Hill Stations In South India: 8 Lesser Known Spots To Add To Your Itinerary

The closest hill station to our city, Yelagiri, is an ideal weekend escape when the heat gets unbearable. The quiet hill station does not draw too many visitors, so you can spend your days here soaking in the serene surroundings. You can also explore orchards, sign up for paragliding, and row through Lake Punganoor, which sits at the heart of town. Do note that there aren’t too many hotels and restaurants here, so your eating-out options will be limited. Maybe carry some packaged snacks!

Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore Airport)

Distance From Bangalore: 159 kilometres

Driving Time: 3 hours (approx.)

Just outside Trivandrum, Ponmudi is a hilly retreat that’s all prettied up by tea gardens, lush forests, and waterways. It’s a fantastic destination for trekkers and hikers who can explore its many picturesque trails. Drive down to the nearby Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary to spot elephants, sambars, and other wild animals. Ponmudi also boasts rich birdlife and is home to rare butterflies.

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Distance From Thiruvananthapuram: 53 kilometres

Driving Time: Under 2 hours (approx.)

A short drive from the ever-popular Munnar, Devikulam is a slice of paradise. The best part is that you can find everything awesome about Munnar — the tea estates, waterfalls, and green mountains — in Devikulam, but you’ll be able to skip the crowds. The pristine Sita Devi Lake, the town’s star attraction, is a great spot for a lovely picnic.

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

Distance From Kochi: 137 kilometres

Driving Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes (approx.)

Once a mining town, Kudremukh is part of the scenic Chikamagalur district. In recent years, however, Kudremukh has gained prominence as a trekking destination. And if you are a pro, scaling the Kudremukh Peak (which is the third highest peak in Karnataka) is a must. During your stay here, do check out the national park too; that’s also a tiger reserve and home to rich wildlife.

Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport

Distance From Mangalore: 93 kilometres

Driving Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes (approx.)

Covered in coffee plantations, Araku Valley sits at the edge of Andhra Pradesh and is close to the Odisha border. It’s a short drive from Vizag and offers weary travelers a chance to unwind. The lush, green Eastern Ghats offer plenty of breathtaking sights, and you can gape at deep valleys and mist-covered hills here. No wonder it's one of the top hill stations not just in South India but the whole of India as well. On your trip, check out the tribal and coffee museum and also visit nearby attractions like the stunning Borra Caves.

Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam International Airport 

Distance From Visakhapatnam: 110 kilometres

Driving Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes (approx)

Tired of Ooty? Head over to this hill station just 33 kilometers from here. Kotagiri might be the oldest of the Nilgiri hill stations, but it remains untouched and is as pretty as a picture. Like Ooty, Kotagiri too is populated by tea gardens, old-world bungalows, and viewpoints that showcase the beauty of these famed hills. Plus, a holiday here will cost you way less than a stay in Ooty. When here, check into Nahar Resort for some proper R&R!

Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport 

Distance From Coimbatore: 70 kilometres

Driving Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (approx.)

Another gem from the Chikamagalur district in Karnataka, Kemmanagundi once served as a summer retreat to the Wodeyars. The Baba Budan Giri range looms over this town and there’s plenty to see and do. Swing by here with your most comfortable shoes and get exploring. The gushing Hebbe Falls, the Baba Budan Giri Peak (second highest in Karnataka), and ornamental gardens are the highlights here. 

Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport

Distance From Mangalore: 211 kilometres

Driving Time: 5 hours, 30 minutes (approx.)

While Vagamon is climbing the popularity charts these days, hordes of tourists have yet to overcrowd it. It’s a lot like Munnar, and you can look forward to serene, mist-covered hills carpeted in green. You can roam through pine forests, estates, and lush meadows. And sign up for paragliding and boating as well. We love the Little Flower Homestay here, and you probably will too!

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

Distance From Kochi: 96 kilometres

Driving Time: 3 hours, 10 minutes (approx.)