Kerala holds several titles– God’s Own Country, India’s Spice Coast, the Land of Coconuts… and it lives up to all of them! The state is a nature lover’s and adventurer’s ideal vacation destination, given how it is surrounded by the Western Ghats and gifted with diverse landscapes and a multitude of attractions. From tea plantations to lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries, the various awe-inspiring sights here will lure you in no time and sweep away all your troubles.
For those who get away from beaches and backwaters, why not visit some of the best hill stations in Kerala? While studying the greatest spots to visit in God’s Own Country, our team at Yatrigann discovered the state’s actual number of hill stations, a number which is truly astounding. Because even though Kerala is well renowned for its picturesque backwaters and enthralling coastal attractions, the state also boasts a large number of hill stations. More than 50, to be precise if numbers are to be believed.
So what we did was prepare a list of the top 17 hill stations to visit in Kerala, which is recognized for their pristine beauty and pleasant environment. Read on to find out more.
Top 17 Hill Stations in Kerala for a Refreshing Weekend Getaway
1. Munnar
Munnar is incredibly picturesque and one of the top 10 hill stations in Kerala, known for its tea farms, unique lush vegetation, and jagged peaks. It is a hill station in the Western Ghats and the business hub for some of the world’s largest tea estates. Furthermore, Munnar features a number of protected areas that are home to indigenous and critically endangered species such as the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji.
Places to visit: Top Station, Echo Point, Attukad Waterfalls, Tea Plantations and Estates, Eravikulam National Park
Things to do: Boating on Kundala Dam Lake, skating, ATV bike rides, cycling, visit to tea gardens, rock climbing, paragliding
Best time to visit: September to May
2. Wayanad
This gorgeous hill town in Kerala, nestled in the Western Ghats, is a delight for environment lovers and animal aficionados, with a range of attractions for all sorts of tourists. Wayanad is one of the most visited hill stations in Kerala, with stunning waterfalls, historical caverns, and pleasant resorts and homestays. It is also well-known for its spice farms and wildlife preserves. Lakkidi View Point is a high-altitude vantage point with a panoramic view of the city.
Places to visit: Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls
Things to do: Trekking, boating, bird watching, river rafting, nature walks, kayaking, rock climbing
Best time to visit: September to May
3. Vagamon
Vagamon is a summer destination located 1200 meters above sea level, a wonderful spot to discover quiet and peace of mind, with its towering green slopes, flowing waterfalls, pine woods, and meandering roads cutting through the mountains. This hill station, far from the limits of hectic city noises, maybe a fantastic weekend escape. Its ideal setting allows you to practice meditation as well. Visit the famous Meenachil River, which was described by Arundhati Roy in her masterpiece ‘God of Small Things,’ or go see the beautiful Illikal Peak, Poonjar Palace, and Maramala Waterfalls.
Places to visit: Marmala Waterfalls, Karikadu View Point, Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary, Murugan Hill, Pattumala Church, Echo Point
Things to do: Nature walk, trekking, rock climbing, paragliding
Best time to visit: September to May
4. Idukki
The towering mountains that surround the gorgeous setting of Idukki, as well as the meandering Periyar, Thalayar, and Thodupuzha Rivers that dot the outskirts, make this the most attractive hill station in Kerala. Idukki, which translates as “Narrow Gorge,” has much too much to offer its tourists. Being one of the popular hill stations near Kochi, Idukki is well renowned for its wildlife sanctuaries, lovely bungalows, tea factories, rubber plantations, and forests, as well as remnants of the Chera dynasty and the Vembolinad Kingdom.
Places to visit: Keezharkuthu Falls, Valara Waterfalls, Hill View Park, Anakkara, Idukki Arch Dam, Periyar National Park
Things to do: Trekking, hiking, wildlife photography
Best time to visit: November to February
5. Vythiri
Vythiri, one of the hill stations in Wayanad, is noted for its scenic beauty. It is located at an elevation of around 1300 meters above sea level, making it is a wonderful holiday location in Kerala due to its green-clad undulating hills, flowing Kabini River, and abundant avifauna. If you’re looking for top hill stations in Kerala near Coimbatore, Vythiri is the place. The undulating mountains provide excellent trekking opportunities, and you may also enjoy rafting, boating, and angling sports while admiring the spectacular scenic beauty of the area.
