Last updated on May 27th, 2021 at 10:21 am
Chennai is famous not only for its industrial vision but also for tourists. However, the climate of the place is hot and humid throughout the year, so most tourists tend to spend their travels in the suburbs. Chennai is surrounded by many beautiful and enchanting hill stations, making your holiday a memorable experience. So, all you get ready to travel around these dazzling hill stations near Chennai!
Top 20 Hill Stations Near Chennai
Chennai weather may be hot and humid, but credits to all the cool places close to you can relax any time when you need it. If you are planning a hike, you have many options near Chennai. Point out below are 20 such hill stations near Chennai. Scroll down and read on!
- Yelagiri Hills
- Kolli Hills
- Sirumalai
- Palani Hills
- Kotagiri
- Meghamalai
- Valparai
- Munnar
- Madikeri
- Araku Valley
- Yercaud
- Coonoor
- Coorg
- Ooty
- Horsley Hills
- Kodaikanal
- Chikmagalur
- Sakleshpur
- Wayanad
- Thekkady
1. Yelagiri Hills
The place has covered by lakes, valleys, hills and flower plantations; Yelagiri is a hill stations near Chennai. The scenery is packed with beautiful landscapes that make them very appealing. This place embodies vast beauty that will not disappoint every visitor.
How to reach: 230 km from Chennai. By Train Jolarpettai Junction is nearest station.
When to Visit: September to March
Duration Required: 2-3 days
Near Attraction:
- Lake Punganoor
- Pedal or rowing boats
Suggested Read: 40 Best Weekend Tourist Places Near Chennai
2. Kolli Hills
Surrounded by lush greenery, this is one of the hill stations near Chennai. It is popular for coffee and tea estates. These Kolli Hills Mountains, which do not touch commercial tourism, are very popular with nature enthusiasts, hikers, meditation specialist, and trekkers.
How to reach: 357 Km from Chennai and the nearest railway station is Namakkal.
When to Visit: February to December
Duration Required: 3-4 days
Near Attraction:
- Siddhar Caves
- Arapaleeswarar Temple
- Agaya Gangi Waterfalls
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3. Sirumalai
Sirumalai is a hill station located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. With a wide range of flora and fauna, the small town is known for its wonderful landscape.
How to reach: 465 km from Chennai
- Nearest stations are Kodaikanal Road Station and Ambaturai Station.
When to Visit: February and October to December.
Duration Required: 3-4 days.
Near Attraction: Dindigul Rock Fort
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4. Palani Hills
The Palani Hills are on the Western Ghats, joining the Annamalai Range in the west. The place is generally surrounded by dense forests to make up the Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can also love the adventure journey as hiking and trekking here.
How to reach: 530 km from Chennai and the nearest railway station is Madurai
When to Visit: September to March.
Duration Required: 2-3 days
Near Attraction: Thiru Avinankudi Temple
Suggested Read: 15 Romantic Places in Chennai to Visit with Your Partner
5. Kotagiri
Kotagiri is one of the wonderful hill stations near Chennai. Located in the Nilgiris district in the state of Tamil Nadu, this hill is all rouned by attractive tea estates and a green environment and is also one of the best trekking near Chennai.
How to reach: 538 km from Chennai and the nearest railway station is Coimbatore
When to Visit: February to May and December.
Duration Required: 2-3 days
Near Attraction: Kodanad View Point
Suggested Read: 12 Tourist Places Near Chennai Within 100 Kms
6. Meghamalai
Meghamalai is one of the few hill stations near Chennai. Upon arrival, you can hike through the rich tea plantations and virgin forests or take a bath under beautiful waterfalls. You can sit quietly in the lush green forest and spend some time with yourself.
How to reach: 554 km from Chennai and the nearest railway station is Madurai
When to Visit: October to May.
Duration Required: 2-3 days.
Near Attraction: Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
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7. Valparai
Valparai is one of the popular hill stations around Chennai. This place situated on the edge of many forests and between the range of Annamalai and the Western Ghats. The place is famous for its magnificent rivers and whispering waterfalls.
