Keralam Hill Stations

One of the most sought after destinations in Keralam, Munnar is replete with resorts and lodging facilities that fit a wide range of budgets. Take a trip to the tea factory museums to get a leaf-to-cup tutorial or travel a bit further to the Eravikulam National Park which is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Once every twelve years Munnar turns purple owing to a mysterious floral phenomenon when Neelakurinji shrubs bloom simultaneously through-out the hill ranges and Shola grasslands. Shutterbugs can take a cab to the Top Station for a bird's eye view of the hill station and a stunning panoramic view of the Western Ghats and the Keralam-Tamilnadu border. On your way here stop by at the Echopoint to hear your words thrown back at you and at the Mattupetty Dam which is a common visiting ground of the elephants.

Evenings from between the bald hills of Vagamon translate to a smudged sun fading into the palette of the horizon. Three hills, named Thangal, Murugan and Kurisu embodying the three main religions in Keralam not only signifies the religious harmony but also the air of peace that is characteristic to this hill station. Add to this, velvety hills and the cool mountain air, and you will get the perfect holiday retreat. There's plenty of activities lined up in this cosy town laden with tea gardens and velvet meadows. Both the dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks and the breeding centre of the Keralam Livestock Board are worthy of a visit if you happen to have time after the usual run of activities like trekking, paragliding and rock climbing. On your way to or from Vagamon, as you take the turn to the hanging cliff route, halt when you see a 20-foot tall tower. This is in memory of the six men who died during the construction of this road. DTPC Idukki contact No. 04862 232248

Peermedu, bursting with guava trees, was once the summer retreat of the Maharajas of Travancore. Wide vistas of tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee plantations interspersed with silver cascades, sculptural rocks, meadows and mist-cloaked hilltops contribute to making it a perfect summer escapade even to this day. Here, the challenging trekking trails complement the panoramic landscape beautifully. The 160-year-old summer residence of the king with a magnificent durbar hall, several bedrooms and a small prison cell, has now been converted into a government guest house under the Department of Tourism.

This idyllic hill station is a favourite haunt of trekkers and picnickers. The hill is named after Peer Mohammed, the Sufi saint, who spent his last days here. The mausoleum of the saint, the summer palace of the royal family and the residence of the Diwan situated nearby are all worth a visit.

At Ponmudi, you levitate. The clouds glide beneath your feet. The mist adds to the magic of the hilly escapade. To reach the grasslands and plateaus in the top station and experience the incredible view of the golden hills from between a film of haze, you must meander through 23 hairpin bends. This hilly destination offers excellent trekking trails and camping opportunities. Ponmudi is the perfect getaway for early birds. Reach here before the crack of dawn to watch the sun sneak up from between the mountains.

A lot of our hill stations have been strategic hiding points for the mythological characters from Ramayan and Mahabharatha. Seethakundu named after goddess Sita is a peak that offers a panoramic view of about one-third of Palakkad. This fascinating hill station is at a height of 467 to 1,572 m above sea level and is an amalgam of citrus and coffee scents, with gooseberry trees peeking out from backyards and gardens. Nelliyampathy lends its name from these beautiful berries. Pick a few raw berries or couple of bottles of homemade gooseberry squash while in this locality.

Also known as the 'Ooty of Malappuram', it is a hill station at a height of 522 m above sea level. The idyllic setting of this hilly area is truly fascinating Ever-flowing springs, waterfalls, a watchtower and the Suicide Point are the main attractions here. The British hoisted their flag on this hilltop during a survey, thus rendering it the name, Kodikuthimala. Trek to the top of Kodikuthimala and enjoy the charm and the panoramic view of Malappuram.

Tucked away at the northeastern tip of Keralam, this quaint little hill station about 1,300 m above sea level is renowned for its coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber plantations. Mist-capped mountains and breathtaking scenery dominate other tourist attractions.

This enchanting hill station, situated 4,500 ft above sea level near the Keralam - Karnataka border, is rich in flora and fauna. It is a 6 km trek to the top of the hill.

Situated 750 m above sea level, Ranipuram is famous for its trekking trails, and varied vegetation, evergreen shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands. This area was formerly known as Madathumala.