8 Hill Stations to Visit Near Karnataka, India

Dubbed the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, Ooty is a picturesque hill station complete with lush tea plantations, quaint red-roofed cottages, beautifully landscaped gardens, scenic lakes, thick forests, misty mountain ranges, and colonial charm at every nook. Nestled in the Nilgiri mountains, this beauty appeals to everyone from nature lovers to recreation seekers and history buffs. Visitors can wander along the tree-lined streets and gaze at the historic structures, including St. Stephen’s Church, which is perhaps the oldest church in the region, dating back to the 19th century and boasts Gothic architectural style.

The beautiful outdoors will enthrall not only adventure enthusiasts with its many activities, including trekking, hand gliding and boating, but also photographers, as every turn reveals spectacular beauty. Other must-visit places include Botanical Garden that is famed for its 20 million year old fossilised tree trunk along with a variety of exotic and indigenous plants, flowers and shrubs, Tea Museum, and Thunder World (theme park). Don’t miss riding the famous toy train that takes you through nearby picturesque hamlets of Coonoor and Mettupalayam.

Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India

A charming hill station located at an elevation of 1,111 meters, Yelagiri Hills boasts a spectacular landscape with picturesque mountains, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, flower orchids and rugged terrains. Must-do activities include boating at the Lake Punganoor, and trekking to the Jalagamparai Waterfalls, where water plunges 15 meters down through rocky cliffs and visitors can soak in its beauty while bathing in the waters. Besides, it is worth meandering through the spectacular Nature Park, which features 12 acres of tranquil beauty. An unmissable spot is the Swamimalai Hills, which is the highest point in the region and can be reached by trekking. A particularly appealing feature of these hills is that they are cake-shaped forming a sturdy base at the bottom as well as a high peak that offers a bird’s eye view of the area. There are several ancient temples also in the area that are worthy of a visit.

Yelagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India

Located at the southern end of the Deccan Plateau, Wayanad is an enduringly popular hill station with nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The paddy fields, scenic waterfalls, lofty ridges, dense forests, diverse wildlife and Western Ghats make it a visually appealing destination. The key points of interest include Meenmutty falls and Soochipara waterfall, which is perfect for rock climbing; Chembra Peak, especially notable for its heart-shaped lake atop the hill; Banasura Dam that is famed for its picturesque vistas of the mountains in the backdrop; Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, and Ekkadal Caves known for the prehistoric carvings of human figures.

Wayanad, Kerala, India