Places to visit: Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Pookot Lake, Soochipara Waterfalls, Meenmutty Waterfalls, Karlad Lake
Things to do: Boating, trekking, bird watching, nature walks
Best time to visit: September to May
6. Nilambur
Nilambur, widely known as the Land of Teak Plantations, is a tiny village located on the banks of the Chaliyar River near the Nilgiri Range. It is an ideal hill resort in Kerala for a quiet and relaxing vacation. Don’t pass up the opportunity to spend a pleasant break in this picturesque hill station.
Places to visit: The Elembalai Hill, Adyanpara Waterfalls, Teak Museum
Best time to visit: October to April
7. Thenmala
Thenmala is an ecotourism hill station in Kerala’s Kollam district, nestled amongst the lush woodlands of the Western Ghats. It is a captivating combination of pristine nature and manufactured design that provides solitude unlike anywhere else. With its meandering roads and rubber and tea plantations, Thenmala claims to be India’s first planned eco-tourism location. The name ‘Thenmala’ translates to Honey Hill, implying a source of high-quality honey from the region. Because of the surrounding flower types, this honey has therapeutic qualities and is often exported.
Places to visit: Butterfly Safari, Leisure Zone, Deer Park
Things to do: Trekking, river crossing, rock climbing, mountain biking, rappelling
Best time to visit: December to February
8. Ponmudi
If you’re searching for hill stations in Kerala near Trivandrum, Ponmudi is the place. It is a tiny scenic hill station located around 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram. With its pleasant climate and spectacular environment of ravines, rivers, mountains, and forests, Ponmudi is one of Kerala’s top hill stations. Trekking and climbing are popular activities in the area, and every visitor here is captivated by the view of the huge tea gardens. Being a bit less explored, Ponmudi is a wonderful escape for nature enthusiasts. There can’t be anything better than being in Ponmudi with its breathtaking scenery and calming weather!
Places to visit: Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Mini Zoo, Echo Point, Koyikkal Palace, Kallar
Things to do: Trekking, hiking, picnic
Best time to visit: November to March
9. Peermade
Kerala’s greenery is unique to the state; from the expansive woods to the intermingled tea, coffee, and spice farms, each shade of green differs and becomes appealing in its own way. Peermade is one such place with a distinct shade of green. A tiny hill station named for the Sufi Saint Peer Mohammed, Peermade is an amazing experience, also home to an old tribal community where you get an excellent chance to observe their way of life. The hill station boasts a distinct topography that includes milky-white waterfalls, mist-covered slopes, glistening streams, and a wealth of flora and wildlife.
Places to visit: Grampi, Sahyadri Ayurvedic Centre, Green Park Ayurvedic and Spices Plantation, Valanjamkanam Waterfalls
Things to do: Trekking, nature walk, picnic, shopping
Best time to visit: October to February
10. Kalpetta
This picturesque hill station in the Wayanad area greets travelers with a calming cool air and tantalizing fragrance of coffee due to the sprawling coffee farms nearby. Kalpetta, located at a height of 2560 feet, has thick greenery and a pleasant atmosphere. It also has several lakes, dams, temples, museums, and excellent hotels. This well-known hill station in Kerala is an excellent choice for either relaxing or fun-filled and adventurous vacations.
Places to visit: Karapuzha Dam, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Ananthanatha Swamy Jain Temple, Hridaya Saras Lake
Things to do: Camping, trekking, ziplining, boating
Best time to visit: September to March
11. Thekkady
Thekkady is one of the must-visit hill stations in Kerala, a great place to see the wild side of this state. It is a wonderful location to unwind, far from the frantic crowds of the city, where you can have an undisturbed break surrounded by rich vegetation, diverse fauna, and rolling hills. One of Thekkady’s top attractions is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to numerous elephants. Elephant safaris and boat rides on Periyar Lake are popular activities in the wildlife reserve. Trekking is another popular pastime in Thekkady, and Kurisumala is a fantastic place to start.
Places to visit: Periyar National Park, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Pandikuzhi, Mangala Devi Temple, Chellarcovil View Point, Anakarra, Suruli Falls
Things to do: Bamboo rafting, boating, jeep and elephant safari, hiking, nature walk, camping
Best time to visit: October to February
12. Gavi
Make Gavi a priority on your itinerary if you want to spend some time away from the rush and bustle of cities. Gavi is a popular destination for the environment and wildlife aficionados, with a variety of activities available to tourists. You may go trekking, bird watching, or simply stay at your guesthouse and explore unusual flora and wildlife. It is also close to the Sabarimala Temple, and you may hike to a vantage point to get a good glimpse of it. Gavi can be considered as one of the luxury hill stations in Kerala with luxury resorts nearby.
