Kerala Hillstations
Hilltop Trips India

Kerala is more popular the world over for its beautiful beaches, bewitching backwaters, silky sand, sensuous sea and wilderness of the wildlife. But there is more to Kerala than this. Far off in the heights of the Western Ghats, Kerala has number of hill stations less ventured and explored. The hill stations of Kerala are the most perfect choice if you want to getaway from the city noises, deadlines, stress, tension and crowd. Decorated with meandering roads, ravishing rivulets, splendid springs and wondrous waterfalls, these hill stations are really different from other popular hill stations of India.

Much of kerala's exotic appeal is centred in the highland area of the western ghats. Rising to an average height of 1520 m, the tropical forests of the ghats house rich flora and fauna. Not to speak of expansive, loamy plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and fragrant cardamom.

Inhale the bracing mountain air, relax in peace, stroll down winding paths, marvel at the beautiful views, enjoy the profusion of flowers in bloom. Kerala's exotic appeal is centered in the highland area of the Western Ghats. Rising to an average height of 1520 m , it houses rich flora and fauna. Not to speak of expansive, loamy plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and fragrant cardamom.

Chithirapuram

10 km from munnar, with its sleepy little cottages bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the pallyvasal hydel power project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantation.

Idukki

A landlocked district, idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of kerala. En route to Munnar, 121 kms. away from Kottayam lies Idukki, a small hill town surrounded by a spread of beautiful, wooden valleys and meandering streams. Famed for its arched dam built across the Periyar river, Idukki literally means a narrow gorge.

Munnar

Situated at the meeting point of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, the hill statins Munnar in the south India state of Kerala is place which needs to viewed to be believed.

Nelliampathi

Nelliyampathy is situated at a distance of 52 km from Palakkad and is a range of hills interspersed by dense lush green woods and orange plantations. The height of this hill station ranges from 467 to 1572 m above sea level. Reaching there is itself an exhilarating experience as nearly 10 hairpin curves have to be crossed on the ghat roads. Major attraction here include the Seethakundu Waterfall. Trekking forms an interesting option in Nelliyampathy.

Peermade

Peermade is a small hill station on the way to Thekkady. It is a fertile land at an altitude of 914 metres. Formerly the summer palaces of Travancore Rajas, this tiny and cool hill station is full of rubber, tea, coffee, pepper and cardamom plantation, interspersed with waterfalls and open grass lands.

Thekkady (Lord of the Jungles)

Thekkady derived its name from thekku (teak) trees, which is abundant here, and there is an irresistible charm in watching majestic elephants and bright-eyed tigers in an environment, which is truly theirs. The sprawling Periyar Tiger Reserve, which is located here at an altitude of 2900 ? 6000 ft, is the largest sanctuary in the state of Kerala. Declared as a protected area way back in 1933 by the Maharaja of Travancore, the sanctuary covers an area of 777 sq kms. Coffee and spice plantations are also seen here.

Wayanad

Wayanad is one of the most scenic hill stations in Kerala that has been able to preserve its immaculate natural bliss. Tucked away amongst the hills of Wayanad are some of the settlements of tribes. The picturesque mist-clad mountains, extensive spice plantations, deep forests and rich cultural traditions are characteristic features of this place.

Parambikulam

Tucked away in the valley between the Anamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala on the majestic Western Ghats is the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. This virgin valley that is the pride of Palakkad district is a glorious tribute to untouched nature.

Devikulam

7 Km from munnar, this idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The sita devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Chembra Peak

14 km west of kalpeta, at 2100 m above mean sea level, chembra is the highest Peak in wayanad and is an ideal area for trekking.

Echo Point

Located 13 km from Munnar, Echo Point is a popular adventure tourism destination. Trekking and nature walks are popular activities in this scenic destination with beautiful views of the green hills.

Mattupetty

At an elevation of 1700 m.above sea level, this place is 13 kms. away from Munnar. It is also the seat of the Indo-Swiss Dairy Project where the green meadows, the exotic cattle and the rose garden attracts a lot of tourists.

Ramakalmedu

Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu and enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. Situated at a distance of 40 km from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar

Pullumedu

Velvet lawns and rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illuminations at the shrine are visible from here. The winding journey to this hill along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of hills draped in lush greenery.

Vandanmedu

This is one of the world's largest auction centres for cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.

Chellarkovil

This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Vandiperiyar

The River Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthuria.

Pattumala

Pattumala or Hill draped in silk in Peermede has charms like no other. The lofty peaks, the little streams and the green expanse of the tea plantations give the hills an ethereal beauty.

Rajamala

Located 15 km from Munnar, Rajamala is known for sightings of the rare Nilgiri Tahr, an antelope-like creature, which is also related to mountain goats and can be seen on the hills in this region.

Lakkidi

55 km east of kozhikode / 5 km south of vythiri, lakkidi the gateway to wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level. At the crest of the thamarasseri ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luzuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.

Thrissanku and Peeru hills

Located 4 km from Peermede, these adjacent hills are known for their gentle hills, which provide opportunities for nature treks and walks along the winding hill roads.

Wagamon

Wagamon 64 Km from Kottayam and 34 Km from Pala, situated at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level is a trekker’s paradise. It is a very ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows, valleys and dales. Other attractions: Thangal para, lndo-swiss project, Kurisumala Ashram.