Lying on the windward side of the Western Ghats, Kerala has a long chain of lush, mist–clad hill stations that are homes to exotic wildlife. Kerala are also the source of some of the most famous Indian spices like cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and pepper. Besides the beaches and backwaters of this beautiful lagoon state, the mist-covered, dark and silent hill stations of Kerala are also major tourist attractions.
1. Munnar
A visit to Kerala is incomplete without a stopover at Munnar hills, one of the most picturesque and beautiful hill stations in South India and Kerala’s premier tea growing district. Located at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level, amid the dense Kannan Devan hills, Munnar is home to some of the highest tea gardens in the world. Munnar literally means "three rivers" and rests at the confluence of three mountain streams: the Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Huge acres of lush tea plantations, cozy, cheerful townships and a pleasant climate all year round characterize the hill station of Munnar, once the summer home of British officials in the pre-Independence era. The highest peak in South India, the Anaimudi is located in Munnar, rising to a height of 2,695 meters above sea level. A major attraction of Munnar is the "Neelakurinji", a bluish-purple flower that blooms only once in 12 years. The vast majority of lakes, dams, wildlife sanctuaries and spice and tea plantations make Munnar an unforgettable holiday experience altogether.Must see: Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dairy Farm, Pallivasal, Chithirapuram, Attukal, Nyayamakad. Kundale Tea Plantation, Kuthumkal Waterfalls,
2. Ponmudi
Located at a distance of 61 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi is a hiker's and trekker’s dream hill station. It is situated at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level and offers amazing facilities for trekking and hiking. 'Ponmudi' in Malayalam means the "Golden Peak" and this is one hill station that has not yet featured on the tourist map of Kerala. This fact only makes Ponmudi an ideal holiday destination for those seeking a quiet escape into the mountains, far away from the hustle-bustle of mundane city life. Ponmudi abounds in natural mineral springs and there are a lot of places to visit here, like peaceful tea estates, small settlements nestled comfortably in beautiful valleys, and of course, miles and miles of mist-kissed mountainous terrain. If you happen to visit Ponmudi during the months of August and September, you can witness the Aaranmula Boat Race, organized every year during these months. This race is of religious significance for the residents of Ponmudi, and forms part of the Aaranmula Temple Festival.
3. Idukki
Idukki is derived from a Malayalam word "Idukku" meaning "narrow gorge". Idukki is a hill station full of mammoth mountain ranges and deep valleys, with beautiful streams adorning it during the rainy season. This hill station is crisscrossed by three rivers: the Periyar, the Thalayar and the Thodupuzhayar, and their tributaries. Idukki is also the source of the river Pamba, which flows right through the lofty mountain ranges. A noteworthy fact is that the district of Idukki supplies about 66% of Kerala’s power consumption, thanks to the hydroelectric project at the Idukki Dam. This dam is the first arch dam in Asia and the second in the world. There is a huge tribal population residing in the hills of Idukki and even today, they follow certain inexplicable customs and beliefs very different from ours. Idukki is rich in flora and fauna and offers breathtaking views and attractions to tourists. Must see: Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Devikulam
Close to Munnar is the breathtakingly beautiful hill station of Devikulam, one of Kerala’s most revered destinations. Legend has it that during the days of the Ramayana, Sita and Rama, during their exile, travelled through this hill station and Sita is supposed to have bathed in a lake here. This lake is now called the Sita Devi lake, having taken its name from the fact that Sita once stepped into its waters. The hill station itself borrows its name from this very visit by the Goddess herself; Devikulam means the "Lake of the Goddess". The waters of the Sita Devi lake are supposed to be rich in mineral deposits and locals believe that a dip in this lake is a sure-shot cure for many ailments. Besides enjoying a refreshing bath at the numerous fountain springs at the lake, you can also enjoy fishing, which is one of the main tourist attractions. In short, the idyllic hill station of Devikulam is definitely worth a visit.Must see: Sita Devi Lake
5. Vagamon
Also spelt Wagamon, this charming hill station is located at a distance of 60 kilometers from Kottayam and is surrounded by a chain of three hills: the Thangal hill, the Murugan hill and the Kurisumala hill. The Kurisumala hill is a favourite with trekkers and the main attraction here is a small church that is located on the hilltop. The Kurisumala Ashram, actually a Christian monastery, is another serene spot never missed by tourists. The hill station of Vagamon is famous for its various tourist activities that include trekking, paragliding, mountain climbing, rock climbing and boating in the numerous small lakes found here. The best thing about Vagamon is that you can use it as a base to move on to the nearby hill stations of Thekkady, Kurisumala, Thangalpara, Muruganmala and Kulamavu. Vagamon, surrounded by lush green tea estates, is one of India’s biggest eco-tourism projects.
6. Palakkad
Palakkad or Palghat lies at the foothills of the Western Ghats, at the border of the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Palakkad district is called the "Granary of Kerala" as most of the supply of food-grains comes from this district. The main attraction of this hill station is the Palakkad Fort, situated right in the middle of Palakkad town. Built by Hyder Ali of Mysore and later renovated by the British, this fort now belongs to the Archaeological Survey of India and is said to be one of the best preserved forts in Kerala. Other attractions near Palakkad are the ancient temple town of Thiruvalathoor, the reserve forest of Dhoni and the Malampuzha garden, famous for its man-made gardens, fountains, parks and pools.Must see: Thiruvalathoor, Dhoni, Malampuzha garden
7. Wayanad
Wayanad is derived from the Tamil words "Vayal Nadu" meaning "the village of fields". And Wayanad truly lives up to its name. Lush, green fields lining huge, mountainous ranges located right in the center of the magnificent Western Ghats, Wayanad is one of the most fertile and lovely hill stations of Kerala. Wayanad also has a historic significance and is believed to be the seat of the New Stone Age civilization, traces of which can still be found here. Virgin waterfalls, lakes, caves with ancient origins, and amazing wildlife, Wayanad is every nature lover’s paradise. This hill station is also famous for its ayurvedic resorts that offer some of the authentic Kerala Ayurvedic therapies. A major attraction of Wayanad is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and if you are a true animal lover, you should not give this one a miss. Must see: Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Kuruva Island, Pookat Lake, Sentinel Rock Waterfalls
8. Thekkady
Thekkady is famous all over the world for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, once a tiger reserve, and today, home to several endangered wild animals. There is a beautiful artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river and this lake is the main source of water to animals that inhabit the sanctuary. During summer, huge herds of wild elephants come down from the forests to the lake to drink water, and this is truly a sight to behold. This is the only sanctuary in India where wildlife can be experienced from very close quarters, thanks to the numerous boat rides on the lake, organized by the government.
9. Vythiri
Vythiri is a picturesque hill station located about 100 kilometers from Kozhikode and it is famous for its sprawling plantations of coffee, tea, rubber and spices. The main attraction of Vythiri are the Tree Houses, built on trees almost 90 feet from the ground. These tree houses provide a panoramic view of the valley. Rope bridges, built over streams, lead to the cottages and tree houses, and tourists flock to Vythiri for this unique dwelling experience that is truly, one of its kind.
