Along with backwaters, beaches and Ayurveda, the pristine South Indian state of Kerala is also known all across the globe for its serene and picture-perfect hill stations. The craggy Western Ghats of the God’s Own Country offer respite from summer heat to the tourists who come here in huge numbers from all across.
Lovely weather, variety of flora and fauna, misty mountain peaks, rugged ways, gurgling waterfalls, cool breeze, lush greenery, pretty valleys, verdant tea estates, evergreen rain forests and other attractions are some of the features that would make your vacation, a memorable one. Kerala hill stations are ideal for nature lovers, family vacationers, animal lovers, honeymooners as well as adventure enthusiasts.
Munnar
One of the most sought-after hill stations in Southern India, Munnar is a lovely place with tranquility and picture-perfect scenery. Lying amid the Western Ghats, Munnar is placed between the elevation of 4760 feet and 8842 feet. The place boasts of lush mist-clad peaks, expansive tea, coffee and spice plantations, amazing weather, crystal-clear streams, floral valleys, placid lakes, varied fauna, rare orchids, waterfalls and more. A popular British resort, this hill town has a number of attractions such as Marayoor, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattupetty, Eravikulam, Peerumedu, Mount Caramel Church, Nyaymakad, Periyar etc. Teak, Jungle Jack, Rosewood and Red sandalwood trees make the undulating terrain of Munnar even more enchanting. One can enjoy multi-themed vacations ideal for visitors on family holidays, wildlife and nature enthusiasts, adventure seeks and honeymooning couples. Partake in activities like sightseeing, wildlife watching, horseback riding, plantation visits, elephant riding, boating, helicopter tours, nature walks and more.
Wayanad
The land of Paddy fields, Wayanad is a heaven of lush landscape and lovely aromas of coffee, cardamom and tea plantations. This pretty and pristine hill station is a combination of glistering white clouds, striking Blue Mountains, clean rivers streams and lakes, waterfalls and thriving green terrain. The place is not only popular amongst leisure travelers but it is also frequented by adventure and nature enthusiasts. The place lies between the altitudes of 700 m and 2100 m, above the sea level. Wayanad is drenched by as many as 5 rivers and boasts of a pleasant weather all-round the year. Several interesting Outdoor trails are organized by The Wayanad Tourism Organization that includes attractions like Banasura Sagar Dam, Pakshipathalam, Chethalayam, Meenmutty waterfalls, Neelimala and Chembra peak. There a few historical temple and ancient caves near Wayanad that are worth-visiting.
Devikulam
Placed in Idukki district, Devikulam is a panoramic hill town that is quite close to Munnar, just 5 km away. Lying an altitude of 1800 m above the sea level, this place has been blessed with high-altitude green slopes, velvety lawns, cool climate, varied flora and fauna, and immensely beautiful scenery. As the place only has around 350 people as its resident, Devikulam is just perfect place for honeymooners and seclusion-seekers. If legends are to be believed, it is said that the picturesque landscape of this place compelled Lord Rama and Devi Sita to stay here during their exile period. This thing can be corroborated with a fact that the place also has a lake named Sita Devi Lake, placed amidst the lap of nature. Mattupett Lake, Kuthumkal waterfalls, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Pallivasal Waterfalls are some of the attractions in and around Devikulam.
Ponmudi
Also known as the Golden Peak, Ponmudi is a charming hill station is located close to Trivandum and lies at an altitude of 1100 m, above sea level, amidst the Western Ghats. One of the highest hill stations in Kerala’s capital city, Ponmudi is known for its velvety carpet of dense tropical forests and tea estates, rugged trekking routes, gurgling streams, lovely weather and abundant natural beauty. Narrow, meandering roads from Trivandrum lead to this place. Treat your eyes to the scenery on the way. While a nature lover has much to do here, an adventure enthusiast is also not left disappointed. The place offers ample opportunities for camping, trekking, wildlife watching, hiking and nature walks. Ponmudi is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Ponmudi Falls, Deer Park, Meenmutty Falls, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Echo Point, Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve are some of the famous attractions in Ponmudi. Do not miss enjoying Ayurveda therapies here.
Vythiri
Perched at an elevation of 1300 m above the sea level, Vyhtiri is a peaceful, tiny hill town in Wayanad district. Nestled at the north -eastern tip of Kerala state and surrounded by the lush Western Ghats, Vythiri is best-known for its tea, coffee, rubber, pepper and cardamom plantations. Salubrious weather, stunning greenery ambiance and mist-covered peaks are added charms. One of the most popular attraction here is the Vythiri tree house resort, where the visitors get a chance to stay atop a tree. For adventure enthusiasts, there are opportunities for mountain climbing, nature treks and trekking. Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, popular for its exotic flora and fauna, placed close to the place, is also a must-visit. Karalad Lake, Lakkidi and Pookot Lake are some of the other attractions.
Nelliyampathy
Around 60 km away from Palakkad town, lies the picturesque hill station of Nelliyampathy or Nelliampathi. Exquisite natural beauty, lovely weather and, tea and coffee plantations allure tourists from all around. The hills of Nelliampathi are paradise for animal enthusiasts as they place is home to 215 avifauna species, 90 species of butterflies and a long list of exotic animals like Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, etc. With an altitude level ranging from 467 m to 1572 m, this place has Pothundi reservoir dam in its vicinity, a must-visit attraction for its scenic location. The road ride from the hill town to the dam consists of thrilling hairpin curves. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Manpara, Raja’s Cliff, Nelliyampathy Hill, Kesavan Para, Seethargundu View Point, Poab's tea estate, Padagiri, Mamlapuzha Gardens and Padagiri, Palagapandi Estate are other ideal places for sightseeing.
Idukki
Lying atop the Western Ghats, encircled by verdant surroundings of dense forests, Idukki has wooded valleys, high-altitude ranges and a number of rivers with their tributaries including Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar. The place has a number of attractions for its visitors including elephant rides, wildlife sanctuaries, mountain treks and spice plantation tour. The tribal population of Idukki is known for following their age-old unique customs. An ideal play to rejuvenate and unwind, Idukki has a number of places to visit such as the highest peak of South India- Anamudi Peak, Munnar, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Annamala Nathar Temple, Attukal waterfalls, Mattupetty Dam, Marayur and Devikulam. During a trekking expedition through the thick jungles, you can spot exotic flora and fauna species. The most popular attraction here is the arched Idukki Dam, the world’s second and Asia’s first great arch dam. The dam is erected across Kuravan Kurathi Mountain, offering panoramic views.
Peermade
Known as Kerala’s Own Ooty and the Plantation Town of Kerala, Peermade is a tiny tranquil hill town that is placed at an altitude of 915 m, above the sea level. The picturesque setting of the place makes an ideal place to enjoy picnics here. Some of the popular activities in Peermade are plantation visits, cycling, trekking, visit to waterfalls, sightseeing, wildlife viewing and nature walks. Enjoy a visit to the various waterfalls such as Valanjamkanam, Meloram, Nallathanni, and Panchalimedu. It is also one of the best places in Kerala for Ayurveda therapies. Trekking enthusiasts have a number of options. The well-known Hills of Peermad such as Grampi, Vagamon, Memala, Kalthottii, Paranthupara and Karandakapara. A walk in the lush aromatic tea and spice plantations is a must.
