Hill Stations of Kerala

Does trekking push your adrenalin level to a high? If yes, then Chembra Peak is where you should head to. Located in the heart of Wayanad district in the state of Kerala, at 2100 m above sea level, Chembra? Peak is enveloped in natural beauty. It is the highest peak in the district. The experience of trekking to the top of the Peak is filled with thrill to the hilt. Meppady is the nearest town from where the Peak is easily accessible by foot. However, one needs to take permission from the forest office in Meppady before embarking on? this trek. The District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides and trekking equipments on hire to the tourists, on payment. One of the striking attractions of Chembra Peak is a heart shaped lake at the top of the peak, which never dries up. This lake attracts many tourists throughout the year. Camping facility is also provided at the top of the peak for a day or two, which further adds to excitement. At the Chembra Peak, refresh? your body and soul with the scenic beauty and thrill.

Retaining its old world charm, Chithirapuram is a great place for holidays. Scenic beauty, peace, and entertainment are found in plenty here. It is dotted with traditional cottages, bungalows,? playgrounds and courts, giving a real taste of an old world charm. The views of its mesmerizing tea plantations, grassy hills, mountain streams will take you to a different world altogether. Chithirapuram is located at a distance of 10 km from Munnar (known for tea and coffee plantations). This beautiful hill station not only offers natural beauty, but also gives an opportunity to its visitors to indulge in adventurous activities such as mountain hikes, trekking and nature walks.

If you were to make a list of the most famous hill stations of Kerala, Devikulam would figure high up. It is simply enchanting! It is blessed with lush green vegetation, verdant hills, wild yet beautiful flowers, lovely lake and much more. Devikulam is located at a distance of 16 km from Munnar and is easily accessible. There is also a beautiful lake in Devikulam, held in high esteem by Hindus. The word Devikulam means "the lake of Goddess". There is a Hindu Mythological legend attached to it. The legend goes that goddess Sita( Lord Rama's consort) once came to this lake and bathed in it. Since then, the hill station is known as Devikulam. The striking feature of this lake is that it has a fountain spring, from which flows healthy mineral water. The recreational options offered? here are hiking, trekking and mountaineering. Well, the charm of Devikulam does not end here, there is something more for the adventurous tourists. Pay a visit to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary located at about an hour's drive from Devikulam, to experience the wilderness of Kerala. The main attraction of this wildlife sanctuary is the endangered wild life species ? grizzled giant squirrel and star tortoise. The climate of Devikulam is pleasant throughout the year.

The appeal of the fascinating hill station Idukki, lies in its panoramic beauty. It is the second largest district of Kerala with 97 percent of its area covered with mountains and forests. It is amazingly rich in flora and fauna. Three beautiful rivers Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar add to the beauty of this hill station. Loose yourself to its scenic beauty and make your holidays a memorable experience. Tourist attractions are in plenty here?wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantations, elephant rides and trekking. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most renowned wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala with a rich variety of flora and fauna. Idukki is home to a large population of tribals who actually live in a different world of unique traditions. Not only this, the hill station also boosts of? Asia's first and the world's second arch dam. Idukki is simply the epitome of scenic beauty.

If you love rain, mountain peaks, silver streams and lush green forest, then head for Lakkidi. It is a magical hill station located in the Wayanad region of Kerala. It has an altitude of 700 meters above sea level and is one of the highest locations in Wayanad. The Wayanad region is blest with the beautiful Malleswari Peak and a well known Shiva Lingam of India. Lakkidi receives world's second highest degree of rainfall. Gratify your senses with interesting activities like nature walks, trekking, boating and bird watching at Lakkidi hill station. Pookot Lake is a beautiful tourist attraction near the hill station. It is a major picnic spot where people come to refresh themselves. Other nearby tourist attractions are Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves and Chethalayam Waterfalls.

No less than a paradise, Mattupetty hill station attracts tourists from across the globe. You must see its beauty to believe it. Nestled in the Western Ghat Ranges of South India, Mattupetty is like a fairy land fashioned out of springs, rivers, forests and gardens. It is elevated to an altitude of 1700 m. When you travel to Muttupetty don't? miss the Mattupetty lake and the dam. Boating facilities are provided here by DTPC Idukki, and it is truly great fun. Two main attractions in Muttupetty are the Rose Garden, where a wide variety of roses can be seen, and the highly specialized Dairy Farm, an Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Kundala tea plantation is another attraction which adds beauty to this wonderful hill station. Visit this heavenly hill station and take back home some treasured memories which you will remember for the rest of your life.

