Home to some of India’s oldest coffee plantations, Chikmagalur is often compared to Tuscany for its scenic drives, plantation stays, and sunrise viewpoints. It’s perfect for those who want a blend of European serenity and South Indian culture.
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Known as the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg lives up to the title. Rolling hills, misty coffee estates, and charming homestays tucked amidst the plantations give this hill town a countryside European touch. Don’t miss the traditional Coorgi cuisine and quaint walking trails.
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With its cool climate, coffee plantations, and tribal art, Araku Valley brings to mind parts of Eastern Europe. The lush greenery and railway route to Araku — complete with tunnels and bridges — are experiences in themselves.
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Blanketed in tea gardens and shrouded in mist, Munnar’s scenery resembles Scotland’s highlands. The rolling hills, gabled cottages, and British-era churches make it a go-to for travellers seeking a European escape with South Indian flavours.
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Though not a typical hill station, Wayanad’s forests, waterfalls, and high-altitude spice plantations give it a fairy-tale feel. Visit in the monsoon or early winter, and the misty hills and cool breeze will transport you straight to a sleepy European village.
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Just 30 minutes from Coonoor, Kotagiri is the oldest hill station in the Nilgiris. Its undulating hills, tea estates, and chill climate offer a slice of serenity that feels more like the Lake District in England than Tamil Nadu.
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Often overlooked, Yercaud is perched in the Shevaroy Hills and has a laid-back charm similar to small towns in Italy or France. The ornamental gardens, lake views, and colonial buildings lend it an old-world vibe, perfect for a slow and scenic vacation.
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Valparai is an untouched gem, nestled in the Anamalai Hills. Its winding roads, lush greenery, and wildlife sightings (including elephants and lion-tailed macaques) make it feel like a hidden European forest town, especially during monsoons when it’s all mist and magic.
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Blanketed in tea gardens and shrouded in mist, Munnar’s scenery resembles Scotland’s highlands. The rolling hills, gabled cottages, and British-era churches make it a go-to for travellers seeking a European escape with South Indian flavours.
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Often likened to the English countryside, Coonoor is a quieter alternative to Ooty. Think colonial bungalows, eucalyptus trees, and rolling tea estates. The weather stays cool year-round, and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway adds a whimsical European touch to it
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Dubbed the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, Kodaikanal has pine forests, scenic lakes, and cliffside views that are like Swiss landscapes. The Coaker’s Walk offers panoramic views that feel like they belong somewhere in the Alps, while the architecture retains a Victorian flair.
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