Hill Stations in Kerala: A Complete Guide to Known & Lesser-Known Gems
Beyond the houseboats and shores, Kerala also has a different side, the hill stations of the Western Ghats. From tea gardens to waterfalls and valleys to forests, the hill stations in Kerala are not to be missed. Munnar, Ponmudi, Ranipuram, and Wayanad are just a few to name. Whether you are a trekking enthusiast, want to explore lesser-known places, or simply love being surrounded by nature, hill stations in Kerala are perfect spots.
This guide will discuss the best hill stations in Kerala, including the lesser-known ones. Read on to plan your next hill station trip to some memorable places.
Why Visit Hill Stations in Kerala?
The hill stations of Kerala offer a perfect escape from the hot and humid environment of the plains. The colder side of the Western Ghats, with its beautiful mountains, peaceful environment, and fresh air, is one of the reasons that draws people to hilly areas. Some of the many reasons why people often run to hill stations in Kerala are:
- Various hilly spots in Kerala are ideal for people who love nature and hilly areas.
- Anyone who wants to go trekking can also head to the Western Ghats of Kerala, as the place offers trekking facilities.
- People who love photography should visit hill stations in Kerala, as the area offers picture-perfect scenery.
- Misty mornings, hills, forest trails with beautiful bird songs, and a cup of coffee make for the perfect weekend scene.
- Various hill stations in Kerala are also renowned for their tea, coffee, and certain spice plantations, such as Wayanad and Munnar. Thus, you can smell the soothing aroma around.
- Several hill stations, such as Munnar and Thekkady, also offer Ayurvedic retreats and eco-resorts. Therefore, it can be an ideal spot for those seeking healing and rest.
- Some of the best times to visit Kerala’s hill stations are from October to February. This is when the land is greener and the sun feels magical.
Weather in Kerala Hill Stations
As far as temperature is concerned, hill stations in Kerala enjoy a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year. The temperature typically ranges between 10°C and 25 25°C. Here is a list of certain hill stations with their typical year-round temperature:
- Munnar: 10–20°C
- Wayanad: 13–24°C
- Vagamon: 15–22°C
- Ponmudi: 16–25°C
The light mist and drizzling rain add to the scenic beauty of the hills in Kerala. You can experience clean air, low humidity, and clear visibility. The view of forests, valleys, and plantations is mostly clear.
Tip: When planning a trip to hill stations in Kerala, it is best to pack light woollen clothes, as early mornings and evenings can be quite cold.
Popular Hill Stations in Kerala to Visit
Kerala is home to several hill stations. Some of the popular hill stations in Kerala are discussed below.
Munnar- Queen of the Hills
Munnar is often referred to as the Queen of the Hills. It is one of the most beautiful and popular hill stations in Kerala. Let’s discover what all makes Munnar hill station in Kerala popular:
Popular For:
- The place is renowned for its tea gardens, misty valleys, and pleasant, cool weather.
- The rare Neelakurinji flowers are also found in Munnar. It is the Neelakurinji flowers that turn Munnar blue once every 12 years.
- Eravikulam National Park, located in Kerala, is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
- For panoramic views, Meesapulimala is renowned, and Mattupetty Dam is an ideal spot to relax.
- If you want to know how the world-famous tea is made, visiting the Tea Museum can be a great idea.
Best Time to Visit:
October to February could be the best time to visit Munnar. During these months, the weather is colder and the scenic view is beautiful.
Famous Food:
Some of the popular local dishes in Munnar include Kerala-style fish curry and tea.
Wayanad – Where Forests and Legends Meet
Wayanad is a hill station in Kerala that offers a unique combination of mountains, forests, and a rich tribal culture. The waterfalls, ancient legends, and the wildlife of Wayanad are popular across the country.
Popular For:
- Witness the prehistoric rock carvings at Edakkal Caves. The place offers a glorious insight into the past.
- If you want to relax and unwind, the area around Banasura Sagar Dam is a great choice.
- For those who enjoy waterfalls with a scenic view, Soochipara Falls is an ideal choice.
- Apart from these, Kuruva Island is a great choice for nature lovers. It is an island with beautiful forests and a diverse array of rare flora and fauna.
Best Time to Visit:
From October to February, the weather at Wayanad hills is quite pleasant and cool. Therefore, it is an ideal time to visit here.
Famous Food:
Some of the famous dishes that you may try here are fresh vegetables from the jungle, Wayanad-style bamboo rice, and Kerala-style curries.
