Kanyakumari is an amazing tourist and pilgrimage destination. The amazing sea breeze and visually aesthetic beaches generally forms the average person’s expectations of Kanyakumari. But what most other people do not know is that there are an abundance of hill stations in and around Kanyakumari.
Kodaikanal, Yercaud and Ooty are very well known among tourists and are, as a result, subject to huge tourist population surges. But such is not the case at Kanyakumari. Hill stations near Kanyakumari generally find lesser tourist population and hence form an ideal private tourist destination for travelers looking for serene and impeccable places.
10 Most Popular Hill Stations Near Kanyakumari
Below are the 10 most loved hill stations near Kanyakumari that will guarantee the best hill station experience that South India has to offer:
1. Thekkady
Thekkady is a wonderful jungle safari for tourists who wish to explore a real jungle, especially one in South India. Near to Thekkady are various coffee and spices plantations.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Thekkady is throughout the year.
How to reach: The nearest railway station is at Kottayam (114 km). Buses to Thekkady are frequent.
Top attractions:
Periyar National Park (Watch elephants, tigers and various other indigenous animals roam freely in their natural habitats)
Mullaperiyar Dam (Walk over the infamous Mullaperiyar Dam, learn about its history or go bamboo rafting)
Places To Stay: Poetree Sarovar Portico, Bamboo Inn, Oriole Homestay, Dean Dale Cottages, Periyar Explore
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Things To Do: Boating Tours, Bamboo Rafting, Hiking in Thekkady
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2. Nelliyampathy
Travel through the dense forests of the Western Ghats, walk through tea plantations and experience the many hairpin bends, only at Nelliyampathy. At Nelliyampathy, find many scenic picnic spots.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Nelliyampathy is September to February.
How to reach: The nearest railway station is at Palakkad (60 km). Buses to Nelliyampathy are frequent.
Top attractions:
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (Tigers, macaques, boars, leopards and so much more; a natural throve of flora and fauna)
Seethargundu Viewpoint (for the most picturesque view of the hills and vales of Nelliyampathy)
Places To Stay: Nelliyampathy Resort & Tent Camp, Mango Village Farm House, Nelliyampathy Whistling Thrush Bungalow , Sumangali Lodging Arcade
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Suggested Read: 5 Quixotic Homestays In Kanyakumari To Revamp Your Idea Of Lodging
3. Ponmudi
Hills, waterfalls and greenery all over; this is all that one needs to summarize Ponmudi. Ponmudi is a secret natural treasure of the Western Ghats, that offers some of the best instagrammable opportunities.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Ponmudi is November to March.
How to reach: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (65 km). The nearest railway station is at Trivandrum (55 km).
Top attractions:
Golden Valley (an enchanting picnic destination amidst lush greenery, iconic golden sand and sparkling streams)
Aranmula Boat Race (a famous traditional boat race held in August or September on the Pampa River)
Places To Stay: Gowry Art Residency, Hill View Stay Inn, Hotel Rohini International
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Suggested Read: Top 12 Interesting Things to Do in Kanyakumari For A Vacation To Remember
4. Peermedu
Have you ever wanted to enter someplace magical? Explore the various estates ranging from tea to rubber at Peerumedu or hike across various terrains. This is an amazing honeymoon destination!
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Peermedu is April to June and September to November.
How to reach: The nearest railway station is at Kottayam (54 km). Frequent bus services are available.
Top attractions:
Grampi (a unique hiking experience over rocky terrains, grassy hills and through lush green forests)
Pattumala (a treasure trove of tea gardens and plantations)
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Suggested Read: 10 Idyllic Waterfalls In Kanyakumari That Look Straight Out Of Paradise
5. Idukki
Idukki is an incredible eco-tourism destination. Explore wildlife sanctuaries, hills and plantations at Idukki. But Idukki’s biggest treasure is the largest dam in the country, Idukki Arch Dam.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Idukki is June to February.
How to reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (100 km). The nearest railway station is at Kottayam (58 km). Frequent bus services are available.
Top attractions:
Idukki Arch Dam (the largest dam in India; one that spans across two huge hills, Kuravan and Kurathi.)
Keezharkuthu Falls (a 1500 m waterfall that will surely leave you astounded by its magnificence)
Places To Stay: Best Mist, Orchard Homestsy, Tent Stay Calvarymount, Palkulam Valley
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Things To Do: Trekking, Camping, Paragliding
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6. Vagamon
Vagamon is a really unique travel destination. What makes it so unique is the fact that it’s forest is man-made; it was created during the British rule. But nevertheless, time has turned it into one of nature’s children thus creating a beautiful scenery.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Vagamon is June to September.
How to reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (150 km). The nearest railway station is at Kottayam (63 km). Frequent bus services are available.
