Major Hill Stations of Kerala

Sensuous sea, rich wildlife, beautiful beaches, pristine backwaters, colorful and vibrant culture make Kerala among the most prized destinations of the India as well as of the world. The rich scenic beauty pleased this place with the title of ‘Gods own Country’. The Kerala has its own identity on global tourism because of its nature blessed beauty. Among several enchanting places the hill stations is another facet of this bewitching land. The elevated and uneven Western Ghats bestowed state with a number of hill stations which see a high rate of tourist influx during the summer months. The hill stations of Kerala are known for their dense vegetation, exotic wildlife, sense stimulating beauty, tea and spices plantations. Some of the well known hill stations of place are:

Munnar:

It is known for its breathtaking natural panorama which makes it a haven of peace and tranquility. The scattered natural beauty makes this place a high flying destination of Kerala. This amazing place is perched at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district. It is situated at the confluence of the three rivers and owes its name to its location. The term ‘munnu’ means three and ‘aar’ means river.

It is the land of pristine valleys and mountains where one can see the perfect blend of misty hills with verdant tea estates & spice gardens, diverse vegetation with tall red wood trees and rich wildlife. It is a commercial center having more than 30 registered tea estates. This place produces more than 12 varieties of spices that’s why it is also referred as the spice capital of India.

Chembra Peak:

It is the tallest peak in Wayanad which is located 14 km from Kalpeta at an elevation of 2100 m above mean sea level. This place is spread over a hilltop which makes this place a hottest destination for trekkers and nature lovers. Lake atop the hill is a perfect picnic spot of this place. The three delightful waterfalls around Meppadi, Pookot Lake and Ekkal Cave are some other interesting places of this well known hill station.

Idukki:

Nature decorated this place with its finest collection of majestic landscapes which is rich in diverse flora and fauna. Rugged mountains and forests cover about 97 percent of the total area of this place which makes it one of the most diverse places of Kerala. The Arch Dam and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the prominent attractions of this place. This dam is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam which is constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. It is 550 ft. high and 650 ft. wide dam. The Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over 77 sq. Km and is situated about 450 – 748 m above sea level. This is among the best places to see diverse collection of flora and fauna.

Some of the other well known hill stations of this place are Chithirapuram, Lakkidi, Mattupetty, Pythal Mala, Ponmudi and many more.