Hill Stations Near Ernakulam: A Guide to Popular & Offbeat Gems
The city’s vibrant culture, scenic backwaters, and city life make Ernakulam one of Kerala’s most popular cities. Just a few hours’ ride from Ernakulam lie several mesmerising hill stations. Enjoy misty mornings, chilly winds, and wonderful tea gardens in hill stations near Ernakulam. For weekend getaways, family get-togethers, and friends’ hangouts, hill stations in Ernakulam can be a great idea. Let’s explore some of the best hill stations near Ernakulam.
Why Visit Hill Stations Near Ernakulam?
- If you are looking for a short break from city life and want to experience peace, Ernakulam is a great option.
- Various popular hill stations near Ernakulam need just a few hours’ ride from the city. Here you can enjoy cool weather and beautiful mountain views.
- There are many activities to do in the hill stations near Ernakulam, such as boating, trekking, and enjoying waterfalls and forests.
- Hill stations in Ernakulam are among the best weekend getaway destinations for friends, family, or spouses.
- The roads from Ernakulam to the hill stations are equally beautiful. So, the entire trip is memorable.
- You also get excellent stay options, from cosy cottages to luxury resorts and homestays.
Top Hill Stations Near Ernakulam
Hill stations near Ernakulam include popular, offbeat, and lesser-known places. In this guide, we will discuss all the areas so you can prepare the most suitable itinerary for your next trip.
1. Munnar – The Queen of Hills
One of the most famous spots is the hill stations near Munnar. Being one of the most popular places in Kerala, the place has rolling tea gardens, a cool climate, and beautiful scenery. Munnar is located in the Western Ghats and has very peaceful surroundings, misty hills, and greenery around. The natural beauty and wildlife here make it a perfect hill station.
- Distance: About 130 km from Ernakulam (4–5 hours drive)
- Why Visit: Famous for its tea plantations, pleasant weather, and misty valleys.
- Highlights: Eravikulam National Park, Kundala Lake, and Mattupetty Dam.
- Traveller Type: Ideal for couples, families, and photographers.
- Insider Tip: For the best views under clear skies, visit between December and March.
2. Vagamon – The Offbeat Gem of Idukki
One of the most peaceful and least crowded hill stations near Ernakulam is Vagamon. Situated in the Idukki district, Vagamon is known for its misty pine forests, green meadows, and paragliding. The place has a calm atmosphere, pleasant weather, and scenic beauty.
- Distance: About 110 km from Ernakulam (3.5–4 hours drive)
- Why Visit: Rolling meadows, pine valleys, and paragliding adventures.
- Highlights: Vagamon Meadows, Thangal Para, Murugan Mala.
- Traveller Type: Adventure seekers, backpackers, and peace lovers.
- Insider Tip: Try camping overnight for magical sunrise views.
3. Idukki – Nature and Serenity Combined
A paradise for nature lovers and travellers, Idukki is quite popular. This hill station near Ernakulam features hills, forests, beautiful rivers, and wildlife sanctuaries. The dense greenery and viewpoints offer a calm vibe. The stunning landscapes and dams are popular among tourists.
- Distance: Around 100 km from Ernakulam
- Why Visit: Forested hills, dams, and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Highlights: Idukki Arch Dam, Hill View Park, and Kalvari Mount.
- Traveller Type: Families and eco-tourists.
- Insider Tip: To enjoy lush greenery and misty hills, you must visit during the monsoon.
4. Thekkady – Spice Hills and Wildlife Adventures
You may have heard of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and popular spice plantations in Kerala. That’s precisely what makes Thekkady popular. You get to enjoy jungle safaris, boat rides, bamboo rafting, and more. The Periyar Lake is both famous and beautiful. Enjoy a mix of nature and adventure at Thekaddy hill station.
- Distance: About 150 km from Ernakulam
- Why Visit: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spice plantations, and bamboo rafting.
- Highlights: Boat safari, elephant camps, and traditional Kathakali shows.
- Traveller Type: Families, adventure lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Insider Tip: Take the early morning boat ride for the best wildlife sightings.
5. Ponmudi – The Golden Peak
The name Ponmudi means “Golden Peak,”. It is a hill station near Thiruvananthapuram. The place lets you enjoy drives through misty hills and a rich biodiversity. You get to enjoy the cool breeze and pleasant weather. Trekking trails further make it popular among bikers and nature lovers.
- Distance: Around 230 km from Ernakulam
- Why Visit: Hairpin roads, lush forests, and trekking trails.
