Popular Hill Stations Near Chennai
Yelagiri hills (230 km from Chennai)
One of the closest hill stations near Chennai, the Yelagiri hills offer you the most picturesque topography and scenery. Home to many different types of orchids, this hill station is surrounded by beautiful mountains, forests, lush green meadows and lakes everywhere.
This hill station enthrals and mesmerises anyone who visits it. Some of the viewpoints here offer the most stunning views of the valleys situated below. This hill station also boasts of pleasant weather conditions all year round.
Best time to Visit: Between September And March
Distance from Chennai: Yelagiri hills is about 230 kilometres from Chennai. The closest railway station here is the Jolarpettai Junction.
Attractions to visit in Yelagiri: Swamimalai Point, Palamathi Hills, Javadi Hills, Punganur Lake, Jalagamparai Waterfall, Yelagiri Lake, Nature Park, Yelagiri Adventure Camp, Nilavoor Lake, Telescope Observatory, Jalagandeeswarar Temple.
Activities to do in Yelagiri: Trekking, Boating, Hiking, Rowing, Mulberry Field Tours, Swim Under The Waterfalls, Adventure Camps
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Yercaud (366 km from Chennai)
The Yercaud Lake, the most popular destination here, has green hues rather than blue, and is located in the centre of the hill station. There is an amazing underwater ecosystem here which is very well preserved. On a good day here, you can also see deer and peacocks.
Best time to Visit: Between October to June
Distance from Chennai: Yercaud is about 366 kilometres from Chennai. The closest railway station here is the Salem Junction.
Attractions to visit in Yercaud: Yercaud Lake, Deer Park, Anna Park, Kiliyur Falls, National Orchardarium, Lady’s Seat, Bear’s Cave, Serveroyan Temple, Pagoda Point, Heaven’s Ledge, Fairholme Bungalow.
Activities to do in Yercaud: Trekking, Boating, Hiking, Rowing, Swimming Under Waterfalls, Tea And Coffee Plantation Tours, Coffee Tasting.
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Horsley Hills (279 km from Chennai)
Located between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Horsley Hills is also known as the “Ooty of Andhra,” and is about 279 kilometres from Chennai. Situated at an elevation of 4,312 metres above sea level, Horsley Hills are known for its scintillating landscapes and varied terrains. Located in the Eastern Ghats, this hill station was named after W.D. Horsley, the British collector of the region.
Home to the largest Banyan tree and the oldest Eucalyptus tree in the country, this place has dense forest areas which serve as the abode to more than 100 bird species. Additionally, one can even partake in many adventure sports and activities here, such as trekking, rappelling, wall climbing, water walking, etc.
Best time to Visit: Between December to March
Distance from Chennai: Horsley hills is about 279 kilometres from Chennai. The closest railway station here is the Madanapalle Railway Station.
Attractions to visit in Horsley hills: Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Gangotri Lake, Gali Banda, Horsley Hills Museum, Environmental Park, Horsley Hills View Point, Horsley Hills Zoo, Kalyani, Kaigal Falls, Talakona Waterfalls.
Activities to do: Trekking, Bird Watching, Wildlife Sanctuary Tours, Zorbing.
Kolli Hills (357 km from Chennai)
One of the most idyllic hill stations near Chennai, and surrounded with lush green forests, the Kolli Hills are located in the Namakkal district of central Tamil Nadu. This is an off-beat destination, still undisturbed by industrialisation and commercialisation. These hills are most famous for their amazing tea and coffee plantations, which are amongst the best in India. One can get stunning views of the hills and surrounding areas along with spectacular sunrises and sunsets from this hill station.
This hill station is also said to have a lot of literary importance, with a name in some of the most celebrated pieces of South Indian literature. These hills are very high in altitude and have a lot of hair-pin bends which have given it the name “Kolli Malai”, translating to “Hills of Death”.
Best time to Visit: between March to December
Distance from Chennai: Kolli hills is about 357 kilometres from Chennai. The closest railway station here is the Salem Junction.
Attractions to visit: Siddhar Caves, Arapaleeswarar Temple, natural reserves, Agaya Gangi Waterfalls, Pineapple Research Farm, Botanical Garden, Masila Falls, Selur View Point.
Activities to do: Trekking, Meditation, Hiking, Plantation Tours, Shopping, Trying the traditional delicacies and fresh fruits.
