Kerala, God’s Own Country is known for its splendid charm and glamour. Further, the hill stations embracing and surrounding the tea and coffee estates are what people look for. The encompassing views from the hilltops are spectacular in so many ways. Besides, whether it’s family or a romantic trip, the hill stations of Kerala offer visitors a refreshing vacation.
People look forward to something so beautiful and amazing in its own special ways. The panoramic views along with the unending spice gardens are worth seeing.
If you are planning to visit the state of Kerala, take a break from the hustle of city life to indulge in customary scenic views and mountain tops.
9 Most Famous Hill Stations of Kerala:
1. Wayanad
Set amongst the misty mountains and mountainous rivers, Wayanad is a delightful pleasure to all the people visiting this pristine beauty. Likewise, Wayanad is more about showing tribal life and scenic caves. This majestic hill station is a great weekend gateway from Bangalore and Mangalore.
Furthermore, with the thick rainforests and sizzling waterfalls, Wayanad has a lot to offer. The travelers engage in various adventure sports as well. Go out trekking to the heart-shaped lake or even take a cycling tour in the villages.
- Popular Places to Visit: Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Pookode Lake
- Things to Do: Trekking to Chembra Peak, explore the caves at Edakkal, wildlife safari at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, boating at Pookode Lake
- Best Time to Visit: October to May
- How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport (95 km),
- Nearest Train Station: Kozhikode Railway Station (72 km)
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2. Munnar
Located 1600m above sea level, Munnar is a converge of 3 rivers flowing together. Similarly, Munnar is the most visited hill station in Kerala. The tea plantations and the aroma coming from them cannot be missed at any cost. The scenery is so picturesque and surreal.
Also, the hill station is a great place to enjoy and simply relax. Devikulam, Attukal, Mattupetty, etc. are some well-known destinations to visit in Munnar. Top Station is one place where visitors can witness Nilkurinji blooming after every 12 years. It is also a place for wildlife lovers with so much to see in Munnar.
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- Popular Places to Visit: Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, Attukad Waterfalls, Tata Tea Museum, Photo Point
- Things to Do: Boat ride on Kundala Dam Lake, visit tea gardens, explore Eravikulam National Park, visit the Tata Tea Museum
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (110 km),
- Nearest Train Station: Aluva Railway Station (110 km)
3. Silent Valley
If you want to have a truly fantastic hill station experience, visit Silent Valley once. Besides, natural beauty remains untouched here. People find a sense of calm and contentment upon visiting Silent Valley. It is treated as the Jewels of Kerala Hills and is one of the richest hill stations in Kerala. The Valley is home to the Kurumbar Tribes filled with rare species.
Moreover, December to April is the best time to witness the serenity of the place. The Silent Valley National Park and Shanthi Ayurveda Ashram are some popular places to visit. The National Park is an ecologically assorted place on the planet. Exploring this place is like exploring the Kerala Hills to the extreme.
- Popular Places to Visit: Silent Valley National Park, Sairandhri Visitor Center, Poochipara Dam
- Things to Do: Wildlife safari in Silent Valley National Park, nature walks, birdwatching
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport (100 km),
- Nearest Train Station: Palakkad Railway Station (70 km)
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4. Thekkady
Very few people talk about Thekkady or similar places offering more personal experiences to the people. Besides, it is such a truly amazing place to get lost in the bounties of nature. Get pleasure in rural life amidst the lush greenery. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to great elephants and also other rare species.
Going on a boat safari in Periyar Lake with the boating turns out to be such a mind-boggling experience. While inside the Sanctuary, go for bamboo rafting or boating. Trekking is a beautiful experience with charming scenery.
- Popular Places to Visit: Periyar National Park, Periyar Lake, Mangala Devi Temple, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
- Things to Do: Boat cruise on Periyar Lake, wildlife safari in Periyar National Park, visit spice plantations, attend a Kathakali performance
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (136 km),
- Nearest Train Station: Kottayam Railway Station (114 km)
5. Vagamon
Surrounded basically by a string of three hills, Vagamon denotes explicit beauty. Further, it is a combination of hills, meadows, and forests. Go out on the nature trails to see the untamed buffaloes and elephants lazing in the abundant water bodies found.
