wishing to visit the park must obtain an entry permit from the Range Forest Office of the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.

Entry Fees : Adults – INR 20
Kids – INR 5
Still camera – INR 30
Video camera – INR 150
Two-wheeler entry – INR 40
Car/Jeep entry – INR 75
Bus/Tempo entry – INR 150
Van entry - INR 250

Timings : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, Agumbe is a small village often referred to as the "Cherrapunji of South India". This biodiversity-rich region has the highest rainfall in south India and the second-highest annual rainfall in India. Agumbe is an enriching experience as this hill station is blessed with picturesque beauty and trekking trails. It is one of the last surviving lowland rainforests. Agumbe served as the setting for India's very famous fictional town Malgudi in the TV serial Malgudi Days.

Best Time to Visit : Monsoons (October to June)

Known For : Hill View Park Idukki Arch Dam Kulamavu Dam

Idukki, a landlocked district of Kerala, is one of the most nature-rich areas in Kerala with more than half of the area covered with forest. This rugged hill resort is known for its wildlife sanctuaries, beautiful bungalows, tea factories, rubber plantations and forests.

Best Time: Throughout the year

38 Idukki Attractions