If you are searching for a heavenly relief in your life then Kochi and its nearby places are the perfect destinations. You can visit the beautiful hill stations near Kochi for a blissful escapade. They offer a fresh breath of air and the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and serenity in the surroundings. These hill stations attract a lot of visitors throughout the year. So, next time when you plan a trip to Kochi, make sure you add these hill stations to your itinerary.
18 Best Hill Stations Near Kochi
In order to help you with a memorable vacation in Kochi, we have compiled a list of some of the best hill stations near Kochi. Take a look!
- Painavu: For Flora & Fauna
- Idukki: Amazing Spice Gardens
- Munnar: For Neelakurinji Flower
- Thekkady: Famous For Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ponmudi: Witness Mind-Blowing Views
- Vythiri: A Hub Of Migratory Birds
- Wayanad: Popular For Paddy Fields
- Kodaikanal: Extensive Rolling Hills
- Coorg Madeki: The Scotland Of India
- Yercaud: For Its Dense Forests
- Ooty: For Green Vistas
- Coonoor: Soothe Your Eyes With Greenery
- Palakkad: Ideal For Nature Buffs
- Valparai: For Tea & Coffee Plantations
- Devikulam: Nothing Less Than A Paradise
- Kotagiri: Mountains Of The Kota Tribe
- Peermade: Named After Peer Mohammed
- Vagamon: Full-Package Destination
1. Painavu: For Flora & Fauna
Painavu is in the Idukki district. It is five kilometers away from the Idukki bus stop. The place is almost 107 kilometers away from Kochi. It is listed among the 10 best hill stations of Kerala and also considered as the commercial center of Idukki. It attracts a lot of tourists every year because of its beautiful flora and fauna. It stands 3900 feet above with its wildlife sanctuary which can be reached via means of the road as well as water. Elephants are easily spotted here in winter. It also provides mountain treks and dams to the visitors.
Distance from Kochi: 117.8 KM
How to reach: Painavu is located at a distance of 5 km from the Idukki bus stand so you can hire a taxi to reach there or you can go by the tourist bus that runs regularly. The nearest railway station Kottayam is 95 km away.
The best time to visit: Between November to May
Major attractions: The major attraction near Painavu in Idukki. You can enjoy various places of Idukki over there.
Places To Stay: Apsara Residency, Orchard Homestsy, Mountain Breeze Villas And Homestay, Olivia Homestay Idukki, Hippie Holidays Homestay and Resort
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2. Idukki: Amazing Spice Gardens
Idukki is at a height of 105 kilometers altitude. It includes a wide range of spice gardens, green mountains, and dams. It has various other high altitude peaks including the Anamudi peak, which is the second-highest peak of South India. Idukki dams provide boat rides whereas it’s mountains give the tourist a great break destination. Lastly Idukki gorge forms two gigantic Rocks kuravan and kurati, with the river Periyar flowing through it.
Distance from Kochi: 107.7 KM
How to reach: Idukki is situated at a distance of 105 km away from Kochi so you can use both taxi or a tourist bus to go to Idukki. Theni is the nearest railway station which is at a distance of 60 km.
The best time to visit: Between October to June
Major attractions: Anamudi, Mattupetty dam, Eravikulam national park, Periyar national park, Mullaperiyar dam are the minor attractions in Idukki.
Places To Stay: Best Mist, Orchard Homestsy, Tent Stay Calvarymount, Palkulam Valley, John’s Villa Homestay
Things To Do: Trekking, Camping, Paragliding
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
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3. Munnar: For Neelakurinji Flower
It is one of the most frequently visited hill stations of South India that is situated 105 kilometers from Kochi. It is well known for its natural beauty and weather and also considered as Swiss town of South India. It is the largest town in Idukki and its located in Kannan Devan hills. The place is full of tea estates, forests, waterfalls, and lakes. The place is also very famous for its neelakurinji flower which blooms every 12 years. During the blooming year, the place is a site of true heaven with flowers everywhere with other natural beauty and weather. It’s very named Munnar means confluence of three Rivers.
