On your next vacation, take a trip to these unexplored hill havens down South!

1. Yercaud

Hailed as the Jewel of the South, Yercaud means “Lake Forest” and gets its name because of all the trees that surround the lake. It is situated at almost 5000 feet above sea level in Salem District of Tamil Nadu.

2. Idukki

One of the greenest hill stations in the country, over 97 percent of Idukki is covered by trees and mountains. Three rivers – Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar – flow through a narrow gorge which gives the place its name. The Idukki Arch Dam is the biggest of its kind in Asia.

3. Nandi Hills

Also referred to as Ananda Giri which means the Hill of Happiness, Nandi is in the shape of a sleeping bull (Nandi) and hence the name. 60 kms away from Bangalore, Karnataka, Nandi has a fort at the top of the hill built by Tipu Sultan and is a favourite picnic spot for nature enthusiasts.

4. Coonoor

After Ooty, Coonoor is the second-highest hill station in the Nilgiri region. It is famous because of its serene beauty but unlike Ooty, it’s not a bustling mess. If you have nothing to do, Coonoor is the perfect place to do it in.

5. Devikulam

Located very close to Munnar in Kerala, Devikulam gets its name from a lake. According to legend, Goddess Sita bathed in this lake. The lake is hence held sacred and is believed to have curative powers. The tea plantations and waterfalls that surround the tiny hill station add to the scenic beauty.

6. Ananthagiri Hills

Located 90 kilometres from Hyderabad, this scenic hill station offers plenty of options for visitors. From trekking to rock climbing to camping, there is something for everyone. Apart from the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple, the naturally-formed caves and the pool add to the scenic lustre of the place.

7. Ponmudi

It is located 60-odd kilometres away from Trivandrum, Kerala and is part of the Western Ghats. It is one of the few hill stations that are close the sea and the mist-covered mountains add to the mystic charm of the place. The rare flowers, the exotic butterflies and the tiny rivulets make the place a treat for nature lovers.

8. Araku Valley

Near Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Araku Valley is one of the least polluted places in South India. The hill station is surrounded by coffee plantations and is the perfect place for a honeymoon getaway thanks to its quiet nature. It is the preferred location for several songs in Indian movies.

9. Kudremukh

A mountain range in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, the place gets its name because the hill resembles a horse’s face. It used to be a mining town but is now a picturesque hillside destination. The National Park and the waterfall make the place a favourite among tourists.

10. Kotagiri

After Ooty and Coonoor, Kotagiri is the third highest hill station in the Nilgiri region of Tamil Nadu. The Doddabetta mountain range protects it from the south-west monsoon of Ooty while the Moyar river adds to its beauty. Lush-green tea plantations all around make Kotagiri an exciting place to trek.

11. Vythiri

Located in the heart of Wayand in Kerala, this forest getaway is a treat for those looking for peace and quiet. There isn’t much to see or explore but the scenic beauty of the place makes it a heaven on earth for nature lovers and for those looking for a few days alone in the hills.

12. Kodaikanal

The literal meaning of this hill station located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu is Gift of the Forest. Meadows, grasslands, waterfalls, valleys and forests make it a complete hill station of sorts. The most well-known and well-populated of all the places mentioned on this list, Kodaikanal offers the amenities of a city up there in the hills.