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Munnar (583 km from Chennai)
Situated along the banks of the rivers Mattupetti, Periavaru and Nallathanni, and about 583 kilometres away from Chennai, Munnar used to serve as a resort for the elite in the British era. Furthermore, it also has the highest mountain peak in all of South India, the Anamudi, which further adds to the beauty of this tranquil hill station.
Best time to Visit: between February to May, and Late August to December.
Distance from Chennai: Munnar is approximately 583 kilometres from Chennai. The closest railway station here is the Aluva Junction.
Attractions to visit in Munnar: Mattupetty Dam, Lakkam Waterfalls, Lockheart Gap, Top Station, Echo Point, Anamudi Peak, Attukad Waterfalls, Pothamedu View Point.
Activities to do in Munnar: Trekking, Boating, Hiking, Rowing, Mulberry Field Tours, Swim under the Waterfalls.
Kodaikanal (550 km from Chennai)
One of the best and the most famous hill stations near Chennai, Kodaikanal is almost 2200 meters above the sea level, and is called the “Gift of the Forests.” Located in the upper Palani Hills in the Western Ghats, this hill station is popularly known around the country as the “Princess of Hill Stations”. Quiet tranquil in nature and atmosphere, Kodaikanal was discovered way back in 1821 and thereafter developed. It boasts of rich British architecture, and still has that old-world charm that we miss in the city.
The hill station is also home to the Kodai Lake, which is a 9 feet deep man-made lake. This lake is also home to Kurinji, a blue-coloured flower that blooms after every 12 years. The forests here are filled with pear, eucalyptus, cypress and acacia trees with many colourful and flowery grasslands.
Best time to Visit: between October to June
Distance from Chennai: Kodaikanal is almost 550 kilometres away from Chennai. The closest railway station here is the Kodai Junction.
Attractions to visit in Kodaikanal: British era churches, Pillar Rocks, Devil’s Kitchen, Kodai Lake, Green Valley View, Bear Shola Falls, Coaker’s Walk, Dolphin Nose
Activities to do in Kodaikanal: Trekking, Boating, Hiking, Photography.
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Valparai (582 km from Chennai)
It is also home to quite a few wildlife reserves with animals like the pangolin, tigers and sloth bears, etc.
Best time to Visit: between May and September
Distance from Chennai: Valparai is located about 582 kilometres from Chennai. The closest railway station here are the junctions of Coimbatore and Pollachi.
Attractions to visit: Chinnakallar Falls, tea and coffee plantations, Solaiyar Dam, Nirar Dam, Nallamudi Viewpoint.
Activities to do: Trekking, Boating, Swimming.
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Coonoor (519 km from Chennai)
It is also one of the major producers of the world famous Nilgiri tea. Coonoor also boasts of a wide variety of birds and wildlife. Spread over 12 hectares, the Sim’s Park in this hill station has plants and flowers that cannot be seen anywhere in Southern India, if not in the whole country. Some of the amazing bird species that can be seen here are Indian Vultures, robins, eagles, etc.
Best time to Visit: between March to June, and September to October
Distance from Chennai: Coonoor is located about 519 kilometres from Chennai. The closest railway station here is the Mettupalayam Railway Station.
Attractions to visit in Coonoor: Sim’s Park, Lamb’s Rock, fruit and vegetable festivals, Tea and tourism festivals, Doorg Fort, Dolphin’s Nose, Katary Falls, Law’s Falls
Activities to do in Coonoor: Trekking, Boating, Tea Plantation Tours, Tea Tasting, Bird Watching, Wildlife Sanctuary Tours
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Coorg (587 km from Chennai)
A place that looks like it came from a picture, Coorg has a rich culture and very warm people. It is also famous for its spice plantations, which, along with the coffee plantations, spread a very distinct smell and flavour in the misty air of Coorg.
Best time to Visit: between October to March
Places to visit in Coorg: Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Tadiandamol Peak, Dubare Elephant Camp, Brahmagiri Hill, etc.
Distance from Chennai: Coorg is located about 587 kilometres from Chennai. The closest railway station here is the Mysore Railway Station.
Attractions to visit: Kushalnagar, Pollibetta, Abbey Falls, Talacauvery, Golden Temple, Raja’s Seat
Activities to do in Coorg: Trekking, Boating, Tea Plantation Tours, Tea Tasting, Bird Watching, Wildlife Sanctuary Tours.
