Pondicherry is one of the most famous places among travelers. Pondicherry is mainly known for its beaches, architecture, historical sites, foggy peaks, and for peace.
But did you know that there are some amazing hill stations near Pondicherry where people come to watch and enjoy scenic valleys, lush green forests, lakes, tea gardens, and many activities?
According to the report of Curlytales, 30% more Indians are looking forward to traveling in the monsoon season; that’s why Pondicherry is also the favorite destination for rain or nature lovers.
Continue reading this blog post to learn in-depth about the hidden places near Pondicherry that are less explored and full of panoramic views, waterfalls, etc.
1. Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu
Yelagiri is a quiet, peaceful hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. It is a great place for trekking and adventure sports like rock climbing and ziplining.
It is a tiny hill station, so there are a few things to do here. Boating is also available in Yelagiri. There are also some restaurants where you can eat food and snacks.
It is also known as the honey producer of Tamil Nadu, India. You can get fresh homemade honey here, or you can buy honey and take it home.
- Best time to visit – November to February
- Things to do – Boating, Ziplining, Trekking, and Climbing
- Yelagiri distance from Pondicherry – 238km
2. Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Chennai is the busiest city in Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its culture, drama, art, music, and more. There are many Hindu Temples, museums, and churches in Chennai.
Chennai is one of the biggest education centers in South India. It has many top IT colleges and businesses. You can explore places like Cavelong, Besant Nagar, and beaches here.
One bad thing about Chennai is the large population. If you want to go somewhere where you can relax and spend time with yourself, there are better options than Chennai.
But if you want to explore South India and know more about South Indian people, this place is a perfect fit.
- Best time to visit – October to February
- Things to do – Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, KaliKambal Temple, Churches
- Chennai distance from Pondicherry – 150km
3. Ooty, Tamil Nadu, Among The Best Hill Stations Near Pondicherry
Ooty is one of the most beautiful places in Tamil Nadu and India. It is mainly famous for its tea plantation. In Ooty, all tea flavors like masala, jasmine, rose, cardamom, etc.
Along with tea, Ooty is famous for its homemade chocolate manufacturing. You can explore many places, such as waterfalls, lakes, forests, and tea gardens.
You can do a few activities here, like a train ride, exploring nature, and visiting waterfalls. It is also among the must-visit hill stations near Pondicherry. You can enjoy South Indian food like Idli, Dosa, sambhar, Vada Pav, etc.
- Best time to visit – March to June
- Things to do – tea gardens, homemade chocolates, train rides, waterfalls, lakes, forests, and South Indian Food.
- Ooty distance from Pondicherry – 427km
4. Munnar, Kerala
Like Ooty, Munnar is a hill station known for its tea plantations. It is also famous for its waterfalls, including Lakkam, Naimakkadu, and Atukkad.
Munnar is also famous for its beautiful climate, weather, flowers, and cherry blossoms. It is the best place for relaxing and spending time with yourself.
You can visit famous locations like Kalari Kshetra, Rajamalai National Park, Aanamudi Peak, etc. You can also go trekking here like in other hilly areas.
- Best time to visit – October to February
- Things to Do – Explore tea gardens, Go to waterfalls, Go for trekking, Relax
- Munnar distance from Pondicherry – 453km
5. Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu, Among The Best Hidden Places in Pondicherry
Kolli is famous for its beauty and peaceful environment. Some major tourist attractions in Kolli Hills include a Botanical Garden, a Boat House, Temples, Farms, and Waterfalls.
It is a tiny city to visit, so this is the best location to plan a one-day trip. There are also many medicinal plants here that are used for Ayurvedic treatment.
The people of Kolli Hills are very hard-working and kind. The population is tiny, so you hardly see a group of people here. It is a tranquil and beautiful hill.
- Best time to visit – December
- Things to do – Explore the Botanical Garden, Go to farms, boat houses, waterfalls, and temples
- Kolli Hills distance from Pondicherry – 250km
6. Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is mainly famous for its old temples and culture. There are many temples, especially those dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
People mainly visit The Shore Temple, built a decade ago, one of the oldest temples in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
Mahabalipuram people have great faith in Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu; that’s why these are the most worshipped gods in Mahabalipuram. All the temples here are Hindu Temples.
