Hill Stations of Kerala :



Much of kerala's exotic appeal is centred in the highland area of the western ghats. Rising to an average height of 1520 m, the tropical forests of the ghats house rich flora and fauna. Not to speak of expansive, loamy plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and fragrant cardamom.

Munnar - a hill station on the Western Ghats has lakes, reservoirs, forests and tea estates. It is called the Nature-Lovers's Paradise. It stands at the confluence of three rivers - the Muthirappuzh, Nallathanni and Kundala. Moonu in tamil means "three" and aar "river". It is a major center of Kerala's tea industry.

Munnar is the best known of Kerala's hill stations. There are many colonial bungalows and buildings in Munnar. Munnar is also near several wildlife sanctuaries including the Erivakulam National Park, which is home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr. This mountain goat is extremely endangered and is only found on the heights of the Nilgiri Hills and some nearby parts of the Western Ghats. Anaimudi Hill, the tallest peak in South India can be seen in the Erivakulam Wildlife Sanctuary on tours of Kerala with Kerala Backwaters

Among the plants found in Munnar is the Neelkurinji, which blossoms once every 12 years. It is the blue blossoms of the Neelkurinji plant that give the Nilgiri Hills or the Blue Hills their name due to their distinctive color.

Athirapally - The Athirapally Waterfalls in Trichur, Kerala, are often referred to as the Niagara Falls of India. They come crashing down from a height of 80 feet, and are an amazing sight to behold. Athirappally Waterfalls is located 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin), located at the entrance to Sholayar ranges, this waterfall is a popular picnic spot. Affording to the onlookers, one of the most bewitching sights, Combined with the greenery, it infuses freshness into any tired soul.

The soothing sounds take you to the nature's most relaxing, rejuvenating place. Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees, this waterfall is one of the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea of the "Picturesque". It is not just calm and sweet, but something wild and natural.

Nilambur - is famous for its teak plantations. The oldest teak plantation of the world, the Conolly's Plot is just 2 Kms. from Nilambur town. Four Kms. away from Nilambur on the side of Nilambur-Gudallur road, is world's first Teak Museum and sub centre of Kerala Forest Research Institute. In the Teak Museum, a visitor can have at hand information on all aspects of teak.

Rows of bamboo trees on the way to the museum enhance the beauty of the area. You will be welcomed into the carved teak door with a painting of the Kannimara teak at the entrance of the museum. It is the most ancient living teak tree in the world placed within Parambikulam Wild Life Sanctuary in the Palghat district, Kerala. Nilambur Kovilakam still basks in its old glory, though the power and riches of its golden years had to be relinquished long since. But even now, the Kovilakam provides an identity to the town, and is held in great respect by the older generation in Nilambur.

Thekkady - The very sound of the word Thekkady or Periyar Tiger Reserve conjures up images of Elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. Periyar forest has one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great apportunities for treks and mountain walks.

The Periyar Na tional park is the main attraction of Thekkady. This famous wildlife sanctuary is located in the banks of artificial Periyar lake. Periyar National park is fully covered by dense forests and green grass lands. Thus, this has become the perfect locations for wildlife such as the great Indian tigers, elephants, lion tailed macaques, gaurs, deer, sambars.

Periyar tiger Reserve, Thekkady, is an example of nature's bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction.

Sprawled over an area of 777 Sq .km., Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India.