Top 10 Hill Station Travel Destinations Kerala
The beautiful amidst hill stations are the reason Kerala is called “God’s Own Country.” The hill stations of Kerala, such as Munnar, Vagamon, and Thekkady, are a unique natural abundance of misty mountains next to famed rivers, which serve as additional attractions for them. These hills stations have sprawling tea and coffee plantations, endless spice gardens, and a panoramic vista of the mist-shrouded mountains. The hill stations of Kerala provide many opportunities for an adventurous and unique journey, whether on a family outing or a romantic escapade. The charming hills, which are on the windward side of the Ghats, are a mix of lush flora cloaked in mist. For those who enjoy natural beauty, here are some of the most prominent Kerala hill stations, where there are a variety of activities to do for a great time, as well as amazing sites to visit, that will undoubtedly provide an unforgettable experience.
1. Wayanad
With its mist-clad mountains and mountainous rivers, Wayanad is an idyllic destination for a weekend getaway. The majestic beauty, thick rainforest, dazzling waterfalls and spice plantations provide not just a lot to see but also loads of adventure sports to indulge in. Visit to decide if it is the best hill station in Kerala.
Attractions : Banasura Hill Resort, Vythiri Village Resort, Chembra Peak , Pakshipathalam, Soochippara Waterfalls, Kuruva Island
Best time to visit Wayanad : October to May
How to get there? Nearest Railhead is Kozhikode railway station (110 km) and airport is Karipur international airport (100 km).
2. Munnar
Munnar is a charming town and a beautiful hill station in Kerala’s Western Ghats. It is noted for its green belt of lush woods and continuous stretch of tea estates, and it is also home to some of the endangered species of animals such as Neelakurinji and Nilgiri Tahr. It is located at a height of 6000 feet in the district of Idukki. Due to its beautiful valleys, mountains, and diverse variety of flora and wildlife, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South India..
Attractions: Eravikulam National Park, TATA Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam and lake, Windermere Estate, KTDC Tea County
Best time to visit Munnar : :October to November and January to May.
How to get there? :The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport (119 km) and railhead is Ernakulam Junction (120 km).
3. Vagamon
Vagamon is a spot of indescribable beauty, surrounded by a string of thee hills. There is a lot of natural beauty to savour in this paradisiacal Kerala hill resort, with a combination of meadows, forests, and hills. For a romantic afternoon, go on a nature route with your loved one to view untamed buffaloes and elephants bathing in little waterbodies.
Attractions : Kurisumala Dairy Farm, Thangal Para, Mundakayam Ghat, Spice Garden Farm resort
Best time to visit Vagamon: March to May
How to get there : The closest airport is Cochin International (120 Kms) and nearest railway station is Kottayam (64 Kms)
4. Ponmudi
Ponmudi is one of the most beautiful Kerala hill stations near Trivandrum, with tiny winding routes that provide scenic vistas for visitors travelling by road. It’s a scene best admired when sitting next to your loved one, with a gorgeous display of mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, and little rivulets.
Attractions: Golden Valle, Meenmutty waterfalls, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Golden Peak
Best time to visit Ponmudi : March to May
How to get there? Nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (67 km) and railway station is Thiruvananthapuram (61 km).
5. Silent Valley
Silent Valley National Park is one of the world’s most environmentally varied places, with flora and wildlife found nowhere else on the earth. Over 34 species of mammals can be found here, including the rare lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Malabar giant squirrel, and hairy-winged bat. Only from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. is it possible to enter the valley. To enter, special permission is necessary, which can be obtained on the scene at the Mukkali Forest Department office. For Rs 650, you can rent a Jeep from Mukkali to the Valley.
Attractions: Vision Nature Resorts, Silent Valley Treetop Resort
Best time to visit Silent Valley : October to February
How to get there? :The nearest railway station is Palakkad (69 km) and airport is Coimbatore International Airport (91 km).
6. Gavi
Gavi, a hill station in the Pathanamthitta District, is another site where you may view Kerala’s serene landscape. You’ll be spoilt for choice in this paradise with so many activities on board like boating, trekking, wildlife exploration, bird watching, camping, lodging in tree house accommodations, and forest safaris.
Attractions : Periyar National Park, Neer Veezhcha WaterFalls, KFDC Gavi Hotel , Sterling Thekkady Resorts and Hotels
Best time to visit Gavi : September till February
How to get there? The nearest train station to Gavi is Kottayam, which is around 125 kilometres away, and from there you can rent a cab to Gavi. Nedumbassery Airport is the closest airport (160 Km).
7. Athirapally
Athirapally is one of Kerala’s most well-known hill stations. Athirapally’s waterfalls have been compared to Niagara Falls by many people, despite the fact that they have been featured in several films such as Guru, Roza, and Dil Se. This hill station, which is located in Kerala’s Thrissur region, has several stunning scenery on board and is an ideal location for photography.
Attractions : Athirappilly Falls, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary , Rainforest , Athirappilly Green Trees Resorts
Best time to visit Athirapally : September to January
How to get there? The nearest station to this hill station is Chalakuddy, which links to major districts like as Thrissur, Palakkad, and Kochi. From here, you can take a public or private vehicle to Athirapally. Cochin Airport is the closest airport (40 Km).
8. Thekkady
The lush forests and rich plantations of Thekkady, as well as the location’s unique flora and wildlife, have made it a famous tourist destination. As a result, Thekkady is an excellent adventure as well as family vacation location. The thrill of seeing the incredible flora and fauna of this location up close, as well as the sheer excitement of seeing wild elephants visiting the lake, are some of the memories you’ll take away from the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary.
Attractions: Vandanmedu, Kumily, Murikkady, Peppervine Hotel, Coffee Routes
Best time to visit Thekaddy : October to February
How to get there? The nearest railway station is Kottayam Railway Station (68 km) and airport is Madurai (140 km).
9. Ranipuram
Ranipuram is another of Kerala’s lesser-known hill stations, recognised for its captivating beauty. The beautiful green monsoon rainforest in Kasargod district is thought to be a storehouse of evergreen flora and animals. The location is ideal for vacationers looking for a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life!
Attractions: Talakaveri Temple, Bekal Fort , Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary, DTPC Ranipuram Resorts , The Palavayal Farmhouse
Best time to visit Thekaddy : October to February
How to get there? The nearest airport to Kasargod is in Mangalore which is 80 kilometres from here and is well-connected through road.
10. Kalpetta
Kalpetta, at a height of 780 metres above sea level, is recognised for its rustic beauty and lush coffee plantation surrounds. It is a vibrant hill village in Kerala’s Wayanad region, set among coffee plantations that maintain the environment pleasant and refreshing during your stay. There are various beautiful resorts in the area where you may spend relaxing vacations surrounded by nature.
Attractions :Pookode Lake – Mapaddi Garden Village ,Sentinel Rock Falls Olive Resorts ,Woodrose Resorts
Best time to visit : October to March
How to get there? The nearest airport and railway station to Kalpetta is located in Kozhikode, around 51 kilometres from here. You can take a taxi or public transport to reach Kalpetta from Kozhikode.
