Hill Stations in Kerala

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Kerala is a state located on the western coast of southwestern India. This is a state that abounds in a plethora of natural beauty, given the vast stretches of greenery that adorn the contours of its landscape.



There are ample hill stations in Kerala with much of the state's exotic appeal being centered on the Western Ghats. This is a highland area that rises to an elevation of 1520 m. The tropical forest region is a wealth of rich flora and fauna and enables in the preservation of the ecological balance. There are the expansive, loamy plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and the fragrant cardamom.

Known as God's Own Country, Kerala is a bustling state of green stretches of forests and hill stations that dot the contours of its rugged topography. Every district has a culture that is unique to its own. The silver coconut-and-water state attracts travelers from all over the world all along the year so much so that bookings have to be made well in advance if you want to make it to the hill stations of Kerala.

Most of the hill stations in India had been founded by the European colonists as refuges from the oppressive summer heat. For instance, the Idukki hill station is located in a landlocked district and one of Kerala's most nature rich destinations. The high ranges and undergrowth assume all the beauty especially because they are entwined by the rivers and their tributaries.

Kerala Hill Stations

Chembra Peak
Lakkidi Hill Station
Ponmudi Hill Station
Chitirapuram Hill Station
Mattupetty Hill Station
Vythiri Hill Station
Devikulam Hill Station
Nellyampathy Hill Station
Wagamon Hill Station

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Chembra Peak

God's own Country'is what we say for Kerala, The most beautiful, exotic and picaresque state of India. Kerala abounds in the most exotic and beautiful Hill stations. Among them the Wayanad hill station is the most scenic and the most adventure filled. The Chembra peak is the highest peak in Wayanad at 2100m. above the sea level.

It's the hills, rocks, valleys which add to the very unique character of Wayanad and thus adds more of thrill to adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a really risky mountaineering endeavor. Trekking to the top of this peak is almost a full day's work. The District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvass huts and other required trekking implements on hire charges to the tourists. So tourists willing to spend a day or two can very well do so.

The scenic beauty of the lush green Wayanad, visible from the top of the Chembra peak is highly exhilarating. The calm blue eyed water of the lake at the top of the Chembra peak never dries up, not even in the peak summer temperatures. All along the steep and slippery way to the top of the peak the constant whispering of the spring which sprouts from the top of the hill accompanies the trekkers. At times one may even come across a passing wild beast, say for a leopard that may instantly hide behind the bushes. Out in the shivering cold, with camp fire and sleeping bags', camping in the night at the top of the Chembra peak is really fun and also an everlasting experience.

Kerala as an Eco tourist spot has gained much popularity for its backwaters and the hill stations. In the trekking section the Chembra peak has become highly popular for its adventurous track. Chembra peak the highest hill in the Wayanad, is near Meppady town and is 14 Kms. from Kalpetta. Wayanad, wherein lies the Chembra peak has a highly powerful historical background. Numerous evidences about New Stone Age civilization can be seen on the wall of Wayanad. It was as late as November 1, 1980, that the district of Wayanad came into being.

The nearest airport and railway station, to The Chembra peak are Calicut and Kannur (65 Kms away) respectively.

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Lakkidi Hill Station


Lakkidi Hill Station of Kerala, India is one of the most unique hill stations of the southern part of Indian subcontinent. It is situated 55 km east of Kozhikode and is 700 m above sea level. Lakkidi: is also known as the gateway to Wayanad. Waynad is the region where one has the opportunity of visiting the Malleswari Peak and a famous Shiva Lingam of India. The main tribes inhabiting the Waynad region are Irulas and Mudugars.

Lakkidi hill station has popularity also since it receives the second highest degree of rainfall worldwide. This hill station takes pride in tempting tourist to its rain soaked profile. Thus a tour to this hill station offers a chance to relish the rain dripping woods which add a magical touch to the ambiance of Lakkidi.

Lakkidi hill station, Kerala is culturally affluent too. The hill station has historical importance because the great poet dramatist Kunjan Nambiar of 2nd century B.C had proficiency in the art form of Thallu, whose literally meaning is " to jump" or" cut a caper". His style of fusion art form was actually to reform the society which disseminated messages against the social injustices and discrimination that prevailed in the society during that period. Kunjan Nambiar contributed to the Kerala's art form and supplemented uniqueness to Kerala's cultural.

Lakkidi Hill Station of Kerala allures many nature lovers as it is an abode of exotic flora and fauna. Kerala magnetizes much of tourist attention also because of its Western Ghat ranges which ascend to a height of 1520 m approximately. The lush green plantation of tea, coffee, cardamom and rubber is a treat to the eye of any onlooker.

The awesome trip through meandering roads to the Lakkidi Hill station enroute the crest of the Thamarassery Ghat pass, lofty peaks, gurgling streams and lavish forests is sure to enchant any sightseer.

