Beyond Ooty and Kodai: 9 underrated hill stations in Tamil Nadu

If you’ve already been to Ooty or Kodaikanal, and think you already know about this place, think again. Well, it’s time to give those hill station clichés a break, and take a detour to satiate your curious self. Tamil Nadu is dotted with hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems where the mist rolls in just as dramatically, the chai is just as piping hot, and the crowds are far less selfie-obsessed. Here's your best pick for hill stations in Tamil Nadu that aren’t Ooty or Kodai—thank us later.

Don’t be fooled by the nickname. Yercaud, perched in the Shevaroy Hills, is lush, laidback, and dotted with orange groves and coffee estates. The lakefront is peaceful, the views are killer, and the traffic… practically non-existent.

Hidden in the Anamalai Hills, Valparai is a tea town with curves—hairpin bends, that is. Misty plantations, gushing waterfalls, and wild elephants crossing the road like they own the place. Spoiler: they do.

Kolli Hills is where the GPS cries, and your stomach flips with joy (or mild terror). With 70 continuous hairpin bends, it’s a road trip dream/nightmare. But once you reach the top? Waterfalls, untouched trails, and peace.

Meghamalai literally means "cloud hills," and it delivers. This is the kind of place where mist hugs the hills, and phone signals vanish—aka perfect. Bonus: You might spot bison or elephants while sipping your tea.

Often overlooked in favor of the big names, Javadi Hills offers quiet forests, secret waterfalls, and sunrises that make waking up at 5 AM almost worth it.

Tucked away in the Eastern Ghats, Kalrayan Hills is ideal for those who want raw nature, tribal culture, and not a resort in sight. It’s you, the trees, and possibly a goat.

Technically the quieter alternative of Ooty, Coonoor is for those who like the weather, minus the crowds. Take the toy train, sip tea at Sim’s Park, and feel smug that you didn’t go full Ooty.

Near Dindigul, Sirumalai is where the cool breeze meets banana plantations. It’s not a blockbuster location, but that’s exactly the point. Quiet, green, and sweet—like the bananas it grows.

Want to paraglide, go boating, and still have time for homemade jackfruit chips? Yelagiri is your pick. It’s not polished, but it’s got heart—and the drive up is a joyride in itself.