Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is famed for its backwaters, beaches, and Ayurveda. Hill stations in Kerala offer a refreshing escape into misty mountains, tea-scented valleys, and lush forests. From the iconic Munnar to the serene Vagamon and the wild charm of Wayanad, these highland retreats are perfect for nature lovers, honeymooners, trekkers, and wellness seekers.
But tucked away in the folds of the Western Ghats are its lesser-known treasures—hill stations that blend cool climates, scenic beauty, and cultural richness. These high-altitude destinations are ideal for travelers seeking tranquility, adventure, and a break from the tropical heat.
Whether you’re sipping tea in Munnar, hiking through Wayanad’s forests, or meditating in the meadows of Vagamon, Kerala’s hill stations promise a rejuvenating experience.
🌿 1. Munnar: The Queen of Kerala’s Hills
- Altitude: 5,200 ft
- Location: Idukki district
- Highlights:
- Endless tea plantations and mist-covered valleys
- Eravikulam National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr)
- Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Kundala Lake
- Trekking trails to Anamudi Peak (South India’s highest point)
Munnar is Kerala’s most popular hill station, ideal for honeymooners, photographers, and tea lovers.
🌲 2. Wayanad: The Wild Highland
- Altitude: 2,300–4,000 ft
- Location: Northern Kerala
- Highlights:
- Edakkal Caves with prehistoric carvings
- Banasura Sagar Dam and Pookode Lake
- Chembra Peak trek with heart-shaped lake
- Wildlife spotting in Wayanad Sanctuary
Wayanad is perfect for eco-tourists, trekkers, and those seeking forest immersion.
🌾 3. Vagamon: The Hidden Meadow
- Altitude: 3,000 ft
- Location: Border of Kottayam and Idukki
- Highlights:
- Pine forests, rolling meadows, and misty cliffs
- Paragliding and offbeat trekking trails
- Kurisumala Ashram and Murugan Hill
- Ideal for meditation and wellness retreats
Vagamon is a peaceful alternative to Munnar, ideal for spiritual travelers and nature lovers.
🌄 4. Ponmudi: The Golden Peak
- Altitude: 3,000 ft
- Location: Near Thiruvananthapuram
- Highlights:
- Winding roads with 22 hairpin bends
- Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary and Meenmutty Falls
- Trekking and birdwatching
- Close to Neyyar Dam and Agasthyakoodam Peak
Ponmudi is a weekend getaway for those in southern Kerala, especially popular among bikers and hikers.
🌳 5. Thekkady: Spice-Scented Hills
- Altitude: 2,900 ft
- Location: Idukki district
- Highlights:
- Periyar Tiger Reserve and lake cruises
- Spice plantations and elephant safaris
- Bamboo rafting and jungle walks
- Ayurvedic wellness centers
Thekkady combines wildlife, spice tourism, and hill station charm—ideal for families and nature enthusiasts.
🌲 6. Peermedu: The Colonial Retreat
- Altitude: 3,000 ft
- Location: Near Thekkady
- Highlights:
- Tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations
- Summer retreat of the Travancore royal family
- Parunthumpara viewpoint and waterfalls
- Ideal for heritage lovers and quiet getaways
Peermedu is a nostalgic hill station with colonial charm and panoramic views.
🌿 7. Lakkidi: Gateway to Wayanad
- Altitude: 2,300 ft
- Location: Wayanad district
- Highlights:
- Rainforest ambiance and high rainfall
- Pookode Lake and Chain Tree legend
- Viewpoints and birdwatching
- Ideal for monsoon travelers and nature photographers
Lakkidi is one of the greenest hill stations in Kerala, perfect for misty mornings and lush landscapes.
🌄 8. Ranipuram: The Untouched Highland
- Altitude: 3,200 ft
- Location: Kasaragod district
- Highlights:
- Trekking through shola forests and grasslands
- Wildlife sightings and panoramic views
- Less commercialized and crowd-free
- Ideal for offbeat explorers and solitude seekers
Ranipuram is Kerala’s northernmost hill station, offering raw beauty and peace.
🌳 9. Athirapally: Waterfall Wonderland
- Altitude: ~1,000 ft
- Location: Thrissur district
- Highlights:
- Athirapally and Vazhachal waterfalls
- Rainforest treks and butterfly spotting
- Close to Sholayar ranges
- Ideal for monsoon travel and photography
Though not a traditional hill station, Athirapally’s elevation and forested terrain make it a scenic retreat.
🧘♀️ Who Should Visit Kerala’s Hill Stations?
- Honeymooners: Munnar, Vagamon, and Wayanad offer romantic stays
- Trekkers: Chembra Peak, Anamudi, Ranipuram, and Ponmudi trails
- Nature Lovers: Thekkady, Lakkidi, and Peermedu for flora and fauna
- Spiritual Seekers: Vagamon and Peermedu for meditation and ashrams
- Families: Thekkady and Munnar for safe, engaging experiences
🏨 Accommodation Options
- Luxury Resorts: Tea County (Munnar), Spice Village (Thekkady), Vythiri Resort (Wayanad)
- Homestays: Eco-friendly options in Vagamon, Peermedu, and Ranipuram
- Treehouses and Camps: Wayanad and Thekkady offer immersive nature stays
- Budget Hotels: Available in all major hill stations
🚗 How to Reach
- Nearest Airports: Kochi (for Munnar, Thekkady), Calicut (for Wayanad), Trivandrum (for Ponmudi)
- Railway Stations: Kottayam, Ernakulam, Calicut, and Thiruvananthapuram
- Road Trips: Scenic drives with hairpin bends and forest routes
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
- October to March: Cool and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing and trekking
- April to June: Summer escape from Kerala’s coastal heat
- July to September: Monsoon magic, lush greenery, and waterfall season
Final Thoughts
Kerala’s hill stations are more than just elevated landscapes—they’re experiences woven with mist, melody, and memory. Whether you’re sipping spice tea in Thekkady, hiking through Wayanad’s forests, or meditating in Vagamon’s meadows, these destinations offer a soulful escape from the everyday.
