15 Mesmerizing Hill Stations in South India - Plan Your Honeymoon

India has an incredible expanse and offers delight to travellers and tourists alike. Acres & acres of lush green land endowed with scented air, bickering brooks and shimmering lakes, Southern India boasts of some magnificent hill stations. With the summer sun shining around the corner, temperatures soaring high, it will soon be time to escape the heat to the South India hill stations around.

So here’s a list of the top 15 Hill Stations in South India you need to add to your travel list right away:

1. Munnar, Kerala: An Affair With The Hills

 

Incredibly the most beautiful and serene hill station in South India is Munnar. A honeymooners paradise, located in the green lands of Kerala, blessed with beautiful lakes and waterfalls tinkering down the valleys through the aromatic plantations, exquisite fauna and rich flora, Munnar is the hill station to visit on your South India tour. Take the spice tours or just sit besides the waterfalls gazing at the scenic views and let the place charm your mind.

 

How to Reach Munnar:

By Air:Nearby airports are at Kochi (130 kms) and Madurai (142 kms)

By Rail :Nearest railway stations are at Kochi and Kottayam.

Best Time to Visit:September to May

2. Coorg, Karnataka: Serene Adventures

  

Nestled amidst the hills and valleys of the picturesque Western ghats, Coorg is the most perfect hill station getaway in down South. Countless streams peep through the steep hills and tea-blanketed valleys beckoning travellers, trekkers and rock climbers alike.

 

How to Reach Coorg:

By Air
Nearest Airport is Bangalore at a distance of 260 Km

By Rail
Kodagu is the only district in Karnataka without an inch of rail track. Nearest railway station is Mysore at a distance of 120 Km

Best Time to visit:
October to April

3. Ooty, Tamil Nadu: A Holiday in Hills

A perfect family holiday destination & popular amongst newly weds, the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ or Ooty has been a popular hill station since years. Soaring mountains, thick forest, extensive grasslands and miles of tea gardens greet every traveller. Don’t forget to ride the famous train that takes you to the nearby hills, tour through the coffee plantations and taste some fresh coffee.

 

How to Reach Ooty:

By Air
Coimbatore, 105 km from Ooty, is the nearest airport.

By Rail
Ooty is connected to Mettupalayam (47 km), which is directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai. The famous toy train connects Ooty with Mettupalayam and Coonoor.

Best Time to Visit:
All round the year

 4. Vythiri, Kerala: Nature, you & me!

 Vythiri – a nature lover’s delight, frequented by couples is located in the Sylvan Northern High ranges of Kerala, spread over 150 acres of eco-friendly ranges. Exquisite, comfortable, refreshing, pollution free and relaxing, Vythiri is a picturesque hill station in South India that breathes history and legend.

How to reach Vythiri:

By Air
Nearest Airport Calicut International Airport at a distance of 85 Kms

By Train
– 60 Kms from Calicut enroute to Bangalore
– 150 Kms from Mysore enroute to Calicut

Best Time to Visit:
September to May

5. Devikulam, Kerala: Legends in the Hills

  Located 16 Kms from Munnar, this gorgeous hill station in South India symbolizes nature and legends in pristine glory. It is believed that Goddess Sita bathed in this Lake and the lake is held sacred & is believed to have curative powers. The tea plantations add waterfalls add to the picturesque aura of the scenic beauty. A popular destination amongst families and couples alike, Devikulam attracts hundreds of tourists on its perch for a breathtaking view.

How to reach Devikulam:

By Air
Nearest Airport is Cochin at a distance of 149 kms

By Train
Kottayam Station at a distance of 132 kms

Best Time to Visit:
September to May

 6. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu: Peaceful Breaks

 

Coonoor is an idyllic hill station situated on the eastern side of the southern extremity of Doddabetta range, at an altitude of 1,858 mtrs above the sea level. Velvet lawns, exotic flora and the cool mountain breeze allure the city dwelling couples to the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris.

 

How to reach Coonoor:

By Air
Nearest airport is Coimbatore at a distance of 68 Km

By Rail
Coonoor is on the toy-train line between Mettupalayam (28 km) and Ooty. The train service is often disrupted during the heavy monsoon season.

Best Time to Visit:
November-February

7. Horsley Hills, Andhra Pradesh: Romancing with the hills

A dainty town situated at an altitude of 1265 mtrs, popular amongst the newlyweds & families alike is one of the famous hill resorts in Andhra Pradesh. Blessed with thick verdure of various species of plants, unadulterated air and mighty rocks Horsley Hills is a picture perfect fairy-tale enchantment. Go for trekking, hiking, rappelling and zorbing while your stay at the hills.