- Highlights: Agasthyakoodam Peak, Kallar River, Meenmutty Falls.
- Traveller Type: Bikers, trekkers, and weekend travellers.
- Insider Tip: Carry light jackets to Ponmudi, as temperatures typically drop after sunset.
6. Peermade – The Peaceful Plantation Town
Another popular place is Peermade. It is known for the hill town surrounded by cardamom, coffee, and tea plantations. Peermade is historically known for the Travancore royal family and today for its peaceful ambience.
- Distance: About 130 km from Ernakulam
- Why Visit: Coffee, cardamom, and rolling tea estates.
- Highlights: Peeru Hills, Grampi, and Parunthumpara View Point.
- Traveller Type: Families and couples.
- Insider Tip: Stay at a plantation homestay for an authentic Kerala experience.
7. Nelliyampathy – The Secluded Green Escape
If you are looking for a quiet, scenic, and offbeat hill station near Ernakulam, Nelliyampathy is the one. The place offers amazing views and a serene environment. It has dense forests and orange farms.
- Distance: Around 180 km from Ernakulam
- Why Visit: Unspoilt forests, winding hill roads, and panoramic viewpoints.
- Highlights: Seetharkundu Viewpoint, Pothundi Dam, and estate walks.
- Traveller Type: Offbeat travellers and nature photographers.
- Insider Tip: Perfect for small group road trips
Hill Station Tour Packages From Ernakulam
TravelTriangle can be your ideal partner in planning a weekend trip to a hill station near Ernakulam. Whether you are planning a trip with your spouse, friends, family, or solo, we have the perfect tour packages. You can also easily customise the packages according to your plans.
| Package Details | Munnar Escape | Vagamon Adventure Trip | Thekkady Wildlife & Spice Trail | Idukki & Peermade Nature Retreat |
| No. Of Days | 3 days, 2 nights | 2 days, 1 night | 3 days, 2 nights | 4 days, 3 nights |
| Route | Ernakulam-Munnar-Mattupetty-Eravikulam National Park | Ernakulam-Vagamon-Pine Valley-Murugan Mala | Ernakulam-Thekkady-Periyar-Idukki | Ernakulam-Idukki-Peermade-Vagamon |
| Ideal For | Couples & families | Friends and weekend travellers | Families & wildlife enthusiasts | Couples & nature lovers |
| Highlights | Tea gardens, viewpoints, and local markets | Paragliding, trekking, and camping | Jungle safari, spice plantations, and boating | Hill drives, plantation stays, and waterfall visits. |
| Average Cost | ₹8,000-₹12,000 | ₹5,000-₹10,000 | ₹7,000-₹13,000 | ₹11,000-₹17,000 |
| Average Inclusions | Stay, breakfast, cab transfers, and sightseeing | Stay, activities, transfers, and breakfast | Stay, transfers, and guided tours | Stay, breakfast, transfers, and local experiences |
| Average Exclusions |
|
Offbeat Hill Getaways Near Ernakulam
You may not always be in the mood to visit touristy and crowded places. So, some of the offbeat hidden gems near Ernakulam that are perfect for short escapes are:
Ramakkalmedu – The Windy Hills
Ramakkalmedu is situated on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. The place is known for its cool breeze and panoramic views. You can also spot giant windmills here that look beautiful. Trekking and photography are popular here.
- Distance: Around 140 km from Ernakulam
- Highlights: Windmills, panoramic views, and trekking trails.
- Best For: Adventure seekers and photographers.
Silent Valley – Untouched Rainforest Beauty
One of Kerala’s highly protected forest regions is Silent Valley. This place is home to a variety of wildlife and lush greenery. You can enjoy nature and quiet surroundings here. The dense rainforest trails and the vibrant ecosystem of Silent Valley make it a paradise for nature lovers.
- Distance: Around 200 km from Ernakulam
- Highlights: Biodiversity hotspots and forest treks.
- Best For: Nature lovers and explorers.
Parunthumpar – The Eagle Rock Viewpoint
The meaning of Parunthumpar is “Eagle Rock”. The place offers a stunning viewpoint and is located near Peermade. The rolling hills and misty valleys look beautiful. You can enjoy road trips and scenic drives here.
- Distance: Around 130 km from Ernakulam
- Highlights: Majestic viewpoints and mist-clad landscapes.
- Best For: Road trippers and bikers.
How to Reach These Hill Stations From Ernakulam
- By Road
Roads to hill stations near Ernakulam are smooth. You may take NH 85 and SH 1 for scenic drives and memorable trips. - By Rail
You may also take a train from Ernakulam Junction. Ernakulam Town stations connect to nearby hubs.
