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Hill Stations in Kerala

Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in Kerala lies cradled amidst the Anaimalai hills at 1600 meters. Its beautiful landscape is dotted with plantations, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Munnar, a former resort of the British Empire is also the home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr that you can spot in Eravikulam National Park.

Attractions: Attukal waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary,, Pothamedu view point, Kundala Lake, Carmelagiri Elephant Park, Devikulam, Lakkom waterfalls, Top Station, Nyayamakad, and Pallivasal.

Activities: Hiking, trekking, camping, Amusement parks, elephant rides, visit a tea museum, bird watching, wildlife spotting, mountain biking, rock climbing, shikara ride.

Average temperature: Summer 15°C to 25 °C. Winter 10°C to 15 °C.

Best season: November to February 

Getting there: The nearest city is Cochin 110 kms from where you can reach Munnar by car or bus.

Vagamon (1200 meters) is Kerala’s most romantic hill station and an ocean of tranquility. With pine forests, and cascading waterfalls hugging  mystical mountains, Vagamon features in National Geographic’s top 50 attractive places to visit in India because of its cultural diversity blended with an amazing topography that you need to experience to believe.

Attractions: Maramala Waterfalls, Vagamon pine forest, Thangal Para, Barren Hills, Vagamon Lake, Meenachil River, Mundakayam Ghat, Vagamon Falls, Ellapara Meadows, Kurisumala Vagamon, Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary.

Activities: Boating, Paragliding, Muruganmala Hill trek, a visit to moon hill.

Average temperature: Summer 19°C to 29 °C. Winter 16°C to 25°C

Best season: March to June is the best time to visit Vagamon.

Getting there: Hire a car to take a bus from the nearest airport which is Cochin just 75 kms away.

Known as the Golden Peak, Ponmudi is a majestic hill station of the Western Ghats overlooking the Arabian Sea. Home to the beautiful Golden Valley, It hosts a variety of wildlife, flowers, rivulets and rapids. At 1,100 meters Ponmudi beckons you with enchanting dells and misty hills to lose yourself in nature’s bosom.

Attractions: Golden valley, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Echo Point, Koyikkal Palace and Museum, Kallar River, Meenmutty and Kallar waterfalls, Trivandrum Zoological Park.

Activities: Paragliding, trekking, river activities, wildlife photography, picnics, nature walks, museum tour

Average temperature: Summer 18°C to 28°C. Winter 17°C TO 26°C

Best season: November to March

Getting there:Ponmudi is just 55 kms from both, Trivandrum airport and Trivandrum Railway station. You can get there by car/cab/bus.

Idukki or “The Narrow Gorge’ will mesmerize you with its ecologically rich natural diversity, its stunning mountains and the tantalizing scent of spices.  A magnificent hill station, Idukki makes a great family holiday packed with activities.

Attractions: Idukki Arch Dam, Keezharkuthu Waterfalls, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Marayoor, Hill View Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Meesapulimala, Kalvari Mount.

Activities: Spice plantations, paragliding, trekking in Ramakkalmedu, camping in Chinnar, cultural shows at kathathandan Kalari center

Best season: Monsoon (April to June) and winter (October to February)

Getting there: You can get there by cab/car/bus from Cochin Airport 140 kms, Madurai Airport 190 kms, Theni railway station 60 kms, and Kottayam railway station 95 kms.

If you want a wilder side of Kerala, then Thekkady is a rejuvenating hill station in the Cardamom hills. Enveloped with lush greenery, and diverse flora and fauna, it is a haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Thekkady is home to several animals and the famous Periyar National Park.

Attractions: Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, Pandikuzhi, Vandiperiyar, Ramakkalmedu, Chellarkovil Waterfalls, Mangala Devi Temple.

Activities: Elephant safari in Periyar Tiger reserve, Follow the Tiger programme, nature walks, Boat races, boating, border hiking, Jungle Night Patrol, Tribal walks, and Bamboo rafting.

Average temperature: Summer 26° C to 36° C. Winter 15°C to 21°C

Best season: October to February

Getting there: Madurai, the closest airport is 135 kms away by cab/car. Bus services operate from Cochin, Kottayam and Trivandrum

Lakkidi at 700 meters high is among the most tranquil hill stations in Kerala. Located in the Wayanad district, it is a rainforest with an environment of pure solitude.  Several hill resorts and lakes in Lakkidi dot its stunning landscape making it a perfect getaway for those wanting to relax and connect with nature.