Ooty (560 km from Chennai)
The local culture is heart-warming, and the atmosphere is serene. The countryside, peaceful lanes and the simple colonial architecture oozes the old-world charm to the travellers. With green meadows and clear blue waterfalls, this hill station has some of the most spectacular views of nature.
Best time to Visit: between October to June
Distance from Chennai: Ooty is located almost 560 kilometres from Chennai. The closest railway station here is the Mettupalayam Railway Station.
Attractions to visit in Ooty: Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Government Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, Rose Garden, Stone House, Doddabetta Peak, Doddabetta Trail, Thread Garden
Activities to do: Trekking, Boating, Tea Plantation Tours, Tea Tasting, Bird Watching, Wildlife Sanctuary Tours, Toy Train Rides.
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Other Hill Stations Near Chennai
Meghamalai (554 km from Chennai)
It is also home to the most exotic species of fauna, and on any given day, you can spot many different species of migratory birds, leopards, gaur, elephants, the Nilgiri thar, sambar, wild boar, flying squirrels, porcupines, langurs, sloth bears, smooth-coated otter, the grey jungle-fowl and many other exotic animals.
Best time to Visit: between October to Early May
Distance from Chennai: Meghamalai is about 554 kilometres from Chennai. The closest railway station here is the Madurai Junction.
Attractions to visit: Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Suruli Falls, Sathuragiri Hills, Pilavakkal Dam.
Activities to do: Trekking, Plantation Tours, Hiking, Swimming Under Waterfalls, Picnic, Exploration.
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Kotagiri (538 km from Chennai)
Quite an offbeat tourist destination, the houses in Kotagiri are all made of Kota, a type of stone. The traditional cuisine here is a must try, with authentic flavours and spices. Nilgiri tea, one of the best in the whole world, comes from Kotagiri.
Best time to Visit: between February to early May, and Late October to December
Distance from Chennai: Kotagiri is approximately 538 kilometres from Chennai. The closest railway station here is the Coimbatore Junction.
Attractions to visit: Kodanad View Point, Catherine Falls, Elk Falls, LongWood Shola Forest Reserve, Rangaswamy Peak, Rangaswamy Pillar
Activities to do: Trekking, Bathing In Elk Falls, Bird Watching.
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Araku Valley (895 km from Chennai)
It has caves that date back to at least 150 million years with a naturally formed rock statue of the Kamdhenu cow, as well as a naturally formed Shiva Lingam, both of which hold a lot of religious significance and importance amongst Indians.
Best time to Visit: between October to March
Distance from Chennai: Araku Valley is located about 895 kilometres from Chennai. The closest railway station here is the Koraput Junction.
Attractions to visit: Borra Caves, Padmapuram Gardens, Coffee Museum, Ananthagiri Waterfalls, Katika Waterfalls.
Activities to do: Trekking, Sightseeing, Plantation Tours, Temple Visits.
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Sirumalai (530 km from Chennai)
Situated between the Western Ghats and the Annamalai mountain Ranges, the Palani Hills is part of the thick, concentrated forests that are a part of the Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a protected forest reserve, under the Tamil Nadu Government.
The Palani Hills are rich with plants, forests, wild life, and even many migratory birds. Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Wild boars, and even the Nilgiri Thars among others, you can also find many different species of amphibians, reptiles and mammals here. This hill station also has a whopping 26 waterfalls of all different heights.
Best time to Visit: Between September and March
Distance from Chennai: Palani hills is about 530 kilometres from Chennai. The closest railway station here is in Madurai.
Attractions to visit: Wildlife Sanctuary, Thiru Avinankudi Temple, Palani Hills National Park, Bear Shola Falls, Pambar Falls, Berijam Lake, Silver Cascade Falls, Guna Caves, Bryant Park.
Activities to do: Trekking, Hiking, Bird Watching, Exploring.
Palani Hills (465 km from Chennai)
A part of the mountain ranges in Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, Palani Hills belong to the Western Ghats and are about 530 kilometres from Chennai. It also joins the Anamalai Range on its west. Tucked in between dense green forests of the Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, this area is also home to one of the shrines of Lord Karthikeyan. It is the place where you can also see and experience the evergreen Shola forests.
Having some of the most exotic and rare flora and fauna, Palani Hills also has many different species of amphibians and butterflies. Tourists can even partake in many adventure activities such as trekking, hiking, and plantation tours, among others.
Best time to Visit: between February to March, and Late September to December
Distance from Chennai: Sirumalai is located approximately 465 kilometres from Chennai. The closest railway stations here are the Ambathurai Railway Station and the Kodaikanal Road Railway Station.
