The term “hill station” is a peculiarly Indian term, it seems. I, as an American, was completely unfamiliar with it until I started learning more about India and its legacy of British rule.

Commonly in India (and some other parts of Asia), a hill station is a town that is found at a high elevation, generally anywhere from 3,500 to 7,500 feet. As you would expect, they enjoy a cooler climate than towns and cities of the Indian plain. Many of these downs were deliberately established, by the British, as refuges from the Indian heat.

The most famous hill station certainly is Darjeeling in one of the far north regions of India. The center of a major tea growing industry, it is the hill station most likely to be visited by tourists from outside the country.

There are as many as 80 hill stations in India, though, and all of them are worth seeking out if you enjoy small towns and hamlets that nevertheless have developed tourist accommodations and services. Since some of the hill stations once served as summer capitals of Indian provinces, you will often find old hotels and other buildings that are redolent of the days of the British Raj, the towns themselves having a distinct colonial air about them.

Hill Stations in South India
By Lakshmi Menon

South India is blessed with some of the best Hill Stations in the world. Tourists from other parts of the country as well as abroad come to enjoy the splendid beauty of these hill stations and make a memorable vacation.

Munnar - Situated in Idukki District of Kerala, a southern State of India, provides a perfect atmosphere for a peaceful vacation. The cooler climate with the mountain streams, valleys, vast tea plantation and the mesmerizing scenic beauty of this hill station attract many tourists to this place to spend a wonderful holiday. It is situated 1600 m above the sea level, encircled by wooded hills of the Annamalai Ranges, with the towering bulk of Anamudi peak. Three rivers (Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala) meet in the center of the town. Munnar is called the “Switzerland of India”. There are many other attractions also in Munnar like Bird Sanctuary, Eravikulam- Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Devikulam.

Medikeri in Coorg - Situated in Karnataka, another southern State of India, this enchanting place is referred as the “Scotland of India” because of its misty hills, lush forest, acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views, clubbed with the cool climate. Coorg is also called Kodagu. Coorg lies at an altitude of 1,525 m on the Western Ghats of Karnataka, covering an area of 4,102 sq. kilometer. A visitor to Coorg can enjoy its captivating natural beauty, great cuisine and aromas of the coffee plantations, oranges and honey, apart from enjoying other attractions there.

Ooty (Udhagamandalam) - Nestled among the picturesque Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, another southern state of India, at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, Ooty is called as the the “Queen of Hill Stations”. Ooty, the short name of Ootacamund, is also the capital of Nilgiris District and a much-visited Hill Station in South India. It attracts tourists on all seasons. Ooty makes a perfect vacation destination because of the beautiful green hills, the cascading waterfalls and sparkling brooks, apart from the other attractions such as lakes, Madhumalai wildlife sanctuary, Botanical gardens, etc. The lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens make the tourists to make their vacation a memorable one.

Kodaikanal- is located amidst sylvan beauty on the southern tip of the Palani Hills, 120 km northwest of Madurai, in Tamil Nadu, another southern State of India. It lies at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-kilometer. It is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. This charming hill station is also known as the “Princess of Hill Stations”. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. With its rocks, woods, lovely lakes, and pleasant climate throughout the year, Kodaikanal is an ideal hill resort for the tourists. Some of the attractions of Kodaikanal are the star shaped Kodai Lake, Berijam Lake, Telescope House, Bryant Park and the Museum.

Horsley Hills - is located on the southwest border of Andhra Pradesh, another southern State of India. The hills abound with rich flora and fauna. This great summer resort is at an altitude of 1265 m from the sea level, with dense growth of Eucalyptus, Jacaranda, Allamanda, Gulmohar and many other species. The cool and bracing climate make this place one of the most favorite hill stations.

Rishi Valley School, the Mallamma Temple and Kaundinya wild life sanctuary are great tourist attractions here.

Lakshmi Menon writes articles on various topics, including South India tourism. Please visit http://www.enchanting-south-india-vacations.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lakshmi_Menon
http://EzineArticles.com/?Hill-Stations-in-South-India&id=1003661

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