12 Best Hill Stations in South India You Must Visit in 2025 for a Scenic Getaway

Are you dreaming of a peaceful retreat amidst misty hills and lush greenery? South India boasts some of the most stunning hill stations, offering breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and thrilling adventures. Here’s a list of the 12 best hill stations in South India that you must explore in 2025.

Top 12 Best Hill Stations In South India

1. Valparai Hill Station, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Nestled at 3,500 feet in the Western Ghats, Valparai is a pollution-free paradise known for its sprawling tea estates and misty hills. Located 102 km from Coimbatore, it’s perfect for nature lovers.

Learn More: Visit the Tamil Nadu Tourism website for detailed travel tips.

Highlights: Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Sholayar Dam, tea plantation walks

Best Time to Visit: September to March

How to Reach: Fly to Coimbatore Airport, then drive 102 km

2. Munnar Hill Station, Kerala

Munnar, set at 1,600 meters in Kerala’s Idukki district, is a haven of tea plantations and colonial charm. Its rolling hills and rare Neelakurinji blooms (every 12 years) are a must-see.

Discover More: Check out Kerala Tourism for visitor information.

Highlights: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Tea Museum

Best Time to Visit: September to May

How to Reach: Drive 110 km from Cochin International Airport

3. Ooty Hill Station, Tamil Nadu

Known as the “Queen of Hills,” Ooty in the Nilgiri Hills is a classic retreat with misty landscapes and pine forests. It’s famous for its cool climate and rich colonial heritage.

How to Reach: 86 km from Coimbatore Airport or via

Highlights: Doddabetta Peak, Emerald Lake, St Stephen’s Church

Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November

4. Araku Valley Hill Station, Andhra Pradesh

Dubbed the “Ooty of Andhra,” Araku Valley, 111 km from Visakhapatnam, is a serene escape with coffee plantations, waterfalls, and tribal culture.

How to Reach: Scenic train ride or drive from Visakhapatnam.

Highlights: Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls, and Tribal Museum.

Best Time to Visit: September to February.

5. Yercaud Hill Station, Tamil Nadu

Yercaud, the “Jewel of the South” in the Shevaroy Hills, offers a peaceful retreat with coffee plantations and misty views, just 32 km from Salem.

How to Reach: Drive 200 km from Bangalore.

Highlights: Yercaud Lake, Lady’s Seat, and Kiliyur Falls.

Best Time to Visit: October to June.

6. Poombarai Hill Station, Tamil Nadu

A hidden gem in Kodaikanal’s Palani Hills, Poombarai is a quaint village known for terraced fields, Jacaranda blooms, and the Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple.

How to Reach: 18 km from Kodaikanal by road.

Highlights: Poombarai Viewpoint and Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple.

Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to December.

7. Coonoor Hill Station, Tamil Nadu

Coonoor, 19 km from Ooty, is a quieter Nilgiri hill station famous for its tea estates and misty roads, producing world-class Nilgiri tea.

How to Reach: 70 km from Coimbatore Airport.

Highlights: Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, and Highfield Tea Factory.

Best Time to Visit: October to March.

8. Yelagiri Hill Station, Tamil Nadu

Yelagiri, a cluster of 14 villages in Vellore district, offers a peaceful escape with lush greenery and panoramic views, 160 km from Bangalore.

How to Reach: Drive 90 km from Vellore.

Highlights: Punganoor Lake, Swamimalai Hills, and Jalagamparai Waterfalls.

Best Time to Visit: November to February.

9. Kodaikanal Hill Station, Tamil Nadu

The “Princess of Hill Stations,” Kodaikanal at 2,133 meters, is known for its star-shaped lake, misty viewpoints, and pine forests in Dindigul district.

How to Reach: 120 km from Madurai Airport.

Highlights: Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker’s Walk, and Pillar Rocks.

Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to December.

10. Sakleshpur Hill Station, Karnataka

Sakleshpur in Hassan district is a nature lover’s paradise with coffee plantations, spice gardens, and trekking trails in the Western Ghats.

How to Reach: 220 km from Bangalore by road or train.

Highlights: Manjarabad Fort, Bisile Ghat, and Jenukal Gudda.

Best Time to Visit: October to March.

11. Lakkidi Hill Station, Kerala

Known as the “Gateway to Wayanad,” Lakkidi at 700 meters in Wayanad district offers misty hills, waterfalls, and lush greenery.

How to Reach: 58 km from Kozhikode Airport.

Highlights: Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Pookode Lake, and Lakkidi Viewpoint.

Best Time to Visit: September to March.

12. Coorg Hill Station, Karnataka

Coorg, the “Scotland of India” in Kodagu, is famous for coffee plantations, misty hills, and cultural heritage, 270 km from Bangalore.

How to Reach: Drive 120 km from Mysore.

Highlights: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, and Namdroling Monastery.

Best Time to Visit: October to April.

Conclusion:
South India’s hill stations are a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering everything from misty landscapes to cultural experiences. Whether you’re seeking adventure in Sakleshpur or tranquility in Yelagiri, these destinations have it all. Plan your 2025 scenic getaway to one of these 12 best hill stations in South India and immerse yourself in nature’s embrace.

Which hill station is on your travel list? Let us know in the comments below!