20 Best Hill Stations near 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.