Places to visit: Periyar National Park, Neer Veezhcha Waterfall, Connemara Tea Factory
Things to do: Trekking, bird watching, boating, hiking, camping, elephant safari, bamboo rafting
Best time to visit: September to February
13. Mattupetty
Mattupetty is a nature lover’s paradise, noted for its beautiful lake and rolling meadows. Only a short drive from picturesque Munnar, Mattupetty is also known for its extensive tea estates and undeniable natural beauty. Don’t forget to stop by the cattle shed, since Mattupetty is home to over 100 distinct breeds of high-yielding cattle, and it may be a completely new experience for every visitor. Along with experiencing the broad panoramas of verdant scenery, you may enjoy boating in Mattupetty Lake and trekking to surrounding sites.
14. Charalkunnu
Charalkunnu is a delightful place to visit and perfect for a summer getaway. Known for its beautiful views of neighboring valleys, this is one of the top unexplored hill stations in Kerala, a place where you’ll want to stay for a while. The terrain is covered in hues of green, with the blue River Pampa running through it. It’s the ideal location to break up the routine and unwind with some peace and quiet. You have the option of hiking or cycling your way through Charalkunnu, where you may experience nature’s splendor to the fullest.
Places to visit: Charalkunni Hill, Kumbhavuruthy Waterfall, Perunthenaruvi Water Falls
Things to do: Trekking, hiking, other activities
Best time to visit: September to March
15. Malakkappara
Malakkappara is also known as the Tea Garden Hill Station due to the number of tea farms located here. Malakkappara is studded with tiny streams and picturesque natural areas, in addition to the huge tea plantations that provide tremendous beauty to the town. It is a great location for a photography vacation in Kerala since it is undiscovered; photographers have the advantage of shooting fantastic pictures undisturbed. If you’re looking for a pre-wedding shoot or hill stations in Kerala for honeymoon, then try Malakkappara. It’s a great place to visit with your loved one.
Places to visit: Charpa Waterfalls, Athirappilly Waterfalls, Vazhachal Waterfalls, Holy Land Replica of Chalakudy, Thumboormuzhy Dam, Peringalkuthu Dam
Things to do: Hiking, jungle safari, nature walk, photography
Best time to visit: October to March
16. Vithura
This beautiful hamlet near Thiruvananthapuram, a lesser-known hill station in Kerala, is excellent for peace seekers. Vithura offers magnificent scenery and provides a quiet setting and a calming climate, making it a perfect escape for people wanting to rest in nature. Gifted with a landscape that captivates the heart and spirit, Vithura it a great vacation location for tourists to visit. A short distance from there lies a magnificent rock known as Chittipara, which is also near to Iruthalamoola. Chittipara is regarded as one of Kerala’s top rock climbing locations. You may also go to one of the local Martial Arts Schools or one of the rubber plantation farms.
Places to visit: Peppara Dam, Bonacaud Tea Gardens, Ponmudi, Meenmutty Falls, Golden Valley
Things to do: Trekking, camping, photography, bird watching, rock climbing
Best time to visit: October to March
17. Ranipuram
Offering varied flora and fauna, this lovely yet undiscovered hill station in Kerala’s Kasargod district is excellent for nature enthusiasts. Situated at a height of 2460 feet, Ranipuram is famous for its lush green monsoon rainforest and fantastic trekking paths. You only need a few days at a hill station to revitalize your mind and body. You may go on jeep safaris through the woodlands here and possibly see elephants. Home to beautiful butterflies, the monsoon forest is another draw to this hill town. Ranipuram indeed promises a fun-filled experience.
Places to visit: Tala Kaveri Temple, Bekal Fort, Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary, Malom Village
Best time to visit: October to March
Wrapping Up
The hill stations in Kerala are some of the most sought-after tourist destinations. With their awesome climate and plethora of attractions and activities, they make for the best kind of family getaways. These hill stations are also great places to celebrate your honeymoon or stay in isolation after a hard week’s work. Be sure to visit the majority of these places for a perfect trip to Kerala. And let us know in the comments if you’ve been to any of these spectacular hill stations before.
Related: 9 Best Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu for an Ultimate Summer
FAQs
There are how many hill stations in India?
India has numerous hill stations. We’d say close to a hundred.
Which is the biggest hill station in Kerala?
Munnar is known to be the largest hill station in Kerala.
Which is the coldest place in Kerala?
Lakkidi is one of the coldest places in Kerala, with its highest temperature being 25 degrees celsius.
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