Top 10 Kerala Hill Stations for an Idyllic Vacation to Treasure

Not only is it known for the typical Kerala backwaters and the captivating coastal retreats, but the state also takes pride in featuring a myriad of scenic landscapes enraptured in lush green hills and misty mountains. Kerala hill stations offer a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure that makes your entire trip a memorable vacation with your loved ones. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat amid rush landscapes and adrenaline pumping treks through the mountains, the hill stations of Kerala have plentiful options for every traveler.

Kerala Hill Stations: Let’s be a Nature’s Witness

Kerala located in the southwestern part of India is famous for its serene hill stations that offer a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Kerala hill stations are characterized by lush greenery engulfed by spice, tea, and coffee plantations along with cool climate that makes Kerala a must visit destination throughout the year for breathtaking sights. What makes Kerala fascinating for the tourists is the vibrant culture that blends well with the natural landscapes and can be experienced at its best by staying in the most luxurious resorts.

Let’s have a look at the top 10 Kerala hill stations for an enriching experience.

Wayanad
Munnar
Vagamon
Ponmudi
Idukki
Thekkady
Silent Valley
Peermedu
Lakkidi
Vythiri

1. Wayanad: Create an Enchanting Trekking Story

Located in the northeastern part of Kerala, Wayanad is the most scenic hill station in Kerala that every traveler dreams of visiting this wonderful retreat. Best known for the enchanting trekking trails, outdoor camping, bird watching, breathtaking waterfalls, historic caves with a diverse flora and fauna species to encounter, there are several things to do in Wayanad. What makes Wayanad incredible is the steep green slopes shrouded in greenery on all sides, where visitors can have a glimpse of exotic herbs including spices, coffee, tea, bamboo, honey, herbal medicinal plants to treat your senses. Moreover, Wayanad also has a plethora of plush resorts that reflects a perfect blend of luxury and nature.

Must Visit Attractions: Pookode Lake, Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Soochippara Waterfalls, Pakshipathalam, Kuruva Island

Activities to Try: Boating in Pookode Lake, Trekking to Chembra Peak, Ziplining above Tea Plantation, Bamboo Rafting at Kuruva Island

Best Time to Visit: Nov to Feb

2. Munnar: A Walkway Through the Tea Retreat

Mostly known as the best kept secret of Kerala, Munnar takes fame in virgin forests, lush green hills, scenic valleys, splashy and rippling waterfalls, sprawling tea gardens that served as a summer retreat for the British officials in South India. Also known as the natural spa of Kerala, the picturesque places to visit in Munnar can rejuvenate your soul with the calm and relaxing environment. The archaic British tea garden bungalows tucked amid the tea gardens is itself a wonder to treat your eyes. Also considered as the home to the Nilgiri Tahr found in Eravikulam National Park, Munnar is the best hill station in Kerala which will surprise you with the best natural gifts one can ever deserve.

Must Visit Attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Mattupetty

Activities to Try: Shikara Ride at Kundala Lake, Motor Boating at Mattupetti Dam, Mountain Biking in the Hills, Explore the Tea Museum, Take an elephant ride at Elephant Arrival Spot

Best time to visit: Oct to Feb

3. Vagamon: Explore the Unexplored

Located in the Western Ghats with an altitude of 3600 ft (about 1.1 km) high, Vagamon is famous for the never-ending line of lush green hills, scenic ravines and meandering rivulets for a typical natural bliss. Vagamon is also known as the Scotland of Asia, given by the Britishers back in the colonial period for peaceful and cool climate with a temperature of 10 to 23 degree Celsius or else you can follow the Kerala travel guide. With a chain of 3 exotic hills namely Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill, and Kurismala, Vagamon can help you find peace in every step you take towards hillocks. Also, it can be considered as the one of the most visited honeymoon destinations in Kerala, you can immerse yourself in multitude of adventure activities to witness the unparalleled beauty of Vagamon.

Must Visit Attractions: Ulipoony Wildlife Sanctuary, Vagamon Meadows, Pine Hill, Kurisumala, Vagamon Falls, Maramala Waterfalls, Vagamon Lake

Activities to Try: Trekking to Murugan Mala, Boat Ride at Vagamon Lake, Camping near Vagamon Waterfall, Paragliding, Off-roading

Best time to visit: March to May & Dec to Feb

4. Ponmudi: Feel the Soft Breeze at Golden Crown

Located in the Trivandrum district of Kerala, Ponmudi is a popular hill station in Kerala enriched by the green hills and golden valleys with forestland and plantations. It is an ideal destination for adventure lovers, trekkers, and backpackers for extremely thrilling activities amid nature. The Golden Valley of Ponmudi has numerous rivulets adorned by lush green tropical forests that offers unparallel scenic vistas and a home to exotic wildlife. You will also witness the gentle Kallal river flowing all along at its best. Never miss out on a chance to explore the sereneness of Ponmudi, which is located away from the busting city life to revitalize your body and mind and start afresh in Kerala famous hill station.