Attractions to visit: Dindigul Rock Fort, Sirumalai Lake, Sanjeevani Hills, Observation Tower, Khandige Estate.
Activities to do: Hiking, Trekking, Boating.
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Chikmagalur (599 km from Chennai)
Literally meaning The Land of the Younger Daughter, Chikmagalur has a rich culture and history and is also quite famous for its coffee, even getting the title of the Coffee Land of Karnataka. It is also the place where coffee was cultivated for the first time in the country by Baba Budan, a Muslim saint.
Best Time To Visit: Between September to March
Distance from Chennai: 599 km from Chennai.
Attractions to visit in Chikmagalur: Kudremukh National Park, Mullayanagiri, Hebbe Falls, Baba Budangiri, Kallathigiri Falls and many more.
Activities to do in Chikmagalur: Trekking, Camping, Sightseeing and many more.
Also, check out the best places to visit in Chennai for amazing trip.
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Sakleshpur (575 km from Chennai)
A great hill station near Chennai is Sakleshpur. It is known for its pristine natural landscapes and the unparalleled beauty and picturesque sights which they offer. Home to several thousand acres of rainforests, Sakleshpur has many rice plantations which run through abandoned railway tracks, giving a view of something that’s right out of a movie.
Sakleshpur is also famous for its canopied rainforests. Travellers are also offered chances of trekking through these thick forests which wind up the many hills surrounding the regions. They can also enjoy other activities such as camping, visiting several forts in the area and seeing submerged churches, among others.
Best Time To Visit: Between October to March
Distance from Chennai: 575 km from Chennai.
Attractions to visit in Sakleshpur: Sakleshwara Temple, Bisle View Point, Agni Gudda Hill, Temple of Halebid and Belur, Manjehalli Waterfalls and many more.
Activities to do in Sakleshpur: Railway Bridge Trekking, Camping, Sightseeing at Bisle View Point, etc.
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Wayanad (616 km from Chennai)
Located around 615 kilometres away, Wayanad is one of the best hill stations around Chennai. It boasts of numerous beautiful waterfalls, historical caves, spice, tea and coffee plantations, as well as a rich flora and fauna. Tucked amidst the Western Ghats and Deccan Plateau, Wayanad is known around the world for its mist-laden mountain ranges, thick green forests and never-ending rice paddies.
It is also home to the Wayanad Wildlife Reserve, which contributes greatly to the Nilgiri biosphere reserve. Wayanad is a place that offers not only peace and tranquility, but also warmth and serenity to its visitors. It also has amazing panoramic sights and views that are incomparable to any other place.
Best Time To Visit: Between October to May
Distance from Chennai: 616 km from Chennai
Attractions to visit in Wayanad: Banasura Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak and many more.
Activities to do in Wayanad: Trekking, Camping, Cycling, Sightseeing, etc.
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Thekkady (570 km from Chennai)
One of the frequently visited Hill stations around Chennai, Thekkady is a scintillating little district in Kerala, about 570 kilometres from Chennai. Home to the largest tiger reserve in India, Thekkady has thick, dense forests where you can enjoy a tête-à-tête with wildlife.
Tourists can enjoy a wide array of activities here, including boating, bamboo rafting, trekking, hiking and many more. It is also recommended to avail the elephant safaris and visit several spice markets that dot Thekkady, while on a holiday in the region.
Best Time To Visit: Between October to February, June to September
Distance from Chennai: 570 km from Chennai
Attractions to visit in Thekkady: Periyar National Park, Bamboo Rafting, Thekkady lake, Anakkara, and many more.
Activities to do in Thekkady: Camping, Trekking, Take a Ride of the Majestic Elephants, Sightseeing, Jeep Safari, etc.
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Mullayanagiri hills (620 km from Chennai)
These hills boast of varied terrains, thick grasslands and rugged rock trails. You can also find a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on its summit. Best for adventure enthusiasts, the Mullayanagiri Hills offers tourists with an opportunity to partake in adventure activities like trekking, hiking, mountain biking as well as road biking.
Best Time To Visit: Between September to April
Distance from Chennai: 620 km from Chennai
Attractions to visit in Mullayanagiri hills: Jharji Waterfall, Hirekolale lake, Baba Bundagiri and many more.
Activities to do in Mullayanagiri hills: Trekking, Camping, Sightseeing.