Distance from Kochi: 126.2 KM
How to reach: Munnar hill station is located at a distance of 120 km from Kochi so you can use both tourists but as well as a taxi to reach Munnar. The nearest railway station is Aluva that is located at a distance of 110 km.
The best time to visit: November to June
Major attractions: You can visit Eravikulam national park, Mattupetty dam, Devikulam, Attukal waterfall, and Anamudi.
Places To Stay: Wyte Mist Mountain Club , Skyridge, The Edge Munnar, Maharaja Cottage, Apple Resort Munnar
Things To Do: Tree House Stay, Tea Estate Tours, Camping And Trekking
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
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4. Thekkady: Famous For Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The landmark place near Thekkady is Kumily and it is 140 kilometers away from Kochi. It includes the Periyar wildlife sanctuary in it. The place is preferred to be visited during sunny days as it is very famous for its backwater trips. It also has an artificial lake on the mullaperiyar dam. It is the only wildlife reserve offering sights of Thekkady wildlife from proximity by boat. It is located 4 kilometers from Kumily bus stop. The reserve also has watchtowers to have a look at tigers and other animals.
Distance from Kochi: 158.5 KM
How to reach: Thekkady is located at a distance of 140 km away from Kochi. You can have either take the tourist bus or taxi to reach Thekkady. You can board a train to the nearest railway station that is Kottayam.
The best time to visit: March to July
Major attractions: Kumily is the major attraction of Thekkady.
Places To Stay: Bamboo Inn, Dean Dale Cottages, Oriole Homestay, Periyar Explore, Green Ark Resorts
Things To Do: Boating Tours, Bamboo Rafting, Hiking
Ideal Duration: 1 day
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5. Ponmudi: Witness Mind-Blowing Views
Ponmudi is located in South about 222 kilometers away from Kochi and is at a height of 1000 meters in altitude. It is one of the favorite spots for trekking which every year attracts trekkers with its beauty and thrill. It also includes various local tourist places attracting people such as meenmutty falls, deer Park, Peppara wildlife sanctuary and ponmudi waterfalls. It is also termed as a golden crown for its beauty as the hill station is full of rolling hills. It has a vast green forest having various wildlife species in it.
Distance from Koch: 229.1 KM
How to reach: For reaching Ponmudi you can hire a taxi from Kochi or you can use the tourist bus over there to cover a distance of 222 km. Trivandrum is the nearest railway station to Ponmudi.
The best time to visit: From the middle of October to June end
Major attractions: The major attractions of Ponmudi are Deer park, Peppara wildlife sanctuary, Ponmudi waterfall and Meenmutty falls.
Places To Stay: Hill View Stay Inn Ponmudi, Hotel Rohini International, GOWRY ART RESIDENCY
Ideal Duration: 1 day
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6. Vythiri: A Hub Of Migratory Birds
This place is a splendid blend of spice gardens, majestic hills, and dense forest. It is situated at an altitude ranging between 3750- 4500 kilometers. It is 229 kilometers away from Kochi, situated in Wayanad district of Kerala. This spot is a hub of migratory birds. It is packed with rubber plantation, coffee plantation, and spices. It has various sightseeing spots as well which attracts tourists.
Distance from Kochi: 256.2 KM
How to reach: Vythiri is situated at a distance of 229 km away from Kochi so you can go there by hiring a taxi or you can make use of the tourist bus. The nearest railway station is Kozhikode to reach Vythiri.
The best time to visit: September to May
Major attractions: Pookot lake, Muthanna wildlife sanctuary, Banasura Sagar dam and Meenmutty waterfall are the major attractions of Vythiri.