It is also one of the must-visit places in Tamil Nadu. Here, you will learn many things about old Hindu culture and history. It is also known as one of the best places to travel solo.
- Best time to visit – October to February
- Things to do – Go to The Shore Temple, learn about Hindu culture, explore untouched places
- Mahabalipuram distance from Pondicherry – 95km
7. Vellore, Tamil Nadu
Vellore is also known as the old city of India. It is one of the best places to stay because of its tiny population. It is also the hottest place in Tamil Nadu.
Vellore lacks shopping malls, restaurants, markets, and entertainment venues like Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, etc.; that’s why it is called the old city of India.
You can explore many places, such as Vellore Fort, Virinjipuram Temple, and Sripuram Golden Temple, and learn a lot about Indian history.
Vellore is among the best cities to visit with your children and friends. You will learn a lot about history and general knowledge here.
- Best time to visit – November to February
- Things to do – Explore Temples, Learn about Indian history, and take long walks
- Vellore distance from Pondicherry – 156km
8. Yercaud
Yercaud hill station is famous for its gardens and flowers. Kurinji flowers are the most popular plant species in Yeracaud because they bloom once in twelve years.
Yeracaud is full of gardens and varieties of flowers. You can also visit some places other than gardens, like Pagoda Point, Big Lake, Shevaroy Temple, Karradiyur View Point, etc.
It is a great place to visit with friends near Bangalore and Pondicherry. You can enjoy this place a lot if you come here with your friends and family; that’s why it is considered among the best hill stations near Pondicherry.
It would be best to visit here in the summer because it is the best season to view the true beauty of Yercaud gardens and flowers.
- Best time to visit – March to June
- Things to do – Explore gardens and flowers, Go to Temples, Visit Lakes and enjoy the climate
- Yercaud distance from Pondicherry – 234km
9. Kota Giri
Like other South Indian places, Kota Giri is the quietest and most peaceful hill station in Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its adventure activities, such as trekking, rock climbing, and bungee jumping.
Kota Giri is more peaceful than Vellore and Ooty. Never-ending forests and tea gardens surround it. Coorg and Ooty are also located near Kota Giri; you can also go there.
You can explore Kota Giri locations like Catherine Falls, Longwood Shola, waterfalls, Rangaswamy Peak and Pillar, and Kodanad View Point.
Kota Giri is definitely on your bucket list if you travel to South India or want to find hidden places in Pondicherry.
- Best time to visit – December to April
- Things to do – trekking, hiking, bungee jumping, sunset view
- Kota Giri’s distance from Pondicherry – 408km
10. Vagamon, One Of The Best Tourist Places Near Pondicherry
Vagamon is the best destination for nature lovers. It is famous for its natural beauty, waterfalls, and picnic spots. Most people come here to picnic with their family and friends.
Palaruvi is one of the most famous waterfalls in Vagamon. It is the perfect place for photographers and nature lovers, and it is a mind-refreshing place all over Kerala.
You can explore places like Barren Hills, Thangal Hills, Vagamon Kurisumala, Vagamon Pine Forest, etc. It is one of the must-see tourist places in South India.
If you are an adventurer, this place is also best for you. You can do activities here like paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, etc.
- Best time to visit – November to February
- Things to do – paragliding, rock climbing, trekking
- Vagamon distance from Pondicherry – 482km
11. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
It is one of the most amazing hill stations near Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu. It is famous for the production of Nilgiri Tea. It is the second-largest hill station in Tamil Nadu.
Tea production is happening in Coonoor; you can also explore exciting places like Hidden Valley, Tea Factory, Catherine Falls, Lamb’s Rock, Sims’ Park, etc.
The exciting fact about Coonoor is that all religious people here are Sikhs, Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, etc.
The people of Coonoor believe that there is no difference between religious people, which is why Coonoor is a unique place for everyone.
