Visit these less-explored hill stations for a relaxing holiday this summer

Also known as Pachais, Pachamalai Hills is a hill range in the Eastern Ghats nearby Tiruchy. The vegetation is richer than most of the hill stations. Many policies are being made to build Pachais as a proper tourist destination. River Kallar and River Sweata flow through this area. There are many waterfalls present here too. Some of them are Mayil Uthu Falls, Koraiyar Falls and Mangalam Aruvi falls. All these falls can be visited for picnics. This is an ideal place for adventure sports like trekking. 

Situated at a height of 1,800 m, it is one of the most popular hill stations in the Nilgiri area and is one of the top places to visit in Ooty. The famous Kodanad View Point is nearby and can be easily accessed from Kotagiri. Surrounded by tea estates and beautiful green landscapes, Kotagiri offers plenty of opportunities for trekking and rock climbing. The trekking trails in this region go through picturesque tea-estates and lush greenery, meadows and rivers and many other plant species.

Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai is a range of hills located in central Tamil Nadu and spread over the Namakkal district. Kolli Hills are a relatively tall range with an average height of about 1,370 m. The Kolli Hills have 70 hairpin bends to reach the top of the hills from Namakkal side. The mountains are relatively untouched by commercial tourism and still retain their natural beauty. Trekking at Kolli Hills is a popular activity. Trekking to Agaya Gangai Waterfalls is a wonderful experience. There are two viewpoints — one at Seekuparai and another at Selur Nadu. There is a pineapple research farm maintained by the Government of Tamil Nadu at Seekuparai Viewpoint. Kolli Hills are covered with evergreen forests, and tea, coffee, pineapple, black pepper and jackfruit plantation. 

Sirumalai is a dense forest area and has a moderate weather throughout the year. It is located at a height of about 1,600 m above the sea level. Many unique flora and fauna can be spotted here. There are a total of 18 narrow turns and on the last turn you can see a peaceful church and a panoramic view of Dindigul. Sirumalai Hills has several scenic natural attractions which are enjoyed by its visitors, making it a popular destination . Sirumalai has significance in Hindu mythology too. It is believed that while Lord Hanuman was carrying the Sanjeevani Mountain, a piece of it fell in this area and Sirumalai was formed.

Located in the Annamalai Hill Range of Tamil Nadu, Valparai is surrounded by green hills and forests from all sides. This place has a number of tea and coffee estates surrounded by thick forest. The climate of Valparai is most suitable for tea, coffee, cardamom and cinchona trees. There are around 40 steep, hairpin bends to reach Valparai from the plains of Pollachi. The region is also a elephant tract and is known to have many leopards. The Valparai range is also the habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Tourists can also make a visit to the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the most prominent attractions of Valparai.