The high ranges and hill stations are the favorite spots of nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Expansive plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and fragrant cardamom and other spices, for which Kerala is famous for, are cultivated on the slopes of these hill stations.
The mountain ranges in Kerala consisting of the highland area of the Western Ghats, exude an exotic charm. Rising to an average height of 1520 m, the tropical forests of the Ghats house rich and unique flora and fauna. The high ranges and hill stations are the favorite spots of nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Expansive plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and fragrant cardamom and other spices for which Kerala is famous for, are cultivated on the slopes of these hill stations.
Much of Kerala’s exotic appeal is centered in these highland areas of the Western Ghats. Ideal places for adventure tourism and trekking, the fresh mountain air, the mist clad hills and a panoramic view make them worthy of a visit. Places like Munnar in Kerala produce an exotic species of flowers that bloom once in twelve years.
Hill stations in Kerala offer tourists an opportunity to spend their vacations amidst clean and fresh air of the hills. Some of the more popular hill stations in Kerala are those of Mattupetty, Munnar, Nelliyampathy, Palakkad, Ponmudi, Wayanad, Idduki, Kannur, Kasargod and Kozhikode. Here you can see the milky waterfalls, mighty rocks, lakes, and hill-plantations. The scenic beauty of these Kerala hill stations cannot be defined in words; it is best experienced in person.
Following are the major Hill stations of Kerala:
Green and surrounded by the serenity of spectacular hills, the beautiful hill station of Munnar in Idukki district of Kerala, redefines nature like no other place does. The picturesque hill station of Munnar is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India, drawing a wide variety of people with the lure of her scenic landscapes. Thus, whether you are a newlywed couple planning a honeymoon in Munnar hill station or just want a holiday in Munnar hills with your family, this mountainous district promises to charm!
Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands of this hill station is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, last bloomed in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Tea plantations in Munnar
Munnar is situated at a distance of 70 km from Idukki and is 1600 meter above the sea level. This hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in south India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, from where it gets its name.
The high ranges of Munnar were earlier known as the Kannan Devan Hills, named after a certain Kannan Devan, who was the landlord in the Anchanad Valley on the eastern side of the district. The principal crops cultivated in the hill station are Tea and Coffee.
Kochi or Cochin is the airport nearest to Munnar, located around 130 kms away from this scenic hill station. The town of Munnar is well-connected to the airport at Kochi by a number of means of transportation.The nearest railway station to the quaint hill station of Munnar is at Kochi and is well-connected to the hilly slopes of Munnar. Munnar is well- connected to almost all its neighboring districts by smooth roads and an efficient system of local transport. These include cities like Madurai which takes around six hours to reach, as well as Coimbatore at almost the same distance.
Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady hill station is one of the worlds most fascinating natural wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geo-morphological diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river adds to the charm of the park. The hill station destination of Thekkady is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lakes edge.
Thekkady in Kerala is one of Indias most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife at close range. The vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of the exotic hill station destination of Thekkady are uniquely rich, vast and varied that it does not bear semblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the special ecological pattern of Thekkady hill station.
The slopes of the Hills of Vagamon are not very steep and hence it facilitates adventurous sports like trekking, rock climbing, paragliding and other exciting activities. The favorable trekking paths are the favorite haunts of the trekkers. This place also offers various activities related to spiritualism. You can meditate peacefully amidst nature and feel the serenity of this blissful place slowly casting a divine spell upon you.
Vagamon is a place of three successive ( paras ) hills which have interesting things to offer besides mountaineering and trekking. Thangal Hill or Thangalpara is located 5 kms from Vagamon. It is said that the Mausoleum of Sheik Fariduddin was found atop this Hill and since then it has become a site of Muslim pilgrimage. You will also be amazed to see the remarkable rock formations of different size and shapes. You can also visit the Indo-Swiss project.
Kurisumala hill is also situated 10 kms from Vagamon and lies close to Thangalpara. This hill houses the Kurisumala Ashram, a cloister for Christian monks who have Indian as well as Christian beliefs. It was founded by a Belgian Cistercian Abbot Francis Acharya and reflects solitary bliss. The Dairy farm in Kurisumala is a must-see.This hill also has 14 Crosses that are positioned at regular intervals and there is also the St Thomas Mount, a centenary memorial.
The best time to visit the hill station of Vythiri is during the Kerala monsoons, i.e. May to September ,which enhances the beauty of the Western Ghats. As Vythiri hill station houses the Evergreen Rain Forests, it is rich in wildlife characteristic of evergreen forests. There is dense undergrowth, thick foliage; mosses and lichens cover the trunks of trees and there are a large number of pine, conifer and fir trees. Wild animals like Nilgiri langur, thrush and Malabar squirrel frequent the branches of the trees at the hill station at Vythiri. The small streams and waterbodies at Vythiri hill station sustain a wide assortment of wildlife including colorful insects and birds.One of the charming tourist attractions at Vythiri hill station is the tree- house. Small lodgings made of wood are perched at the top of the trees of tropical rain forests above 90 ft from the ground. You can spend some unforgettable and adventurous time by viewing the fabulous sight of the scarlet setting sun, the bird’s eye view of the entire wild habitat, the peculiar activities of the frolicking animals and birds and the awe-inspiring views of the mist-garbed mountain peaks surrounding Vythiri hill station. Staying at the towering tree-houses at the hill station of Vythiri will increase your bond with nature.
