6 hill stations near Wayanad for a surprise September escape

Planning a trip to South India is always a task. It’s just not easy to pick a spot that easily, considering almost all the places has something special to offer. Likewise, Wayanad, tucked away in the Western Ghats of Kerala, also makes for a dreamy escape, which has spice plantations, misty valleys, and lush green landscapes on offer. But what makes it even more exciting is that the district is also surrounded by several charming hill stations, each with its own personality and charm. This is for all those planning a trip to Wayanad and have a few extra days on hand to explore more. Here are six nearby hill stations that are worth exploring.

Fondly called the Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty has been a long time favourite for all kinds of travellers to South India. And since it’s situated around 110 km from Wayanad, adding this destination to the Wayanad itinerary won’t cost much. Wrapped in tea gardens, eucalyptus trees, and winding mountain roads, the prominent highlight of Ooty is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage toy train that takes passengers through scenic valleys and tunnels. Apart from this, Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, and Dodabetta Peak make the travel itinerary much sought-after.

Coorg (or Kodagu) is a paradise for coffee lovers, and every coffee lover should visit this place at least once. Situated around 120 km from Wayanad, this destination is popularly called the Scotland of India. Its endless coffee estates, misty mornings, and cascading waterfalls like Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls make it one of the favourite tourist destinations in the South. Trekking enthusiasts will find trails leading to peaks like Tadiandamol and Pushpagiri, while culture buffs can explore the Tibetan Monastery at Bylakuppe.

A quieter alternative to Ooty, Coonoor is another popular destination situated around 130 km away from Wayanad, which offers a more peaceful hill station vibe and experience. Rolling tea estates, colonial-era bungalows, and viewpoints like Dolphin’s Nose make this town irresistible to travellers who prefer calm over crowds. Try to include tea factory tours on your travel itinerary, where you can sip freshly brewed Nilgiri tea while watching the leaf-to-cup process.

If you’re in the mood for an offbeat hill station, Kotagiri is just the place. Situated 145 km away from Wayanad, this lesser-known gem in the Nilgiris is all about serenity. It’s one of the oldest hill stations in the region but often overlooked in favor of Ooty or Coonoor. Kotagiri offers delightful trekking trails through tea plantations and forests, with the Catherine Falls trek being the most popular. With fewer tourists around, it’s a great spot for those who crave quiet landscapes and unhurried travel.

Located around 150 km from Wayanad, Agumbe is often called the “Cherrapunji of the South,” thanks to its heavy monsoons and lush greenery. It’s a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with its dense rainforests, waterfalls like Barkana and Jogigundi, and breathtaking sunsets from the Agumbe viewpoint. Wildlife enthusiasts may recognize Agumbe as the home of the King Cobra, while nostalgic travelers know it as the filming location of Malgudi Days. Either way, it’s a hill station that feels wild and magical.

About 200 km from Wayanad lies Valparai, a hidden beauty in the Anamalai Hills. Less commercialized than most hill stations, Valparai is a mix of tea estates, pristine forests, and wildlife sightings. Elephants, leopards, and the endangered lion-tailed macaque call this region home. The Sholayar Dam and Aliyar Dam nearby add scenic charm, making it ideal for travelers who want a bit of relaxation and exploring the wild in the same trip.