Tamil Nadu is one of the states in South India which is home to some extensively breathtaking hill stations. While the capital city of Chennai holds the second-longest coastline, the outskirts lead you to some of the best getaways amidst the hills. Since I visited Ooty before, I wanted to visit some other hill stations around Chennai. Specifically, I was keen on visiting offbeat and scarcely crowded places near the city. So, I made a list of the best hill stations around Chennai, got my flight tickets booked and prepared myself for the trip. Listed below are some of the hill stations that I included in my itinerary for visit.
Yelagiri Hills
Yelagiri Hills is a beautiful hill station located at a distance of 230 km from Chennai. It is a popular and ideal location for camping and trekking expeditions. I had huge expectations from this place and I must say, each of them was fulfilled here. The Punganur Lake is one of the top attractions in Yelagiri, and boating on the crystal clear waters was rejuvenating to the soul. Since accommodation in Yelagiri is rarely a problem, I had booked myself a Deluxe Suite at the Zeenath Taj Gardens to satiate my desire for a comfortable vacation in the lap of nature.
Kolli Hills
This is one of those places which is bound to pique your interest. If looked at from a bird’s eye point of view, you will be amazed at the several sharp bends throughout the place. All these bends add to the beauty of Kolli Malai. The hills are covered under a dense green cover, some of which are exclusively cultivated plantations of coffee. My stay at RJ Grand Resort had simply added luxury and comfort to my short vacation. This one is among the luxury hotels of Kolli Malai and fitted well into my limited budget. The highest point of these hills offers spectacular views of the sunrise as well as the sunset. The Siddhar Caves and Agaya Gangi Waterfalls are two of the attractions in Kolli Malai.
Munnar
Munnar is a spectacular hill station situated amidst abundant lush greenery and everything natural. Popular among tourists for its pristine hills, valleys, forests and quaint resorts located in random corners, Munnar is a must-visit for everyone. By the time I had reached Munnar, it was already evening. My room at Elysium Gardens Hill Resort was everything a tired tourist could have asked for. After a calming hot water bath, I set out to explore the place. I must say, the Attukad Waterfall and the backwaters here won my heart. Another popular attraction of Munnar is Kundala Lake where you can opt for a shikhara ride and have a fabulous time amidst nature.
Valparai
A scarcely known hill station at 582 km from Chennai city, Valparai is ideal for solo holidays and weekend getaways. Valparai is studded with hills, forests and unending greenery on all sides, and is a treat to the eyes. The Nallamudi Viewpoint offers breathtaking views during the early hours of sunrise. The splendid views of green mountains amidst a vibrant orange backdrop are too good to miss. A handful of wildlife sanctuaries are situated in this region and are home to the rare pangolins and sloth bears. The Chhinnakallar Falls is also one of the crowd-pullers of this place. I booked my room at the Wintel Wild Resorts which overlooks the dense forest cover of Valparai. The sound of the various insects from the forest at night kept me awake but the entire experience of Valparai was commendable.
Coonoor
Coonoor is located at a distance of 520 km from Chennai and comes second to Ooty in terms of area. It is a magnificent hill station with almost all of it covered under dense vegetation. Since this place has become quite popular among tourists, hospitality in Coonoor is unparalleled. From budget stays to those situated away from the town chaos in the lap of nature, Coonoor has everything a traveller could ask for. The Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint is a vehemently popular attraction situated at a distance of 109 km from Coonoor and offers a marvellous view of the Catherine Falls amidst the Nilgiris. The place where I stayed was another addition to my takeaways from Coonoor. The Tea Nest Resort is a group of charming little cottages equipped with every necessary facility required. The Lamb’s Rock is another of the attractions of this place.
So, these are some of the offbeat as well as popular hill stations near Chennai where you can plan your visit. Make your sojourn here during the off-season to enjoy the sight of these places to the fullest.
Pro Tip: In case you are travelling by flight, check out the official website of Intermiles to avail of attractive discounts on Bangalore to Chennai flights.
