When the summer reaches its peak and the sizzling sun treats you to a 35 to 45 degree, one just hears the misty cool hills calling. Then the crucial question arises- “which hill station do we pick?”
The hills of Kerala are soaked in rich culture, tradition and history. Each place has its own charm. These hill stations are pioneers in offering a super mix of ancient, diverse and modern lifestyles and the blend is worth boasting about. So you see why it is hard to choose one among the many!!
Listed below are a few of the best hill stations in Kerala.
Munnar
The pleasant climate during summers and easy accessibility are what bring travellers to this beautiful hill top. Perched at an elevation of 1600m above sea level, Munnar is simply mesmerising. Tourists have exploited this small hill town, but the silhouette of the city is still maintained.a few must visits at munnar include:
- Mattupetty dam and dairy farm
- Kundala lake
- Top station
- Echo Point
- Attukad and Lakkom Waterfalls
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctueary
Location: The town lies in the Cochin- Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH 49) and is 130 km from Cochin.
Wayanad
Spice and tea plantations, sparkly lakes, pristine waterfalls, antiquated caves, exotic wildlife mixed with the greenery of the hill station is one Vista that none can miss. These hills have been successful in holding up the centuries old traditions and cultures of its inhabitants.
This bewitching beauty is also embellished with many spiritual treasures treasures like the Thirunelli Temple, Papanasini, Pallikkunnu Church, Varambatta Mosque etc
All sports enthusiasts- not to worry. Wayanad has a lot of Adrenaline pumping activities to offer.
A few must visits at Wayanad:
- Chembra Peak
- Soochipara Waterfalls
- Kuruva islands
- Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pakshipathalam
Location: 105 Km from Calicut International Airport, 252 km from cochin International Airport, 500 m from Kalpetta bus station.
Public transport is available from time to time.
Thekkady
The pleasantly chilled out atmosphere and the alluring smell of cardamom and other precious spices make it one of the most famous and sought after hill stations in Kerala by both foreign and native travellers. This sleepy town offers recluse and their hospitality is worth recommending. Nature walks, trekking and bird watching are the main attractions here. Must visits at Thekkady include:
- Periyar Wildlife sanctuary
- Spring valley mountain
Nelliampathy
Cradled in the wilderness of The Western Ghats, The Nelliyampathy hills with its scenic setting, salubrious weather and breathtaking landscape is a verdant delight. The Nelliyampathy hills are of varying heights ranging from 467m to 1572m and hence there will be slight variations in the temperature as well. These hills are famous for coffee, tea, cardamom and orange plantations. There are various hotels, resorts and privately managed bio farms along the hill.
Nelliyampathy is the ideal destination for nature walks, birdwatching and simply doing nothing but enjoying nature at its best.
A few must visits at Nelliyampathy:
- Pothundy Dam
- Palagapandy Estate
- Seetharkundu Viewpoint
Location: 61.5 Kilometres from Palakkad town. The nearest railway station is palakkad railway station. You can either hire a taxi or avail public transport. There are frequent buses along the hair pin.
Ponmudi
Perched at an elevation of 1100 m (3600 ft), The ponmudi hills will remind you of a vintage picture postcard laden with a laid back air. Symbolic of romance and fairytale love, the place oozes out a thundering charm of its own. Nothing can compete with this vibrant hill town that embellishes Kerala like no other. The must visits at Ponmudi include
- Meenmutty Falls
- Mankayam Waterfalls
- Agasthyamalai Peak and Biosphere reserve
- Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Located 55.2 Km North-east of Trivandrum city. Nearest Airport is the Trivandrum International Airport. Public transport is available at short intervals to this destination.
Idukki (District):
Kerala known for its backwaters and sea shore lines has a good collection of hill stations as well and Idukki has the biggest contribution. This beautiful high range district of Kerala has some incredibly beautiful resorts and the weather is pleasant throughout the year.
Idukki enthrals its travellers with its outlandish scenery, picturesque tea and spice plantations and magical outdoor experiences. Each hill in the district has its own charm. The place offers an element of thrill adventure and tranquillity at the same time. Listed below are few of the best hills of Idukki.
Gavi
With its mist enveloped hills, pristine forests, fine tea estates and breath taking scenery, Gavi is like a piece of heaven on Earth, untouched and still beaming with glory. This picturesque destination lives up to the state tag-“God’s own country” and is ravishing and mesmerising enough to muscle you up to take this trip. Must do’s at Gavi include:
- Green Mansion Eco Lodge
- Hiking to Meenar, Chenthamara Kokka and Valley View Point.
Vagamon
Vagamon is small in size but colossal in beauty. Owing to its misty hills, beautiful green meadows, enchanting pine forests and numerous waterfalls, these small hills team up to be a great summer retreat. A few must visits at Vagamon include
- Vagamon meadows
- Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pine hill
- Kurisumala