Tamil Nadu is famous for having the most beautiful hill stations of the country. Ooty, described, as 'The Queen of Hill Stations' is located in Tamilnadu. Not far away are two smaller and quieter hill resorts Coonoor and Kotagiri - in the same range. Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Palani hills is also a popular hill station, which mesmerises any visitor. Yercaud also called as "Ooty of the Poor " is known for Coffee plantations and Orange groves and is comparatively more peaceful and cheaper than the major southern resorts of Ooty and Kodaikanal.

Nilgiri means "Blue Mountains". The entire area of the Blue Mountains constitutes the present district of Nilgiri. The height of the hills in the Blue Mountain range varies between 2,280 and 2,290 metres, the highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2,623 metres.

Nilgiris derives its charm from its natural setting. The steep hills and fantastically narrow valleys with numerous rivers and rivulets running in all directions with a few fine waterfalls here and there provide beautiful scenery. The temperate and most equable climate further heightens the attractiveness of the place. The major tea growing areas in the South are the Nilgiris and these tea gardens are beautiful to watch.

Yercaud is a lesser-known hill station when compared to Ooty and Kodaikanal. Yercaud is situated at an altitude of 1,500 metres (4,920 feet), on the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern Ghats. The lofty hills are of extraordinary scenic beauty endowed with a salubrious climate. Although close (33-km) to the bustling industrial town of Salem, Yercaud has a spirited charm of its own.

This quiet little hill station on the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern ghats is the only one of its kind in northern Tamil Nadu. While the rest of this region is generally dry, including the predominantly short and rocky hills of the Eastern ghats, Yercaud presents a welcome contrast with its cool climate
where temperature never rises above 30ºC and dip below 13ºC . It is also a less expensive place than either Udhagamandalam or Kodaikkanal

Coffee and citrus fruits, most notably oranges, are grown in abundance apart from bananas, pears and jack. Scenically, Yercaud is as enchanting and picturesque as the hill stations on the Western ghats and trekking here can be one of the most pleasurable ways to pass time.

Spread over 958 sq kms, this sanctuary can be reached from Top Slip in the Anamalai Hills in the Western Ghats. An ecological Paradise, this sanctuary is a National Park with an area covering 108 sq kms. About 800 species out of 2000 South Indian flora and faunaare distributed here.

This sanctuary nurtures arboreal animals like the Lion-tailed macaque, Bonnet macaque, Common langur, Nilgiris langur, Malabar giant squirrel and Grizzled giant squirrel. The ground animals that can be found here are the Tiger, Panther, Elephant, Gaur, Pangolin, Sambhar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Wild boar, Sloth Bear, Porcupine, Nilgiris Tahr, and Civet Cat. The Avifauna includes the Racquet Tailed Drongo, Black Headed Oriole, Paradise Fly-catcher, Whistling Thrush, Emerald Dove, Green Pigeon, Tickell's Flower Pecker, Rufus Wood Pecker, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Black Eagle, Great Indian, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and the Fairy Bluebird.

The Mukkurthi National Park is located in the high altitudes of the Nilgiris, and is made up of rolling downs interspersed with sholas and woodland. This park is also a part of Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve and is situated 40 kms from Udhagamandalam. It contains a population on Nilgiris Tahr (Hamitragus-hilocrius), Sambhar, Barking deer, Nilgiris Marten, River Otter, Jungle cat, Jackal and many other species of fauna.

The avifauna consists of varieties of birds found in the hills. They are the laughing and whistling thrushes, woodcock, wild pigeon and black eagle. Butterflies with Himalayan affinity like the Blue Admiral, Indian Red Admiral, can also be seen. Trekking routes exist from the Parson valley, Pykara valley etc. Trout fishing is recommended in the rivers and lakes of the Mukkurthi. Permission from Asst. Director, Fisheries Department, Udhagai, must be obtained in advance for fishing

Here is a story Lieutenant Ward, an Englishman, who climbed up from the Kunnavan village of Vellagavi to Kodaikanal in 1821 to survey the area on the hilly ranges of Palani. In 1834, the Madurai collector climbed the hill from Devadanapatti and built a small bungalow at the head of Adukkam pass near Shenbaganur. In 1836, Dr.Wite visited Kodaikanal and recorded his observations, and these were very useful to botanists later. In 1845, American Missionaries built the first two bungalows “Sunnyside” and “Shelton”. Later, six American families came up the hill and stayed for the first time in Kodaikanal. Following this, the British also built houses here. The hill station Kodaikanal was created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India. The 20th century saw elite Indians enteri Kodaikanal to enjoy its charm and beauty and to harness its natural wealth for development.

Stages of development In 1875, the Indian railways extended its line from Chennai to Tirunelveli and a station was created at Ammaianayakkanur and this was later renamed Kodai Road, to provide a gateway to Kodaikanal. Tourists started their journey at Ammaianayakkanur Railway station upto Krishnamma Nayak Thope. This trek was undertaken to Kodaikanal, 18 kms distance away using horses and palanquins, with coolies for assistance. Today, the charm of Kodaikanal lies in its wooded slopes and gigantic trees. The mighty rocks, bowers, creeks and slopes captivate the visitors. The meadows, the long stretches of forests, beautiful spots and the flocks of sheep grazing on green pastures are a source of joy, delight and thrill to onlookers. The climb to the various jutting rocks at Kodai is rewarding. The arduous climb to the Pillar rocks, to a height of 400 ft, is a must for every visitor to this hill resort.