Attractions: Pookode Lake, The Chain Tree, Lakkidi View Point, Chembra Peak, Thusharagiri waterfalls, Heart Lake, Puliyarmala Jain Temple, Wondercaves, St Joseph’s Church, Kuruva Island.

Activities: Chembra peak trek, Hiking, a visit to Wayanad Tea Museum, boating, bamboo rafting

Average temperature: Summer 25°C to 35° C. Winter 15° to 25°

Best season: October to May

Getting there: Lakkidi is 85 km from Calicut Airport Kozhikode by cab/car. State buses are available from Bangalore and Cochin.

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You Can Also Checkout: Thekkady Tour

Peermedu at 915 meters is a bouquet of greenery interspersed with coffee plantations, sprawling forests and tea estates. Its unique topography makes it a delightful adventure into the unknown with a fine blend of indigenous culture and traditions of its ancient tribal population. Interact with tribals to know more about their history and culture.

Attractions: Thrissanku Hills, Pattumala, Grampi, Kuttikkanam, Peeru Hills, Green Park Ayurvedic & Spice Plantation, Valanjamkanam Waterfalls

Activities: Visit a tea factory, Elephant ride, cultural centers, trekking, spice shopping

Average temperature: Summer 25°C to 33°C. Winter 21°C to 30°C

Best time to visit: November to February

Getting there: Peermedu is 89 kms away from Kochi airport. Cars/taxis are easily available outside the airport.

Malampuzha in Palakkad district is the perfect family destination. From fun filled amusement parks, to the exhilarating ropeway, from pretty rock gardens to an interesting aquarium, this is a perfect spot for children and adults alike.

Attractions: Thread garden, Udan Khatola Ropeway, Malampuzha Dam, Fantasy Park, Rock Garden, Snake Park, Thenkussi Village, Malampuzha Gardens, Yakshi statue, Japanese Garden, Seed Farm

Activities: Hiking, family picnics, visit a cultural center, boating, nature walks

Average temperature: Summer 25°C to 36°C. Winter 21°C to 30°C

Best season: September to March

Getting there: Coimbatore is the closest city to Malampuzha 55 kms away. You can get taxi/cab services from Coimbatore airport

Athirapally is one of the hill stations in Kerala known for its stunning waterfalls that adorn the hills like milky necklaces. The famous Athirapally waterfalls have also been compared to the great Niagara Falls. Athirapally promises to be an exhilarating experience for the nature enthusiast

Attractions: Athirapally waterfalls, Charpa falls, Annakyam, Vazhachal Forest Gardens, and Peringalkuthu Dam

Activities: Hiking to waterfalls, trekking, nature walks visit Thumboormuzhy Butterfly Park

Average temperature: Summer (March to May): 23° C- 38° C/ Winter (November to February): 22° C- 30° C

Best season: Monsoon and winter

Getting there: Get to Kochi which is just 55 kms away and take a car/bus to Athirapally

A quaint hill station located on the banks of the Iruvanjippuzha River makes Thiruvambadi the perfect honeymoon destination famous for its waterfalls and mountains.  Thiruvambadi is a gorgeous valley in Kozhikode district that is truly spectacular for its serene ambience.

Attractions: Arippara waterfalls, Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, Varkala black sand beach, Beypore beach, Mananchira Square, Varakkal temple, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Thusharagiri waterfalls, Mavoor wetlands, Thrissur zoo and museum,  Kurumbakavu Temple.

Activities: Boating at Malabar haven, Museum visit, water sports, bird watching, hiking, exploration,

Best season: December to February

Getting there: Get to Kozhikode which is well connected by road and rail to all major cities in the state. Thiruvambadi is just 35 kms away by car/cab.

Vithura is one of the quaint village hill stations in Kerala, 37 km from Thiruvananthapuram whose spectacular landscape will captivate your soul. It is also known as a popular rock climbing spot in Kerala. Vithura with its spiritual inclination has a peaceful environment enhanced by its tranquil climate, ideal for those who want a weekend of relaxation.

Attractions: Peppara dam, Chittipara Rock, Agasthyakoodam and Bonacaud, Shri Krishnaswami Temple, Thavakkal Waterfall

Activities: Rock climbing at Chittipara, hiking, visits a Kalaripayattu martial arts center, nature walks, visit a rubber plantation

Average temperature: Summer 25°C to 33°C. Winter 22°C to 29°C

Best season: October to February

Getting there: Get to Vithura from Trivandrum Central Station 25 kms and Trivandrum Airport 25kms by cab/car/bus.

