Tired of jostling with crowds in Ooty or waiting hours for a table in Munnar? South India has plenty of lesser-known hill stations that serve up cool breezes, jaw-dropping views, and zero chaos. But tucked away beyond the usual tourist trails are some seriously underrated gems-places where the coffee is strong, the air is crisp, and your phone signal is refreshingly patchy. These quieter hill escapes offer a much-needed break from packed itineraries and selfie-stick crowds. Whether you're in the mood for misty morning hikes, colonial charm or just some serious peace and quiet, these five lesser-known hill stations in South India are perfect for your next low-key getaway.
Also Read: A Journey Through Palakkad - Kerala's Best Kept Secret For Slow Travellers
Here Are 5 Hidden Hill Stations In South India For Your Bucket List:
1. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Altitude: 1,515 metres
Tucked away in the Shevaroy Hills of the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is often overshadowed by its better-known neighbours. But those who've been will tell you: that's exactly the charm. With winding coffee plantations, orchid gardens, and colonial-era bungalows, Yercaud has all the perks of a classic hill station-minus the crowds. The lake at the heart of town is perfect for a breezy boat ride, while the 32-km Loop Road offers panoramic views and scenic pitstops. It's also a great spot to taste some seriously good pepper and orange-based treats grown locally.
How To Reach: Salem is the nearest railway station (approx. 30 km). Yercaud is a smooth drive from there or even from Bangalore (around 4.5 hours away).
2. Agumbe, Karnataka
Photo: iStock
Altitude: 826 metres
Often dubbed the "Cherrapunji of the South", Agumbe is one of the wettest places in India-and it wears that badge with pride. This tiny village, nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is a paradise for monsoon chasers and wildlife lovers. It's home to the endangered king cobra and thick, untouched rainforests that look straight out of a nature documentary. What sets Agumbe apart is its raw, wild beauty. Think canopied trekking trails, hidden waterfalls like Barkana and Onake Abbi, and sunset points that rival any beach view. Bonus: the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station is one of the most respected field research centres in India.
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Udupi (about 55 km away). From there, you can hire a taxi or hop onto a local bus.
3. Vattakanal, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Unsplash
Altitude: 2,130 metres
Vattakanal-or "Vatta" as the regulars call it-is Kodaikanal's quieter, cooler cousin. Just a short drive from Kodai town, this little hillside hamlet feels like a secret the backpacker crowd has been keeping for years. No flashy hotels, no chaotic sightseeing circuits-just log cabins, treks, and some of the best banana-chocolate pancakes you'll ever eat. If you like your holidays slow and stripped-back, this is your place. Highlights include Dolphin's Nose for dramatic valley views, Vattakanal Waterfalls, and late-night bonfires under a million stars.
How To Reach: From Kodaikanal, Vattakanal is just a 4-km drive. Madurai is the nearest airport (around 120 km away).
4. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Photo: iStock
Altitude: 910 metres
A hill station with its own toy train route? Yes, please. Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh is a lush, lesser-known gem framed by thick forests, coffee estates, and tribal heritage. The journey here-on the Vizag-Araku train-is half the thrill, with 58 tunnels and countless Insta-worthy views. The valley itself is peaceful and green, with highlights like the Borra Caves (believed to be over a million years old), tribal museums, and coffee plantations run by local cooperatives. If you're visiting in winter, don't miss the annual Araku Balloon Festival.
How To Reach: The train from Visakhapatnam to Araku (about 120 km) is the most scenic route. Alternatively, hire a taxi for the uphill drive.
Also Read: 6 Stunning Places To Visit In South India During Monsoon (And Why They Hit Different In The Rain)
5. Kudajadri Hills, Karnataka
Photo: Unsplash
Altitude: 1,343 metres
Kodachadri isn't your classic tea-sipping hill town-but that's what makes it special. Located inside the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka's Shimoga district, it's a hotspot for serious trekkers. The 13-km trek to the summit is rugged but rewarding, with forests, meadows, and hidden streams along the way. At the top, you'll find a small shrine believed to be where Adi Shankaracharya meditated centuries ago. The sunset from here, with the Arabian Sea visible on a clear day, is worth every ounce of effort.
How To Reach: The base village, Nittur, is about 20 km from Kollur. From there, you can trek or hire a jeep for the last stretch.
