HILL STATIONS IN KERALA PRESENTING BY MOHAMMED NASIH BM
HILL STATIONS OF KERALA ; AN INTRODUCTION KERALA , a state known for the beautiful backwaters , bewitching coastal destinations and have a refined collection hill stations. If numbers are to be believed, there are more than 50 hill stations that dot the state. In order to keep things simple and interesting , I have picked 18 hill stations . These destinations are known for their own pristine beauty and salubrious climate.
1.MUNNAR Situated at the confluence of three rivers , Munnar is one of the famous hill station in Kerala. Located at an elevation of 1600m above sea level, this hill station is known for its unparelleled shades of green. Located in I dukki district. It is known as natural spa of Kerala. Pothanadu (6km), Devikulam (7km), Pallivasal (8km), Attukkal (9km) and Mattupetty (13km) are the nearest tourist spot. Neelakurinji hills , Marayoor , Chinnar Wildlife Sanctury , Eravikulam National Park near Munnar offer great view of the diverse wildlife of south I ndia. Nearest airport is Cochin I nternational Airport and nearest railway station is Aluva railway station.
2.THEKKADY Another hill station from the Idukki district , excellent place to get rejuvenated. Located at an elevation of 1800m. Far from the city; enjoy an uninterrupted holiday admist the lush flora and diverse fauna that is enveloped by green rolling hills . The famous Mullaperiyar Dam located in this region. Periyar Wildlife Sanctury is the prime attraction of Thekkady . Trekking, elephant safari and the boat cruise on the Periyar lake are great attractions in Thekkady . The best time to visit T hekkady is from O ctober to February. Nearest railway station is Kottayam railway station and nearest airport is Madurai International Airport.
3.VAGAMON A summer destination, V agamon is situated 1200m above sea level. Located in Idukki district. Marked by the lofty green mountains, cascading waterfalls, pine forests and the mandering roads cutting through the mountains, Vagamon is an ideal place to find solace and peace of mind. The perfect environment gives you oppurtunity to practice meditation. Illikal peak, P oonjar palace and M aramala waterfalls in Vagamon . Nearest railway station is Kottayam railway station and nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.
4.PONMUDI Located about 61 km away from Trivandrum, Ponmudi is a small picturesque hill station in K erala. Situated in an elevation of 1100m. Pleasant climate, superlative landscape with ravines, rivers and mountains and forest to accompany, Ponmudi proves to be one of the best hill station in kerala . You can enjoy trekking and hiking especially at Agasthyarkoodam , which is the highest peak of the district. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary , Deerpark , Golden Valley and Meenmutty falls are some of nearest tourist sites. Nearest railway station is Trivandrum Central Railway station and nearest airport is Trivandrum I nternational Airport
5.LAKKIDI Lakkidi is in Wayanad district. Situated in an elevation of 700m. Lakkidi boasts of lofty green mountain and tranquil environment. The luxurious resorts have been setup here for comfortable stay which makes special. The salubrious climate in an added benefit along with stunning landscape and serenity in the valley, where you have the opportunity bask. Nearest railway station is Calicut Railway Station and nearest airport is Calicut International Airport.
6.VYTHIRI It is situated at an elevation of 1300m above sea level in W ayanad district. It is known for its beauty. The green clad rolling hills the cascading Kabani river and rich fauna make a perfect holiday destination. The main activities here are trekking, angling, boating and rafting. The main attraction near Vythiri are temples and Neolithic age Edakkal Caves. Nearest railway station is Nilambur Road Railway Station and nearest airport is Calicut International Airport.
7.PEERMEEDU The main cultivation here are tea, coffee and spice plantation. It is located in K otayam district, situated in an elevation of 915m. This hill station is named after soofi saint Peer Mohammed. Peermeedu known for the tribal inhabitation. We can get a chance to experience ancient tribal lifestyle. Kuttikanam , Trissanku hills, Grampi , Peeru hills and Pattumala are the tourist sites around Peermeedu . Nearest railway station is Kotayam Railway station and nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.
8.MALAMPUZHA It is located in Palakkad district. Situated in an elevation of around 900m. It is a perfect holiday destination for leisure travellers. Amusement park, Rock garden, Ropeway, Fish shaped aquarium are the entertaining activities we can find here. Sculpture of Y akshi and Rock garden are the main attraction here. The best time to visit here is from S eptember to May. Nearest railway station is Palakkad Jn and nearest airport is C oimbatore International Airport.