Kurisumala Dairy Farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is an untouched idyllic beauty. Climb the hilltops to see all the unique rock formations through the ancient caves of Thangal Para.
- Popular Places to Visit: Vagamon Pine Forest, Vagamon Meadows, Kurisumala Ashram, Barren Hills
- Things to Do: Paragliding, trekking, visit the Kurisumala Ashram, explore the Vagamon Pine Forest
- Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
- How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (95 km),
- Nearest Train Station: Kottayam Railway Station (64 km)
6. Lakkidi
Lakkidi is one of the tranquil hill stations situated in Kerala. Further, it is actually a rainforest having a pure environment with pure blissful surroundings. Several resorts and lakes surround Lakkidi making it a perfect destination for those wanting to come close to nature.
Chembra Trek, Hiking, visiting the Wayanad Tea Museum and bamboo rafting are wonders to be tried out. The Pookot Lake and Edakkal Caves are famous for nature lovers. Besides, the Lakkidi View Point is popular among those visiting Wayanad.
- Popular Places to Visit: Lakkidi View Point, Pookot Lake, Chain Tree
- Things to Do: Enjoy the scenic views from Lakkidi View Point, boating at Pookot Lake, explore the Chain Tree legend
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year, but the monsoon season (June to September) offers lush greenery
- How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport (63 km),
- Nearest Train Station: Kozhikode Railway Station (58 km)
7. Ponmudi
Ponmudi is a coveted hill station located in South India. Further, the charming hill station of Ponmudi offers an exotic environment with various orchids growing all around. Likewise, the fluttering butterflies, chirping birds, and lush plantations make up Ponmudi. The Meenmutty Falls are the sought-after falls separated into three tiers. The water cascades down below 1000ft.
And the place can be reached only after trekking 2km from the jungle of Wayanad. Ponmudi is blessed completely with magnificent mountains and trails. With wood cottages and colored stones found in plenty, Ponmudi cannot be missed at any cost. Deer Park hosts some wonderful varieties of deer species. Read Also: 7 Famous Spice Plantations In Kerala
- Popular Places to Visit: Ponmudi Hill Station, Golden Valley, Meenmutty Falls, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Things to Do: Trekking, visit Golden Valley for picnics, explore Meenmutty Falls, wildlife spotting at Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (61 km),
- Nearest Train Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central (57 km)
8. Idukki
The region of Idukki is loved by people because of its high ranges and wooded valleys. Besides, the scenic landscapes capture the attention of all the travelers coming here. You can find so many dense jungle trekking routes for die-hard Trek fans.
Also, on the way, spot some remarkable fauna and flora. Idukki is also famed for Asia’s first and second-largest dam arch called the Idukki dam. Scale through the highest peaks of the Western Ghats adorning the charming views of the rivers and valleys. Also, read 15 Picturesque Treehouse Resorts In Kerala
- Popular Places to Visit: Idukki Arch Dam, Hill View Park, Kalvari Mount, Keezharkuthu Falls
- Things to Do: Visit the Idukki Arch Dam, enjoy the views from Hill View Park, trek to Kalvari Mount, explore Keezharkuthu Falls
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (133 km),
- Nearest Train Station: Kottayam Railway Station (114 km)
9. Gavi
Gavi is yet another natural tranquil place lying within the areas of hill stations of Kerala. Moreover, Gavi is known for its adventurous activities such as wildlife seeing, trekking, river rafting, bird watching, etc.
Camping and staying in treehouses is yet another exciting thing to try out. The wooden treehouses are designed so perfectly that visitors seem to fall in love with the place. The backwoods safaris are also daring and adventurous things to try.
These are some of the best hill stations to visit in Kerala. Plan for a trip to any of these places and you will be the happiest man on Earth.
- Popular Places to Visit: Gavi Forest, Gavi Lake, Sabarimala Viewpoint, Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Things to Do: Nature walks, birdwatching, boat ride on Gavi Lake, wildlife safari in Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (150 km),
- Nearest Train Station: Kottayam Railway Station (128 km)
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