Hill stations conjure the mind a picture of snow-capped mountains, lush green hills, pine trees, oak forest, cool breeze, cascading waterfalls and mystic valleys. In addition, hill stations are often associated with places where one can indulge in adventure activities, nature walks, etc and often when talking about such places the names that come to our mind are mainly situated in North India. However, there are a number of hill stations in South India that you have to visit once in your life. These hill stations are beautiful and have a lot to offer to its visitors. You must have just heard of Ooty, but there are many more to it. You can plan your next vacation to one of the hill stations of South India. Yercaud Situated close to Salem in Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a beautiful hill station of the Servarayan range of hills in the Eastern Ghats. It has an altitude of 1,500 metres above sea level. This hill station is renowned for its coffee plantation and orange orchards, which attracts a huge crowd of tourists from all over the globe. This hill station enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year and is very rich in flora. Yercaud Lake is a picturesque lake surrounded by dense forest with lush green shrubbery and offers opportunities for boating to tourists. Besides the lake, the other attractions of this hill station include Killiyur Falls, The National Orchidarium and Botanical Garden, Pagoda Point, Bear’s Cave, Lady’s Seat, Rose Garden and Silk Farm. Nandi Hills Nandi Hills is a popular hill destination located near Bangalore in Karnataka. It is situated at an average elevation of 1478m above sea level. The prime attraction of this hill station is a fortress that is built atop the hill, which was constructed by Tipu Sultan. This hill station is one of the most frequented places in Karnataka, especially by nature lovers as it is well known for its mesmerizing landscape. Idukki A picturesque hill station located in the state of Kerala, Idukki is another hill station of South India that you must visit once in your life. This hill station is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala, situated at the top of Western Ghats surrounded by mountains. World's second largest and Asia's first arch dam is located in Idukki. Coonoor Second largest hill station situated in the Nilgiri Hills, Coonoor is famous for its tea plantation. This hill station is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Southern India. It is a popular bird watching destination and is considered as a paradise for bird watchers. This is a less frequent hill station situated at an altitude of 1839 metres and has a pleasant climate. Coorg Situated in the state of Karnataka, Coorg is a beautiful hill station of Southern India that makes for a great summer destination. Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is a place that is said to irk eternally with its enduring beauty. It offers a mesmerizing past, enchanting natural beauty, excellent cuisine and aromas of the coffee plantations, oranges and honey, which lures the travelers to the place. Set amidst lush green valleys, daunting mountains and teak wood forests, it is counted among the most beautiful hill stations of India and one of the ideal summer retreats of Southern part of the country. Munnar Munnar, a picturesque summer escape with backdrop of tea plantations, hills, lakes, forests and winding walks is a popular hill station of Southern India. Positioned at an altitude of 1,829 m, it is an abode to South India's highest peak called Anamudi that measures 2,695 m. It offers the tourist a blend of relaxation and adventure amidst exquisite landscapes. Munnar is a popular hill station of Southern India that you must visit once in your lifetime. Devikulam A fascinating hill station in the state of Kerala, known as God’s Own Country is close to the famous hill station Munnar. It is more famous a picnic spot and house a lake named Sita Devi Lake, which attracts a horde of tourist from near and far. Tea plantation and cascading waterfalls adds to its captivating beauty. Ananthagiri Hills Ananthagiri Hills is about 90 km from Hyderabad is one of the most beautiful hill station of South India, which attracts a huge crowd of tourist from different parts of the globe. It is well-known for its scenic beauty and wildlife, rivers, waterfalls, ancient caves, beautiful temples, trekking trails, etc. adds to its beauty. Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple is the prime attraction of this hill station. Ponmudi Another hill station of South India that is worth visiting once in your lifetime is Ponmudi. It is situated 60km from Trivandrum and is located in the Western Ghats. It is one of the few hill stations that are near the sea and the beautiful mountains covered with mist add to captivating beauty of the place. The bright-coloured butterflies, rare flowers and the small rivulets make it a paradise for nature lovers. Araku Valley Located in the valley of Eastern Ghat range in Vishakhapatnam, Araku Valley is one of the most beautiful hill stations is famous among the tourists. It is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh this hill station is famous for coffee plantation. Another prime attraction of Araku Valley is Borra Caves. Kudremukh Situated in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, Kudremukh is a beautiful hill station that is worth visiting. It resembles the face of a horse and hence, gets its name. Once a mining town, Kudremukh has now developed into a popular hill destination with beautiful, rhythmic waterfalls and National Park, which boasts of rich flora and fauna. Kodaikanal Known as Princess of Hill stations, Kodaikanal is a popular hill station of South India located in the state of Tamil Nadu. This is a charming hill station set amidst the beautiful landscape, which attracts a huge crowd of tourists from all across the globe. Enveloped by lush green hills and lake, this hill station is situated on the southern summit of Palani Hills. Kotagiri Considered as the third largest hill station of the Nilgiri Region after Coonoor and Ooty, Kotagiri is situated at an elevation of 5882 ft. A typical plantation hill station, it is not a very popular hills station; however, it is one of the most beautiful and charming places that you should visit at least once in your lifetime.
It is always refreshing to visit a hill station. It is more so in summer when it is unbearably hot and sultry in the plains. In the months of May and June the mercury soars to the highest points of temperature. It is during these days that schools and colleges are closed and there is vacation. Hill stations are crowded in summer by the people from the cities in the plains, especially by the people belonging to the creamy layers of the society. The best hill stations to enjoy in India are- Coimbatore, Coonoor, Devikulam, Thenmala, Vythiri, Madikeri, Munnar, Ooty.
