South India. The southern part of the Indian mainland consists of five states and a Union Territory. The five states are – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and the Union Territory is Puducherry. The total length of the coastline of the southern states of India is approximately 3000 km.
The area is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and the Bay of Bengal on the east. It’s in the shape of a large inverted triangle. The varied geography of the region has numerous rivers, beautiful waterfalls, mesmerizing mountain ranges, and abundant flora and fauna.
The snowless mountains of South India are famous for tea and coffee plantations, waterfalls, scenic splendour, and toy-trains. We have listed six hill stations of South India that you should include in your South India tour packages for a splendid and revitalizing experience.
- Coorg – Also known as the “Scotland of India”, Coorg is one of the most magnificent hill stations in the state of Karnataka. The nearest airport to Coorg is Mangalore, which is 135 km away and the nearest railway station is Mysore, which is only 120 km away.
Coorg is famous for its foggy mountains, wonderful sights, home-made chocolates, coffee plantations, and the beautiful Abbi waterfall. Do not forget to visit the biggest Tibetan settlement of South India in the Namdroling monastery. Also, for an adventure lover, river rafting is a must-do in Coorg over the Cauvery river.
- Munnar – The small hill station in the Western Ghats is situated in the Idukki district of Kerala. The nearest and easily accessible airport for Munnar is the Cochin International Airport which is at a distance of just 130 km.
The exotic lush green tea and coffee plantations all around the place will surely leave you in awe of the place. The enthralling beauty of the place is not only a treat to the eyes but also a pleasure for the restless soul. If you want to take a closer look at the green beauty of the place, you can hire a bicycle and enjoy the tranquillity.
- Wayanad – Situated merely 100 km away from the Karipur International Airport in Kozhikode, Wayanad is a beautiful hill station of Kerala. It’s an ideal amalgamation of almost all kinds of tourist spots that you may like to visit. It has mountains, caves, waterfalls, greenery, wildlife, and spice plantations.
There are a few activities that you can do in Wayanad. It is a complete tour package in itself. You can go for a wildlife safari in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, feel the calmness of the Soochipara waterfalls, go bamboo rafting on the Kabini River to reach the lush green uninhabited Kuruva Island, explore the mysterious Edakkal Caves or just sit and relax in your treehouse.
- Ooty – Situated in Tamil Nadu, Ooty is the perfect getaway for young couples to break the ice. You will mainly find honeymooners enjoying their privacy away from the hassle of their city-life in Ooty. It’s just 88 km away from Coimbatore, which is the nearest airport from Ooty and hence is easily accessible. You can also reach Ooty by toy train that starts from Mettupalayam. It will be a one-of-its-kind journey.
Also known as the “Queen of hill stations”, Ooty is famous for its extensive grasslands that spread over a huge area and charming, picturesque views all around. The Ooty lake is a peaceful location to enjoy your holidays with your family while pedal boating or speed boating.
- Kodaikanal – Commonly called the “princess of hill stations”, Kodaikanal is situated in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. Kodaikanal is around 120 km away from Madurai, which is the nearest railway station as well as the airport from this hill station.
The eye-captivating green backdrops are sure to mesmerize your soul. Although it is one of the most well-populated hill stations of South India, still the essence of purity and serenity are fresh in Kodaikanal. You can go boating in the Kodaikanal Lake or trekking to certain beautiful viewpoints to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the place.
- Coonoor – Coonoor is one of the most popular hill stations of Tamil Nadu. It is just 100 km away from Coimbatore, which happens to be the closest airport to Coonoor. It is one of the best and less touched hill stations in South India.
While roaming in between the green shrubs of tea plants, you find yourself engulfed in the beauty of the place. The green slopes and gardens make you forget all your worries and even time. Coonoor is the best place to find peace in the lap of Mother Nature.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.