Hill stations in Kerala
Kerala shadowed by the mighty Western Ghats is not short of hill stations across the state. Many features are shared and common in such areas but they are also diverse in the many different ways too. This makes it a great experience for anyone who is willing to visit and compare the different hill stations in Kerala.
Starting from the north of the state the below are the most soughed after hill stations in the state and features like natural beauty, amenities and accessibility are taken into consideration when making this list.
Vythiri
Vythiri in the wayanad hills offers optimum temperatures, vibrant wildlife and accessibility to three different states making it a great hill station. The location is known for the world class holiday resorts that nest these Mountains .The epic location also gives access to most of the day tour locations in Wayanad from here.
Main attractions in Vythiri
Wayanad along with many diverse locations to enjoy is most loved for nature and the weather offered. Temples, tribal populations, wildlife and beautiful weather are the attractive factors. The top most would be the world class luxury experience on the offer.
The proximity to Kabini river is the part that is the most unique about Vythiri. There is also amble opportunity for trekking in this area.
Munnar
Munnar is the most popular hill station in the state and is definitely holds on to the interest it generated over the years. There are a number of locations in the outskirts of Munnar on the offer making it a location ideal for a long holiday or a weekend tour.
Munnar is the accessible with good road network from Kerala and Tamil nadu and either side there are great views and locations waiting.
The closeness to the city of Cochin and the international Airport adds to the points enlisted about Munnar.
Main attractions in Munnar
Tea plantations, high rising peak, great weather and wildlife reserves like Chinnar and Eravikulam are only a few to mention. There are also enough facilities for trekking and other adventure activities.
Thekkady
Thekkady is the wildlife zone of Kerala in the mountains. Especially known for the Periyar Tiger reserve, Thekkady offers a lot more visually and as facility. Mostly the location is clubbed with Munnar to form a tour circuit to get the most of the area.`
Main attractions in Thekkady
The government operated boating in the Periyar lake is one of the major attractions when here as this is a safe and easier opportunity to spot wildlife in action. On a lucky day even the majestic Tiger can be seen on the prowl.
The forest department also offers some great trekking both in the day and overnight. The night trekking offers the real feel of the forest with the sounds and the roars of animals. These expeditions are accompanied by armed forest personnel well aware of the route and forest hence it is a safe option.
Vagamon
The hill station of Vagamon is sleepy and less crowded making it an ideal route for travellers looking for tranquillity. The landscape here is rolling grass hills with great weather. The area known for plantations and the remoteness is slowly gaining pace in the destination calendar.
Main attractions in Vagamon
The pine forests are something that attracts many tourists to the area as they are not in abundance anywhere else in Kerala. The pine forest is a popular spot for picnic. There are many other attractions in the area such as waterfalls and animal spotting is also gaining popularity.
Vagamon is also the adventure sports favourite as the only location on Kerala suitable for Paragliding. The annual paragliding competition is in the tourism calendar that attracts people from across the globe for a weeklong celebration. It is an amazing site to watch the floating kites in the sky carrying people in the backdrop of the mountains.
Gavi
Gavi rose into fame when it was the location for a hit movie in Kerala. The location is hidden deep in the Western Ghats and is not connected by the public transport well which have helped in preserving the true nature of the area.
Known for misty winding roads and remoteness Gavi is definitely unexplored and gaining popularity among adventure lovers. Though well connected by road it is restricted to certain timing as it coincides with the free movement of wildlife in the area.
Main attractions in Gavi
The main attraction is wildlife and forest. There is also a rare opportunity to camp and stay overnight in the jungle, something unusual in Indian forests.
The close proximity to the main high range towns in Idukki like Vandiperiyar and Thekkady also makes it a favourite enroute destination for travellers when passing by this area.
Ponmudi
Ponmudi is a famous tourist destination in the south of Kerala, along the Western Ghats in the Agastyakudam range. It is the highest peak in the district and at 61km from Thiruvananthapuram and is only a hope away. Well connected with the road ways this destination is widely popular among adventure lovers for various activities.
Main attractions in Ponmudi
Ponmudi is a great destination for trekking and hiking. Merely walking the forest is a refreshing act as it is home to number of varieties of medicinal plants which can actually be felt when there.
You are right in the middle of nature when in Ponmudi and the activities are all based on nature and wildlife.
Peppara dam and Meenmutty waterfalls are major attractions too within the short range of Ponmudi. These are ideally visited in the evening to have a stroll and enjoy the beauty on foot.
