Hill Stations of Tamil Nadu

Famous for the most beautiful hill stations of India, Udhagamandalam or Ooty can be said to be the Hill Capital of Tamil Nadu. Howevern the two smaller yet quieter hill resorts Coonoor and Kotagiri nearby are more preferable to some as people love to witness the tribal life of the Badagas and the Todas in the tiny village of Ketti on the way to Coonoor. Kodaikanal enchants its visitors with the verdant Pali hills while Yercaud is known as the 'Ooty of the Poor'. However, the aromatic coffee plantations and orange groves, the serene quiet surroundings at a much cheaper rate make it a better option than the more reputed hill resorts such as Ooty and Kodaikanal. Ketti is famous for having the highest railway station in the country at an altitude of 7,000 ft above the sea level in the lap of the Nilgiri Mountains of South India. The world-famous tea farms of Ooty make it the most desirable picnic spot. Coonoor at an altitude of 1,858 m above sea level, is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris. Kotagiri, however, is the oldest hill station of the Nilgiris and was once a British hill resort. It is quieter than Ooty and features Elk Falls, Kodanad Viewpoint, Catherine Falls, salubrious climate and a wonderful golf course along with thick, deep impenetrable forests called 'Sholas'.


Kodaikanal:

Situated at an altitude of more than 6854 ft above sea level, Kodaikana is located on the southern tip of the upper Palani Hills 120 km northwest of Madurai. A typical hill station, Kodaikanal offers you boat rides, nature walks, hiking, trekking and rock-climbing. The delectable taste of homemade chocolate and cheese is a specialty of Kodaikanal, also referred to as Kodai. Surrounded by thick Shola Forests and scenic greenery, Kodi leads to some of the South India's best trekking terrain. A favorite among the honeymooners, the highlight of the city is a centrally located star-shaped lake.

Nilgiri Hills:

'Nilgiris' or 'Blue Mountains' rise to an altitude of 2,280 m to 2,290 m above sea level. Situated at the confluence of the Western and the Eastern Ghats known as the Sahayadri Hills, Nilgiris offers some of the most panoramic views of Deccan India. Some of the most well-known highlights of Nilgiris are Udhagamandalam or Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Doddabetta peak, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, 180-ft high Laws Falls, Dolphin's Nose, a unique rock of tremendous proportions jutting out of the face of the hillside, Catherine falls, Kodanad Viewpoint, which offers panoramic view of the plains and the eastern slopes of the Nilgiris, Mukkurthi Peak and National Park and Pykara known for well-protected fenced sholas, Toda settlements, undisturbed grassy meadows and a good wildlife habitat along with Pykara Dam, Pykara falls and the reservoir.

Ooty:

The haven for adventure tourists, Ooty offers a number of facilities for adventure sports such as trekking, hiking, rock-climbing and hand gliding. Often referred to as 'the Queen of Hill Stations', Udhagamandalam or Ooty is situated in the lap of the Nilgiri ranges. At an altitude of 2290 m above sea level, it is just 105 km away from Coimbatore and has a salubrious climate. A blue misty haze envelops the range, giving it a divine look. Wildlife enthusiasts would certainly enjoy the trip to the sprawling Mudumalai Sanctuary nearby. Amateurs may choose to join hang-gliding courses at Ooty that are organized every year from March to May along with fishing camps. One needs license for fishing and angling in the various streams and lakes of Ooty and the main catch are usually Goad Trouts, Carps and mixed water fishes.

Yercaud:
Situated at an altitude of 4,920 ft above sea level, Yercaud is not as popular as Ooty and Kodaikanal. Nestled amongst the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern Ghats, the extraordinarily beautiful hill resort is blessed with natural beauty and a salubrious climate. Also known as the 'Ooty of the Poor', it is much quieter and cheaper than its more popular hill mate. The aromatic coffee plantations and orange groves make it even more desirable to those who are looking for the places where they can get rid of the din of the daily lives and want a break from the strenuous city lifestyle. The highest point in Yercaud is Shevaroy temple, situated at a height of 5,326 ft above sea level.