Thekkady – Wild Hills & Spice Trails
Another popular hill station in Kerala is Thekkady. The place is much more than its popular wild hills. Thekkady is home to spice plantations and lush greenery. Let’s discover more about the place:
Popular For:
- If you want to enjoy river vibes, you may take a boat ride on Periyar Lake.
- To witness the cultivation of spices, you may tour the spice gardens to learn more about pepper, cardamom, and vanilla cultivation.
- The Periyar Tiger Reserve can be explored on boat safaris to witness the mighty wildlife.
- You may also enjoy jungle treks, bamboo rafting, and night jungle patrols. These are quite fun.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Thekkady could be from September to March. The weather is pleasant during these months, and spotting wildlife is also frequent.
Famous Food:
Some of the famous foods to try here include Kerala curry with spices, plantation honey, and masala tea.
Lesser-Known Hill Stations in Kerala
There are also a few hidden gems. Some of the lesser-known but beautiful hill stations in Kerala are:
Ponmudi – The Golden Peak
Just 60km from Trivandrum is Ponmudi, one of the lesser-known hill stations. Here you can enjoy sunrise views, roam around tea estates, and trek on the trails. The place also has Meenmutty Falls, which is mesmerising to watch.
If you plan to go on the Agasthyakoodam trek, be sure to obtain the permit in advance. Ponmudi could be a perfect place for weekend escapes, soft adventures, and birdwatching.
Nelliyampathy – The Lesser-Known Green Haven
Near Palakkad district is another lesser-known hill station in Kerala, Nelliyampathy. Also known as the green haven, Nelliyampathy offers a quiet and serene environment, something people look for after a busy week.
You can visit the Pothundi Dam, which was built over 200 years ago and is one of the oldest dams in Kerala. Next is Seethargundu viewpoint, a place where it is believed that Mata Sita once stayed. It offers amazing views.
Silent Valley – Untouched Rainforest Bliss
One of the UNESCO-listed reserves near Mannarkkad is the Silent Valley National Park. The hilly climate attracts thousands of people every year who seek peace and eco-travelling.
At Silent Valley, you can enjoy nature walks, spot wildlife (though rare), and learn more about the environment. The valley has a misty vibe, and the clear views allow you to reconnect with nature.
Malakkappara – A Borderland Secret
If you want to experience the untouched landscapes, Malakkappara can be a great choice. The place has amazing tea estates and beautiful roads. If you love bike riding or road travelling, the roads to Malakkappara can be the perfect choice.
At Malakkappara, you can enjoy tea garden walks, spot wildlife, explore the surroundings, or take in the scenic beauty through photography. The place is close to Athirappilly.
Ranipuram – The ‘Ooty of Kerala’
In North Kerala lies Ranipuram, which is also known as the Ooty of Kerala. Located in Kasaragod, it is one of the gems among Kerala’s hill stations. The trekking trails and misty meadows of Ranipuram attract many tourists and nature lovers.
The forest paths, rare birds and butterflies, and wild elephants are amazing to watch here. The place has its own untouched charm and a peaceful vibe.
Short Hill Station Getaways in Kerala
If you want a break of 2-4 days, these short hill station getaways in Kerala can be the perfect choices:
- Munnar (3 Days)
Munnar can be a good choice if you have 3 days to spend. During your stay, you may enjoy the tea garden, go trekking, and watch waterfalls. For a stay, you may choose a tree house or a tea estate bungalow.
- Ponmudi (2–3 Days)
If you want to visit anywhere near Trivandrum, Ponmudi can be a good choice for a 3-day trip. Along with sunrise views, you may also go on the Agasthyakoodam hike and watch Meenmutty waterfalls here.
- Wayanad (4 Days)
If you have up to 4 days for the trip, Wayanad can be a good idea. You may drive from Calicut or Mysore to Wayanad. Along with enjoying nature, trekking, and wildlife, the stay can be equally exciting. You can book a homestay or simply set up your own campsite.
- Nelliyampathy (2 Days)
For a 2-day trip, Nelliyampathy can be a good choice. The place is remote, quiet, and easily accessible. Get digital detox at Nelliyampathy after a long, tiring week. The place is suitable for both families, couples, and solo travellers.
- Ranipuram (2–3 Days)
Another exciting option is Ranipuram, if you have 2-3 days for the trip. You can plan a visit to Ranipuram, featuring Bekal Beach in Kasaragod. The Ooty of Kerala never fails to impress.
