The best hill stations in South India are Ooty and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, Munnar and Idukki in Kerala, and Coorg (Kodagu) in Karnataka. Ooty is the highest at about 2,240 metres, Munnar is known for tea estates, and Coorg for coffee. Ooty and Kodaikanal need an e-pass for visiting vehicles.
When the summer heat hits the plains and the coast, the Western Ghats and the Nilgiris offer cool air, green slopes and quiet lakes. These five hill stations are the most popular escapes in the south, and each has its own character. Here is what each one offers, how to reach it and what to keep in mind in 2026.
Best hill stations in South India: quick comparison
| Hill station | State | Known for | Nearest airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ooty | Tamil Nadu | Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty Lake | Coimbatore, about 96 km |
| Munnar | Kerala | Tea estates, Eravikulam National Park | Kochi, about 110 km |
| Coorg (Kodagu) | Karnataka | Coffee, Abbey Falls, Talakaveri | Check routes via Mangaluru or Mysuru |
| Kodaikanal | Tamil Nadu | Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker’s Walk | Madurai, about 115 km |
| Idukki | Kerala | Idukki Arch Dam, Periyar river | Kochi |
5 best hill stations in South India
1. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty, officially Udhagamandalam, is in the Nilgiris district and sits at about 2,240 metres. It is called the “Queen of Hill Stations” and is one of the best hill stations in South India for a family holiday or a honeymoon.
The big draws are Ooty Lake, an artificial lake created in 1824 with boating, and the Government Botanical Garden, laid out in 1842 over 51 acres. Doddabetta, the highest peak in the Nilgiris at 2,623 metres, is about 10 km away.
Do not miss the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, the toy train between Mettupalayam and Ooty. UNESCO added it to the Mountain Railways of India World Heritage Site in 2005. The nearest airport is Coimbatore, about 96 km away.
2. Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is in Kerala’s Idukki district, at around 1,500 to 1,600 metres. Its name comes from the local words for “three rivers”, after the Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundali rivers that meet here.
Tea is everything in Munnar. Rolling estates cover the hills, and the industry goes back to the 1890s. Eravikulam National Park lies to the north, and the protected areas around Munnar are known for the Nilgiri tahr. The Neelakurinji flower here blooms only once in 12 years.
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 110 km away. Munnar suits couples, families and anyone who enjoys walking trails and waterfalls.
3. Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka
Coorg, officially the Kodagu district, has its headquarters at Madikeri. It goes by nicknames such as the “Scotland of India” and the “Coffee Cup of India”. Kodagu produces about a third of India’s coffee, so coffee estate stays are a big part of the experience.
Top spots include Abbey Falls, about 5 km from Madikeri, Talakaveri, the source of the river Kaveri, Raja’s Seat park in Madikeri and the Dubare elephant camp on the Kaveri.
Our earlier version said Coorg had the only Tibetan settlement in South India. That needs a correction: the famous Golden Temple at Bylakuppe is in Mysuru district, near Kushalnagar, just outside Kodagu. It is an easy side trip from Coorg.
4. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal, in Dindigul district, is called the “Princess of Hill Stations”. Its centrepiece is Kodaikanal Lake, an artificial lake formed in 1863 that covers about 45 hectares.
Walk Coaker’s Walk, a 1 km path cut in 1872 along the southern slopes with views of the plains, and visit Pillar Rocks, two rock formations about 122 metres high, roughly 7 km from the lake. The Kurinji flower, which blooms once in 12 years, is closely tied to these hills.
The nearest railheads are Palani, about 64 km away, and Kodaikanal Road, about 80 km away. Madurai airport is about 115 km away.
5. Idukki, Kerala
Idukki is the district that also contains Munnar, but it has its own attractions. The best known is the Idukki Dam on the Periyar, Kerala’s largest river. It is a concrete double-curvature arch dam, 168.91 metres high, built between the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. It is described as one of the highest arch dams in Asia.
The dam’s first machine was tested in October 1975, and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi formally commissioned it in February 1976. Public entry has been restricted for security reasons and opened for limited periods around Onam and Christmas, so check before you plan a visit. Our original article’s claim that it was “Asia’s first arch dam” could not be confirmed and has been removed.
Idukki is also a good base for Ayurvedic resorts and elephant safaris through the tea country.
Travel tips for 2026
- E-pass for Ooty and Kodaikanal: Following Madras High Court orders, vehicles entering Ooty and Kodaikanal need an e-pass from the Tamil Nadu e-pass portal, as reported in 2024 and 2025. Apply at least 48 hours ahead and check the latest rules before you leave.
- Monsoon: Munnar gets its heaviest rain from June to August, so plan for that season if you like misty, rainy hills.
- Weekend crowds: All five get busy on long weekends, so book stays early.
For more travel and entertainment lists, browse our listicles. Planning a binge for the hotel nights? See our series section.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best hill station in South India?
Ooty is the most popular, thanks to its toy train, lakes and gardens. Munnar is the top pick for tea estates and scenery in Kerala.
Do I need an e-pass to visit Ooty?
Yes. Vehicles entering Ooty and Kodaikanal have needed an e-pass from the Tamil Nadu e-pass portal since 2024. Check current rules before travel.
Which hill station is called the Scotland of India?
Coorg, officially Kodagu district in Karnataka, is often called the Scotland of India. It is also known as the Coffee Cup of India.
Which is the highest hill station in South India?
Of the five on this list, Ooty is the highest at about 2,240 metres. Kodaikanal is close behind.
Sources: Wikipedia: Ooty, Wikipedia: Idukki Dam, ETV Bharat: Ooty and Kodaikanal e-pass.
