From Vagamon To Araku Valley — 7 Best Hill Stations In South India

Best Hill Stations In South India: The Western and Eastern Ghats down south, for example, are just ideal summer getaways if you are planning one.

Footpath in a cave, Borra Caves, Ananthagiri Hills, Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

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Best Hill Stations In South India: What comes to your mind when you think of a vacation high up in the mountains? While you may imagine the fabled Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Ladakh and even Kashmir and Northeast, India has other mountain ranges too and they are equally beautiful and picturesque. The Western and Eastern Ghats down south, for example, are just ideal summer getaways if you are planning one.

List Of 7 Popular Hill Stations In South India

1. Munnar, Kerala: Part of the Idukki district, Munnar is a lush green region famous for tea plantations at an altitude of 1500-2500 m above the sea level and is popular among nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and adventure enthusiasts. The Tata tea plantation in Munnar is a must-visit. If one wants to be a little adventurous then they can try indulging in adventurous activities like paragliding, trekking to Anumudi Peak or Rajamala Hills.

2. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu: Coonoor is one of the most beautiful hill stations situated in the Nilgiri Hills in the Western Ghats, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu at an altitude of 6000 ft above the sea level. One of the best and most recommended places to visit when in Coonoor is Sim’s Park. Dolphin nose point is a place if you are fond of scenic views. Willington Golf course, Law’s fall, and St George Church can also be on a traveller's list for their architecture as well as historic significance.

3. Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Ooty, once the summer capital of Madras Presidency under the British, can be safely regarded as “India’s Switzerland”. The place is famous for tea plantations and a must-visit for tea connoisseurs. Things that make it to the must-do list for Ooty are enjoying a fun railway ride in the Nilgiri Mountain toy train, a walkthrough of the Ooty Botanical Gardens and the adventurous one can trek to the Doddabetta Peak for Lush greenery and scenic view of the place from the hilltop.

4. Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka: It is famous for its coffee plantations, steep hills, countless streams, rich flora and fauna, lush forests and breathtaking views. This place has very recently started grabbing tourist attention for witnessing Tibetan culture as well as the lushly green calming view with chirping sounds and waterfalls around. Abbey Falls, Chiklihole Reservoir, Dubare Elephant Camp, and Madikeri Fort are a few on the must-visit list to Coorg. 

5. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh: A scenic hill station in Visakhapatnam district almost 3200 ft above sea level is famous for its coffee plantations surrounded by beautiful gardens, streams, waterfalls and valleys that are covered with lush green forests. The tribal museum is a must-visit as it showcases multiple tribal handicrafts and artefacts depicting the lifestyle of tribal people

6. Vagamon, Kerala: This place is a must-visit for people with an adventurous soul, a beautiful picnic spot famous for trekking, and is situated near Peerumedu in the Idukki district. The grassy hills, velvet lawns and overall mysticism of the place. The tourist can participate in various adventurous activities like trekking, paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing.

7. Chikmagalur, Karnataka: The coffee land of Karnataka is also known for its serene environment, lush green forests and tall mountains. Chikmagalur is a popular trekking spot and boasts many incredible trekking trails, such as the Mullayangiri trek which is the highest peak in all of Karnataka and is the best place to get a perfect view of the sun rising from behind the mountains. Other treks are the Kemmanagundi trek and the Baba Budangiri trek.