Gods Own Country Hill Stations
Kerala is the southwestern state of India. It has the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghats Mountain Ranges on the Eastern borders, which is adjoining to the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states. Kerala’s other name is Gods Own Country. One can only come here and see why it is called so. Yet, Kerala has one of the high-altitude hill stations on the Western Ghats. Here, we have discussed it for honeymooners, adventure seekers, nature lovers and summer holidays on the hill stations of Kerala. The below mentioned are the places, which is the best to visit by all age of people. The best season to visit Kerala Hill stations is from December to May.
Idukki
The entire Idukki district is covered by the Western Ghats in Central Kerala. The Idukki tourist circuit includes the below-mentioned attractions.
Munnar
Any tourist will start from Munnar to complete the Idukki attractions. This is a popular tea state area in Kerala. Tourist can stay in the Mountain View hotels and see the lush green beauty of the tea gardens. You can hike in these garden with permission and take photos. You will find mountain mist in all season. You will look heavenly amidst the mists. Munnar altitude is 8,842-ft AMSL.
Vagamon
This is an offbeat location in the Idukki. It is a popular scenic mountain driveway in Kerala. You can find the rolling dramatic hills with lush green pastures. Your dive will be eye soothing, as you will pass through the mountain mists. There are many vantage points by the road, where you can take videos.
Anaimudi Wildlife Sanctuary
The Everest of South India is present in this national reserve area. You will see the highest mountain peak of the Western Ghats (8,842-ft AMSL). This mountain peak is the rarest one as it is in the shape of a huge elephant. Yet the name is derived from its shape. Once in this sanctuary, you will be 700 to 1000-ft just below this peak. This is the best place for animal and nature lovers. There are camping sites for honeymoon couples. This is an excellent place for hiking in the rainforest cover.
Thekkady
It is a mountain lake and dam area in Idukki. It is a popular boating place and has a recreation area on the lakeside. You can visit the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, which is a part of this lake area. You can find elephants and deer’s drinking water on its lakeshore. The tourist can camp and swim in the permitted area.
Suryanelli
This is a popular honeymoon hill station in Idukki. It is just 30-km away from Munnar. It is known for luxury resort tourism. This includes couples spa, herbal spa and massage, retreat centers and the best place to do Yoga on the high-altitude mountain. The main attraction of this place is Meesapulimala. This is the third highest mountain peak of the Western Ghats. It is an accessible peak (8661-ft AMSL). The clouds and mountain mists will touch your feet and flow once on its summit. This is the peak, where you can see the Tamil Nadu side and Kerala side.
How to reach Idukki?
Cochin International Airport and Aluva railway stations are the nearest places to alight to each Idukki. By road, you can travel from Tamil Nadu side from Madurai, Theni, and Bodinayakanur.
Wayanad
The Wayanad is a northern district of Kerala State. It is a famous resort tourism place in Kerala. There are many cottages with home-cooked foods. You must visit Chembara Peak (6,890-ft AMSL) and view the Kerala and Karnataka states. There is a small pond on this peak, which never dries in the summer season too. Its water is of mineral values. You must hike and reach its summit. The Edakkal caves are another mysterious place you must visit once in Wayanad. It has many hiking places in the spice and coffee states.
How to reach Wayanad?
The nearest airports to land are Kannur and Calicut international airport. The Calicut railway station is nearest to alight. The people from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka can come via road through Mysore – Sultan Bethery Highway.
Agasthyarkoodam
This is the place, where the Sage Agasthyar lived and researched on Ayurveda. Today, it is a weekend getaway place for the people living in Trivandrum. It has many wellness spas, herbal massage centers and wellness retreat centers for the tourists. It is advisable to join a retreat package, do Yoga, and take a herbal spa to rejuvenate yourself. These hills are having many herbs of medicinal values. Its air itself is enough to keep you away from diseases. This is a mystic place as you can find mountain mists throughout the seasons. It is the best place for honeymoon couples to rejoice with spa and stay in cool Mountain View cottages. Agasthyarkoodam altitude is 6,129-ft AMSL
How to reach Agasthyarkoodam?
Trivandrum international airport and the Trivandrum railway station is the place to alight for Agasthyarkoodam.
Nelliyampathy (Palakkad)
It is a budget-friendly hill station in Pal Ghats. It is now a popular weekend getaway place for the people living in Coimbatore and its adjoining district. There are many homestays available for tourists. It is the best choice for the people living in the cities and comes to a place, which does not have any modernization on this land. It has a vast forest cover. You can hike in its spice and coffee estates. Nelliyampathy altitude is 4,921-ft AMSL
How to reach Neliyampathy?
The nearest airport to alight is Calicut. The nearest railway station is Shournunur Jn. By road, it is accessible through NH -544 and NH-48
Kerala is a tourist-friendly place in South India. Its government promotes Ecotourism. It is not advisable to take a tour in the rainy season (June to November). However, it is the best for the honeymooners to enjoy the cold climate during the monsoon rain and see the rain clouds stopped by the Western Ghats and spill over the Kerala State. The nature lovers can chase the monsoon clouds from these hill stations. It is advisable to book an all-inclusive tour package. The peak seasons are full, and you must book your travel and accommodation in advance.