Steeped in immense natural beauty, Munnar is a must-see tourist destination. The flavor
and charm of this hill station will surely leave you awe-inspired. Munnar being one of the favored holiday destinations in Kerala attracts tourists from far and wide. Brilliant views of its rolling hills, beautiful valleys and scenic beauty deserve mention. Munnar is? located at an altitude of 6000 ft above sea level in the district of Idukki. This awesome hill station is dotted with numerous tea plantations. Take a stroll through these aromatic tea plantations and learn the facts about great tea leaves. Pay a visit to the Eravikulam National Park, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The endangered species found here is Nilgiri Tahr (popularly known as ibex ).? Munnar is also famous for its unique flower called "Neelakurinji", which blooms only once in 12 years.

Peruvannamuzhi is a tourist destination of exceptional beauty, located in the Calicut district of Kerala, South India. The beautiful garden amidst rolling hills in Pervannamuzhi is very popular with tourists. In fact, it serves as a picnic spot where people come to refresh themselves. The most interesting attraction here is the artificial lake reservoir, which is dotted with many? tiny islands. Some of these islands have been converted into Bird Sanctuaries. This reservoir serves as an important source for the irrigation requirements of the three districts of Kerala?Kozhikode, Malapuram and Kannur. Tourists can enjoy speedboat cruises on this reservoir and enjoy the scenic beauty of Peruvannamuzhi. Another amazing attraction of this hill station is the Crocodile Farm, where you will find huge crocodiles. You can also pay a visit to the Smarakam Thottam, memorial paying tribute to the freedom fighters.

As bewitching as Kerala, Pythal Mala is a hill station with a difference. It is located near the Kerala-Karnataka border, about 64 km north of Kannur, and at an elevation of 1372 m. Adventure enthusiasts will get ample opportunities of trekking here. Trekking to the top of the hill is very exciting. The arresting feature of this hill station is its rich flora and fauna. The top of the hill offers a panoramic view of the surroundings. Breathe the fresh air and appreciate the pristine beauty of the valleys. How refreshing!

Marked by extraordinary elegance, Vythiri hill station is worth a visit. The best season to visit this hill station is during rainy season. It is located in the north eastern tip of Kerala, about 100 km from Kozhikode at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level. Coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber are grown in plenty here. So plan a tour to these plantations and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, which are exquisite and delicately flavored. Clean fresh air, picturesque surroundings, pleasant weather and friendly people make Vythiri a perfect tourist destination. The unique attraction of Vythiri are the Tree houses, built on trees above 90 ft from the ground, in the tropical rain forest. A stay on such a tree house is a wonderful experience. Long rope bridges hanging over the streams in Vythiri are something, which tourists love to see.

Pay a visit to this winsome hill station and you are sure to be spell-bound by its beauty. There are many beautiful lakes around Wagamon, where you can spend some quality time with your loved ones. Fun activities like boating can be enjoyed here. The waterfalls in Wagamon are really worth seeing. The very sight of the cool misty waters of these waterfalls is refreshing. Another amazing spot in Wagamon is the renowned Kurisumala Ashram located in the heart of the Sahyadri Mountains. Its healthy and refreshing environment is perfect for meditation. This ashram is also known for producing good quality honey and pure milk, which serve as the source of livelihood for the monks living there. Many Eco-friendly projects have been initiated in Wagamon. Green Meadows is one such project aiming at the development and construction of cottages, Ayurvedic massage centers, cultivation? of medicinal plants and lakes.

Superabundant greens, celestial clouds , balmy air and mesmerizing scenic beauty describe the charm of Nellyampathy. Its beautiful valleys are interspresed with tea and coffee plantations. It is located in the Palakkad district of Kerala. The most interesting spot in Nellyampathy is the Padagiri Peak, the highest in Nellyampathy. Adventure lovers will surely have a great time here, as this hill station offers exciting adventurous opportunities such as mountain climbing and trekking. Leave behind your monotonous routine for a few days and plan a trip to Nelliyampathi hill station to refresh yourself.

There are many fascinating hill stations in Kerala and Ponmudi is one of them. It is located on the Western Ghats in Kerala. It is easily accessible as it is located at a distance of 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. This hill station? is known for its tea plantations, which are truly a visual treat. The word 'Ponmudi' means 'Golden crown'. Because of its location near the sea, it attracts a lot of tourists. Ample opportunities for recreational activities are offered here. Scenic beauty, cascading waterfalls, bird watching and many more attractions allures the tourists to Ponmudi. An interesting activity you can enjoy here is the Aaranmula Boat Race. It is organized every year in the Aaranmula village in the month of August/September. A few minutes drive from Ponmudi will take you to the Orchid and Deer park, which is quite an interesting place. Ponmudi is also the right place for trekking. So what are you waiting for!