10 Hidden Hill Stations in South India You Need to Explore
Discover South India's hidden gems with 10 lesser-known hill stations. Escape the crowds and explore tranquil retreats like Vattakanal, Meghamalai, and Kalpetta, perfect for nature lovers and peace seekers.
The Southern stretch of the Western and Eastern Ghats is a sanctuary of rolling hills, dense forests, and whispering winds. While the spotlight often falls on popular escapes like Ooty or Munnar, South India hides a treasure trove of hill stations that remain untouched by mass tourism. These lesser-known retreats are perfect for travelers who prefer winding trails over crowded viewpoints and quiet sunsets over noisy marketplaces. Here’s a list of 10 hidden hill stations in South India—quiet, charming, and brimming with soul. (Image: Canva)
2/11
1. Vattakanal, Tamil Nadu Cradled above Kodaikanal, Vattakanal is the hill station that time forgot. Shrouded in mist and mystery, it’s where winding trails lead to panoramic cliff views, and cafés hum with conversations in a dozen languages. This bohemian enclave is perfect for those seeking peace, introspection, or just a slower rhythm of life. (Image: Canva)
3/11
2. Meghamalai, Tamil Nadu Locally known as the High Wavy Mountains, Meghamalai is where clouds kiss tea estates and waterfalls hide behind thick canopies. Tucked away in the Theni district, this serene haven offers a raw, untouched version of the Western Ghats. Think leopards in the shadows and birdsong echoing through the mist. (Image: Canva)
4/11
3. Kalpetta, Kerala Far from Kerala’s beaten tourist trails, Kalpetta is the quieter sibling of Wayanad’s busier towns. It’s a place where the mornings begin with coffee in hand and a view of the Chembra Peak, and the evenings end with golden light filtering through dense forests. (Image: Kerala Tourism)
4. Agasthyakoodam, Kerala This is not your average hill getaway—it’s a sacred mountain, a biodiversity hotspot, and a trekker’s rite of passage. Revered in legend and cloaked in wilderness, Agasthyakoodam stands as one of the highest peaks in Kerala, accessible only through a seasonal permit-based trek. (Image: Wikipedia)
6/11
5. Peermade, Kerala Once a summer retreat of the Travancore royals, Peermade is all rolling hills, aromatic spice plantations, and winding roads through pine forests. Tucked between Thekkady and Kuttikkanam, it’s ideal for long drives and longer silences. (Representative Image: Canva)
7/11
6. Chikmagalur, Karnataka While coffee connoisseurs may know Chikmagalur, its quieter trails and hidden waterfalls are still largely off the mainstream radar. Mornings here smell of roasted beans and rain-drenched earth, while sunset views from Mullayanagiri are unforgettable, especially when shared with no one but the breeze. (Image: Canva)
8/11
7. Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu The 70 hairpin bends that lead to Kolli Hills aren’t just a route—they’re a rite of passage. Unfazed by commercialization, Kolli remains fiercely local, fiercely green, and fiercely beautiful. The Agaya Gangai Falls here roar with the kind of power that makes you feel small in the best way possible. (Image: Canva)
8. Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu Skip Ooty’s crowds and head to Kotagiri, a quiet, colonial-era hill town wrapped in tea gardens and eucalyptus groves. Here, time slows down, making space for poetry, long walks, and a deep dive into Tamil Nadu’s quieter corners. (Image: Canva)
10/11
9. Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu Tucked between Chennai and Bangalore, Yelagiri is the quick escape you didn’t know you needed. With hiking trails, fruit orchards, and clear skies ideal for stargazing, it’s a perfect weekend retreat for those craving nature without the tourist buzz. (Image: Canva)
11/11
10. Ananthagiri Hills, Telangana (near Andhra border) Straddling the Andhra-Telangana border, Ananthagiri is where ancient caves, forest temples, and trekking paths meet. It’s a mix of myth, mystery, and mango groves—ideal for seekers of peace, stories, and quiet adventure. (Image: Wikipedia)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
