Kerala is often celebrated for its backwaters and beaches—but the hill stations in Kerala offer a completely different kind of magic. Nestled in the Western Ghats, these elevated retreats are draped in mist, dotted with tea estates, and blessed with cool weather year-round. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, trekking through spice-scented forests, or sipping chai with a view, Kerala’s hill stations promise serenity, adventure, and soul-refreshing beauty.
🧭 Why Visit Hill Stations in Kerala?
- Cool Climate: Perfect for escaping the tropical heat
- Scenic Landscapes: Rolling hills, waterfalls, lakes, and forests
- Tea & Spice Plantations: Aromatic trails and plantation tours
- Adventure Activities: Trekking, paragliding, boating, and wildlife spotting
- Romantic Vibes: Ideal for honeymoons and peaceful getaways
🏞️ Top Hill Stations in Kerala
Here’s a curated list of the most popular and picturesque hill stations in Kerala:
1. Munnar
- Altitude: 5,200 ft
- Highlights: Tea gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point
- Experience: Trekking, wildlife safaris, tea tasting, waterfall hopping
Often called the “Swiss of South India,” Munnar is Kerala’s crown jewel for hill tourism.
2. Wayanad
- Altitude: 2,300–4,000 ft
- Highlights: Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Soochipara Falls
- Experience: Forest treks, cave exploration, spice plantation visits
Wayanad blends tribal culture, biodiversity, and adventure in one lush package.
3. Thekkady
- Altitude: 2,900 ft
- Highlights: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spice gardens, bamboo rafting
- Experience: Jungle safaris, nature walks, boating on Periyar Lake
Ideal for wildlife lovers and eco-tourists.
4. Vagamon
- Altitude: 3,300 ft
- Highlights: Pine forests, Kurisumala Hill, Vagamon Meadows
- Experience: Paragliding, meditation retreats, offbeat photography
A quiet, lesser-known gem perfect for solitude and spiritual escapes.
5. Ponmudi
- Altitude: 3,000 ft
- Highlights: Golden Valley, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Experience: Scenic drives, birdwatching, short hikes
Close to Trivandrum, Ponmudi is ideal for a quick hill getaway.
6. Idukki
- Altitude: 3,900 ft
- Highlights: Idukki Arch Dam, Hill View Park, Kalvari Mount
- Experience: Boating, panoramic views, nature trails
A paradise for photographers and nature lovers.
7. Peermedu
- Altitude: 3,000 ft
- Highlights: Tea and coffee estates, waterfalls, tribal villages
- Experience: Plantation walks, cultural immersion, scenic drives
Named after Sufi saint Peer Mohammed, Peermedu is rich in history and greenery.
8. Lakkidi
- Altitude: 2,300 ft
- Highlights: Pookode Lake, Chain Tree, misty viewpoints
- Experience: Romantic boat rides, foggy drives, nature photography
Often called the “Gateway to Wayanad,” Lakkidi is a mist-lover’s dream.
9. Malampuzha
- Altitude: 1,000 ft
- Highlights: Malampuzha Dam, Rock Garden, ropeway
- Experience: Family-friendly sightseeing, garden strolls
A great hill station for families and casual travelers.
10. Athirapally
- Altitude: 1,500 ft
- Highlights: Athirapally Falls, Vazhachal Forest
- Experience: Waterfall treks, jungle walks, film-spotting (Bahubali was shot here!)
Technically a waterfall destination, but its elevation and forested charm earn it a spot.
🌿 Offbeat Hill Stations Worth Exploring
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, try these lesser-known gems:
- Thiruvambadi: Near Kozhikode, known for waterfalls and quiet trails
- Vithura: Close to Ponmudi, ideal for forest walks and birdwatching
- Kalpetta: A base for exploring Wayanad, with cozy homestays and local markets
🧘♀️ Activities to Enjoy in Kerala’s Hill Stations
- Trekking: Meesapulimala, Chembra Peak, and Kurisumala trails
- Tea & Spice Tours: Learn about cardamom, pepper, and tea cultivation
- Wildlife Safaris: Periyar, Wayanad, and Idukki sanctuaries
- Boating: Lakes in Munnar, Wayanad, and Malampuzha
- Paragliding: Vagamon is Kerala’s paragliding hub
- Ayurveda & Wellness: Retreats in Thekkady, Peermedu, and Ponmudi
🏨 Where to Stay
Kerala’s hill stations offer a range of accommodations:
| Type | Features | Ideal For |
| Luxury Resorts | Infinity pools, spa, curated meals | Honeymooners, families |
| Eco-Lodges | Sustainable stays, nature trails | Conscious travelers |
| Homestays | Local hospitality, authentic food | Solo travelers, couples |
| Plantation Bungalows | Colonial charm, estate views | Heritage lovers |
🍛 What to Eat
Hill stations in Kerala serve up earthy, flavorful cuisine:
- Appam with Stew: Coconut-rich and comforting
- Puttu & Kadala Curry: A breakfast staple
- Kerala Sadya: Traditional feast on banana leaf
- Spice-Infused Curries: Pepper chicken, cardamom lamb
- Local Sweets: Unniyappam, Ela Ada, and banana chips
📅 Best Time to Visit
Kerala’s hill stations are pleasant year-round, but here’s a seasonal breakdown:
| Season | Months | Highlights |
| Winter | Nov–Feb | Crisp air, ideal for trekking |
| Summer | Mar–May | Cool escape from coastal heat |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Lush greenery, romantic mist |
Monsoon is magical but may limit outdoor activities due to rain.
🚗 How to Reach
- By Air: Kochi, Calicut, and Trivandrum airports are gateways
- By Train: Major stations include Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Kozhikode
- By Road: Well-connected via scenic highways and hill roads
Local taxis, buses, and self-drive options are available for hill station hopping.
✨ Final Thoughts
Hill stations in Kerala are more than just elevated escapes—they’re soulful sanctuaries where nature whispers, rivers sing, and time slows down. Whether you’re sipping tea in Munnar, trekking through Wayanad’s forests, or watching the Ganges of the South tumble through Athirapally, every moment is a breath of fresh air.
So pack your woolens, charge your camera, and let Kerala’s hills cradle you in their misty embrace.
