hill stations in tamilnadu
Tamil Nadu situated in the southern end of the Western and Eastern ghats is the home to several hill stations. Popular among them are Udagamandalam(Ooty), Kodaikanal,Yercaud , Coonoor, Valparai, Yelagiri,Kalrayan Hills ,Kolli Hills,The Nilgiri hills, Palani hills, Shevaroy hills and Cardamom hills are all abodes of thick forests and wildlife.
a) Udagamandalam
Popularly known as Ooty situated in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the most popular Hill station in South India. It provides a scenic view of Nilgiri Hills. The town is connected to the rest of India by road and the popular sssNilgiri Mountain Railway, and its historic sites and natural beauty attract tourists from all over the country. The list of attractions include
Ooty Lake,St. Stephen's Church,Ooty Golf Course,Tribal Museum,Doddabetta Peak,Wenlock Downs
b)Kodaikanal
Located in the forests of the Dindigul distrcis, the hill station of Kodaikanal is fast gaining reputation for its unspoilt beauty and soothing climate. It is known by the nickname "Princess of Hill stations" ;and is a leading tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. The most popular sights within the town are:
Bryant Park: Just east of the lake is the Bryant Park. Over 325 species of trees, shrubs and cacti and flowers.
Coaker's Walk – A paved pedestrian path offering stunning views of the mountains and the plains below.
Green Valley View – Offers spectacular views of the plains and the Vaigai River Dam at the South.
Shembaganur Museum of Natural History – A nature museum with over 500 species of local wildlife and 300 exotic orchid species.
Silver Cascade – A waterfall in the region popular with first-time visitors.
Berijam Lake – A calm serene lake surrounded by mesmerising nature.
c)Yercaud
The Yercaud hills situated at an altitude of 1515 m in the Salem District is an enchanting and picturesque hill stations in the Eastern Ghats. Known for its rich flora and scenic views of the other hills nearby Yercaud receives a good amount of tourists every year for its slightly less-expensive fare as compared to Udagamangalam or Kodaikanal. Yeracud is also a great base for trekking and visiting neighbouring tourist spots like:
- Killiyur Falls – a 27-metre-high waterfall.
- Lady's seat – a high peak offering fantastic views of the plains below.
- The Servaroyan Temple – The temple is a narrow and dark cave having the God Servarayan and the Goddess Kaveri inside, which are believed as the deities of the Shevaroy Hills and Cauvery River.
- Pagoda Point: Another vantage view point; once adorned with stone built pagodas, it is now home to a large temple.
- Heaven's Ledge: A Scenic west-facing cliff situated in Gowri Estate in Yercaud. It has been converted into a campsite to encourage sustainable tourism. It is 15 km from the main town area.
d)Kolli Hills
Kolli Hills is a small mountain range located in central Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu in India. The mountains are relatively untouched by commercial tourism and still retain their natural beauty.[17] The government holds a tourism festival in August. Kolli Hills has been the top choice for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, trekking clubs and meditation practitioners among hill stations in Tamil Nadu.
e)Coonoor
Part of the Nilgiri Mountain Range, Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the mountain range and is an ideal base for trekking expeditions leading into the Nilgiri Mountains. Coonor is en route the Mettupalayam-Ooty highway as well as the NMR and is an ideal break-point for tourists to Ooty. The Dolhin's Nose Viewpoint and the Lamb's Rock offer stunning views of the mountainside. The attractions in the town and nearby include -
- Sim's Park – The main attraction within the town, a small well maintained botanical garden that has several varieties of plants. An annual fruit show is held in the town in summer.
- Droog Fort – At a distance of 13 km from Coonoor, the Droog takes one into the past, with the ruins of a fort, which was once used by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century.
- Law's Falls , Catherine Falls