It’s Summertime! And Summertime means Vacation Time! Hill Stations are a perfect summer escape for most people looking to beat the blistering heat. After all, who can deny the bliss of a restful vacation in the hills?
The best part is that South India is replete with several breathtaking hill stations that offer jaw-dropping scenery and a cooler and enjoyable climate during hot summers. But choosing the best among them is a difficult task. Here is our handpicked list of hill stations to visit in South India during summer.
Take a look and pick the best!
Munnar – Heaven on Earth
The name that pops up every time you talk about a summer destination in South India- Munnar! Serene and picturesque, and blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year, Munnar is undoubtedly one of the best hill stations in South India to beat the heat in the scorching summer.
Apart from jaw-dropping sceneries, this quaint hill station also offers a plethora of adventure activities like trekking, jungle safari, and boating, to lure travellers. One of the most-visited hill stations in Kerala, it is a favourite among nature lovers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers.
Ooty – The Queen of Hills
We certainly cannot miss out on Ooty, The Queen of Hills when we think of a summer vacation in South India.
Snuggled deep within the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu, the mesmerising Ooty hill station is replete with breathtaking nature that adds to its old-world charm. The pleasant and cool climate of Ooty provides relief from the scorching heat and humidity in the city, making it a must-visit hill station in South India during the summer. When in Ooty, the joyful Toy Train ride or Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must.
Ananthagiri Hills – A Trekking Paradise
Ananthagiri Hills in Andhra Pradesh is yet another offbeat hill station in South India to spend an adventurous summer holiday. This quaint hill station is well known for its charming weather and pristine beauty.
Set amid the lofty Eastern Ghats, Ananthagiri Hills offer some of the best trekking routes, making it a great trekking paradise for adventure lovers. Being one of the most densely forested areas of the state, the lush greenery of the hill station will keep you enchanted throughout the trek.
Coorg – Scotland of India
With its picturesque landscape and misty climate similar to Scotland, Coorg offers a pleasant escape from the hot summers. It is a favourite tourist hotspot in Karnataka.
Summer is considered the best time to go for wildlife exploration in Coorg. You can even indulge in adventure activities like trekking, boating, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, and camping here. If you are looking for a relaxing yet adventurous summer vacation, Coorg is your go-to destination to escape the mundanity.
Wayanad – Nature’s Treasure Trove
The land of natural splendour, Wayanad, offers a rejuvenating break in the arms of nature during the scorching summer. The comfortably chilling climate makes the visit to Wayanad even more delightful.
This enchanting hill station offers a plethora of naturally beautiful places and exciting adventure activities, making it a year-round tourist destination in Kerala. From trekking, boating, wildlife spotting, bamboo rafting, and treehouse stay, to exploring caves, there are plenty of activities to choose from in Wayanad.
Chikmagalur – Peace and Plantations
Chikmagalur makes it to the list of must-visit hill stations in South India during summer due to its pleasant weather and peaceful environment. The main attraction here is the endless lush green coffee plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see. Nature and wildlife lovers will surely have a great time here. Chikmagalur also attracts trekkers and adventure seekers with countless adventure activities.
Yercaud – Jewel of the South
Yercaud is an offbeat hill station in South India that offers a perfect summer retreat. For those looking for a quaint setting with an abundance of natural beauty, salubrious temperature, and unparalleled serenity, Yercaud is probably the best place to be.
This serene hill station is a haven for trekkers. Tucked away in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud offers scenic trekking trails. Travellers can also go boating and enjoy bird watching, apart from trekking, when in Yercaud.
Kodaikanal – The Princess of Hill Stations
Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India that can be visited all year round, yet it is an absolute must-visit hill station during summer.
The extremely cool weather of Kodaikanal provides a much-needed respite from the heat. Indulge yourself in the thrill of cycling through the charming hill station or go on a relaxing boat ride while basking in the calmness of Kodai Lake. Kodaikanal surely makes for a perfect hilly vacay.
Lambasingi – Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh
Lambasingi is a lesser-known hill station in South India that makes for an irresistible setting to celebrate your summer holidays. It is situated in the Vishakapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, nestled in the picturesque mountains of the Eastern Ghats around 1,000 metres above sea level.
When most parts of Andhra Pradesh record very high temperatures during the summer, Lambasingi enjoys chilly weather, making it one of the best hill stations in South India to explore during summer. Lambasingi also offers a plethora of adventure activities like trekking, hiking, rock climbing, and camping, that you can try your hand at.
Kudremukh – A Trekker’s Delight
Visit Kudremukh in Karnataka to soak in its picturesque sceneries and soul-soothing climate. A quaint hill station for a relaxing summer vacation in South India. This breathtaking hill station is so rich in biodiversity. If you are an ardent trekking enthusiast, Kudremukh is a must-visit.
Valparai – Nature’s Hidden Heaven
Valparai in Tamil Nadu is an absolute heaven to relax and unwind during the summer. The mesmerising hill station is blessed with enthralling natural beauty at every corner, and the cool, delightful climate keeps you refreshed all the time. Valparai also delights its visitors with an endless choice of treks and wild trails. Come and enjoy the pristine beauty of Valparai.
Megamalai – Endless Greenery and Wildlife
The untouched beauty of nature and the pleasant cool climate of Megamalai allure tourists to enjoy a blissful summer vacation here. An unexplored eco-tourism spot in Tamil Nadu, Megamalai is a delight for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is blessed with many unexplored forest covers, abundant with wildlife, and also offers thrilling trekking trails amid nature. Those interested in wildlife spotting, birdwatching, trekking and photography will surely have a great time here.
Kemmanagundi – Ooty of Karnataka
The beautiful and serene Kemmanagundi Hill Station offers a soothing climate to enjoy a cool summer holiday in Karnataka.
Owing to its serene atmosphere, breathtaking views, picturesque landscapes with dense vegetation covers, and soothing hill-station vibe with similar weather conditions to that of Ooty, Kemmanagundi is often referred to as the ‘Ooty of Karnataka’. With lots and lots of greenery, Kemmanagundi looks as pretty as a picture and is every photographer’s delight. For those who are adventurous, Kemmanagundi offers intricate jungle paths to explore and many lofty peaks to trek.
Ponmudi – The Golden Peak
Head to Ponmudi hill station to seek escape from the summer amidst lush green hills and alluring valleys. The chilling cool breeze from the mountain adds to the charm.
Ponmudi hill station is a host of several thrilling trekking trails and is also one of the main attractions of Thiruvananthapuram. The breathtaking waterfalls and the awesome, picturesque views from the mountain are other factors that win the heart of the tourists at Ponmudi.
Vagamon – Unmatched Seclusion
A quaint little hill station in Kerala, blessed with cool, delightful weather, Vagamon offers an absolutely tranquil setting to relax and unwind during the summer.
The resplendent natural beauty that envelopes Vagamon might leave you smitten for sure. Vagamon is also famed for its endless adventure activities like paragliding, mountaineering, trekking, jeep safari, rock climbing, boating, and many more. Set away from the hustle and bustle, pollution, and noisy traffic of the metropolitan city, Vagamon Hill Station offers a relaxing and refreshing vacation amid nature.
Time to get your vacay mode on and escape to the ever-chilling hill stations of South India! The scenic bliss and pleasant climate of the hill stations make you forget the summers and offer a refreshing vacation you could have ever hoped for.
Comment below which of these ‘Places in South India’ you’d like to visit!
Also, let us know in the comments below any other ‘Places in South India’ that you know can be the best choice to visit, other than our pick.
