Hill destinations to visit in Kerala

From Munnar’s expansive tea gardens to Vagamon’s unspoilt meadows, there are plenty of places to visit in Kerala that are far removed from urban chaos. Home to dense forests which are marked by walking trails and scenic verdant valleys, these hill stations have spectacular landscapes and a salubrious climate throughout the year. If you’ve had your fill of the snow-clad Himalayas, then head down south to explore the hills in God’s own country—Kerala.

1. MUNNAR

Pluck tea leaves while you explore Munnar’s dense tea plantations; prance about in gurgling brooks while hiking on cloud-covered slopes; or wander through the hill town’s winding lanes—Munnar is an idyllic escape into the natural wonders of God’s own country, Kerala. Perched at the confluence of three mountain streams—Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly—the charming hill town lies about 130 km east of Kochi and 100 km north of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady. A haven for bird-watchers, photographers and wildlife-enthusiasts, the Eravikulam National Park is just a short drive away from the hill town. Thrill-seekers can go hiking to the highest peak in the Western Ghats in India—Anamudi—located about 13 km away from Munnar. At an altitude of 1600 m, Munnar is a delight for adventure-enthusiasts, honeymooners and families.

2. WAYANAD

Located between the Kannur and Kozhikode districts in Kerala, Wayanad is a sparkling green emerald sprawled across the slopes of the Western Ghats. The monsoons persevere here—the rainy season starts in June and lasts all the way till mid November—during which the already lush landscape takes on an even more vibrant shade of green, and everything is washed squeaky clean. The most enjoyable way to experience it is by checking into a jungle resort—even better if it has a treehouse. During the occasional dry spells in between, venture out and enjoy everything else the region has to offer. Wayanad ploughs tourists with some interesting prehistoric archaeological sites, tea plantations and thick forests, and is home to some of the oldest (and most insulated) tribes in India.

3. PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK

Periyar National Park is a protected area in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, south India. Famous as an elephant and tiger reserve, the Park is often called the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or Thekkady. Set high in the Western Ghats, the Park surrounds a picturesque lake and is home to several speices including the Gaur, wild pig, Sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, Dole or Indian wild dog and the ocassional tiger. This happens to be one of the most prominent national parks in Kerala. The bird life here comprises of darters, cormorants, kingfisher, the great Malabar hornbill and racket-tailed drongo. Even though the access town to Periyar National Park is Kumily (interchangeably used with Thekkady), the tourist flow is centered around the forest and nothing else. It is the single most draw of the destination. There are several options to explore the national park for a wildlife filled holiday. Spread over an area of dense 305 sq km, the national park and wildlife sanctuary is skirted by low mountain ridges, which contain thick tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests, wide grasslands and copses of local trees. A network of river systems run inside thereby keeping the population of flora and fauna rife. The semi submerged dry trees in the middle of the lake offer the trademark landscape of Periyar National Park. It is recommended to reach out to the Eco Tourism Centre run by the forest department in Thekkady, which organises nature walks, green walks, jungle scouting, bamboo rafting, border hiking, overnight stays in the jungle and four trips inside the Periyar sanctuary on a motor boat. Of these, the bamboo rafting is the most scenic and private of the lot.

One can often spot wild hogs, deer, gaur, Indian giant squirrel, sambar, Travancore flying squirrel, jungle cat, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Salim Ali's fruit bat, stripe-necked mongoose, Nilgiri marten and elephants in the jungle. If you are lucky, you may also spot a tiger at the banks of the lake. Bookings should be done well in advance, even for short trips into the jungle. Unlike many national parks in the country, Periyar stays open all year round. The best time to visit is during the cooler, drier months from October to February. However the aroma of the moist vegetation in the monsoon season also gives it special appeal. If you are keen on elephant spotting, the best time is during the hotter months of March and April, when they spend the most time in the water. Word of caution here; don’t expect to see a lot of wildlife during the monsoon season because they are not dependent upon water bodies at that time.

4. VAGAMON

Still untouched by the kind of commercialisation that mars many hill towns, Vagamon’s allure lies in its scenic lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, enchanting pine forests, verdant tea gardens and gushing rivulets.

5. PONMUDI

Surrounded by thick coverlets of tropical forests, Ponmudi is another addition to stunning hill stations in Kerala. Connected to Trivandrum by a narrow winding road, Ponmudi is one of the lesser-explored hill destinations of the state and an idyllic escape from the trappings of city life. Admire its gushing water streams, verdant hill slopes and picturesque hilltop spots, as you explore the hill town on foot. If you’re an adventure-lover, then head to Agasthyarkoodam—the highest peak of the district—for a strenuous hike. Located in the outskirts of Ponmudi, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, is home to Asian elephants, sambar, leopards, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar grey hornbills, and makes for a good day trip from Ponmudi.