9.MATTUPETTY Mattupetty known for sparkling lake and rolling meadows. Located in Idukki district. Situated in an elevation of 1700m. It is very near from Munnar . It boasts tea garden and undying natural beauty. The main attraction of Mattupetty is, it houses 100 varieties of high yielding cattle and it will be an entirely different experience for any visitor. Boating in Mattupetty lake and trekking to nearby places are the main activity here. Nearest railway station is Angamaly Railway Station and nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.
10.AYYAMPUZHA It is located in Ernakulam district. Situated in an elevation of 160m. The place dotted with brooks and covered with lush forests. Trekking in Chelikkandam forest often lead to A thirapally waterfalls. It is beautiful Hill station which is home to different types of birds. Nearest railway station is Aluva Railway Station and nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.
11.GAVI It is located in Pathanamtitta district. Situated in an elevation of 1036m. It is known as paradise for nature lovers and enthusiasts. Trekking, wildlife watching, bird watching, staying in tree house, camping, safari in the forest and boating in kochu pamba and G avi lake are the activities offered here. Shabarimala temple view, stroll in the sprawling spice garden and cardomom factory in Gavi is the nearest tourist sites. The main speciality of Gavi is, remains cold in summer. It is a summer tourism destination. Nearest railway station is Chengannur Railway station and nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport..
12.ATHIRAPALLY Located in Trissur district. Situated in an elevation of 900m. Athirapally houses a combination of scenic landscape and small streams. It is a perfect monsoon tourism destination. Athirapally known for its great waterfall. Best time to visit here is from September to January. Nearest railway station is Chalakkudy Railway Station and nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.
13.CHARALKUNNU Charalkunnu is located in Pattanamtitta district. Situated in an elevation of 600m It is a small scenic town, offer a splendid view of neighboring valleys. The famous shades of green covers the landscape here as well with the azure river Pamba flowing through it. The main activities are trekking and cycling on the hill. Nearest railway station is Thiruvalla Railway station and nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport.
14.MALAYATTUR Malayattur is famous for Christian pilgrimage in Kerala. Located in Ernakulam district. Situated in an elevation of 609m. It offers splendid view of rolling hills and sprawling farms. It is beloved that St. Thomas apostle prayed on the mountain. Therefore K urishumudy in Malayattur has gained the attention of many believers across world. Nearest railway station is Angamaly Railway Station and nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.
15.KALPETTA Kalpetta is surrounded by scenic lofty mountains and coffee plantations. Situated in an elevation of 708m. Located in Wayanad district. Available of good resorts and affordable accommodation in this region may often lead tourist to visit here. Pookode lake, W ayanad ghat road view point, Meenmutty falls and Chembra peak are the nearest tourism attractions. Nearest railway station is C alicut Railway Station and nearest airport is Calicut International Airport.
16.MALAKKAPPARA Also known as tea garden hill station. It is located in T rissur district. Situated in an elevation of 240m. The Malakkappar dotted with small streams and scenic natural spots. This place is ideal for photography tour in K erala. Holy L and Replica at Chalakkudy and Aanakkayam are the major attraction in Malakkappara . Nearest railway station is Chalakkudy Railway Station and Nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport.
17.RANIPURAM It is located in K asargod district. Situated in an elevation of 750m. This hill station Is known for Eco Tourism. Ranipuram have a repository evergreen forest. The main activities are trekking, wildlife bird watching, jeep safari and elephant site seeing. The monsoon forest of Ranipuram attract more tourist to this region. Nearest railway s tation is Kasargod Railway Station and nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport.
18.NELLIYAMPATHY It is located in P alakkad district. Situated in an elevation of 1572m , surrounded by tea and coffee plantations. Pothundi Dam , which was constructed in the 19 th century is the entrance to Nelliyampathy . Privately owned hotels and resorts are located in various place here. A viewpoint called Seethargund is situated 8 km away from nelliyampathy . The nearest railway station is Palakkad Railway station and nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport.
Lets wind up From these number of hill stations, we can conclude that K erala is also blessed by hill station. Where we can prove that the Kerala is a “GOD’S OWN COUNTRY”. Every hill station have its own beauty and specialty. All these hill stations are preserved and protected under KTDC. Comparing to beach destinations of K erala, the hill station play a high role in the promotion of Kerala Tourism and more revenue for Govt.