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Ponmudi Hill Station

If you are in Kerala, you should visit the picturesque Ponmudi Hill Station, Kerala. Located around 65 km from Thiruvananthapuram and about 1000 m above the sea level, it is a picturesque getaway in Kerala. With lush green spice plantations, different kinds of birds and butterflies flying around, winding roads and pretty cottages, Ponmudi Hill Station has much more to offer.

If you love trekking and rock climbing, Ponmudi Hill Station is an idle place for you. Almost every year hundreds of students and trekkers flock here to get the real taste of adventure. Ponmudi Hill Station has a tropical climate which remains pleasant almost throughout the year. So, you can take some days off from your everyday hustle and bustle to relax in the lap of Mother Nature.

Ponmudi is also a famous picnic spot well endowed with natural springs. While at Ponmudi, you can enjoy the Aaranmula Boat Race. It is organized each year in the village of Aaranmula in the month of August and September and is part of the Aaranmula Temple Festival. Other places to look for are the Orchids and Deer Park, which is only 3 kilometers away from the Ponmudi resort.

Ponmudi means "golden crown" and you can get a glimpse of it when the sunrays floods the hilly areas. This indeed can be one of the everlasting experiences for you. Varkala is also a getaway from Ponmudi, which is an important Hindu center of pilgrimage as well a famous beach. Along with high cliffs and mineral-water springs in Varkala you will find the 2,000-year-old Janardanaswamy Temple and the Nature Center. Hence come and explore the peaceful and serene Ponmudi Hill Station, Kerala.

How to Reach

- By Airways: Flight from the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 67 km.
- By Railways: Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km.

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Chitirapuram Hill Station

If you are looking for a perfect vacation, or rather a rejuvenating vacation. Then the Kerala tour offers its Chithirapuram hill tour that is a perfect way to wash away all your fatigue and monotony. Only at a distance of 10 Kms from Munnar, this sleepy little hill town is a paradisiacal retreat that offers you the best of nature and its beauty. In fact there is such an enchanting old worldly charm about Chithirapuram that no one remains immune to its magical charm.

Chithirapuram has partly remained undiscovered over the years since tourists always go in for the more famous hill stations of Kerala. But on the other hand this has turned out to be a real boon to the hill station of Chithirapuram as it allows you to merge into the unspoiled beauty of the place without huge crowds diverting you. Nowhere else will you be able to indulge in such a deep and soulful communion with nature.

As you bask in the goodliness of your beautiful surrounding during your Chithirapuram tour, you may at the same time indulge in a number of recreational and adventure activities, that are sure to keep you agreeably occupied. You have many options to choose from, there are mountain hikes, nature walks and treks that would draw you much more closer to this wonderful hill retreat.

Chithirapuram is also the site of the Pallyvasal hydel power station. A trip to the site might add up to your knowledge kit. You can also drive down to the Muthuapetty Reservoir, where you can get engaged in speed boating. Last but not the least, a visit to the Chithirapuram hill station would be a real relaxing and rejuvenating experience which would always hold a special place in your heart and as well as your mind.

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Mattupetty Hill Station


The ecstasy of a sightseer knows no bound when one is introduced to the Mattupetty Hill Station, Kerala. This hill station is an epitome of scenic beauty and boasts being one of the well-known hill stations of Kerala. Emerging out of the Western Ghat Ranges of south India, this tranquil hill station is located 13kms from Munnar and occupies an important position as a popular tourist destination. Springs, rivers and forests and wildlife design the Mattupetty Hill station of Kerala enchantingly.

Mattupetty Hill Station of Kerala has an altitude of 1700 kilometers and has the Mattupetty Lake and dam which are famous as picnic spots. A boat ride on the Mattupetty Dam is another important feature to visit the dam, boating facilities on the Dam is provided by DTPC Idukki. One can also hire Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats to experience a ride on the dam.

The most attractive places to visit in Mattupetty Hill Station are:

- The Tipu Sultan's Fort: This fort was built in the 18th century and is a good historical site.
- Malampuzha dam garden.
- Nelliampathy hills and Silent Valley hills.
- Kundala tea plantations.
- The Kundala lake dam.

Another two most important attractions of Mattupetty Hill Station of Kerala are the Rose Garden, which adds glory to the scenic beauty of Mattupetty Hill Station and the highly Specialized Dairy Farm which is an Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. The dairy farm rears hundred varieties of high yielding cattle. There are about eleven cattle sheds and tourists can visit only the three sheds.

Mattupetty Hill Station can be reached both by air and by rail. The nearest airport is Kochi which is 130 km away from Mattupetty. One can also avail the route from Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram through air and rail.

The Mattupetty Hill Station is not yet been engulfed by modernization and thus offers a pleasant climate providing opportunity for the growth of rich flora making the environment serene for long vacations as well as short trips.