How to reach: 582 km from Chennai
- Nearest railway station is Pollachi and Coimbatore
When to Visit: May to September
Duration Required: 3-4 days
Near Attraction: Chinnakallar Falls
Suggested Read: 26 Tourist Places Near Chennai Within 300 Kms
8. Munnar
Munnar is situated in the Western Ghats and is a famous hill stations near Chennai. It’s a picture-perfect views and sprawling tea estates. It has the highest attractions of South India, making it ideal places for trekking near Chennai.
How to reach: 583 km from Chennai and the nearest railway station is Aluva
When to Visit: February to May and August to December
Duration Required: 3-4 days
Near Attraction: Neelakurinji
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9. Madikeri
Located in the Kodagu district in the state of Karnataka, Madikeri is all rounded by lush green mountains and forests. Here, tourists love the tropical climate of the place. It has loaded with historical moments and you can see the power of many dynasties with the Sultans and the British.
How to reach: 585 km from Chennai
- Nearest railway stations are Hassan, Kasaragod, Kanhangad, Kannur and Thalassery
When to Visit: February to April and October to December
Duration Required: 2-3 days.
Near Attraction: Dubare Elephant Camp
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10. Araku Valley
Araku Valley is located at an altitude of 902 m above sea level and is surrounded by lush green hills including Galikonda and Chittamakonti. It is famous for its premium coffee estates and is an ideal place to visit.
How to reach: 895 kms from Chennai and the nearest railway station is Koraput Junction
When to Visit: October to March
Duration Required: 2-3 days
Near Attraction: Borra Caves
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11. Yercaud
Yercaud, situated in Salem District of Tamil Nadu, is one of the most attractive hill stations near Chennai. With a beautiful view and pleasant weather, this hill station will create you fall in love. Yercaud has a lot of tourist attractions to visit during your vacation.
How to reach: 366 Km from Chennai and nearest railway station is Salem.
When to Visit: October to June
Duration Required: 1-2 days
Near Attraction:
- Bears Cave
- Kottachedu Teak Forest
- Tipperary View Point
- Deer Park
- Yercaud Lake
- Pagoda Point
- Silk Farm
- Rose Garden.
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12. Coonoor
Coonoor, popular for its Nilgiris tea is the best destination in Tamil Nadu. Looking for a peaceful holiday amidst lush green mountains? Get ready to go to Coonoor and relax in the midst of nature, watch the peaceful waterfalls and indulge in adventure actions. The local food offered at this hill station has its beauty, and if you are a foodie, Coonoor invites you and you should plan your trip soon.
How to reach: 539 Km from Chennai and nearest railway station is Coimbatore.
When to Visit: October to March
Duration Required: 1-2 days.
Near Attraction: Ooty
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13. Coorg
If you are a coffee lover, you are happy to be next place in the checklist of hill stations near Chennai because of its popularity with its coffee plantations. Coorg called India Scotland will definitely impress you with its loveliness and coffee smell. This exciting hill station provides a long list of must-do and places for all travelers to explore on their holiday. You can go for a trekking or live in camping while you all rounded by green mountains.
How to reach: 586 Km from Chennai and nearest railway station in Mysore after that book bus or cab.
When to Visit: October to April
Duration Required: 2 – 3 days
Near Attraction:
- Camping
- Fishing
- River Rafting
- Heritage Tour
- Microlight Flying
Suggested Read: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
14. Ooty
Ooty is a picturesque town located in the Nilgiris District. The perfect place to go for a family vacation in the summer holiday, Ooty will offer you a much-required break from the hot climate. When considering tourist attractions, you can plan the Botanical Gardens, Dolphin Nose, Thunder world, Toda Huts, and Tea Museum. Tastes the local tea offered by the tea gardens and takes some tea leaves to your home or your friends.
How to reach: 555 Km from Chennai and nearest railway station is Coimbatore
When to Visit: October to June
Duration Required: 2 – 3 days
Near Attraction:
- Tea plantations
- Shop for local tea
- Tamilnadu Tourism Ooty Boat House
- Doddabetta Peak
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15. Horsley Hills
Horsley Hills is one of the chill weather places near Chennai where you can take a break from your summer vacation. Cold and warm weather will give you more relief from the hot weather. Horsley Hills is one of the most admired hill stations near Chennai which is located in Andhra Pradesh that requires no introduction. The home of the oldest banyan tree and the eucalyptus tree, the scenery of the Eastern Ghats will impress your senses.
