“God’s own country “Kerala is aptly named so because it is almost close to heaven on earth. With picturesque landscapes, verdant views, and experiences so enchanting, making a vacation in Kerala a memorable one. This charming hill station allows its visitors to experience a panoramic view of the mist-clad hills, expansive tea and coffee plantations, and unending spice gardens making this hill station a perfect getaway for family or a romantic escapade. A vacation here will also allow you a retreat from the summer heat. So, the next time you visit Kerala, don’t just visit the famous beaches and the backwaters, explore these beautiful hill stations in Kerala and prepare yourself for an unforgettable vacation.
1. Munnar
Set at an altitude of 6000 ft is the quaint and idyllic hill station of Munnar. Known to be the summer resort for British rulers during colonial times, this hill station is surrounded by lush green forests and unending tea estates. Due to its pristine valleys, mountains, and exotic varieties of flora and fauna, Munnar is one of the best hill stations in Kerala. With the three majestic rivers Mattupetti, Periavaru, and Nallathanni flowing through its valleys, Munnar attracts a lot of visitors all throughout the year. The best part of this hill station is the weather is pleasant throughout the year making it a perfect destination to escape the heat in the rest of the state. Trekking and camping are the most popular activities here.
2. Wayanad
Covered in mist-clad mountains and lush tea gardens make Wayanad a destination for a perfect getaway. Known for its captivating scenery Wayanad is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Kerala. It is known for its lush greenery, thundering waterfalls, and numerous homestays which contribute to making your stay here an indelible one. It is a wonderful retreat for nature lovers and also has a variety of activities that will let you explore your inner adrenaline junkie.
3. Vagamon
An ocean of tranquillity, Vagamon is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala. This hill station is a place of inexplicable beauty and was featured in National Geographic’s 50 most attractive places to visit because of its cultural diversity blended with an amazing topography that needs to be experienced. The hill station is nothing less of a paradise and is surrounded by a lot of natural beauty for you to explore and appreciate.
4. Thiruvambadi
Located in a stunning valley in the district Kozhikode is a quaint hill station Thiruvambadi. The hill station has lush greenery and thundering waterfalls, and it’s truly spectacular. Located on the bank of the river Iruvanjippuzha this enchanting hill station makes a perfect destination for a romantic getaway as well. Some of the must-visit places in Thiruvamabdi are Arippara Waterfalls, Sattav; The awakening garden, and the Varkala Black sand beach.
5. Thekkady
If you are looking for a laid-back vacation with the opportunity of enjoying nature at its absolute best, in the middle of scintillating backdrops and scenic landscapes Thekkady has all of that to offer. Boasting unspoiled forests and rich with flora and fauna, Thekkady is a nature lover’s paradise. Thekkady also has numerous cardamon, tea, and coffee plantations and is home to several magnificent mountains and pristine rivers. Some of the famous attractions in Thekkady include Mangla Devi Temple, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and plantations near Odamade, Murukkady, and Vellaramkunnu. One can also enjoy adventure activities like trekking, rafting, jeep safaris, bamboo rafting, and many more.
6. Lakkidi
Situated at 700 meters is the small yet most tranquil hill station in Kerala, Lakkidi. It is smaller in size in comparison to other hill stations in Kerala, making it possible for you to explore this quaint hill station on foot. Lakkiddi has several hill resorts which provide utmost solitude making this hill station in Kerala a perfect getaway for anyone wishing to connect with nature.
7. Ponmudi
Located near Trivandrum and offering its visitor a picturesque view is the enchanting hill station Ponmudi. Known as the Golden Peak, this majestic hill station is home to exotic butterflies, beautiful mountains, rivulets, and rapids. You can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of River Kallar at the Golden Valley, and take a trek from Kallar through dense forest to the Meenmutty waterfalls. The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is home to Asian elephants, lion-tailed macaques, and Malabar grey hornbills making it a popular destination among tourists.
8. Athirapally
This beautiful hill station in Kerala has been featured in various movies like Guru, Roza, and Dil Se. It is home to beautiful waterfalls which have often been compared to Niagara Falls by its visitors. Athirapally promises to provide its visitors with an exhilarating experience. The best time to visit Athirapally is best from September to January as climbing the waterfalls during the monsoon season can be difficult.
9. Vithura
A quaint hill station in Kerala, Vithura has a peaceful and serene environment. Located 37 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Vithura is not popular among tourists in comparison to the other hill station and has managed to retain its impeccable beauty. However, one thing that this hill station is famous for is rock climbing. The hill station also has delightful weather all throughout the year making it a popular destination to beat the summer heat.
10. Malakkappara
Malakkappara is a popular destination for tea lovers. Popularly called “Rock of the Angel” this hill station is surrounded by lush green scenery and is blanketed with tea estates that enhance the beauty of the town. A virtually unexplored destination, Malakkappars is a photographer’s delight and a great hill station to visit during summer.
11. Ranipuram
Located in the Kasargod district, this unexplored hill station is a nature lovers’ delight. Ranipuram is home to diverse, flora and fauna making it the perfect destination to enjoy a perfect rejuvenating vacation. Some of the popular destinations here are Talakaveri, which provides its visitors with a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys, Bekal Fort which dates back to the 17th century, and Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary which is a biodiversity hotspot.
12. Ayyampuzha
A bird lovers’ paradise surrounded by thundering waterfalls is the enchanting hill station in Kerala, Ayyampuzha. With majestic hills and lush green scenery, Ayyampuzha provides its visitors with a timeless landscape that must be experienced to be believed. Ayyampuzha is also popular among hikers because the trails make you experience breathtaking beauty.
Also Read: 5 Scenic Destinations In The Backwaters Of Kerala
Kerala is one of the places where you can experience nature’s bounty which makes memories last a lifetime. A trip to the hill stations here is bound to be a rejuvenating experience and make a perfect getaway to de-stress and take a break from the hustle-bustle of city life and escape the summer heat. So, make sure you visit these hill stations in Kerala as it will definitely be worth it.
