With the first drop of rain, the hills of South India are covered in greenery, waterfalls start flowing and the weather becomes cool and pleasant. If you are looking for a beautiful and relaxing holiday at a low cost, then these hill stations are perfect for you. These places are not only beautiful, but the accommodation and food here is also cheap. Whether you are going alone, with friends or with family – there is something special for everyone here. Be it the tea hills of Munnar or the greenery of Coorg – every place looks even more beautiful during the monsoon. So pack your umbrella, pack your bags and let’s go on a trip to these 5 budget-friendly hill stations, where you can enjoy peace and natural beauty even on less money.
1. Yercaud, Tamilnadu
Yercaud is one of the peaceful hill stations of Tamil Nadu, surrounded by beautiful lakes, coffee plantations and greenery. The place looks even more beautiful during monsoon when mist and greenery are spread all around. Boating in Yercaud Lake, viewing the valleys from the Lady’s Seat View Point and visiting the Botanical Garden are the major attractions here. Being just a few hours away from Chennai or Bangalore, it is an affordable and accessible hill station. It is a calm and refreshing place to visit in monsoon.
2. Agumbe, Karnataka
Agumbe, also known as the “Cherrapunji of the South”, is a small and quiet hill station in Karnataka. It is nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats and is filled with greenery during the rainy season. The main beauty here is its rain, mist-covered hills and beautiful waterfalls like Berkana and Onake Abbi. This place is also known for rare creatures like the King Cobra. The view here during monsoons seems like a magical world. Agumbe offers cheap homestays and food, making it perfect for those traveling on a budget.
3. Kudremukh, Karnataka
Kudremukh, located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is a serene and green hill station. During monsoon, this place is covered with clouds and the sound of waterfalls soothes the heart. The trekking trails here, especially the Kudremukh Peak Trek, give a wonderful experience to adventure lovers. You get to see rich wildlife and dense forests in Kudremukh National Park. This place is perfect for a budget trip away from the crowd. The greenery and cool breeze here during monsoon make your trip memorable.
4. Ponmudi, Kerala
Ponmudi is a beautiful and serene hill station nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats of Kerala. It is just 60 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The greenery, waterfalls (like Meenmutty), and hills covered with light fog look extremely beautiful during the monsoon season. This place is perfect for budget travelers, where cheap hotels, tea plantations and easy trekking trails are available. For those who prefer less crowd and peace, this is a great place to visit in monsoon. For nature lovers, Ponmudi gives a relaxing experience.
5. Araku Valley, Andhra Pardesh
Araku Valley is a beautiful and affordable hill station in Andhra Pradesh, which becomes even greener during the monsoon. The valleys, coffee plantations and waterfalls here give a calm and romantic experience. The beauty of the mountains amidst the clouds during the monsoon season is amazing. Borra Caves, Tribal Museum and Padmapuram Garden are the major attractions here. This place is ideal for honeymoon couples and nature lovers. The train journey from Vizag to Araku Valley is also very beautiful, which makes this trip more special.