How to reach: 276 Km from Chennai and Madanapalle is the nearest railway station.
When to Visit: December-March
Duration Required: 1-2 days
Near Attractions:
- Bird watching
- Hiking
- Photography
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16. Kodaikanal
If you are searching for cool places near Chennai, Kodaikanal is a wonderful option. Kodaikanal, also known as the “Gift of the Forests”, has continuing views of the Western Ghats. The lush green will refresh your senses and make you happier and healthy. Its peaceful and serene atmosphere made the British their summer retreat. Because of its beauty, Kodaikanal is often referred to as the “Princess of the Hill Stations”. Include all the places to visit in Kodaikanal on your holiday.
How to reach: 529 Km from Chennai and direct train available from Chennai to Kodaikanal.
When to Visit: All over the year
Duration Required: 2-3 days
Near Attractions:
- Boating
- Caving
- Driving to Berijam Lake
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17. Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur probably will not be the close hill station near Chennai, but it is absolutely worth to visit. A hill station in this place should give you a relaxing vacation. Enjoy the magnificent views of nature and visit the beautiful waterfalls on your trip. The top thing about this place is that the climate is very nice throughout the year. So, you can always go here.
How to reach: 596 Km from Chennai and nearest railways station is Kadur which 40 km from Chikmagalur.
When to Visit: September-May
Duration Required: 1-2 days
Near Attractions:
- Trekking
- Camping
- Ttea plantation walk
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18. Sakleshpur
Sakleshwar is a famous hill station situated in the Karnataka district of the Western Ghats. It is popular for its panoramic hill views and paddy gardens. But more prominently, it is the 28th-century star-shaped Manjrabad fort that steals the event. One of the coolest places near Chennai, the city is loaded with flora and fauna. At this place, one can get the chance to seeing the deer, cobras, wild-animals, and birds in the Bisle Reserve Forest. While you are there, take a glimpse of the Jenukallu Gudda Peak. There are countless places to visit in Sakleshpur.
How to reach: 574 Km form Chennai and nearest railway station is Bangalore.
When to Visit: October-March
Duration Required: 1-2 days
Near Attractions:
- Camping
- Sightseeing
- Visiting waterfalls
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19. Wayanad
Wayanad is one of the cold places also the best hill stations near Chennai everyplace you can feel the romantic getaway with your partner. Reserve a homestay and get up with the lush greenery views of the hills from your window. Renowned for its prosperous flora and fauna and coffee estates, you will return to Wayanad for a refreshing and calm stay. It may be very long away from Chennai, but it is one of the best places to relax and refresh your soul. There are a lot of tourist places in Wayanad to visit.
How to reach: 608 Km from Chennai and nearest railway station is Kozhikode.
When to Visit: October-May
Duration Required: 2-3 days
Near Attractions:
- Caving
- Boating
- Camping
Suggested Read: 14 Best Beach Restaurants In Chennai For A Perfect Date
20. Thekkady
Thekkady is not a nearby hill stations from Chennai, but it is absolutely one of the worth places to visit with your family. Rustic Green really does a number on you and rejuvenates your senses. It is also known for India’s largest tiger biology, apart from other places to visit in the south. Its dense, wide forests are home to a wide variety of wild animals. You can also enjoy activities such as bamboo rafting, plantation tours, and wildlife safari.
How to reach: 592 Km from Chennai and nearest railway station is Kottayam and then hire a cab to Thekkady.
When to Visit: October-February
Duration Required: 2-3 days
Near Attractions:
- Elephant safari
- Hiking
- Bamboo rafting
- Spice plantation tour
So where do you plan a trip to go this summer season? Are you interested in this attractive hill stations near Chennai? If yes, use those leaves, pack up your things and plan your holiday in Chennai right now. Notify us to know how this article is useful for your journey at the bottom of the comment section.
