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Top Less Crowded Hill Stations to Visit in South India | Travellingmonks
As the summer gets hotter and hotter in India, people are escaping to the north in search for cool winds and some chill. Little do they know that the hills of the Western and Eastern Ghats provide a cloak of pleasant weather throughout the year (excluding a few monsoon months). So, if you have been planning your summer vacations and are dead tired of considering the same old towns on the Himalayan foothills, then give these hill stations in south India a shot this time.
Apparently, South India is home to several beautiful hill stations, each with its unique charm and beauty. From the lush greenery of Munnar to the picturesque Ooty, there is no shortage of natural beauty in South India.
we will take you on a journey to explore the top less-crowded hill stations in South India
Ponmudi | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Ponmudi is a famous yet quiet hill station in the Thiruvananthapuram district. The route from Trivandrum to Ponmudi has approximately 22 hairpin bends, making it just the perfect destination for an exciting road trip. Other than being an ideal road trip destination, Ponmudi is also known for its trekking and hiking spots. Agasthyarkoodam, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, is also found in this region. You can also visit the Meenmutty Falls (3km from Kallar Main Road) and the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Ponmudi is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (60km away) and the nearest railway station is in Thiruvananthapuram (57km away). If you are driving from Trivandrum then it will take you around 2 hours via the Thiruvananthapuram- Ponmudi Road.
Yelagiri | Tamil Nadu
One of the best-unexplored hill stations in South India you must visit is undoubtedly Yelagiri, which is located in the Tirupattur District of Tamil Nadu. Also referred to as Elagiri, this quaint hill station is perched at a height of 1,111 meters above sea level and offers mesmerizing views of its surrounding lush green forests along the valleys.
Yelagiri is a perfect destination for people who want to spend their holidays in an offbeat hill station but experience all sorts of activities that can be done in a famous hill station. For them, activities like boating, waterfall hiking, trekking, and other adventure sports like paragliding and climbing are available in Yelagiri.
How to reach: The best way to reach Yelagiri Hills would be by train to Jolarpettai and then a ride uphill by bus. If your starting point is Chennai or Bengaluru the most ideal means to travel would be a drive to Yelagiri.
Araku | Andhra Pradesh
Nestled between the mountains of Galikonda and Chitamogondi, the Araku Valley is a hidden hill station in Visakhapatnam. The area is home to tribal farmers who were the first harvesters of coffee in India, you find out more about the tribal history of Araku at the Araku Tribal Museum. Araku Valley is also surrounded by the stunning waterfalls of the Eastern Ghats. Just 30km away from the main town, you can visit the Chaaparai Waterfalls in Paderu, and if you have more time then also head to the Talimada or Anantagiri Waterfalls that are near the Anantagiri village.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Araku is Visakhapatnam International Airport (109km away) and the nearest railway station is in Araku (3km away). If you are driving from Visakhapatnam then it will take you around 3 hours via the Visakhapatnam-Araku Road.
Kudremukh | Karnataka
Karnataka’s second-highest peak, Kudremukh is basically a mountain range in the Chikmagalur District. The surrounding valley derives its name from the unique shape of the peak, which resembles the face of a horse and is known as Kudremukh hill station, one of the most beautiful offbeat hill stations to visit in South India.
Kudremukh is a popular destination among trekkers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. The hill station is home to the Kudremukh National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which covers an area of 600 square kilometers and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Apart from its diverse wildlife, one of the unique features of Kudremukh is the trek to the peak of the hill. The trek is a challenging one, but the view from the top is breathtaking.
Vagamon | Kerala
Vagamon is a small plantation town in Travancore, which is still hidden from widespread mainstream attention. Its sheer beauty earns it a mention in the list of hill stations in South India. Other than having breathtaking ravines and rivulets spread across undulating green hills, Vagamon is also a great paragliding destination. The meadows of Vagamon provide an ideal location for paragliding and Kerala Tourism even organized an International Paragliding Festival here, which welcomed glider pilots from all around the world in 2016. If gliding is not your thing, then trek to any of the three hills in the area: Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill, and Kurisumala Hill.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Vagamon is Cochin International Airport (75km away) and the nearest railway station is in Kottayam (64km away). If you are driving from Cochin, then take the SH14 to Vagamon, which will take you around 3 hours to reach.
Yercaud | Tamilnadu
What makes a hill station an ideal offbeat destination for spending summer vacation? The answer is pleasant weather, less crowd, scenic beauty, and a peaceful environment. Well, Yercaud has it all. It is not as crowded as some of the more popular hill stations in India, which makes it a perfect place for a quiet and peaceful getaway. Moreover, the weather in Yercaud during summer is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it a comfortable place to beat the heat.
And scenic beauty? A picturesque lake, plunging waterfalls, dense forests, and verdant plantations – all make it an excellent choice for you. Set at an altitude of 1,515 meters above sea level, Yercaud is located in the Eastern Ghats at the foothills of the Shevaroys Ranges.
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