Accessing the hill station of Nelliyampathy from Palakkad is a sensation on its own, as one has to negotiate over a dozen hairpin curves on the Ghat Road, passing through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges . En route, 17 kms from Palakkad, the shimmering Pothundi Reservoir and its manicured surroundings make for the ideal stop over. Nelliampathy, the hill station destination is the ideal place for developing farm tourism, eco-tourism and adventure tourism. It has immense potential for trekking and other sports activities like hand gliding and ropeway. Important view points are Seethakundu, Mampara & Kesavan Para.Nelliampathy, the queen of Palakkad hills is the” poor man’s Ooty”. The tea, coffee, cardamom and orange plantations here are exhilarating attractions. According to historians, a great and rich civilization was in existence in this part of Palakkad during Tamil Sanghom period.
The beauty of the virgin and verdant Nelliampathy hills, the dream haven getaway, is to be seen and felt to be believed.The precious and unique Silent Valley National park, the famous Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary, Attappady hills and more than half a dozen dams like Malampuzha, Mangalam, Pothundi, Kanjirapuzha, Siruvani and Parambikulam are the attractions. Nelliyampathy is a fascinating hill country that is a favourite of trekkers.To reach the hill station, at least 10 hairpin bends have to be negotiated on the Ghat road that passes through the evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges . Nelliyampathy hills is an ideal retreat for the nature enthusiast with avenues open for trekking and wildlife observation.
One of the prettiest hill stations in India, Silent Valley is a must visit while planning a trip to Kerala. The Silent Valley hill station is also one of the most important national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of India, with its natural beauty being the perfect background for the comfort of a number of rare species of flora and fauna. Much of the natural charm of the hill station of Silent Valley is still well preserved today, with the scenic landscape of the Valley also being home to a number of aboriginal tribes mainly led by the Kurumbar Tribes, who make the tour to the Silent Valley hill station even more special for the traveler by displaying their rustic charm.
The Silent Valley national park is one of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats consiting of mountainous rain forests and tropical moist evergreen forest in India. Contiguous with the proposed Karimpuzha National Park to the north and Mukurthi National Park to the north-east, it is the core of the Nilgiri International Biosphere Reserve and is part of The Western Ghats World Heritage Site, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster under consideration by UNESCO.
Ponmudi in Trivandrum district is a beautiful hill station located at a distance of 61 kilometers from the city. An unexplored destination, Ponmudi, Kerala is a scenic and tranquil spot located atop the hills and is a must visit destination for travelers to this part of the city. The place is located at a height of 600 meters above sea level and is called the Golden peak. Ponmudi hill station is a welcome break from the hustle - bustle of the city life and one can relax without being disturbed, in the lap of mother nature.
For all adventure seekers, Ponmudi hill station offers many adventure sports like trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, etc. One can go on long leisurely walks along the meandering roads that wind up the hill. This beautiful hill station offers a scenic view and it also has natural springs that help keep the valley lush green. The hill station of Ponmudi also has tea gardens that make it a picture perfect location. The view from the cottages and resorts up the hill at Ponmudi is breath taking and it feels as though time has left this place untouched.
Ponmudi hill station is an ideal picnic spot least haunted by tourists and therefore the most peaceful of all Kerala hill stations. Embellished with rapids flowing over the road, and misty peaks thronged by an exotic vegetation, the hill station of Ponmudi is a hikers and trekkers paradise. Ponmudi offers to soothe your work worn mind and body to rejuvenation. One can hike through the slopes of tea gardens to watch the pickers at work or fish in the emerald waters of the Kallar River to make the most of Ponmudi hill station.
The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport. Trivandrum railway station is located at a place that is easily accessible. Ponmudi hill station is well connected to Trivandrum and Kerala by a wide network of roads.
Accessing the hill station of Nelliyampathy from Palakkad is a sensation on its own, as one has to negotiate over a dozen hairpin curves on the Ghat Road, passing through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges . En route, 17 kms from Palakkad, the shimmering Pothundi Reservoir and its manicured surroundings make for the ideal stop over. Nelliampathy, the hill station destination is the ideal place for developing farm tourism, eco-tourism and adventure tourism. It has immense potential for trekking and other sports activities like hand gliding and ropeway. Important view points are Seethakundu, Mampara & Kesavan Para.Nelliampathy, the queen of Palakkad hills is the” poor man’s Ooty”. The tea, coffee, cardamom and orange plantations here are exhilarating attractions. According to historians, a great and rich civilization was in existence in this part of Palakkad during Tamil Sanghom period.
The Silent Valley national park is one of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats consiting of mountainous rain forests and tropical moist evergreen forest in India. Contiguous with the proposed Karimpuzha National Park to the north and Mukurthi National Park to the north-east, it is the core of the Nilgiri International Biosphere Reserve and is part of The Western Ghats World Heritage Site, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster under consideration by UNESCO.
For all adventure seekers, Ponmudi hill station offers many adventure sports like trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, etc. One can go on long leisurely walks along the meandering roads that wind up the hill. This beautiful hill station offers a scenic view and it also has natural springs that help keep the valley lush green. The hill station of Ponmudi also has tea gardens that make it a picture perfect location. The view from the cottages and resorts up the hill at Ponmudi is breath taking and it feels as though time has left this place untouched.
The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport. Trivandrum railway station is located at a place that is easily accessible. Ponmudi hill station is well connected to Trivandrum and Kerala by a wide network of roads.
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