Must Visit Attractions: Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyikkal Palace, Agasthyakoodam, Mankkayam Falls, Golden Valley, Kallar, Varayattumotta

Activities to Try: White Water Rafting at Kallar River, Canoeing, Water Skiing, Trekking

Best time to visit: October to March

5. Idukki: Embrace Nature’s Intricacies

Nestled amid the Cardamom Hills of western Ghats, Idukki is the largest district in Kerala with a high-altitude plateau, rugged terrains, beautiful river valleys, and deep gorges that offer spectacular views. With a diverse range of flora and fauna species, it is the home to the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary that can indulge you in taking up various outdoor activities like wildlife safaris, boating, animal rides, etc., to explore the best of Idukki’s natural endeavor. Idukki is also the home to the highest peak in South India called Anamudi peak and best known for the eco-tourism prospects and sustainable practices. Never miss out on taking up elephant rides for an immersive experience to be remembered for a lifetime in Kerala best hills station.

Must Visit Attractions: Murikkady, Hill View Park, Kulamavu Dam, Idukki Arch Dam, Anakkara, Meesapulimala

Activities to Try: Meesapulimala Trek, Camping, Paragliding, Exotic Stay at Misty Mountain Resort, Boating

Best time to visit: November to February

6. Thekkady: Soak Yourself in Nature’s Echoes

Thekkady shelters the country's largest Tiger Reserve known as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where you can enjoy bamboo rafting in the catchment area of Mullaiperiyar Dam. The best way to get into the wilderness of Periyar is to go on a night trek for extreme adventure. The Periyar Lake is the most picturesque spot in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a quintessential romantic escapade for couples, considered one of the best honeymoon places in Kerala. Thekkady is the haven for exotic wildlife where you can wander around the green canopies, spotting wild elephants, bison, wild boars, varied avian species, etc. Moreover, always choose your accommodation stay near the Sanctuary to soar high in nature’s melody.

Must Visit Attractions: Periyar National Park, Elephant Junction, Kadathanadan Kalari Center, Kumily, Pandikuzhi, Periyar Lake, Green Park Spices

Activities to Try: Boating Rides at Periyar Lake, Bamboo Rafting & Hiking at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Trek to Gavi, Bullock Cart Rides at Periyar National Park, Shop Spices

Best time to visit: October to February

7. Athirapally: Dive into the Majestic Cascade

Athirapally can be considered as one of the best places to visit in Kerala since it's the home to the largest waterfall in Kerala, Athirapally Waterfalls. This magical natural bounty of Kerala is awe-inspiring for your recurrent visits to Athirapally where serenity washes over you. This best kept secret of Kerala is itself a mystery for the tourists for the jaw dropping experiences that will make you ponder over exquisite natural splendors. Trekkers can plan their next trip to Athirapally for thrilling adventures amid the verdant landscape. No matter what they will be overwhelmed by the greetings of tribal communities residing in the forested areas and their eternal connection with nature while collecting honey, spices, cardamom, etc.

Must Visit Attractions: Athirapally Waterfalls, Vazhachal Waterfalls, Thumboormuzhy Gardens, Charpa Waterfalls, Illithode

Activities to Try: Trekking & Nature Walks,

Best time to visit: November to February

8. Peerumedu: Breathe in the Hills of Peer

Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Peerumedu is a scenic hill destination, an ideal retreat in the Western Ghats to unwind in your next holiday vacation. Named after a Sufi saint Peer Mohammed, who had a close relation with the Travancore royal kingdom. Engulfed with scenic vistas of tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee plantations scattered along the picturesque cascades, sculptural rocks, vast meadows and mist-capped hilltops make Peerumedu a remarkable experience. What makes Peerumedu a most-visited tourist destination is for the favorable weather conditions throughout the year. It is also an ideal destination for the trekkers to go on hikes through the natural trails that will lead to a paradise full of scenic wonders and it should be added to the list of things to do in Kerala.

