24 Best Hill Stations in South India (2021)

At a distance of 85 km from Rajahmundry, 112 km from Kakinada, 118 km from Bhadrachalam, 233 km from Khammam, 241 km from Vizag, 245 km from Vijayawada and 432 km from Hyderabad, Maredumilli is a village situated on Bhadrachalam - Rajahmundry highway in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Amidst the semi evergreen forests, it is one of the top places to visit near Rajahmundry and among the best places to visit in Andhra Pradesh. Maredumilli is one of the top attractions you must include in Vizag tour packages.

Located in the dense forests of Eastern Ghats, this quaint little village has been developed by the Forest Department as an Eco-tourism Centre. Maredumilli is a place of wildlife, nature and of tribal people. This forest area is conserved and developed by the tribals who have habituated the lands for generations. The entire region is amazing and picturesque with green grasslands encircled by hills with many streams flowing over undulating rocks.

The semi-evergreen forests of the village make it a wonderful place to have some adventure in the wild and immerse oneself with nature. The Maredumilli Community Conservation & Eco Tourism Area is situated on Maredumilli - Bhadrachalam road, nearly 4 km away from Maredumilli village. Jungle Star Nature Camp is a nature lover's paradise which provides an excellent opportunity to explore the Eastern Ghats. Located adjacent to the river Valamuru, the camp has a stream ...

At a distance of 60 km from Rajahmundry, 180 km from Vijayawada, 20 km from Polavaram, 260 km from Vizag & 410 km from Hyderabad, Papi Kondalu is a breathtakingly beautiful hill range bounded by River Godavari in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Papi hills are a set of three hills which form a beautiful gorge on the Godavari River spread across East Godavari and West Godavari districts. Entire area of Papi Kondalu is covered by tropical rain forests and it was recently declared as a protected National Park and is one of the top places to experience the Tourism in Andhra Pradesh. Papikondalu is one of the top attractions you must include in Vizag tour packages.

The original name for this hill range was 'Papidi Kondalu'. Papidi is a rough translation for partition in Telugu. It is believed that the place was visited by Lord Rama and goddess Sita during their exile. Papi Kondalu has to be reached by boat from Rajahmundry, Pattisam (35 km from Rajahmundry), Polavaram (40 km from Rajahmundry), Kunavaram (50 km from Bhadrachalam) or Sriram Giri (60 km from Bhadrachalam). The boat service from Rajahmundry to Bhadrachalam is a wonderful experience and it is operated in post monsoon season.

Apart from enjoying the view of the hills, valley ...

Nestled in the thickly forested Malnadu region of the Western Ghats, Agumbe is one of the most mesmerizing offbeat hill stations in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Karnataka tour packages. It is located about 112 km from Mangalore and 342 km from Bangalore.

Situated at an altitude of over 2100 feet, the scenic village of Agumbe lies in the Western Ghats belt with some of the last remaining lowland rainforests. The place is nicknamed 'The Cherrapunji of the South' as it receives the heaviest rainfall in the southern part which makes it a perfect home to some of the scenic waterfalls, dense forests, and rivers. Prominent Agumbe tourist places are Sri Gopala Krishna temple, Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Jogi Gundi Falls, Koodlu Theertha Falls, Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, Narsimha Parvatha trek, Kudremukh National Park, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. It can be visited as part of Mangalore tour packages.

Agumbe is home to the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, the only rainforest research station in India and was established as a sanctuary for the King Cobra. It is also the place where RK Narayan has filmed his novel Malgudi Days ...

Kemmanagundi is one of the popular hill stations in Karnataka. About 62 km from Chikmagalur, and 246 km from Bangalore, it is among the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Breathtaking views of the valleys amidst mountain streams and lush vegetation are the main attractions of Kemmanagundi tour packages. Situated at an altitude of 1434 m on the Baba Budan range, the region is covered with plantations of coffee and tea along with thick bamboo groves forming a dense forest cover. Raj Bhavan, Z point, Rock garden, Hebbe Falls, Kalhattagiri Falls, Baba Budan Hill, Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Shanti Falls, and Hebbe Falls are the most poular place to visit in Kemmanagundi.

Kemmanagundi is also popularly known by the name of KR Hills, named after the Mysore King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. Kemmanagundi is one of the top attractions you must include in Chikmagalur packages.

Sakleshpur is a quaint hill station in the Hassan district of Karnataka. Situated at an altitude of 3061 feet, Sakleshpur is one of the least explored hill stations in Karnataka and among the must include tourist attractions in Karnataka tour packages. It is about 151 km from Mangalore and 220 km from Bangalore.

