The Hill Stations in Kerala

While Kerala is immediately identified with beautiful beaches and backwaters, there's more to Kerala than golden sun, white sand and blue sea. As you move further in from the coast on your Kerala Tour with Kerala Backwater and leave the beaches and backwaters behind, you will find the roads winding upwards along the Western Ghats that are the hill ranges in Kerala.

Kerala has many beautiful hill stations. Not only are these beautiful destinations they are also the source of the famous spices of Kerala. Spices such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and the cashew nut have been grown in plantations on these hill stations in Kerala, for centuries. Cash crops such rubber and tea were introduced by the Dutch and English colonial rulers of Kerala in the 18th and 19th centuries, when they realized these plants could grow in the tropical climate of Kerala.

Some of the hill stations in Kerala, which you can see on tours with Kerala Backwater are:

Idukki Hill Station : 

Idukki is a small town en route to Munnar, 121 km away from Kottayam. Idukki, literally means a narrow gorge, is famed for its arched dam built across the Periyar river. A small hill town, with wooden valleys and meandering streams, girded by the three main rivers of Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar and their tributaries, Idukki is delightful country.

This land-locked district is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala and offers diverse attractions for its tourists. With the Pamba river originating from this area, wild life sanctuaries, hill stations, elephant rides, visits to the spice plantation and mountain treks are some of the tourist attractions. The tribal population of Idukki is distinct in their customs and beliefs which make them distinctly different from the mainstream culture.

Kannur Hill Station : 

The Pythal Mala, situated 65 km from Kannur town and at a height of 4,500 gm near the Kerala-Karnataka border, is a hill station, rich in flora and fauna. To reach the top, a 6 km long trek has to be taken.

Kasargod Hill Station : 

Ranipuram, situated at 750 km above sea level and 55 km from Kasaragode, is well-known for its vegetation like the evergreen shola wood and monsoon forests besides its trekking trails.

Mattupetty Hill Station : 

Famous for its Indo-Swiss livestock project, Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m and is just 13 km from Munnar. There are over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle at the specialized dairy farm and visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm. The Mattupetty Lake and Dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot.

Nearby is the Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake, both tourist attractions. Boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam on speed launches and slow speed motor boats are available.

Kozhikode Hill Station : 

The Peruvanthanam Muzhi, 60 km from Kozhikode, is the site of a dam amidst the hills. It has become a favourite picnic spot with its bird sanctuary and a crocodile lake.

Thusharagiri, 48 km from Kozhikode, is famous for its trekking tracks, streams and waterfalls.

Munnar Hill Station : 

At an altitude of 1524 m and only 136 km from Cochin, Munnar is a paradise for tourists who love nature. Situated in the Kannan Devan Hills, the greenery and serenity of the place is certain to attract anyone. Besides the virgin forests, the low-flying clouds and the mist-filled valley makes it an even more pleasant destination.

Frequented by the British in colonial times, the best time to visit Munnar is in May.

One of the places to visit is the Kundale Tea Plantation. Everything you wanted to know about tea and how it is processed is what you get to see in these plantations. It is a sight and smell treat for the tourists.

Devikulam, 16 km south-west of Munnar and 1,000 meters above sea level, is a small town with green slopes with its cluster of red and blue gum trees. The lake hidden amongst the rolling hills, literally means 'the lake of the goddess'. Legend has it that Sita and Rama came down to play in the lake, and hence its name.

Nelliyampathy Hill Station :

The Nelliyampathy hills, just 75 km from Palakkad, are situated at a height of around 467 meters with the highest peak, Padagiri, at 1572 meters. These hills comprise a chain of ridges cut off by valleys of dense, evergreen forests and orange plantations. To reach this hill station one has to negotiate over a dozen hairpin bends on the Ghat road passing through the jungles of the Sahyadri Ranges. En route is an ideal stopover at the Pothundi Reservoir with its manicured surroundings, about 17 kms from Palghat.

Palakkad Hill Station :

Nelliampathy, 75 km form Palakkad and 450 to 1572 mtrs above sea level, is the hill station that can be accessed only after negotiating more than 10 hairpin bends on the Sahyadri ranges.

Silent Valley, situated 80 km from Palakkad, is one of the last remaining stretches of tropical evergreen rain forest.

To reach the hill resort of Dhoni, just 15 km from Palakkad, it takes a three-hour trek. The journey from the base of the Dhoni hills is traversed by forests and waterfalls.

Ponmudi Hill Station : 

From Thiruvanathapuram, the hill station of Ponmudi is at a distance of 61 km. At an altitude of over 100 m above seal level on the Western Ghats, the winding streams with their green water and the verdant woods in the midst of quiet surroundings, is sure to attract any visitor to Ponmudi Hills. Vistors to Ponmudi must not miss out on their trekking.

The places of interest around Ponmudi are the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Golden Valley, Deer Park and Orchids.

Wayanad Hill Station : 

Wayanad is famous for its vast plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom pepper and rubber spread over the hills. Situated at the north eastern tip of Kerala and flanked by the rivers of Panamaram, Mananthavady and Kabini which cut across the undulating panaroma, adds to the beauty of this breath taking place.

Wayanad has a bird sanctuary, Pakshipathalam, situated just 10 km from Thirunelli, and is on the trekking route.The Chembra Peak is another ideal place for trekking is situated 14 km from Kalpetta and is 2100 mtrs above sea level.

Lakkidi, 55 km. from Kozhikode and 700 mtrs above sea level, is the gateway to Wayanad with its lofty peaks, streams and forest.