Must Visit Attractions: Grampi, Thrissanku Hills, Peeru Hills, Pattumala, Wagamon,

Activities to Try: Trekking, Horse Riding, Cycling

Best time to visit: Throughout the year

9. Kalpetta: Jostle into Nature’s Tranquility

Located in the Wayanad district, Kalpetta is a densely populated city in Kerala enraptured with verdant tea and coffee plantations, vivid forests, and mountains stretching in a never-ending line. Also considered as the major hub of tourism activities in Wayanad, Kalpetta has a good number of resorts and homestays to cater to the needs of the visitors. Being embodied with the lingering aromatic coffee plantations, this quaint hill station is the hotspot of expanding trade relations with the other parts of India. Since Kalpetta has some historic Jainism roots, you can find majority of Jains here along with the establishment of religious temples that adds a unique charm to this hill station Kerala.

Must Visit Attractions: Karapuzha Dam, Kanthanpara Falls, Meenmutty Falls, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

Activities to try: Trekking & Nature Walks

Best time to visit: October to March

10. Vythiri: A Naturalist’s Treasure Trove

Located in the district of Wayanad, Vythiri is a picturesque village in Kerala that is best known for the favorable weather conditions with terrains of spice gardens and verdant forests on all sides. Vythiri can be your next honeymoon destination as it comes with a handful of luxurious hill station resorts in Kerala with varied immersive experiences and outdoor activities to treat you well with some fond memories. Moreover, the table spread of authentic Malabar cuisine will add more delight to your entire trip. Never forget to take on incredible spice plantation walks to enrich your insights about the exotic spices and herbs used in curating Kerala cuisine at its best. You will be amazed with the amazing hospitality of the Keralites and the local tribals.

Must Visit Attractions: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Chembra Peak, Soochipara Waterfalls, Pookode Lake, Banasura Dam

Activities to try: Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Skydiving, Paragliding, White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Zip Lining, Canoeing

Best time to visit: October to March

Kerala can jostle you up with the extravagant beauty of the tranquil backwaters, coastal towns, lush green landscapes of tea/coffee/spice plantations, rich wildlife, splashing cascades, and the palatable Malabar cuisine. Embrace serenity and calmness in the lap of nature while visiting the Kerala hill stations to explore the intricacies of the verdant landscapes. Also, never miss out on trying out the authentic Malabar cuisine for your sensual delight. Book your Kerala tour packages right way with us at cheap deals for your next vacation.

Kerala Hill Stations FAQs

Q1. Which is the highest hill station in Kerala?

Munnar is the highest hill station in Kerala with an altitude of 1600 m (about 5249.34 ft) above sea level. Best known for the verdant landscapes, Munnar is the most-visited destination in Kerala for immersive experiences.

Q2. What are the top 5 hidden hill stations in Kerala?

Kerala is enriched with some magical offbeat destinations that can offer you thrilling adventures while going on a trek, undertaking water activities, indulging in their culture. The top 5 hidden hill stations in Kerala are:

Gavi
Ayyampuzha
Athirapally
Charalkunnu
Malayattur

Q3. Which district has more hills in Kerala?

Idukki has numerous hills in Kerala with the highest steep gorges. Idukki is the home to the highest peak called Anamudi Peak located in the southern part of Eravikulam National Park with an altitude of 8842 ft (about 2.7 km)., height.

Q4. How is the weather in Kerala hill stations?

The weather of Kerala’s hill stations is very pleasant with a temperature ranging from 15 to 25 degree Celsius. Places like Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady have a cool climate that often offers the vacationers a perfect holiday to get rid of the scorching heat.

Q5. Which is the coldest place in Kerala?

Munnar is the coldest place in Kerala and is known as the King of Hill Stations in Kerala. With a very moderate and pleasant climate, Munnar hosts thousands of tourists throughout the year for a surreal experience.

Q6. How many hill stations are there in Kerala?

There are more than 20 hill stations in Kerala surrounded by majestic hills and mist-cloaked mountains offering mesmerizing views for the tourists. Some of the best hill stations in Kerala are as follows:

Munnar
Wayanad
Vagamon
Ponmudi
Idukki

Q7. Which is the smallest hill station in Kerala?

Ranipuram is the smallest hill station in Kerala with an altitude of 780 meters (about 2559.06 ft) height. It is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and trekkers to go on hikes and embrace adventure on every step.

Q8. How to reach the smallest hill station in Kerala?

Since Ranipuram is the smallest hill station in Kerala, it doesn’t have a railway station. You can reach Ranipuram by boarding a train to Kanhangad Railway Station which is 45 kms (about 27.96 mi) away. Mangalore International Airport is the nearest airport to Ranipuram with 125 km (about 77.67 mi), whereas you can directly board a bus from Kanhangad which is at a distance of 55 km (about 34.18 mi).