 

How to reach Horsley Hills:

By Air
Nearest airports are Tirupati at a distance of 160 Km and Bangalore at a distance of 165 km

By Rail
Nearest station is Madanapalle at a distance of 43 km

Best Time to Visit:
September to May

8 Yercaud,TamilNadu:AffordablyAlluring 

Located at a height of 1500 mtrs above the sea level with amazing salubrious climate, irresistibly green slopes, Yercaud, meaning the ‘Lake forest’ is hailed as the jewel of the South. Well-known for its coffee plantations and orange groves, the hill station is endowed with an alluringly tranquil environment. This affordable hill station is also known as the ‘Ooty of the poor’ and is mostly frequented by students or a group of friends.

How to reach Yercaud:

By Air
Nearest airport is Trichy, 163-km from Yercaud.

By Rail
Nearest station is Salem Junction at a distance of 36 Km

Best Time to Visit:
September to May

9. Ponmudi, Kerala: Mesmerizing Valleys

 

Located at a distance of 61 Kms from Trivandrum, perched at an altitude of 100 mtrs above the sea level is the salubrious hill station of Ponmudi. The enchanting bounty of verdant nature can be witnessed in its tranquil surroundings. Mesmerize your loved ones with the shimmering green waters of winding dreams and mist covered valleys this summer! Go for a jungle safari to Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and visit the historical museums in the vicinity.

How to reach Ponmudi:
Ponmudi is at a distance of 65 kms northeast from Trivandrum.

Best Time to Visit:
All round the year

10. Ananthagiri Hills, Telangana: A Panoramic Vista

 

A perfect getaway from the blistering summer months, Ananthagiri is a breathtakingly beautiful hill resort. Attracting kids and couples alike, the hills are endowed with lush rolling ranges, scented coffee plantations, enveloped in mangroves and pristine waterfalls gushing into the ravine. This hill unfolds as a destination of stunning viewpoints.

How to reach Ananthagiri:

By Rail
Nearest railway station is Vikarabad at a distance of 10 Kms

Best Time to Visit:
All round the year

11. Enchanting Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, kodaikanal is one of the most well-known and well-populated hill stations in South India. Meadows, grasslands, waterfalls, valleys, forests & lakes define this picturesque hideaway. Go boating in the Kodai lake and trek to various viewpoints for a mesmerizing view. Frequented by city dwellers, this is a popular weekend getaway for Bangaloreans.

How to reach Kodaikanal:

By Air
Nearest airport is at Madurai at a distance of 120 km

By Rail
Nearest railway stations are the Kodai Road Railway Station (80-km) and the Palani Railway Station (64-km)

Best Time to Visit:
April to June & September to October

12. Bountiful Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

 One of the least polluted hill stations in South India, Araku Valley is a preferred shooting location. Nature comes alive at Araku Valley with its coffee plantation, aromatized air, pleasant weather, verdant valleys, rich landscapes and a journey through the woods makes it a fascinating dreamlike getaway. Witness the serene scenic beauty of these hills while you stroll away, hand in hand, with your love. Tyda park close by offers spectacular view of birds and wildlife along with a chance to camp in the wild.

How to reach Araku Valley:

By Air
Nearest airport is Vishakhapatnam at a distance of 112-km

By Rail
Araku has a railhead

Best Time to Visit:
All round the year

13. Nandi Hills, Karnataka: Home Away From Home

Nandi hills get their name from their shape of a sleeping bull. Also known as the Hills of happiness or Ananda Giri, perched at an altitude of 1478 mtrs, Nandi Hills have been a perfect getaway resort to Tipu Sultan, the Britishers and now is a hot favourite amongst Bangaloreans.

How to reach Nandi Hills:

By Air
The nearest airport is in Bangalore, 60 Kms away.

By Rail
Nearest railhead is Chikkaballapur

Best Time to Visit:
All round the year

14. Idukki, Kerala: Whistling Forests

A mesmerizing hill station in South India, Idukki, is an idyllic delight. Laden with many sanctuaries, tea gardens, national parks and spice plantations, Idukki provides a unique essence to your trip. Perfect for a tranquil hideaway from the city bustle, Idukki should be a must in your bucket list. Whisk your loved ones away with the flora and fauna of this incredible hill station.

How to reach Idukki:

By Air
Nearest airport is at Cochin 132 km away

By Rail
Nearest railway station is at Kottayam, 133 km away

Best Time to Visit:
October to June

15. Kudremukh, Karnataka: Trekker’s Paradise

Popular amongst the Mangaloreans and Manipal Students for trekking and camping, Kudremukh or the horse-faced hill station is known for its panoramic view point overlooking the Arabian Sea. The hills are chained together with deep gorges and steep cliffs. Grassy slopes, verdant forests, sprinkled with rivers, fascinating cascades and rare fauna offer a truly majestic vista.

How to reach Kudremukh:

By Air
Nearest Airport is Mangalore at a distance of 99 Km

By Train
Nearest station is Mangalore at a distance of 99 Km

Best Time to Visit:
All round the year