Let’s be honest —Chennai’s heat is relentless. As summer approaches, the city becomes an enormous oven; even the most sensible outdoor activity feels like a Herculean effort. But worry not, traveler! Just a few hours from the urban jungle lies some of the loveliest hill stations in South India, with plenty of fresh mountain air, blissful views, and all that comes with it.
Whether you need a romantic weekend away, the trip for adrenaline junkies, or just to sit by the lake and enjoy the cool breezes from Mother Nature. Just a few hours away from Chennai these are the best hill stations near Chennai. It will definitely recharge your battery!
So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and let’s mystery tour to the misty rowdy paradise! I assure you, the touch of nature here is straight out of a fairy tale.
1. Yelagiri – The Undiscovered Gem
A place where rose gardens sparkle in the sun-kissed morning; and lakes so still they perfectly reflect the sky making heaven and earth indistinguishable. This magical land is called Yelagiri, one of the best undervalued hill stations near Chennai. Located at around 3,500 feet of elevation, Yelagiri is actually a cluster of 14 hamlets between rolling hills.Adventure seekers can try paragliding; the sensation of gliding over the valleys with the wind blowing in your hair will be etched in your soul for eternity.
On a slower-paced day, indulge in a scenic boat ride on Punganoor Lake or the exhilarating excursion to Vainu Bappu Observatory which has some amazing astronomy observational opportunities and amazing star gazing experiences. Even more, if your visit happens to be in May, you must partake in the Yelagiri Summer Festival, which will be a cultural experience full of flowers and dogs – yes, there is a dog show!
Distance from Chennai: 230 km approx.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Must-Do: Trekking, paragliding, boating, exploring Jalagamparai Waterfalls
2. Horsley Hills – The Ooty of Andhra Pradesh
Just across the border into Tamil Nadu, a hill station called Horsley Hills stands quietly named after British officer WD Horsley after he fell in love with it. You can see why, the magic and beauty of a place enables you to fall in love with it almost at first sight.It’s often referred to as the “Ooty of Andhra“, and really one of the best places to visit in Andhra.
In the nearby area, Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary showcases a range of elephants, leopards and exotic looking birds for wildlife enthusiasts. The Viewpoint features a panorama view of the valleys below and the Gaalibanda (Wind Rock) lets you experience the winds of the mountains in their pure quality.
When you want to reminisce, just take a peek into the old bungalow of W.D. Horsley, it feels like time stood still, a wonderful feeling. If you have children you can also visit the zoo and amusement park, which is perfect for kid’s entertainment for hours. Added to that, Horsley Hills is also one of the popular spots to get the adventure of Zorbing.
Distance from Chennai: 280 km approx.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Must-Do: Wildlife safari, sunset at Viewpoint, Nature walks, Zorbing
3. Yercaud – The Jewel of the South
If you’re looking to explore a hill station like Chennai, and ensure a romantic experience and adventure, Yercaud will deliver. Nestled in the Shevaroy Hills which are cloaked in coffee plantations, orange trees, and silver oak trees.
This place is known for its forests and tight thickets, making it no less than a dream for any wildlife hobbyist. Plenty of Flora and Fauna are waiting to be discovered here, including squirrels, bunnies, foxes, rabbits, mongooses, snakes, reindeer, and many types of birds like bulbuls, sparrows, partridges, and kites, just to name a few.
Emerald Lake is the go-to destination in Yercaud—row a boat, drink coffee lakeside, and whatever you do, just chill! Adventurers should note the Killiyur Falls trek ends with a refreshing dip.
Lastly, the Pagoda Point! Sunrise is so divine here, especially when the mist rises over the hills!
Distance from Chennai: 230 km approx.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Must-Do: Boating in Emerald Lake, trekking to Killiyur Falls, visiting the Silk Farm
4. Kolli Hills – The Land of Mystical Beauty
Tucked away from the prying eyes of tourists, Kolli Hills is an enchanting haven with 70 hairpin bends leading you up into the clouds. According to local legend, an evil “Akkini” once guarded these hills, and even today there is a sense of the mystical here, which is hard to shake. Coffee and tea plantations abound in the area much like most hill station tourism sites near Chennai.
While listening to the bird’s tweet, roll out your yoga mat and practise Kundalini yoga. There are also the Siddhar Caves that are worth a short visit, since sages used to do modern medicine there – although they had medicinal herbs growing near the cave too.
The Agaya Gangai Waterfalls is the jewel of the crown – a beautiful cascade hidden deep in the forests of the Kolli hills – its a delightful trickle which is only accessible by embarking on a 1,000 step trek . If you’re up for it, the view is absolutely worth it! It’s a particularly fascinating trek, and it is most definitely a thing to do in Kolli Hills.
Alternatively, the Arapaleeswarar Temple is an ancient temple with its own absurd myths is a spiritual detour worth making. For your return journey don’t forget to taste the local honey and jackfruit dishes.
Distance from Chennai: 370 km approx.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (monsoons are magical!)
Must-Do: Trek to Agaya Gangai, drive through the 70 bends, explore Siddhar Caves
5. Kodaikanal – The Princess of Hill Stations
No list of hill stations near Chennai is complete without Kodaikanal—the “Princess of Hill Stations.” Between its lovely silky skies, green forested tranquillity and galactic lakes there is no wonder travellers keep returning.
Coaker’s Walk depicts amazing viewpoints of the valleys and the Pillar Rocks are like umpires guarding the hills. Bryant Park has flowers that leap out at you and is worth spending time.
Kodaikanal is a hill station that allows you to sit back and be one with nature while you embark on biking or trekking trails or simply take a walk through the seemingly endless forests surrounding the town. And should you feel up to it, you can trek toward Dolphin’s Nose or bike the Kodaikanal Lake while the wind gently kisses you.
Distance from Chennai: 520 km approx.
Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to October
Must-Do: Boating in Kodaikanal Lake, stargazing, visiting Green Valley View
6. Munnar – The Tea Paradise
Munnar may be a little farther than Kodaikanal, but the little bit of distance is worth it for every mile. It is easier to picture yourself at a hill station in Kerala rather than think of living in a tea plantation, misty mountain or a waterfall.
The Eravikulam National Park is worth it to take in view one of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The Mattupetty Dam boat ride will take you away from all your problems. The Tea Museum is worth seeing even if simply sipping on some fresh brew.
And if you’re a sunrise chaser, Top Station will leave you spellbound, you will feel as if you are looking at a painting of gold on the hills.
Distance from Chennai: 580 km approx.
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Must-Do: Tea estate tours, wildlife safari, visiting Attukal Waterfalls
7. Kotagiri – The Quiet Alternative to Ooty
Kotagiri is the oldest and quietest of the Nilgiri hill stations. In Kotagiri, you can see tea estates rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and its crisp mountain air.
The Catherine Falls is something to be seen especially during the time of monsoons. For trekkers, the Kodanad Viewpoint, you can see panoramic views of the Nilgiri Biosphere.
The best part is that you can experience all of this without the tourist crowds!
Distance from Chennai: 550 km approx.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Must-Do: Hiking to Elk Falls, exploring tea gardens, visiting Longwood Shola
Which Hill Station Calls You?
From the adventure-packed trails of Yelagiri to the tea-scented breezes of Munnar, each of these hill stations near Chennai has its own charm. Whether you’re looking for solitude, romance, or adventure, the hills have something to serve.
Which one will you explore next? The mountains are waiting.
Did you like our guide? Share it with your friend who is travelling there soon, and tell us your favourite hill station in the comments!