Lies in the Malnad region, this beautiful hill station is very popular for its fascinating mountains, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather as well, which are the must-experience things to do as part of Sakleshpur tour packages. Manjarabad Fort, Sakleshwara Temple, Agni Gudda Hill, Magajahalli Waterfalls, Betta Byraveshwara Temple, Hemavathi Dam, and Pandavar Gudda are some of the popular places to visit in places to visit in Sakleshpur. Besides, this lesser-known hill station is famous for trekking activities in Bisle Reserve Forest Trail and Kumara Parvatha trail, in which one can explore the rich biodiversity of the place.

Sakleshpura is the gateway to the Western Ghats from Bengaluru & Hassan side. Sakleshpur is among the major producers of coffee and cardamom output in India.

Sirsi is a small hill station located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. About 99 km from Shimoga, 102 km from Hubli, 395 km from Bangalore, it is the main commercial center and a business hub in the Malnadu region, and among the top tourist places in Karnataka.

Situated at an altitude of 2000 feet, Sirsi is surrounded by thick forests and towering hills, among the must-experience things to do as part of Sirsi tour packages. This pristine hill station is also known as 'Gateway of Malenadu' or 'Gateway of Western Ghats'. Unchalli Falls, Vibhuthi Falls, Marikamba Temple, Magod Falls, Benne Hole Falls, Shivaganga Falls, Muregar Falls, Burude Falls, Mattighatta Falls, Manjuguni, Sahashralinga, Sodhe / Sonda, Devimane Ghat, Banavasi, and Gudavi Bird Sanctuary are some of the top place to visit in Sirsi/a>.

Sri Marikamba Jatra is the main festival held every alternate year in March at Sirsi. The fair attracts nearly 5 lakh devotees, tourists, and pilgrims from throughout Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Maharashtra. It is said to be the most famous and biggest fair in the state of Karnataka.

At a distance of 47 km from Munnar, 105 km from Kochi, 239 km from Trivandrum, 101 km from Kottayam and 171 km from Madurai, Idukki is one of the beautiful hill stations in Kerala and among the most beautiful Kerala places to visit. It is the second largest district in Kerala state (Painavu as headquarters). Idukki district is also home to South India's highest peak, Anamudi (2695 meters), along with 13 other peaks with a height of over 2000 meters. It is home to the popular Idukki Dam, one of the must include places in Kerala Tours.

Idukki offers diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation centers and mountain treks. The district was formed on January 26, 1972 carving out Devikulam, Peerumedu and Udumbanchola taluks from Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk from Ernakulum district. High ranges and wooded valleys are encircled by three main rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar and their tributaries. The river Pamba also has its origin here. Idukki is home to a large population of tribal population.

According to History, Idukki was part of the Chera dynasty and was later ruled by the Kulasekhara Kings from 9th to 11th century AD. John Danial Manroe, a British planter was leased a piece of land by the then Raja of Poonjar, Kerala Varma ...

Also called as 'Kashmir of Kerala', Ponmudi is one of the offbeat hill stations in Kerala. It is situated about 57 km from Trivandrum, and 233 km from Kochi. It is one among the must include places in Trivandrum tour packages.

Ponmudi, meaning the Golden Crown, is nestled in the lap of rolling hills of the Western Ghats that run parallel to the Arabian Sea. Situated at an altitude of 1100m, Ponmudi is surrounded by scenic hills, spice plantations, tea estates, natural springs, and winding streams. Ponmudi Waterfalls, Deer Park, River Kallar, Kallar Meenmutty Falls, Golden Valley, and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary are prominent Ponmudi tourist places.

Apart from sightseeing, Ponmudi is also famous for Ayurvedic medical treatments. Trekking to Agasthyakoodam, the highest peaks in the region, is the most popular activity here for adventure buffs.

Vagamon, also spelt as Wagamon is an enchanting hill station situated in the Idukki district of Kerala. Located on the Kottayam-Idukki border, it is one of the offbeat hill stations in Kerala, and among the must-include places in Kerala Tour Packages. It is situated about 92 km from Munnar, and 103 km from Kochi.

Perched at an altitude of 1100 m, Vagamon is surrounded by 3 hills namely, Thangal hill, Muruganmala, and Kurisumala. Also known as the Scotland of Asia, Vagamon was listed in the '50 most attractive places to visit in India' directory by the National Geographic Traveler. Pine Forests, Thangalpara, Kurisumala, Murugan Hill, Vagamon Meadows, Marmala Waterfalls, Suicide Point, Karikdu Viewpoint, and Illikkal Kallu are some of the top Vagamon tourist places.

