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India has fascinated millions of tourists from all over the world with its multitude of geographical landscapes. With a variant description of culture and geographical outlook, India offers an array of holiday destinations, from the deep blue sea shoring beaches to the sky scrapping mountain resorts. Though it is one's personal choice to choose the holiday destination, for me (a scenic and solace lover), nothing can beat the ethereal hill stations in Tamil Nadu.
The treasured southern state of Tamil Nadu is an abode of many hill stations, with mesmerizing beauty and cool perennial weather! Every hill station here offers the travelers some respite from the scorching heat in the capital city of Chennai. Dismissing the myth that there is no place to visit in the South India else than Kerala for a vacation, here goes a list of 10 exotic hill resorts in Tamil Nadu that are worth a visit:
Translation in Telegu means 'The Gift of the Forest'; a famous hideaway from the torrid weather of the main city, Kodaikanal holds a long history as a retreat tourist destination. Located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the place is a tourist delight with myriad adventure sports such as boating, trekking, etc. While the mainland is roasting in the sweltering heat in the month of May and June, Kodaikanal stays cool with the temperatures not soaring beyond 20 degrees. Surrounded by the enthralling natural beauty of lakes, rocks, lush woody hills, and lofty waterfalls, the 'Princess of Hill Stations' also endows the sporadic Kurunji flower that blooms just once in 12 years. Love chocolates? Visit here and taste some delicious homemade chocolates being sold at the local stores, making it a chocolate paradise!
The capital of the Nilgiris district, also known as Udhagamandalam, Ooty is located at 80 km north of Coimbatore. The hill resort is surrounded by the towering Nilgiri trees and a beautiful faux lake as a centerpiece, which is famous for boating and has been used as a location for filming some famous movies too. The weather being perennially cool is infallibly an icing on the cake. Taking a ride in a cute toy train can be fun. Don't forget to click pictures with a backdrop of resonating waterfalls and tea gardens while on the ride! Kids can have a great time visiting the Thunder World that can be called as an Indian version of the Jurassic Park!
Elevated 4,700ft above the sea level in the Servarayan Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a shimmering lake surrounded by teak, sandalwood, and silver oak forests. With no modern shopping malls and entertainment complexes, shopping here includes fresh horticultural products. To encounter nature from all angles trekking, camping, boating, and dirt biking can be enjoyed as adventure sports. Famous for its sprawling plantations of coffee and cardamom and orchards of oranges and guava, Yercaud has a rich flora and fauna. Experiencing the fascinating process of breeding silkworms at the silk farms is truly gripping. One must visit this tranquil and pristine resort town to spend some moments of solace and to enjoy the mind-soothing beauty of the hills!
With the resonating waters of Catherine Falls, Coonoor lies amidst the Nilgiri hills, at an elevation of 1800 meters above sea level and 18km away from Ooty. The panoramic view of the delightful emerald landscapes, naturally manicured hills, and enthralling waterfalls can be a muse in the true sense for the poets and writers. The main attraction is again an inspiration of nature, i.e. Sim's Park and a Botanical Garden that stocks several rare varieties of floras. 'Eat al fresco' spots include St. Catherine Falls, Lambs Rock, Law's fall, Dolphins Nose etc. A heaven for the trek lovers, Coonoor is the base of trekking expeditions leading into the Nilgiris. Crazy for 'cutting chai'? Do attend The Tea and Tourism Festival in the month of January.
Yelagiri is a bunch of 14 villages between four mountains that lies off the Vaniyambadi-Tirupatturroad at an altitude of 1110.6mtrs. above the sea level. The main town on the Yelagiri Hills is Athanavur. Once owned by a family, Yelagiri is now undertaken by the government. But the grand mansion house of the Yelagiri Zamindars still exists in Reddiyur. One of the center points for trekkers, the hill offers various trekking trails through thick reserved woodlands. Swamimalai Hill is the highest point in Yelagiri with a picturesque view of the green valley. The man-made lake named The Punganur Lake, tantalizing Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Velavan Temple, and Nature Park beguile droves of globetrotters every year. Paragliding is another fun activity to experience the mesmerizing top view of Yelagiri. I'm sure you can spend weeks here embracing the aura of this place!
A quiet town that sits elegantly in the lap of gorgeous mountains of Nilgiris, Kotagiri is nestled at an elevation of around 1793mtrs above the sea level. An ideal place for the solace lovers, this hill resort has tea plantations scattered all over, making it a land overloaded with natural grandeur! The small bakery outlets & eateries will offer you an unforgettable gourmet delight! The splashing sounds of water from the Catherine falls around Kotagiri make the calm evenings musical! (Psst, this is one of the best places to ask your love mate). Make some selfie time at Amma'sTea Estate, known as the Kodanad viewpoint, as the sun gradually slides towards the horizon, making you surrender to nature. Wow!
Nestled in the heart of Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) Valparai has thick forests with lurking leopards, elephants, and tigers. Located at an elevation of 3,500ft from sea level on the Anamalai mountain range, this hill resort has a rich and diverse flora and fauna. The layer of mists furling up the sun creates a beautiful ambiance. The famous Aliyar Dam at the foothill of Valparaihas 40 hairpin bends within 40Kms from Aliyar dam. The tea plantation expanse offers serene views for shutterbugs. Beware! The endangered species of lion-tailed macaques can make a charge on you, so keep the pace of your vehicle steady on the way up the hill!
A stone's throw from Ooty (4kms), the Switzerland of Nilgiris- Ketti Valley is an abode to several tribes holding expertise in needle making of the famous brand Pony Needles and cultivation of fruits and vegetables. The mystical view and arresting surroundings of the second largest valley in the world can leave anyone spellbound! A ride on the famous Toy Train- Nilgiri Express offers the aesthetic view of the vast emerald landscapes. Rejuvenate yourself in the lap of nature with a closer view of the valley from the telescope room!
With 70 hairpin bends packed into one heady 30 km stretch (yes, you read that correctly!) Kolli translates into 'A Mountain of Death'! Feel the chill as you elevate up the hill! The hills are loaded with a unique panoramic view, offering plenty of vantage spots to shutterbugs. The midair of Semmedu- the top of Kolli Hills, is filled with the mixed aroma of coffee and pepper plantations. The flummoxing view of the green valleyfrom the watchtower is breathtaking. The Agayagangai waterfall near the Arapaleeshwar temple is a real sensation, splashing water on the sightseers from the cascade! If you don't have a paucity of time, then do visit Masila Falls, Selur Nadu, and the botanical garden for a complete experience.
Being a part of the Western Ghats, Topslip is situated at a distance of 76kms from Coimbatore. Above 300mtrs from the sea level in the Anamalai mountain range, Topslip is a delight for the ardent bird watchers and wildlife lovers. The main tourist attraction in Indra Gandhi National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in the Coimbatore District, the hill resort has exotic species of flora and fauna that can be experienced on the elephant safaris and jeep rides. Additionally, Topslip is the only entrance to spine-chilling Parambikulam Wild Life Reserve Forest that comes under the state of Kerala. Topslip is the best getaway to disappear in the tranquility of Mother Nature!
Still reading! Gotten enough inspiration to experience the splendor of the soaring mountain ranges of these hill stations! So pals, what are you waiting for? Ditch the heat and gear up to any of these paradise for an exotic vacation!
