Serene backwaters, lush beaches, resplendent hill stations and a rich cultural heritage undoubtedly make Kerala God’s Own Country. The stunning state has innumerous offerings for all its patrons, including cruising on traditional houseboats along the backwaters, visiting the tea and spice plantations, exploring the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks and experiencing the local art forms and cuisine. It is, therefore, one of the most revered tourist destinations for travellers from all over the world. The diverse geography of Kerala, with the Malabar Coast on one side and the Western Ghats on the other, lets you enjoy different landscapes in one go.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the best hill stations in Kerala and why you should visit them between April and June – the best season to visit Kerala.
5 Best Hill Stations of Kerala:
1. Munnar
Perched at 5026 feet, Munnar is popularly known as the ‘Kashmir of the South’. Expansive tea estates, scenic valleys enveloped in mist, lush green forests, unique flora and fauna and picturesque viewpoints make Munnar the best hill station in Kerala for honeymooners. Munnar’s must-visit attractions include the Eravikulam National Park, Attukad Waterfalls, Mattupetty Dam, Tata Tea Museum, Photo Point, and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. This serene hill station also packs several adventure activities, such as trekking, paragliding and boating, that you can indulge in. Besides being famous for its varieties of teas, coffees, spices and chocolates, Munnar is also home to the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years, as well as the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. A trip to Munnar can be completed with a visit to the famous nearby destinations of Allepey and Thekkady.
2. Thekkady
Located within a short distance of approximately 92km from Munnar, Thekkady is one of the leading hill stations in Kerala. Besides being home to Periyar, India’s largest tiger reserve, Thekkady also has waterfalls, magnificent mountains, temples, sanctuaries and vast tea and coffee plantations. Suruli Falls, Pandikuzhi, Chellarcovil ViewPoint, Mangala Devi Temple and Anakarra are some of the must-visit tourist spots in Thekkady. You can take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake to witness the stunning beauty of the sanctuary or enjoy its bounty through a jeep safari or a night trek. You can also take a tour of spice plantations to learn about the cultivation and processing of various spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon, as well as shop for these spices at Vandanmedi.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Kerala
3. Vagamon
Off-beat, picturesque and a haven for all adventure enthusiasts, Vagamon is the topmost hill station in Kerala and should not be missed. The beautiful hill town is complete with rolling green hills, meandering river streams, pine forests, tea gardens, waterfalls and postcard-worthy meadows. Karikadu View Point, Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary, Marmala Waterfalls, Murugan Hill, Pattumala Church and Echo Point are some destinations that should not be missed in Vagamon. Besides exploring these exciting spots, you can enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities such as trekking, rock climbing, cycling through the hills, and paragliding at Barren Hills. Every year, a Paragliding festival is celebrated in Vagamon by the Kerala Tourism Department and the Adventure Sports and Sustainable Tourism Academy (AASTA).
4. Wayanad
One of the most beautiful hill stations near Kerala, Wayanad, is a nature abode replete with waterfalls, plantations, scenic hills, ancient caves and varied flora and fauna. Excursions including Soochipara Waterfalls, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Meenmutty Waterfalls, Thirunelli Temple, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary and Edakkal Caves should not be missed when in Wayanad. The Wayanad Wildlife Reserve is a crucial part of the Nilgiri biosphere and is home to several plants and animals. Some other fun-filled things to do in Wayanad include kayaking, rock climbing and row-boating at Karlad Lake, river rafting at Kuruva Island, trekking, and bird watching at Pookode Lake. The hill town is filled with activities and places to visit for both nature and adventure lovers alike.
5. Idukki
Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Idukki is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. One of the major attractions of the district is the Idukki Arch Dam, one of the tallest dams in Asia. You can take a guided tour of the dam and learn about its history and construction. Another popular attraction in Idukki is Hill View Park, which offers panoramic views of the hills and valleys, Keezharkuthu Falls and Valara Waterfalls. Trekking and hiking at Kulamavu Dam and taking leisurely walks through coffee, tea and rubber plantations are other activities you can explore here. Idukki is also home to several wildlife sanctuaries, such as the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can spot various animals and birds in their natural habitat.
Enjoy the best of hill stations of Kerala this upcoming summer, and keep these fun activities in mind as you make your plans!
