Hill Stations in Kerala are an important part of travel itinerary as these are known for their stunning beauty and rich wildlife. Travelers from all over the world visit these Hill stations located in the beautiful state of Kerala to explore the natural diversity and enjoy life away from the clarion calls of duty. Home to a wide variety of flora and fauna the hills are the ideal gateway for those who adore the beauty of nature. Away from the din and bustle of the city life the hill stations help tourists to relax and unwind themselves from their tiring and stressed lives. The lush green environment, the wild flowers, streams and the cool breeze rejuvinate the body and soul.
The tourists who love to travel down the untainted path of nature may find innumerable trekking options in the Hill Stations of Kerala. In some of these areas the forests are a repository of diverse wild-animal & plant life. These forests are home to various animals like deers, wild elephants and squirrels. Apart from the animals the natural beauty comprising of plants and plantations that one may come across on the way include plantations of tea, coffee, rubber, cardamom and teak. One such place famous for its teak plantation is known as Nilambur. It also houses a teak museum that is the most frequently visited tourist attraction of Kerala. As the state of Kerala is the major producer of spice, vast stretches of land are used for this purpose.
Most of the hill stations of Kerala are mainly situated on the Western Ghats. One may also find rare plants and herbs of high medicinal value in the hills of this south india state. It is said that the impression of the feet of Lord Rama was found on a rock that lead to the name of the hill.
The most prominent hill stations of Kerala which are a major tourist draw round the year include :
Ilaveezhapoonchira
This serene Hill Station, surrounded by three hillocks - Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara is a popular trekking spot which is located around 55 Kms from Kottayam & 20 Kms from Thodupuzha. Ilaveezhapoonchira is also famous as a picnic spot located in the midst of Kanjar. Nestled in midst of a serene environment & picturesque lake that forms during the monsoons is at 3200 ft. above the sea level.
Munnar
In the list of prominent hill stations of Kerala, Munnar is the most popular complimented with the presence of rich flora and fauna ideal for trekking lovers. Some of the attractions of Munnar are the waterfalls, the tea plantations and the tea museum. Apart from these the other tourist atractions includes Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak (Highest Peak in Kerala) and Mattupetty (Dam & Lake), Pallivasal (Hydro Electric Project), Chinnakanal (Waterfalls) and Anayirangal (Tea Plantations).
Agasthyakoodam
Agasthyakoodam is another ideal trekking destination and is located around 70 kms from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum. This hill station with an elevation of 1868 mtrs. is a part of the Western Ghats and is an abode to some rare herbs. Situated here is the Agasthya forest & Agasthya mountain (Second highest peak in Kerala which adds color to the mesmerizing view). Tourists who are interested in trekking need to take permission from the Wildlife Warden. The ideal time for trekking is from the second week of December to February.
Nilambur
The Teak Plantation, located at 40 Kms from Malappuram is known for the oldst Teak plantation in the world. Nilambur is home to the Teak Museum that is considered to be the first of its kind. The teak plantation was started by H.V. Conolly, the collector of the region during the British rule and the entire region is known as Conolly's plot. Some of the other tourist attractions here are the waterfalls, rain forest and also the oldest teak tree Kannimari. One may also explore the butifully designed buildings exhibiting granduer known as the Kovilakoms that used to be the residence of the raja in the olden days. Nedumkayam which is 18 Kms from Nilambur town, is known for its rich rain forests. From the wooden rest house built here by the British, elephants and deer can be seen. A half hour journey from here, through the dense forests, by jeep takes one to Mancheri, a home to primitive tribe. Another tribal settlement is on the hilltops of Valamthode about 27 Kms from Nilambur, beyond the Chaliyar River.
Ranipuram
Ranipuram, a hill station within Kasargod District of Kerala, is located about 48 Kms east of Kanhangad and lies 750 mtrs above sea level adjacent to Bhagamandala Forest Range. It is covered with vegetations like monsoon forests, evergreen shoals and grasslands. Ranipuram is ideal for those who want to indulge in some physical activities like trekking. The forest of Ranipuram is home to many endangered and rare animals and tree species like wild elephants & Nilgiri Tahr. The main atttraction to this region is the proposed Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary / National park consists of various Flora and Fauna which are endemic to Western Ghats and yet to studied biodiversity hotspot.
Ramakkalmedu
Ramakkalmedu is a hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala and provides a paranomic view of Tamil Nadu villages and towns of Cumbum, Theni, Kombe, Thevaram, Uthamapalayam, Bodinaykannor and Vaiga. Ramakkalmedu stands tall in the western ghats at the height of 3500 ft. above the sea level. The characteristic of Ramakkalmedu is to generate electricity with the help of the wind mills located here. While on the way to Ramakkalmedu one would witness the plantations of rubber, coffee and cardamom. This hill station of Kerala also offers attractions like frog rock, the twin statue – kuravan and kurathi and turtle rock.
Wayanad
Wayanad district in the north-east of Kerala state was formed by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. It provides an experience of traveling through the untouched nature and is also regarded as the Land of Paddy Fields. The surrounding environment of Wayanad is still largely free from the rapid modernization and is home to variety of flora and fauna. One can witness the pre historic drawings that refer back to the Mesolithic Age in the district of Wayanad. One may visit the spice plantations, culture and the tropical savannahs along with the famous mountain peaks such as Chembra Peak (2,100 mtrs.), Banasura peak (2,073 mtrs.) and Brahmagiri (1,608 mtrs.) comprising of importat tourist attractions in the Wayanad district.
Kundala
Kundala, used by the British as their summer resort is a picturesque hill station at an elevation of 1600 mtrs. above sea level located in Munnar. The major tourist attractions of Kundala includes the tea plantations, the beautiful towns and the rich flora. It is home to Neelakurinji, the flowers that blooms in every twelve years.
Ponmudi
Ponmudi, is one of the beautiful hill station of Kerala state located around 61 Kms from the city of Trivandrum at an altitude of 1100 mtrs. Ponmudi offers a spectacular view with its rich green environment consisting of mountain flowers, streams and tea gardens. It is an ideal place for nature lovers as the region is free from rapid urbanization. The tourist attractions near Ponmudi include Golden Valley and a number of rivulets & rapids. The Golden Valley offers great view of the hills and access to the Kallarv river. Another attraction in the region is Meenmutty Falls and Agasthyarkoodam, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, with the height of 1868 mtrs. This peak is famous for its wilderness, and can be accessed only after taking the Forest Department's permission.
The other hill stations located in Kerala that attracts tourists round the year include :
Last Updated On: 2011/09/27
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