Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is famous not only for its backwaters and beaches but also for its enchanting hill stations. These hill stations offer a refreshing escape with their cool climate, lush greenery, and scenic mountain views. Here is a unique and comprehensive article detailing the top 10 hill stations in Kerala, each promising a distinctive experience for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and peace enthusiasts alike. Here is the list of Top 10 Best Hill Stations in Kerala.
1. Munnar
Often called the “Switzerland of South India,” Munnar is Kerala’s most famous hill station. Situated at 1,600 meters above sea level in the Idukki district, it is renowned for sprawling tea gardens, mist-covered hills, and winding mountain roads. Highlights include the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Mattupetty Dam offering boat rides, and the imposing Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India. The pleasant cool climate year-round makes Munnar perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and photography.
2. Wayanad
Wayanad is a verdant paradise known for its biodiversity and cultural history. Located in the northern part of Kerala, this hill station offers dense forests, waterfalls, ancient caves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Popular spots include Edakkal Caves with prehistoric petroglyphs, Pookode Lake for boating, and Soochipara Falls. Wayanad also appeals to adventure lovers with trekking routes such as Chembra Peak and wildlife safaris in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
3. Vagamon
A serene, less commercialized hill station, Vagamon is a haven for travelers seeking tranquility away from the crowds. Situated at about 1,100 meters, Vagamon is characterized by rolling hills, pine forests, and green meadows. The three hills — Thangal, Murugan, and Kurisumala — add religious harmony to the locale. Visitors enjoy paragliding, nature walks around Vagamon Lake, and exploring Thangalpara, a sacred hill known for its spiritual significance.
4. Ponmudi
Ponmudi, also called “Golden Peak,” is a peaceful hill station located about 55 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram. Known for its winding roads with hairpin bends and rich biodiversity, Ponmudi is an offbeat destination with lush mountain flowers, streams, and enchanting valleys. The Agasthyakoodam trek is a major draw here, offering panoramic views and a chance to witness rare flora and fauna. The nearby Meenmutty Waterfalls add to the natural charm.
5. Idukki
Idukki, part of Kerala’s mountainous terrain, is famous for its vast spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and the iconic Idukki Arch Dam, one of the highest arch dams in Asia. The region is an ideal spot for trekking, bird watching, and nature photography with places like Hill View Park and Anchuruli Tunnel. Gavi, within Idukki, is an eco-tourism hotspot known for its serene forest landscapes and sustainable tourism initiatives.
6. Nelliyampathy
Nelliyampathy is a lesser-known hill station tucked away in Palakkad district, celebrated for its orange and cardamom plantations, misty mountains, and colonial-era bungalows. The journey to Nelliyampathy involves a thrilling drive through nine hairpin bends, rewarding travelers with breathtaking views of the Palakkad plains. Key attractions include Seetharkundu Viewpoint, Kesavanpara, and the historic Victoria Church.
7. Peermedu
Peermedu, named after the Sufi saint Peer Mohammed, is a tranquil hill station in Idukki district known for its expansive rubber, tea, coffee, and spice plantations. The pleasant climate and colonial bungalows surrounded by gardens create an idyllic atmosphere. Popular sites include Kuttikanam, Thrissanku Hills — famous for its natural rock bridge — and the summer palace used by the Maharajas of Travancore.
8. Lakkidi
Known as the gateway to Wayanad, Lakkidi is perched at 700 meters above sea level and receives the second-highest rainfall in India. The hill station offers spectacular views of the Thamarassery Ghat pass along with rich flora and fauna. Attractions such as the Chain Tree, Pookode Lake, and Lakkidi Viewpoint make it an ideal stopover for those traveling to Wayanad or seeking a quiet retreat.
9. Devikulam
Located just 7 kilometers from Munnar, Devikulam means “Lake of the Goddess” and is famous for the cool climate and serene Sita Devi Lake. The area boasts lush tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and varied flora and fauna. Lockhart Gap offers panoramic views and excellent trekking opportunities, making Devikulam a peaceful escape close to Munnar’s bustle.
10. Malakkappara
Malakkappara is a remote hill station situated on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, known for its sprawling tea estates and unspoiled natural surroundings. This lesser-visited destination is a hidden treasure for nature lovers and those interested in authentic plantation tourism. The journey to Malakkappara itself is an adventurous drive through dense forests with chances to spot wildlife and enjoy pristine landscapes.
Why Visit Kerala’s Hill Stations?
Kerala’s hill stations offer a unique blend of tropical climate, biodiversity, and cultural richness. Unlike the cold weather of northern hill stations, Kerala’s hills have a mild, soothing climate year-round, making them accessible in all seasons. These destinations are perfect for rejuvenation, adventure sports, trekking, wildlife watching, and exploring spice and tea plantations that narrate Kerala’s colonial and agricultural heritage.
From the popular tourist magnet of Munnar to the hidden gems like Nelliyampathy and Malakkappara, Kerala’s hill stations provide extraordinary experiences without the overwhelming commercialization seen in many other parts of India. They celebrate nature’s tranquility, biodiversity, and local traditions, making every visit memorable.
Best Time to Visit in Kerala
For most hill stations in Kerala, the ideal time stretches from October to March when the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is lush post-monsoon. Summer months are comfortable in the hills compared to the lowlands, while monsoons offer a different charm with dramatic greenery—though travel can be challenging during heavy rains. Winter months bring cool mornings and evenings great for cozy stays and outdoor activities.
Conclusion
Kerala’s top 10 hill stations—Munnar, Wayanad, Vagamon, Ponmudi, Idukki, Nelliyampathy, Peermedu, Lakkidi, Devikulam, and Malakkappara—stand out as tranquil escapes that perfectly combine natural beauty, adventure, and cultural depth. Whether it is the endless tea gardens of Munnar or the dense forests of Idukki, each destination invites travelers to unwind, explore, and connect with nature in the lap of the Western Ghats.