Kalpetta in Wayanad district is a busy town hill station surrounded by coffee plantations amidst lofty mountains. It is blessed in terms of natural beauty and one can simply chill out in the many resorts that make this a lovely vacation for anyone.

Attractions: Myladippara trekking center, Pookode Lake, Mapaddi Garden Village, Ananthnath Swami temple, Puliyarmala Jain Temple, Sentinel Rock Falls, Sunrise Valley, Botanical gardens.

Activities: Flower shows (winter), trekking, visit a bamboo craft center, boating, explore Kuruvadweep Island, Neelimala Viewpoint trek

Average temperature: Summer 20°C to 29°C. Winter 17°C to 26°C

Best season: November to March

Getting there: You can reach Kalpetta by car/cab from Kozhikode airport 51 kms and Mysore airport 97 kms.

At 1300 meters, Vythiri is steeped in culture and tradition being home to many indigenous tribes of Kerala. With green clad hills ornamented by the cascading Kabini River, it is rich in flora and fauna and makes for the perfect holiday destination among hill stations in Kerala.

Attractions: Edakkal caves, Kabini River, Chembra Peak, Soochipara Falls, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura dam, Thirunelli temple, Tholpetty reserve, Muthanga, Pakshipathalam

Activities: Trekking, river rafting, boating, angling, nature walks, exploration, Bird watching

Best season: October to April

Getting there: Vythiri is connected to Kozhikode airport 75 kms, Calicut airport 43 kms and Nilambar railway station 80 kms by car/cab/bus.

One of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala, Ranipuram is another unexplored destination of Kasargod district. The monsoon rainforest is a repository of diverse evergreen flora and fauna. Ranipuram is the perfect natural spa to get rejuvenated over the weekend.

Attractions: Cauvery River, Talakaveri and Talakaveri Temple, Malom village, Bekal Fort and Beach, Ranipuram Wildlife sanctuary, Bhagamandala.

Activities: Trekking, nature walks, exploration, wildlife spotting, jeep safaris, bird watching.

Average temperature: Summer 25°C to 45°C. Winter 12°C to 33°C

Best season: October to March

Getting there: Mangalore airport is 80 kms away from Kasargod. From here to you can get a car/taxi to Ranipuram.

One of the most important Christian pilgrimage points in Kerala, Malayattur in Ernakulam district is the very epitome of beauty. It is an ideal escape for those wanting to connect with nature. Malayattur offers some splendid panoramic views of rolling hills enshrouded in their own mystery. It is said that St Thomas the apostle, stopped here en route to Mylapore

Attractions: Mount Kurisumudi, ST Thomas Grotto, Elephant training center, Bharanikuzih, Pettamala Top Station, Haritha Bio Park, Birthplace of Shri Adi Shankara, Vazhachal Falls, 

Activities: Water theme park, bird watching, hiking, spiritual activities, cultural activities, nature walks.

Average temperature: Summer 26°C to 32°C. Winter 23 to 31°

Best season: September to February

Getting there: Malayattur is extremely close to Kochi just 15 kms away and is accessible only by car.

There is nothing more splendid that the unexplored raw natural beauty of Ranni. One of the smaller hill stations in Kerala, this little but very beautiful and scenic region is located along the Pampa River. What makes it exciting is the Tiger reserve close by. If you want a more tranquil retreat, then stay at Ranni.

Attractions: Sabarimala, Pamba River, Seethathode, Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Madatharuvi Waterfalls, Konni Forest Reserve, Perunthenaruvi Waterfall.

Activities: Spiritual retreat, trekking, hiking, safari, hiking, nature walks, sightseeing, cultural shows, fairs and festivals

Average temperature: Summer 25°C to 32°C. Winter 22°C to 30°C

Best season: December to February

Getting there: Taxis/hired cars/buses are available from the closest city Kochi 88 kms away.

For those in love with tea, Malakkappara is the perfect destination known as the tea garden Hill Station of Kerala.  Called “Rock of the Angel’, its stunning lush green landscape is blanketed with sprawling tea estates enhancing the town’s beauty. A virtually unexplored destination, Malakkappara is a nature photographer’s delight.

