Hill Stations in Kerala

Virgin beaches, languid backwaters and lush tropical vegetation are not the only attractions of Kerala. Nestled attractions the Western Ghats are cool, misty mountains, undulating meadows and picturesque valleys where vast areas are given over to plantations of tea, coffee and cardamom. In the past, there was also other cultivation. Now known for its coffee plantations, cool Nelliyampathy, something of an anomaly in the sweltering heat of Palakkad district; was once known for its oranges.

Kerala Hill stations literally beg you to savor the cool climes and beautiful environs. So its, no wonder that the British, enveloped by nostalgic for their homeland, went about expanding plantation land and built cottages and churches, reminiscent of what they had left behind.

Kerala hill Stations

The rolling high ranges of the Western Ghats are a demarcating line at the eastern edge of Kerala, separating the State from its neighbors. The dense forests, extensive ridges and deep ravines of these Ghats have sheltered Kerala from the mainland invaders and at the same time, encouraged maritime contact with the outside world. These highland regions with its meandering roads and magnificent waterfalls have also bestowed upon Kerala an ambiance that is completely different from its other scenic locales. Remote in location, yet easily accessible from any part of the state, each destination here has its own quaint charm. The famous Kerala hill stations are :

• Thenmala
• Idukki
• Munnar
• Peermede
• Vagamon
• Nelliyampathy
• Wayanad

Great for Trekking

Most of the tourist destinations in Kerala hills are actually small towns surrounded by a spread of wooded valleys, wildlife sanctuaries, plantations, meandering streams and rugged mountains. As a result, there’s plenty to do, especially for the outdoor enthusiasts for trekking and climbing when on Kerala tour travel.

The northern, hilly district of Wayanad caters specifically to the adventure tourist. The Chemba peak, which at 2,100 metres is the highest in Wayanad, is considered an arduous trek. Pakshipathalam in the Bramhagiri hills at Thirunelly and Tusharagiri near Vythiri are challenging too. Another popular trek is that to Meenmutty where water falls to a depth of more than 500 metres in three steps. An invigorating sight, scenes like this are common in this breathtaking beautiful, wild region.

Quite different from the untamed splendor of Wayanad is Idukki in central Kerala, which with its magnificent sanctuaries, the largest forest cover in the State and picture postcard like hill stations, offers vast scope for those who enjoy the outdoors sports and is a great place for sporting fun when on a Kerala tour travel to the hills. There are lovely trekking trails in the cooler climes of Peermede, Vagamon and Munnar, with places like Kalvary Mount and Kurisumala also offering spiritual solace. Private companies provide guided treks to most of these places but the District Tourism Promotion Council also offers guides, sleeping bags and canvas huts on hire.