Just as there?s more to Himalayan hill towns than Shimla, Mussoorie and Nainital, there?s more to southern hill beauties than Ooty. Looking beyond, we zero in on four hideaways in the four southern states: accessible, but not tourist traps. Head for them before commercialisation claims them.

Coorg, Karnataka

nThe Kodagu or Coorg district is perhaps one of the most beautiful regions in India. Covered with forests, Coorg is a magical land enveloped in gentle mists and redolent of the smells of coffee and oranges.

Home to the Coorgs with their unique and distinct cuisine, culture and dress, most of this hilly country is between 3,000ft and 4,000ft above sea level. Coorg is cool throughout the year and there are several places to visit. You could stay at one of these places ? the Dubare Elephant Training Camp within the Dubare Reserve Forest, Kabini, Siddapur, Madikeri, Kakkabe and the Nagarhole National Park ? and visit the others.

While Kabini is the original pachyderm land around the lake in the forest area, Siddapur is coffee country. There are home-stay options in and near Siddapur, with plantations like Ammathi and Pollibetta with home-stay inns. Orange County is a popular and lavish resort.

Madikeri?s USPs are the fort built by Tipu Sultan, its natural stone view-point, Raja?s Seat and waterfalls such as Abbi. The town is also a starting point for a trek into wilder Coorg country.

Getting there: Nearest airports are Mangalore and Bangalore and the nearest railway station is Mysore.

Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

nCoonoor, at an altitude of 1,858m above sea level, is essentially a small tea garden town with excellent climate ? cool, yet not too cold. This lovely hill station in the Nilgiris retains an old-world charm, and has managed to keep away the tourist masses.

The town abounds in relics from the Raj, with pretty Raj bunglows with quaint names around every corner. This is tea country, and a tour of the tea gardens is a must. As is a day?s excursion to Dolphin?s Nose, 12km away, for a view of the misty blue hills that give the Nilgiris its name. Nearby are two well-known waterfalls, Catherine Falls and Laws Falls.

Getting there: The nearest airport and railhead are at Coimbatore, from where one can hire a car. Those who love a train ride through the hills could opt for a narrow gauge train from Mettupalayam .

Munnar, Kerala

nThis one-time summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India is a charming little hill station in Kerala?s Idukki district. Munnar is home to sprawling tea plantations and pretty Raj bungalows. South India?s highest peak, Anamudi, which towers over 2,695m and is an ideal spot for trekking, is also located here.

Nearby, the Mattupetti lake and dam is a popular picnic spot. The Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions.

Pothamedu, 6km away, offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. Nyayamakad, 10 km away, is a land of waterfalls, best suited for a picnic.

If you are making a longish stay in Munnar, you can also make a day trip to Devikulam with its famous Sita Devi Lake, where die-hard anglers can try their hand at trout fishing.

Rajamala, 15km away, is the natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr or mountain goat. Close by is the Eravikulam National Park.

Getting there: The nearest airports are at Kochi and Madurai and railway stations are Kochi and Kottayam.

Horsely Hills, Andhra Pradesh

nThat hot and dusty Andhra Pradesh can boast of a hill station of such quaint beauty is nothing short of a surprise. At a distance of 144 km from Tirupati, this tiny hill town is named after one W.D. Horsley, collector of Cuddapah district, who chose this spot for his summer residence.

At an altitude of 1,265m, the road up to Horsley Hills is covered on both sides by a thick growth of eucalyptus, jacaranda, allamanda and gulmohar trees. The forest is home to an amazing variety of flora and fauna, and naturalists will have a wonderful time here spotting birds, beasts and flowers.

There is nothing much to see or do in Horsley Hills, besides the breathtaking mountain scenery, making it ideal for some serious R&R. Still, the well-known Rishi Valley School and the Mallamma temple are worth a visit as is the Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its cheetal, four-horned antelope, sambar, wild boar, and elephants.

Getting there: The nearest airports are at Tirupati and Bangalore, and the closest railhead is at Madanapalle Road. There are daily buses to Horsley Hills from Madanapalle and Tirupati.