Top attractions:
Vagamon Meadows (acres of lush greenery)
Pine Hill (Nothing is more romantic than a walk in the woods as a couple)
Places To Stay: The Grasmere, Vaga Hills Resort, Nest Rock Hut, Cocoon Valley Hide Out, Spice Green Residency
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Things To Do: Trekking, Off Roading, Boat Ride
Suggested Read: Top 23 Tourist Places In Kanyakumari: The Land Where The Oceans Meet
7. Painavu
Painavu is a settlement that is close the Idukki. Painavu is the ultimate shoppers stop. It is the best place to purchase local clothes and handicrafts.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Painavu is September to May.
How to reach: The nearest railway station is at Kottayam (98 km). Frequent bus services are available. It can also be reached by boat (from Cheruthoni to Kulamavu Junction).
Top attractions:
Hill View Park (a breathtaking view of Kerala’s forest, Cheruthoni and Idukku dams)
Kulamavu Dam (a romantic trip across the dam and some amazing trekking opportunities)
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8. Devikulam
Devikulam is a small hill station in Kerala. It is located at 1800 m above sea level. It is also a land with a mystery, as it houses the Sita Devi Lake, a lake based on a myth.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Devikulam is October to February.
How to reach: The nearest railway station is at Kottayam (138 km) and at Kochi (150 km). Frequent bus services are available.
Top attractions:
Devi Lake (a lake believed to be the bathing spot of the goddess of Hindu mythology, Devi)
Pallivasal Falls (an amazing spot to enjoy a picnic near an amazing waterfall)
Places To Stay: Pine Tree Munnar, Munnar Hotel Club NiNe, Munnar valley view , Pavithram Homestay
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Suggested Read: 30 Budget Trips In India For That Pocket-Friendly Escape
9. Munnar
Munnar is a famous shooting spot. But more than that Munnar is a land filled with scenic views and tea estates. It is one of the most gorgeous places in Kerala, and its proximity to Kanyakumari and other popular places, makes it
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Munnar is October to May.
How to reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (125 km). The nearest railway station is at Kochi (124 km). Frequent bus services are available.
Top attractions:
Atukkad Waterfalls (a romantic waterfall destination located 2 km from Munnar)
KDHP Museum (a museum that showcases antiques dating from the 2nd century AD and located in Tata Tea Estate)
Places To Stay: Casa Montana Munnar, The lake view munnar resort, Maharaja Cottage, Apple Resort Munnar, Skyridge
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Things To Do: Tree House Stay, Tea Estate Tours, Rock Climbing
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10. Thiruvambadi
Thiruvambadi is a hill station with amazing terrace farming and a lot of majestic waterfalls. Thiruvambadi also consists of Urumi Hydro Electric Dam.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Thiruvambadi is throughout the year.
How to reach: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (46 km). The nearest railway station is at Kozhikode (46 km). Frequent bus services are available.
Top attractions:
Arippara Waterfalls (an amazing picnic spot)
Urumi Hydro Electric Dam
Places To Stay: Hotel Mangala Towers, Wariyam Heritage, Shwetkiran Homestay, Casino Hotels Limited Thrissur , FabHotel Kangappadan Residency Ramavarmapuram
Further Read: Over 15 Romantic Beach Resorts In India For The Summer Of Love
Kanyakumari is a one of a kind destination that offers a variety of hill station experiences in and around it. Explore the hills of South India and seize the chance to see its beautiful visuals by planning a trip to Kanyakumari with TravelTriangle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations near Kanyakumari
Is Kanyakumari safe for visiting?
Yes, Kanyakumari and the hill stations around it are a safe place for visiting.
Is alcohol consumption permitted in Kanyakumari?
Public alcohol consumption is not permitted in Kanyakumari.
What is the best time to visit hill stations near Kanyakumari?
June, July and August form the summer at hill stations near Kanyakumari (not an ideal time to visit); the chilly climate distinct to them is during all the other 9 months of the year.
Which hill station near Kanyakumari offers the best nature photography experiences?
Munnar and Thekkady are famous nature photography destinations in Kanyakumari, but the other 8 hill station destinations are secret photographer’s paradises that remain hidden from the limelight.
Which hill station near Kanyakumari is the most ideal honeymoon destination?
The hill stations near Kanyakumari generally form amazing honeymoon destinations allowing private sightseeing experience and romantic nature walks. A few famous hill stations are Peermedu, Vagamon and Thekkady.
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Sakshi Awasthi, an ardent traveler by heart is a Research Scholar from the University of Delhi. Unveiling the untold story of historical sites and encountering the impeccable beauty of nature, turned her to be a Travel Blogger. Currently, working as a Senior Content Writer with TravelTriangle.