Attractions: Holy land replica at Chalakudy and Anakkayam, Thumboormuzhy River & Butterfly Garden,Athirappilly Waterfalls, Vazhachal Waterfalls, Charpa Waterfalls, Peringalkuthu Dam, tea gardens.

Activities: Nature photography, nature walks, hiking, exploring virgin trails, visit to tea estate, jungle safari

Average temperature: Summer 23°C to 33°C. Winter 21°C to 30°C

Best season: September to March

Getting there: Malakkappara is 25 kms from Valparai connected to Coimbatore airport 220 kms and Pollachi railway station 64 kms.

You will never forget the timeless landscape of Ayyampuzha enshrouded in an atmosphere of serenity. It is a bird lover’s paradise complete with pretty waterfalls ornamenting the hills and lush forests. Ayyampuzha will be, covered by hikers too because of its forest trails that lead you to breathtaking beauty.

Attractions: Athirapally waterfalls, Chelikandam Forest, Illithodu, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Paniely Poru, Abhayaranyam Zoo,  Kodanand Elephant Training Center, Silver Storm Water Theme park, Vazhachal Waterfalls, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

Activities: Bird watching and photography, hiking, trekking, nature exploration, nature walks

Average temperature: Summer 26°C to 34°C. Winter 22 °C to 32°C

Best season: October to April

Getting there: From the nearest city Kochi travel to Angamaly 24 kms away. Angamaly is 15 kms from Ranipuram

Charalkunnu is fast becoming one of the most popular hill stations in Kerala. Located in Pathanamthitta. Charalkunnu boats a number of trekking trails and picturesque viewpoints from where one can enjoy the perfect family picnic. It is also a relaxing spiritual destination known as the pilgrim capital of Kerala.

Attractions: Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple, Charalkunnu Waterfalls, Chakkulathukavu Temple, Vijnana Kala Vedi, Kakki Reservoir, Ranni, Pandalam, Pamba.

Activities: Spiritual pilgrimage, hiking, trekking, Exploration, picnics, Aranmula Vallamkali boat race (September)

Average temperature: Summer 28°C to 39°C. Winter 15°C to 25°C

Best season: November to February

Getting there: Charalkunnu is linked to the nearest city Trivandrum 123 kms away. You can get there by car/cabs Thiruvalla station is just 17 kms away.

If you love being vowed by nature, Then Mattupetty will exhilarate you with its sparkling clear lakes, its divine meadows and its ethereal natural splendor make it that perfect picnic spot. Just a short distance from Munnar, Mattupetty should never be missed among hill stations in Kerala.

Attractions: Mattupetty Lake, Mattupetty Dam, Photo Point, Sun Moon Valley Boating Center, Shri Veneketshwar Temple, Elephant Temple, Sita Devi Lake, Nyamakad Waterfalls

Activities: Boating, hiking, picnics, bird watching, nature exploration, ethnic cooking classes at Nimi’s visit Punarjani Cultural Village

Average temperature: Summer 15°C to 25 °C. Winter 10°C to 15 °C.

Best season: October to April

Getting there: The closest city is Kochi 133 kms from where you can get taxi/cabs to Mattupetty Dam

Explore the Silent Valley for an extraordinarily perfect getaway which you will never forget. Unlike most of the commercial Hill Places in Kerala, most of the stunning features of this place has been preserved, so it is inhabited by a variety of exotic animals as well as the Kurumbar Tribes and can also be regarded as Kerala’s hidden gem.

Silent Valley National Park, situated in the hill station is among the world’s largest environmentally varied National Park, featuring unique fauna and flora of India. The exotic Nilgiri langur, lion tailed macaque, Malabar giant squirrel and hairy winged bat are some of the creatures that can be witnessed in the mountainous habitat during a visit

Best Time to Visit - Between December and April

The hill station of Gavi, in the Pathanamthitta District, is yet another place to admire Kerala’s peaceful nature. You will be delighted in this Hill Place in Kerala with several attractions on hand, including boating, hiking, animal exploration, bird watching, trekking and sleeping in log cabins and treehouses along with enjoying the various jungle safaris

The Neer Veezhcha Waterfalls, situated close to Gavi are known for their enthralling beauty. Numerous rare species may be found in the calm turquoise streams that run through the verdant forests at the foot of the spectacular hills.

Best Time to Visit - From September till February