- Best time to visit – December to February
- Things to do – Explore places like Tea Factory, Lamb’s Rock, Hidden Valley, Catherine Falls
- Coonoor distance from Pondicherry – 411km
12. Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a famous hill station surrounded by forests, which is why it is also known as” The Gift of the Forest.”
It is also a historical place in Tamil Nadu. The problem for tourists and travelers is that most Tamil Nadu people only speak and understand the Tamil language.
You can visit many places, such as Bryant Park, Guna Cave, Moir Point, Silver Cascade Falls, Bear Shola Falls, Pillar Rocks, and Thalaiyar Falls.
It is a place for peace lovers who want to spend time alone. People come here for peace, relaxation, long walks, and excellent viewpoints.
- Best time to visit – March to July
- Things to do – Coakers Walk, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Dolphin’s Nose, Silver Cascade Falls
- Kodaikanal distance from Pondicherry – 398km
13. Thekkady, Kerala
Thekkady is famous for its wildlife sanctuaries. A never-ending lake and forests surround it, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Some of the top attractions in Thekkady are Gavi Forest, Elephant Junction, Periyar Lake, Mudra Culture Centre, and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Thekkady also offers many activities, such as boating, hiking, bullock carting, nature walks, tribal walks, and jeep safaris.
- Best time to visit – November to January
- Things to do – hiking, trekking, boating, elephant ride, bullock cart, jeep safari
- Thekkady distance from Pondicherry – 443km
14. Javadhu Hills, Tamil Nadu
Javadhu Hills, also known as the (Javadhi Hills), is mainly popular among tourists for its never-ending views, valleys, panoramic sunset views, and for activities like hiking, camping, and trekking.
The people of Javadi Hills grow a variety of trees and fruits, such as jackfruit, guava, mango, and lemon. Javadi Hills is also known for its medicinal plants and sandalwood trees.
Kavalur Observatory, Beemanmadavu Waterfall, Komutteri Lake, and Amrithi Forest are some must-visit places in Javadi Hills, Tamil Nadu.
Javadi Hills is an excellent spot for people who don’t like bustling crowds. It is a lesser-known place, which is why it is the most recommended spot for everyone.
- Best time to visit – October to February
- Things to do – trekking, camping, sight-seeing, photography, and picnic
- Javadhu Hills distance from Pondicherry – 173km
15. Palani Hills, Tamil Nadu
Palani Hill is also known as (Palni Hills), which is mainly known for its Wildlife Sanctuary and National Par. It is also home to the main temple of Murugun, a God who is worshipped by the Tamil Nadu people.
People mainly visit Palani Hills to visit the National Park. Apart from that, Palani Hills is also home to many mammals and flower species, and people can also observe flora and fauna here.
There are more than 25 waterfalls in Palani Hills, like Bamen Falls, Fairy Falls, Gundar Falls, Glen Falls, Bear Shola Falls, etc, which makes this place among the best tourist places near Pondicherry.
People can enjoy many activities at Palani Hills, such as trekking, camping, sightseeing, birdwatching, and picnicking.
- Best time to visit – October to March
- Things to do – trekking, camping, and wildlife watching.
- Palani Hills distance from Pondicherry – 400km
Conclusion on the best hill stations near Pondicherry
It’s all about the nearby hill stations in Pondicherry. All the above-mentioned places are fantastic destinations for everybody looking to relax, adventure, spend time alone, or spend time with family or loved ones.
There are thousands of hill stations near Pondicherry. Still, above, I will only mention the best tourist places near Pondicherry that are worth your time and money..
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bag, call your loved ones, book tickets, and go wander any of the hill stations near Pondicherry that were mentioned above. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments.
Thank You.
Frequently asked queries regarding what to do near Pondicherry?
Below are the answers to the most asked queries on the internet by people regarding tourist places near Pondicherry.
Q1. What are the best hill stations near Pondicherry within 200 km?
1. Javadhu Hills
2. Vellore
3. Yercaud
Q2. What are the best tourist places near Pondicherry within 300 km?
1. Mahabalipuram
2. Chennai
3. Yelagiri
Q3. Which is the nearest hill station from Pondicherry?
Yercaud is the nearest hill station from Pondicherry.
