Neither Kerala, nor Karnataka, which state has the highest number of hill stations in the south? Where Indians go a lot

Tamil Nadu has the highest number of hill stations in South India.

South India is also known for its hill stations along with its beauty. There are many hill stations in Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, but very few people know which southern state has the most hill stations. That state is Tamil Nadu. The state has several mountain ranges including the Nilgiri, Palani, Shevaroy and Anamalai hills. There are more than a dozen famous hill tourist destinations spread across the Western and Eastern Ghats.

There are many hill stations in Tamil Nadu including Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coonoor, Yercaud, Kotagiri, Valparai, Yelagiri. The most famous hill stations here include Ooty, also known as the queen of hill stations, Kodaikanal popularly called the princess of hill stations.

Coonoor is famous for tea plantations and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Yercaud is located in the Shevaroy Hills, Kotagiri is one of the oldest hill stations in the Nilgiris, Valparai is known for wildlife and tea plantations and Yelagiri is one of the favorite destinations for trekking and adventure activities.

Why are the hill stations of Tamil Nadu special?

1- Ooty: Beautiful hill station situated on the Nilgiri hills.

Ooty is situated in the lap of Nilgiri mountains and is one of the most famous hill stations of the country. It was the summer capital of Madras Presidency during the British era and is still known for its cool climate, greenery and beauty. The temperature here remains between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

• Toy Train: The biggest identity of Ooty is its toy train, which has been given the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This small train running from Mettupalayam to Ooty makes for a memorable journey passing through winding mountain roads, tunnels and bridges.
  
  

  Toy train.

• Tea gardens: The Nilgiri hills are covered with lush green tea gardens. The “Nilgiri Tea” here is famous all over the world for its special taste and aroma.
• Ooty Lake: This artificial lake, built in 1824, is one of the main attractions of Ooty. Along with boating, one can also enjoy strolling and picnic here. Apart from this, Botanical Garden is also like a tourist place.

2- Kodaikanal Hill Station: Princess of Hill Stations

Kodaikanal, situated in the lap of Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, is counted among the most beautiful and peaceful hill stations of South India. It is called the “Princess of Hill Stations” because of its dense forests, lakes and fog covered valleys.

• Star shaped lake: The temperature here remains between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year. This star-shaped artificial lake, built in 1863, is located in the heart of the city. Along with boating, one can also enjoy cycling and walking on the 5 kilometer long lake track.
• Coaker’s Walk: It is a narrow walking path built along the side of the hill, from where one can have a spectacular view of the valley and the plains. In clear weather, a glimpse of Vaigai Dam can be seen from here.
  
  

  Pillar Rocks.

• Pillar Rocks: Three huge rocks that rise vertically towards the sky are the most famous natural attractions of Kodaikanal. In the morning, the mixed view of fog and sunshine is worth seeing.
• Rare Kurinji Flowers: The blue Kurinji flower found in the hills of Kodaikanal blooms once in 12 years. This rare natural phenomenon remains a center of special attraction for tourists and plant lovers.

3- Coonoor Hill Station: Beautiful and serene valley of Nilgiri

Coonoor is the second largest hill station after Ooty in the Nilgiri mountains of Tamil Nadu. Away from the crowd, this place is especially known for its peaceful atmosphere and greenery of tea gardens. The temperature here remains between 11 to 25 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

• Sims Park: This Botanical Garden, built in 1874, is the most important attraction of Coonoor. Spread over about 12 hectares, this park has rare plant species, rose beds and peaceful walking paths.
  
  

  Toy train.

• Part of Nilgiri Mountain Railway: The UNESCO heritage toy train from Mettupalayam to Ooty passes through Coonoor. The railway station here is counted among the most beautiful stops of this entire journey.
• Tea plantations and factories: Coonoor is one of the largest tea producing places in the Nilgiris. Many tea estates and factories here show tourists the process of making tea, and also offer the opportunity to buy fresh Nilgiri tea.
  
  

  Dolphin nose point.

• Dolphin’s Nose and Lamb’s Rock: A rock on the hill that looks like a dolphin’s nose offers a panoramic view of the valley and Catherine Falls. Surrounded by dense forests and tea plantations, this view point offers a spectacular view of the plains of Coimbatore and the Coonoor Valley.
• Katherine Falls: The second highest waterfall of Nilgiri district, which falls in two stages. After monsoon, its water is worth seeing in its full guise.

4- Yercaud Hill Station: Hidden gem on Shevroy Hills

Yercaud, situated in the lap of Shevaroy Hills in Salem district of Tamil Nadu, is a hill station known for its simplicity, coffee plantations and tranquil lake. Due to less crowd and economical travel, it is often called “Ooty of the poor”.

• Yercaud Lake: This natural lake, built in the 1820s, is located in the heart of the city. Along with boating, one can also enjoy a walk in the park built on the lake shore.
  
  
• Coffee and Spice Plantations: The hills of Yercaud are surrounded by coffee, pepper and orange plantations. Here tourists can see the process of making coffee and buy fresh coffee powder.
• Kiliyur Falls: The beauty of this waterfall, located a little away from the city, is worth seeing after monsoon. To reach the waterfall one has to pass through dense forests, which makes the journey exciting.
  
  

  Kiliyur Falls.

• Pyramid Valley and Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden of Yercaud is known for rare species of trees, plants and flowers, while the Pyramid Valley is a unique place for meditation and peace.

5- Kotagiri: Quiet and less crowded hill station

• Oldest settlement of Nilgiri: It is considered to be the first hill station in the Nilgiri mountains, which is calmer and less crowded than Ooty and Coonoor.
• Catchers Falls and Elk Falls: Nestled amidst dense forests, these waterfalls are very popular among trekking and nature lovers.
• Rangaswami Peak View Point: From here one can have a spectacular view of the plains and the valley, and the tea and coffee gardens here are also the center of attraction.
  

  Kotagiri.

6- Valparai: Special for wildlife lovers

• Near Anamalai Tiger Reserve: For wildlife lovers, this place is a great place to see elephants, tigers, Nilgiri tahr and lion-tailed macaques.
  Winding Ghat Road 40 Hairpin Bends: The journey from Coimbatore to Valparai is famous for its exciting turns and passing through dense forests.
• Huge Tea Garden: The hills of Valparai are covered with lush green tea plantations, making it one of the most beautiful and less-crowded hill stations in Tamil Nadu.

7- Yelagiri: Famous for boating and weekend trips

• Easy and short journey: Due to its proximity to Bengaluru and Chennai, it is popular for weekend trips. Especially famous for paragliding.
• Punganur Lake and Nature Park: This place is considered better for boating and picnic with family.
• Rose and flower gardens: Yelagiri’s Rose Garden and Strawberry Farm offer tourists the opportunity to taste fresh fruits along with natural beauty.

Which hill stations are in the south?

Also read: Why is normal rain in the plains fatal for the mountains?