Ooty to Munnar; Explore the Best Hill Stations of South India
South India is not just about spicy food and vibrant festivals – it’s also home to some of the best hill stations in South India. These places are not your usual hilltop towns; they have quirks, surprises, and unique vibes that make them worth every second of your South India travel. Let’s dive into the top five hill stations in South India which will leave your heart full and make you travel more.
1. Ooty
If you think Ooty is just about tea gardens, think again. While the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a must-do activity in Ooty, here’s something more – Ooty in winter feels like stepping into a British novel. The botanical garden still maintains its old-world charm, and you can spot colonial relics like vintage benches and lampposts.
What to Expect:
- Unique experience: Ooty has a chocolate museum! Yes, a museum dedicated to chocolate where you can taste and learn the process of making chocolate.
- Food tip: Skip the fancy restaurants. Instead, find roadside stalls selling freshly steamed corn drizzled with spicy masala. It’s a flavour bomb!
Where to Stay in Ooty:
If you’re looking for places to stay in Ooty with friends or family, check out the luxury villas in Ooty to soak in the cold weather with warm dips. Staying at a villa instead of a resort or hotel gives a more local feel, making it worth every minute.
2. Munnar
You’ve heard of Munnar and its tea plantations, but let us tell you about the Neelakurinji bloom. This flower blooms once every 12 years, and if you’re lucky enough to catch it, Munnar turns into a blue paradise. Even if it’s not the blooming year, Munnar’s weather makes it one of the top hill stations in South India year-round.
What to Expect:
- Unique things to do in Munnar: Trek to Kolukkumalai, the world’s highest tea plantation, and sip a cuppa while clouds float below you.
- What to eat in Munnar: Order Kerala-style chicken or buff fry with Malabar parotta at a local eatery – a combination that’ll have you coming back for more.
Where to Stay in Munnar:
Experience the best of this hill station in South India by staying at one of the cottages in Munnar. It’s a beautiful concoction of panoramic views, cosy stay and peaceful vibes.
3. Coorg
Coorg is a place where coffee plantations stretch as far as the eye can see. But do you know what’s one of the lesser-known things in Coorg? It has some of the best microbreweries hidden in small towns. Imagine sipping on craft beer while overlooking coffee estates. That’s Coorg in winter for you – refreshing and unique.
What to Expect:
- Unique experience: Visit the honey farms and taste different flavours of honey that are unique to this region.
- Adventure tip: Skip the usual trekking spots and try river rafting in the monsoon.
Where to Stay:
The best way to experience the beauty of this hill station in India is by staying at one of the homestays in Coorg. And staying close to one of the plantations has its own perks as you can go pick your coffee beans.
4. Kodaikanal: More Than Just a Lake
Most people associate Kodaikanal with its star-shaped lake, but did you know there’s a whole science-geek side to it? The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is one of the oldest in the world, and they even have public tours! Imagine learning about the stars from a place that’s already in the clouds.
What to Expect:
- Unique experience: Visit the Berijam Lake during monsoon. Unlike the main lake, it’s quieter and more secluded, and you might just spot a bison.
- Food tip: Try homemade cheese and bread from local bakeries. They’re rustic but oh-so-delicious.
Where to Stay:
Stay at some of the top cottages in Kodaikanal for a warm and cosy experience. Staying at a cottage in Kodaikanal enhances your stay as it give you a more intimate and specialised experience.
5. Wayanad: Nature, But Make It Spicy
Wayanad is a relatively underrated hill station in Kerala, but trust me, it’s an all-rounder. From spices to caves, it’s packed with surprises. Here’s the kicker: Wayanad’s Edakkal Caves are home to ancient petroglyphs that are over 7,000 years old! History and nature in one place? Sign us up.
What to Expect:
- Unique experience: Visit a spice farm and learn about how spices are grown every day. You can even take some home!
- Adventure tip: If you’re up for it, trek up to the Chembra Peak. The heart-shaped lake halfway is Insta-famous for a reason.
Where to Stay:
The best way to experience the beauty of this hill station in India is by staying at one of the homestays in Wayanad. You can pick your choice for your ultimate getaway.
Each of these hill stations in South India has its own flavour, quite literally in some cases! Whether you’re craving chocolate in Ooty, coffee in Coorg, or ancient carvings in Wayanad, there’s always something different to experience. So, pack your bags for your next South India vacation and ditch the usual itineraries. Trust us, the hills are calling, and they have more than just views to offer!
Article by: Ruben Saha
Image credits: Chaitanya Rayampally via Unsplash