Trekking, paragliding, mountaineering, and rock climbing are the favorite activities at Vagamon. The hill station has developed into a prime paragliding hub and is the venue of international paragliding contests that are conducted here every year.

Coonoor is a Taluk and a municipality in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. About 18 km from Ooty, & 71 km from Coimbatore, it is one of the must invlude places in < Tamilnadu Tour Packages, and among the best places to visit near Bangalore.

At an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level, Coonoor is famous for its verdant environs and for a variety of wildflowers and birds. It is the second-largest hill station in the Nilgiri hills after Ooty. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train) is one of the oldest mountain railways in India. The train ride in the midst of the Nilgiris, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an unforgettable travel experience as part of Coonoor packages. Besides, this stunning hill station is well-known for its production of Nilgiri tea.

Coonoor can be visited along with Ooty tour. Sim's Park, Lambs Rock, Dolphins Nose, St. Catherine Falls, and Law's falls are some popular tourist places in Coonoor. It is an ideal base for many trekking expeditions leading into the Nilgiris.

Megamalai or Meghamalai is a beautiful hill town in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. About 126 km from Madurai, and 127 km from Munnar, it is one of the offbeat hill stations in South India and among the top places to visit near Madurai.

Popularly called Highwavys Mountains, Meghamalai is an unexplored paradise in the Western Ghats and is very little known even to the people of Tamilnadu. Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Highwavy Dam, Megamalai Viewpoint, Manalar Dam, Suruli Falls, Iravangalar Dam, and maharaja Mettu are some of the top places to visit in Meghamalai.

If you are looking for a calm and tranquil weekend from the hustle-bustle of city life, Megamalai is the perfect place to visit in Tamilnadu.

Originally known as Poonachimalai, Valparai is one of the least explored hill stations in India. About 65 km from Pollachi, 105 km from Coimbatore, it is among the top tourist place to visit in Tamilnadu.

Situated at an altitude of 3500 feet, Valparai is a little piece of heaven tucked away in the cradle of the Anamalai mountain range of the Western Ghats. Sholayar Dam, Aliyar Dam, Nallamudi Viewpoint, Loam's View Point, Balaji Temple, Monkey Falls, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnakallar Waterfalls, Birla Falls, Koolangal River, Grass Hills, Nirar Dam, etc. are some of the popular places to visit in Valparai as part of Valparai tour packages.

Valparai is famed for its numerous coffee and tea plantations that are surrounded by thick forest.

At a distance of 31 km from Salem, 193 km from Coimbatore, 114 km from Hogenakkal, 349 km from Chennai and 249 km from Bangalore, Yercaud is a beautiful hill station in Salem district of Tamil Nadu and also one of the popular places to visit as part of Tamilnadu tour packages. At an altitude of 1515 m in the Shevaroy hills, Yercaud is one of the top hill stations near Bangalore in summer and also the must include tourist places near Trichy.

Yercaud town got its name from the Yercaud Lake located at its center. In Tamil, Yeri means lake and Kaadu means forest. Stone-age implements have been found from the ancient shrine located near Shevaroy Hills, which is about 5 km from the Yercaud Lake. Sir Thomas Munroe, erstwhile governor of Madras Presidency in 1842 developed this place. David Cockburn, the Scottish collector of Salem district, between 1820 and 1829, was called the 'Father of Yercaud' because he helped in the development of the resources of the Shevaroy and for introducing the cultivation of coffee, pears and apple. Salem District was purchased by Mr. G.F. Fisher, the only European Zamindar, in 1836. The Tea plantation has been introduced in 1840s by Dr.Wallich on the property of G.F.Fischer.

Some ...

At a distance of 230 km from Chennai, 178 km from Bangalore, 145 km from Yercaud and 94 km from Vellore, Yelagiri is a hill region in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, located in between the towns of Vaniyambadi and Jolarpettai. This is one of the best hill stations near Bangalore & Chennai. It is also one of the must include places in Tamilnadu tour packages.

Yelagiri is a cluster of 14 hamlets lie between four mountains spread over an area of 30 sq km having an altitude of 3500 ft. The tribal people who live here are engaged in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, etc. Orchards, rose gardens and green valleys, surround these hills.

The main town of Yelagiri Hills is Athanavur, which comprises a winding road through the hills with isolated villages. The Whole of Yelagiri was once the private property of the Yelagiri Zamindar Family. It was taken over by the government of India during the Early 1950s. The house of the Yelagiri Zamindars still exists in Reddiyur.

Yelagiri is also one of the famous places for trekkers. The highest point in Yelagiri is the Swamimalai Hill, standing tall at 4,338 ft with spectacular views. The hill provides a good number of trekking trails through thick reserved ...