Due to the temperate weather in Tamil Nadu, tourists are surprised to discover that the city has 20 or so hill stations. These beautiful hill stations in Tamil Nadu have their own unique identities and offer travelers respite from the sweltering heat of Chennai. Here are some of the most magnificent hill stations in Tamil Nadu you should visit:
Hill Stations in Tamil nadu
Take a look at these gorgeous hill stations in Tamil Nadu
Anaimalai (Coimbatore )
It is also a ‘pit-stop’ for pilgrims going to Sabrimala Temple in Kerala, as it is home to the Goddess Masani Amman.
Coonoor (Nilgiris) region
A popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu, Coonoor is known for its production of Nilgiri Tea and is located at an altitude of 1,850 meters above sea level.
Javadi Hills (Tiruvannamalai)
The Beemanmadavu Waterfalls and the Kavalur Observatory are some of the best tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu, along with the ‘bluish gray granite peaks’.
Kalrayan Hills (Villupuram)
Located between Salem and Villupuram, the Kalrayans are divided into two sections – the northern Chinna (“little”) Kalrayans and the southern Periya (“big”) Kalrayans.
Ketti Valley (Nilgiris)
Upper Ketti is another village on the main Coonoor to Ooty road called Yellanahalli.
Kodaikanal
Its name in Tamil means “The Gift of the Forest”. Known as the “Princess of Hill Stations”, Kodaikanal is a popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu and has a long history as a retreat and destination. Tourism is a major part of the local economy. It is one of Tamil Nadu’s most popular hill stations.
Kolli Hills (Namakkal)
A tourist destination in Tamil Nadu, Kolli Malai is named after the Goddess Ettukkai Amman (KolliPaavai), which appears in several works of classical Tamil literature. The author of Arthashastra, Chanakya, is also said to have been born in this area before he moved to North India to study at Takshashila.
Theni (Kolukkumalai)
A 32 kilometres (20 miles) drive from Munnar, Kolukkumalai is about 7,130 feet (2,170 m) above sea level. The tea plantations here possess a unique flavour and freshness due to their high altitude, making it one of the most verdant tourist places in Tamil Nadu.
Kotagiri (Nilgiris)
A panchayat town in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, Kotagiri is an important tourist attraction in the state. It is located at an elevation of around 1793 meters above sea level, making it the third largest hill station in Tamil Nadu.
Theni (Kurangani)
A top the Western Ghats, it has estates growing coconuts, mangoes, spices, and coffee. A mountain rivulet passes between Kurangani mountains in the east and Kolukkumalai mountains in the west.
Manjolai (Tirunelveli)
There are a variety of elevations in the Manjolai area, which range from 1,020 to 1,500 metres (3,350 to 4,920 ft). Located on top of the Manimuthar Dam and the Manimuthar waterfalls, the Manjolai area is among the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu, comprising several tea plantations and small settlements around it. Kuthiravetti is a windy viewpoint that overlooks Upper Kodaiyar Dam.
Theni (Meghamalai)
The High Wavy Mountains are a cool and misty mountain range in the Western Ghats. The place is located at an elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level. A place rich in flora and fauna, it is one of Tamil Nadu’s most popular tourist attractions.
Nilgiris (Ooty)
To this day, Ooty remains the most popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. It is located 80 km north of Coimbatore and is the capital of the Nilgiris district.
Pachaimalai Hills (Trichy)
A low mountain range in the Eastern Ghats called the Pachais. The Veera Ramar Dam, one of Tamil Nadu’s most popular tourist attractions, is located on the Kallar River.
Palni Hills (Dindigul)
A 2,068 square kilometer (798 square mile) extension of the Western Ghats range, the Palani Hills extend east into Tamil Nadu’s plains, adjoining the Anamalai range on the west. Also, it is home to the shrine of Lord Karthikeyan, or Murugan, who is worshipped as the primary God in Tamil Nadu. The shrine is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area.
Virudhunagar (Sathuragiri)
Sathuragiri Hills, also known as Chathuragiri or ‘Sundara Mahalingam’, is located 10 km from Watrap (Wathirairuppu) near Srivilliputhur and is a highly revered destination in Tamil Nadu. The name Sathuragiri derives from the combination of Chathur (4) Veda (Vedas) Giri (Hill), representing the spot where all four Vedas converge to form this mountain. Alternatively, it is believed that the mountain itself has a square shape (Chathuram), giving rise to its name Chathuragiri. This site is also referred to as “Siddargal boomi” as it is believed that 18 Siddhas reside here.
The city of Sirumalai (Dindigul)
With an altitude of 1,600 metres above sea level, Sirumalai is a densely forested region with a moderate climate throughout the year. This is one of Tamil Nadu’s tourist destinations with diverse flora and fauna. A church and a view point of Dindigul city and the “Dindigul Rock Fort” are located on the hill on the 18th bend. In addition, there is a small waterfall on the hill.
Topslip (Coimbatore)
On the Anamalai mountain range, Topslip, one of the hill stations near Chennai, is located at 2554 feet (774 meters) above sea level. It is a very peaceful tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. It is located 37 km from Pollachi, the nearest town, and 9 km from Sethumadai.
Valparai (Pollachi)
At a distance of 100 km from Coimbatore and 65 km from Pollachi, it is located at 3,500 feet above sea level in the Anaimalai Hills range of the Western Ghats. From Azhiyar to Valparai, there are 40 hairpin bends, making the trip exciting.
Yelagiri (Vellore)
Located off the Vaniyambadi-Tirupattur road at an elevation of 1,110.6 meters above Mean Sea Level, Yelagiri village (also spelled Elagiri) is surrounded by orchards, rose gardens, and green valleys.
Yeracud (Salem)
It is situated in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats. The highest point in Yercaud is the Servarayan temple, at 5,326 feet (1,623 meters). The name Lake Forest derives from the abundance of trees around a lake. Yercaud is also known as the Jewel of South due to its popularity as a tourist destination in Tamil Nadu.
The mentioned Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu offer a unique experience for travelers to discover the South Indian state. Despite not being the most renowned places, they boast abundant greenery, picturesque waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes. Conveniently located near larger cities, these hill stations can even be visited in just 2 days. While popular destinations like temple towns and beaches are must-visit spots in Tamil Nadu, do not limit your itinerary to these alone.
