Thursday, March 5, 2020

10 Popular Hill Stations in Kerala

Kerala is a state in South India. Known as God's own country, Kerala is located between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats.
Western Ghats have converted around half of Kerala into highlands. The state has more than 40 peaks above 1,500 meters above mean sea level.

Hill Stations in Kerala

Many hill stations in Kerala attract tourists from all parts of the world. Here are some of them.

Munnar

This hill station is located in Idukki district. It is well-known for its tea plantations, forests, flora, fauna, valleys and mountains.
It is around 1,600 meters above sea level. Anamudi, the highest peak in South India (2,695 meters), is in Munnar.
The best time to visit Munnar would be October to November and from January to May when it is comfortably cold. There may be occasional rains which will give a misty experience of Munnar.

Munnar Images


Munnar is famous for its medicinal plants and herbs.

Best Time to Visit Munnar

June to September.

Thekkady

Thekkady is well-known for its unending chains of hills, dense evergreen forests, spice-scented plantations, savanna grasslands, and elephants. It is a town in Idukki district. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located here.

Thekkady Images


Thekkady Forest Treck


Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons | Source

Vythiri

Located in Wayanad district, this hill station attracts trekkers and nature lovers from all parts of the world. It is around 700 meters above sea level.

Vagamon

Located in Idukki district, this hill station is well-known for its hillocks, valleys and cascading waterfalls. It is around 1,100 metres above sea level. It has three hills: Thangal hill, Murugan hill and Kurismala.

Vagamon Photos



Paithalmala

Located in Kannur district, this hill station is around 1372 meters above sea level. A trek of around six kilometers will take you to the peak. Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport to Vaithalmala.

Paithalmala Weather

Paithalmala has significant rainfall for most part of the year, with a short dry season. Its climate is considered to be Am according to the Köppen-Geigerclimate classification. The average annual temperature in Paithalmala is 21.4 °C.

Peerumedu

Peerumedu is around 915 meters above sea level. It is well-known for its beautiful trekking trails. Here you will find tea gardens, streams, green forests, beautiful hillsides and much more.

Nelliyampathi

Cloud-caressed peaks of Nelliyampathy hill ranges attract visitors from all parts of the world. It is located in around 60 kilometers from Palakkad. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is in between Nelliyampathy ranges and Annamalai Hills.

Nelliyampathy Photos


Ponmudi

Malampuzha

This hill station is around 7 kilometers from Palakkad. It is famous for its spiritual retreat, the Malampuzha Retreat Center. If you are interested in things like God realization, meditation, Self Realization, etc, this place is just right for you.
Malampuzha Retreat Center offers you many opportunities to refine yourself, to rejuvenate, to evolve spiritually. Here you can learn techniques to completely relax your mind and body.
You can learn meditation, which helps you to release yourself from the hold of the past and to connect with the Source (of bliss, peace, joy, health, prosperity, etc) in your heart.
I admire the scientific and practical approach these people have for things like spirituality and meditation. There are no boring lectures. They teach you simple and immensely effective techniques and allow you to experience their benefits.
Malampuzha Dam, suspension bridge, cable car ride, Fantasy Park, Japanese garden, Yakshi statue of Kanayi Kunhiraman, Shabri Ashram, Christin Brethen Church and Madurai Veeran Temple are other places of interest in the region.
A retreat was for always the few, who needed to retreat from everyday life, and retire in seclusion to introspect, meditate, brood over one's inner condition etc. The purpose was to re-enter normal everyday life refreshed spiritually to face life with a renewed sense of purpose, to restore balance to one's life.
— Chariji

Malampuzha Dam

Lakkidi

Located around 700 meters above sea level, Lakkidi is a wonder of nature. It is a small village in Ottapalam Taluk in Palakkad district.
It is atop the Thamarassery ghat pass. This lusciously green hill station is the entry point to Wayanad district. You will find many resorts in this region.

Things to Pack for Your Hill Station Trip

Things
T-shirts
Jackets
Sweaters
Windcheaters
Mufflers
Socks
Leg warmers
Walking shoes
Snow boots (if needed)
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Polarized glasses
Pullovers

Safety Tips

Do not use public transport as it will be overcrowded. For traveling around, I suggest cabs with drivers.
Download Google maps and apps like translators, etc. They help you navigate to any destination in Kerala.
Ensure that your hotel or resort is under CCTV surveillance. Reach your hotel before 10 pm. Avoid street food.
Avoid gold ornaments and too much cash. There are other safer alternatives and ATMs. Do not smoke or drink alcohol in public places.