15

Hill Stations near Hyderabad

Ideally located at a short drive away from Hyderabad, this quaint hill town of Ananthagiri Hills (1,168m) in the Eastern Ghats is a beautiful romantic getaway. Seamlessly covered with coffee plantations, it is an excellent trekking destination especially for first time trekkers and adventure seekers. Numerous streams, picturesque seasonal waterfalls and the rich flora make it one of the picture perfect hill stations around Hyderabad.

Attractions:

Araku Tribal Museum, a centre displaying the lives of indigenous tribes of the Eastern Ghats, encourages local artisans to showcase tribal jewelry, hunting tools, handicraft etc. Padmapuram Botanical Garden, Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple and Nagasamudram Lake are the other attractions.

Activities:

Trekking, local sight seeing

Distance from Hyderabad: 78km

Best time to visit: June - February

Must Read: Places to visit in Hyderabad

Horsley Hills (4,100ft) one of the most beautiful hill stations near Hyderabad has the appeal of crisp mountain air, dense forests, and panoramic views of the Eastern Ghats. This tranquil paradise is also known as “Andhra’s Ooty” for its pleasant , rich set of flora-fauna, and large expanse of nature.

Attractions:

The world’s largest banyan tree Thimmamma Marrimanu spread over 8 acres lies 75 km away from Horsley Hills. A few ancient temples perched atop the surrounding hillocks around Horsley Hills are also an added attraction.

Activities:

Adventure sports, trekking, wildlife spotting

Distance from Hyderabad: 528km

Best time to visit: December - February

Also Checkout: Weekend gateways from Hyderabad

Lonavala is the most dependable getaway for Mumbaikars due to its easy accessibility from the metropolis. The amazing weather, sight seeing opportunities, adventure activities, and the mouth-watering chikki makes Lonavala one of the most sought after hill stations situated near Hyderabad. Cuddled in the Ghats, the Sahyadri ranges here hold a treasure trove of sights to catch.

Attractions:

Karla and Bhaja Caves situated in the hills of Lonavala are one of the earliest Buddhist rock-cut temples in India and offer a mystical ambience that adds to their charm. Duke’s Nose peak is a popular spot for breath-taking views of hills and valleys of the Sahyadri ranges. Other sights include Walwan Dam, Ekvira Devi Temple, Lohagad, and Visapur Fort.

Activities:

Trekking, sight seeing, temple visit

Distance from Hyderabad: 623km

Best time to visit: October - May

Araku Valley in Vishakapatnam is one of the most picturesque hill stations near Hyderabad that is popular for its rich bio diversity. This absolutely pleasurable getaway begins with an interesting and pictorial drive through dense forests, coffee plantations and more. Araku Valley is also home to several indigenous tribes.

Attractions:

The panoramic views of the Araku Valley are best enjoyed with trails passing through endless stretches of coffee plantations. Borra Caves located 29 kms away are an intriguing set of pre-historic caves situated in the Anantgiri Hills. Other places to visit include Bheemunipatnam Beach, Rama Krishna Beach and Lawson’s Bay and Rishikonda Beach which are some of the finest beaches on the East Coast of India.

Activities:

Trekking, sight seeing

Distance from Hyderabad: 666km

Best time to visit: June - February

An ideal hill station to break away from the clutter of city life, Yelagiri Hills situated in Tami Nadu is surrounded by four hills filled with luscious green forests, pleasant weather, and fascinating sightseeing view-points. These hills are also home to many indigenous tribes living in 14 villages.

Attractions:

Punganur Lake, an artificial lake of 56 sq.m is perfect for boating to collate an enchanting experience in the hills. An artificial fountain is also present in the center of the lake. Children's’ Park, adjacent to the lake is a 6-acre area designed keeping in mind the young visitors of Yelagiri.

Activities:

Sightseeing, boating

Distance from Hyderabad: 677km

Best time to visit: November - February

Accommodation: Amazing resorts of Yelagiri

Chikmagalur literally meaning ‘The Younger Daughter’s Town’ is located in the Baba Budan Giri Hills – birth land of coffee in India in south west Karnataka. One of the most beautiful hill stations near Hyderabad, Chikmagalur is full of scenic surprises, mist-clad mountains, valleys, and crisp mountain air filled with the aroma of coffee.