- By Air
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), which connects to all major airports in India.
Best Time to Visit Hill Stations Near Ernakulam
- October to February: Typically, October to February is considered the most ideal for sightseeing, treks, and cool weather in Hill stations near Ernakulam
- March to May: Even during warm weather, the higher altitudes offer pleasant conditions. So, you may also visit between March and May.
- June to September: To experience the monsoon, you may visit between June and September. Make sure to carry raincoats and umbrellas.
Top Things to Do
Hill stations near Ernakulam let you explore nature and enjoy adventure.
- Tea and spice plantation walks
Kerala is known for tea and spice plantations. Hill stations near Ernakulam have lush estates and famous coffee, tea, and spice plantations to explore
- Wildlife safaris and nature treks
The rich flora and fauna at these hill stations are a thing to discover. Jungle trails are guided adequately so you can enjoy them safely. Parks are also major attractions for fun and enjoyment.
- Waterfall photography
If you love nature photography, waterfalls at the hill stations of Kerala are not a thing to miss. The stunning views and greenery around are beautiful captures.
- Campfires and group picnics
Evenings under the stars are one of the best parts of the trip. Enjoy cosy evenings with your friends, family, and spouse at campfires and group picnics.
- Local cuisine tasting
Do not forget to taste the local cuisine of Ernakulam. It includes famous dishes like Kerala fish curry, appam, banana fritters, and more. Enjoy the authentic taste of Kerala.
Travel Tips For Hill Station Trips From Ernakulam
To make your trip even more fun and memorable, we have shared a few Kerala travel tips below:
- It is best to start early if you want to skip the afternoon fog. Starting early also means smooth drives on hilly roads
- Do not forget to carry warm clothes with you, even if it’s summer in the plains, since temperatures typically drop after sunset
- Booking stays in advance is best because busy seasons are usually crowded, and bookings get full
- Before you start the trip, check road conditions, especially during the heavy monsoon.
Why Book Your Hill Station Package Wwith TravelTriangle?
- Tailor-made Itineraries
At TravelTriangle, we ensure all trips are well prepared and guided bythe trips are well-prepared and under the guidance of local travel experts. They know the best routes and viewpoints in and near Ernakulam.
- Verified Stays and Transport
Stays and transport offered under TravelTriangle’s travel packages are not onlytravel packages of TravelTriangle are not just affordable but also comfortable and safe. We only partner with trusted hotels, resorts, and vehicles and verify them personally.
- Transparent Pricing
We provide clear cost breakdowns so you get transparent pricing. We have no hidden charges; instead, you can avail of attractive discounts at TravelTriangle.
- Flexible plans
You are free to adjust or modify the itinerary as per your plans. Even after booking, you can adjust the plans.
- 24×7 support
For continuous support, we have 24/724×7 customer support dedicated to your service. It can assist you with the route changes, local guidance, and also emergencies.
Get your ideal hill station getaway planned with TravelTriangle. Enjoy within your budget and at affordable trip packages.
Conclusion
Ernakulam hill stations offer a refreshing escape from busy life. The cool breezes, scenic beauty, and memorable drives give some of the best memories. From tea gardens to forest trails, and from campfires to waterfalls, everything about hill stations near Ernakulam is unique. Most of these routes are well connected and offer a range of accommodation options to suit different needs. If you are also planning a weekend getaway, connect with us for a customised Ernakulam tour package. At TravelTriangle, we simplify your tour plans.
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FAQs About Hill Station Near Ernakulam
Which is the nearest hill station to Ernakulam?
The nearest hill station to Ernakulam is Munnar. It is located about 130 km from Ernakulam, which is around 4-5 hours travel. What are some offbeat hill stations near Ernakulam?
Vagamon, Ramakkalmedu, and Peermade are some of the best offbeat options. These places let you enjoy peace, adventure, and scenic beauty, all without heavy crowds. What is the best time to visit?
October to March is typically the best time to visit Ernakulam Hill stations. During this time, the weather is cool, the skies are clear, and ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and outdoor adventures. Are these hill stations suitable for weekend trips?
Yes, most hill stations like Munnar, Vagamon, and Idukki are within 3 to 5 hours from Ernakulam. So these could be best for weekend trips. Does TravelTriangle offer customisable packages from Ernakulam?
Yes, TravelTriangle offers customisable hill station packages from Ernakulam. You can customise plans as we offer flexible itineraries, verified stays, and local travel experts to help plan your ideal trip.
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