Kerala Hill-Station Package
For hassle-free and no-tension planning, Kerala hill station packages can be the best choice. It covers major areas within your budget and bandwidth.
| Details | Munnar & Thekkady Explorer | Wayanad Nature & Wildlife Retreat | Offbeat Kerala Hills Package | North Kerala Hidden Hills + Coast Combo |
| Duration | 4 nights 5 days | 3 nights 4 days | 6 nights 7 days |
5 nights 6 days |
| Stay At | 2 nights in Munnar (tea estate stay or boutique hotel)
2 nights in Thekkady (spice village or jungle lodge) |
Eco-resort or a plantation homestay | Boutique or eco-stays) | Treehouse stay (Ranipuram)
Cliff/beach resort (Bekal/Nileshwar) |
| Ideal For | First-time visitors honeymooners photographers |
Nature lovers families eco-conscious travellers |
Timing | Explorers couples offbeat seekers |
| What’s Included | Tea plantation tour
wildlife boat safari Cultural performance Optional Ayurvedic massage |
Edakkal caves trek
Waterfalls Wildlife sanctuary entry Campfire Optional tribal village walk |
Forest permit arrangements (Agasthyakoodam trek)
Birdwatching tours Spice estate visits Optional Ayurveda treatments |
Short hikes
Local cuisine experiences Cultural immersion Theyyam (if in season) |
| Route | Kochi-Munnar-Thekkady-Kochi | Calicut-Wayanad-Edakkal Caves-Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary-Calicut | Ponmudi-Silent Valley-Nelliyampat | Ranipuram-Bekal-Nileshwar |
| Pick & Drop | Kochi | Calicut or Mysuru | Trivandrum or Coimbatore | Mangalore or Kannur |
| Average Cost | ₹22,000 to 27,000 per person | ₹18,000 to ₹23,000 per person | ₹35,000 to ₹43,000 per person | ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per person |
| Exclusions | Flight/train fare to Kochi
Entry fees to attractions not mentioned in inclusions Lunch and personal expenses Tips, camera fees, and GST |
Travel to Calicut/Mysore starting point
Lunch and beverages Adventure activities not listed Personal expenses and GST |
Entry permits are not arranged in advance
Meals apart from breakfast Transport beyond mentioned route Personal expenses, insurance, and GST |
Air/train fare to Mangalore/Kannur
Lunch and optional water sports Personal shopping or tips Taxes and camera fees |
Conclusion
Hill stations in Kerala are full of excitement, adventure, and peace. It is a place beyond beaches and backwaters. From nature walks to trekking and tea gardens to mountain views, Kerala hill stations have a lot to offer. Plan your weekend with hill station trips in Kerala. Whether you are looking for a solo trip, with your spouse, friends, or family, there are several options available. You can also book a Kerala tour package to have your entire trip planned with ease.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons, Facebook, Pexels and Pixabay.
FAQs About Hill Stations In Kerala
What’s the best time to visit Kerala’s hill stations?
During the colder season, the weather is quite comfortable and pleasant at hill stations in Kerala, from September to October to February to March, and is often the best time to visit hilly places in Kerala.
Are the lesser-known hill stations safe?
Yes. Even the lesser-known hill stations in Kerala, such as Ponmudi, Nelliyampathy, and Silent Valley, are quite safe for solo travellers.
What’s the average temperature in hill stations in December?
The temperature during December in Kerala hill stations may range between 10-25°C. So, it is better to keep warm clothes with you when travelling during winter.
Is accommodation available in offbeat places?
Yes. You can find eco-stays, boutique stays, and more, even in offbeat, hilly areas of Kerala. So, travelling to these places is always fun and open.
Can I visit these places with family or kids?
Yes. Most of the hill stations in Kerala are ideal choices for family trips. Whether you are planning a solo trip, with your spouse, or with your entire family and kids, hill stations in Kerala are safe and fun.
Which hill station is best for honeymooners?
Munnar is one of the famous spots among couples. In addition to these, Thekkady, Wayanad, and Ponmudi are also good options for couples.
Do I need special permits for any place?
Some activities or places may require an entry permit. For instance, trekking, such as the Agasthyakoodam hike, may require a permit beforehand. You must check these requirements during planning your trip.
Are these hill stations accessible by public transport?
In most places, small vehicles and buses are accessible. You may also book a rental cab or drive your own car to the hill stations in Kerala. Accessibility may vary slightly depending on the location you choose.
Can I combine hill stations with beach or backwater destinations?
Yes. If you have enough travel days, you can combine the fun and adventure of both hilly areas and the backwaters and beaches.
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?
People Also Read
Hill Stations In Andhra Pradesh Hill Stations In Karnataka Hill Stations In Assam
Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.