Attractions:

Chikmagalur houses Baba Budangiri (1,895m), one of the highest peaks in Karnataka, as well as other priceless gems of nature such as Hebbe Falls (550ft), Z Point, Kalathgiri Falls and Baba Budangiri, a religious hot seat for both Hindus and Muslims. Kemmanagundi, Sringeri, Kudremukh, and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary are other local attractions.

Activities:

Trekking, wildlife safari, sightseeing

Distance from Hyderabad: 679km

Best time to visit: September - May

Some of the Popular Activities in Chikmagalur:

1) Kudremukh Trek

2) Narasimha Parvatha Trek

3) Kemmanagundi Trekking

Yercaud is a quiet hill town situated in the Shevaroy Hills in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. One of the best hill stations around Hyderabad, Yercaud is an enchanting and picture-perfect getaway to unwind amidst nature.

Attractions:

Yercaud Lake has a dynamic presence made of well-wooded trees and a soothing pool of placid waters. Lady’s Seat is a must-visit at dusk to catch a glimpse of lights coming over Salem town below. A telescope mounted atop here gives a panoramic view of the hills. Pagoda Point is yet another attraction.

Activities:

Trekking, boating, sight seeing

Distance from Hyderabad: 797km

Best time to visit: October - June

Accommodation: Resorts in Yercaud

India’s very own Scotland, Coorg is a haven of natural splendour attracting people from afar. Undoubtedly one of the must-visit hill stations near Hyderabad, Coorg has mountains caressing clouds, reams of coffee plantations, spice estates and countless adventurous opportunities.

Attractions:

The misty Madikeri town and the Raja’s Seat are some of the favoured tourist attractions here. Talacauveri or the birth place of River Cauvery makes an exciting trek. Bylakuppe, India’s second largest Tibetan Settlement colony is an enchanting world of Buddhist monks, monasteries, and gives a peek into the Tibetan lifestyle. Nagarhole National Park is known for its jungle safari where you can get an experience of life amidst wild denizens. 

Activities:

Sight seeing, jungle safari, trekking, white water rafting, nature trails etc.

Distance from Hyderabad: 835km

Accommodations: Best homestays in Coorg

Best time to visit: October - April

Some of the Popular Activities in Coorg:

1) Night Mountain Drive in Coorg

2) Barapole River Rafting

3) Trekking and Camping in Madikeri

4) Off Road Jeep Drive To Nishani Hills

Ooty the ‘queen of hill stations’ located in the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu is a close example of a typical British countryside. With its winding roads, British-styled bungalows, tea estates, and mountainous weather to die for, Ooty makes for a much-celebrated break from city life.

Attractions:

Doddabetta (2,633m), the highest peak in the Nilgiris is a 7km drive from Ooty’s city centre. The Botanical Gardens is an expanse of green that has an extensive collection of flowers and trees. The garden also has a tree-trunk believed to be 20 million years old. Tribal Research Museum, St. Stephens Church, Thread Garden, Nilgiris Library are other places to check out.

Activities:

Sight seeing, trekking, boating

Distance from Hyderabad: 842km

Best time to visit: October - June

Accommodation: Ooty Resorts and Homestays in Ooty

Wayanad is one of the most picture-perfect hill stations near Hyderabad. One of the finest regions fostering sustainable and responsible tourism in India, Wayanad a rich bio-diverse region in the Western Ghats has unscathed, pristine natural beauty. Tucked away by lofty hills, Wayanad is home to some of India’s oldest tribes.

Attractions:

Chembara Peak (2,100m) is one of the highest peaks in Kerala. For an avid trekker, a climb here is a test of prowess resulting in an exhilarating experience. Meenmutty Waterfalls is one of the largest three-tier waterfalls in the region. Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, and Kuruvadweep are some of the other places to look out for.

Activities:

Trekking, sight seeing, hiking

Distance from Hyderabad: 847km

Best time to visit: October - May

Accommodations: Homestays in Wayanad

Offbeat Stays in Wayanad :

1) Stay Experience In A Bamboo House In Wayanad
2) Wayanad Tree House Stay Experience
3) Wayanad Tea Plantation Stay Experience