Places To Stay: Vythiri pool garden villa, Raz Inn Holiday Homes, Vythiri Glenwood Cottages, Aruvi homestay
Ideal Duration: 1 day
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7. Wayanad: Popular For Paddy Fields
It is at a height of altitude ranging between 700- 1200 feet and 246 kilometers away from Kochi. The plateau gives a beautiful view of the vast extension of the paddy field. Spices garden is also present here with mountain ranges in the back. The place has a tribal origin and it is also a commercial hub for foreign exchange. The cave of ampukuthimala represents its rich ancient past. Some landmark places near are chembra peak, edakkal caves, and Thingvellir temples.
Distance from Kochi: 279.6 KM
How to reach: You can travel a distance of 246 km from Kochi to Wayanad by taxi or you can use the tourist bus for that. You can take the train up to Kozhikode and from there you will have to hire a bus or taxi to reach Wayanad.
The best time to visit: January to December
Major attractions: The major attractions of Wayanad are Thirunelli temple, Kuruvadweep, Chembra peak, and Edakkal caves.
Places To Stay: Tranquil Resort, Rippon Eco Woods, Tea tours Ripon Heritage Bungalow, Jungle Edge Resort, Vythiri Resort
Things To Do: Visit Asia’s 2nd Largest Dam, Bamboo Rafting, Go Caving
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
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8. Kodaikanal: Extensive Rolling Hills
It is situated 272 kilometers away from Kochi and is located in the Dingudul district of Kerala. It is termed as the princess of hill stations for its virgin beauty. It attracts tourists for its extensive lakes and rolling hills. It stands at an altitude of 7000 feet and is a favorite romantic spot for couples, located on the southern part of the hills. The nearest airport to the place is in Madurai. Various other spots are also present there such as bear shola falls, Kodai lake, silver rock and pillar rock which attracts people.
Distance from Kochi: 272 KM
How to reach: The distance between Kochi and Kodaikanal is 272 km so you can use the tourist bus or hire a taxi to reach there. Kodai railway station is the nearest railway station which is 95 km away.
The best time to visit: January to December
Major attractions: Bear shola falls, Palni Hills, Kodaikanal lake; solar observatory and golf club can be visited over there.
Places To Stay: Spring Valley Residency, JC Woodville Manor , Jc Grand, Wood green cottage, Hill Heaven Home Stay
Things To Do: Hike To The Top, Go Birdwatching, Enjoy Biking
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
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9. Coorg Madeki: The Scotland Of India
It is termed as Scotland of India and it is situated at a height of 1525 meters. It is 362 kilometers away from Kochi. It is well known and famous for its an orange orchard, coffee plantation, and tea garden. It received the highest rainfall giving it soothing weather effects with the natural beauty which struck people in awe and gives them a memorable visit. The place is inhabited by the Kodava tribe and even termed as the land of anger. Many waterfalls and temples present there also attracts tourists.
Distance from Kochi: 379 KM
How to reach: You can either use a taxi or take the tourist bus to cover a distance of 362 km from Kochi to reach Coorg Madeki. The nearest railway station is Mysore that is 120 km away
The best time to visit: From the middle of October to May end
Major attractions: Abbey falls, Omkareshwara Temple and Iruppu falls are the major attractions near Coorg Madikeri.
Places To Stay: Sanctum Retreat, Annapurna Heritage Homestay Coorg, Woodland Bungalow, The Tamara Coorg, Estate Stay
Things To Do: Enjoy Views Of The Magnificient Waterfall, Explore Talacauvery, Experience The Raja’s Seat
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
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10. 2-3 days: For Its Dense Forests
It is present on an altitude of 4920 feet in shevaroy hills range. The place is known for its ancient stone-age discoveries present on the hills as well as for its teak wood, sandalwood, silver oak Forest. There are few very major landmark attractions such as lady’s seat, small lake, botanical garden, kiliyur falls and pagoda points. In May several teas, coffee, spices, and fruit orchard fill the place and celebrate the 7 days long festival.
Distance from Kochi: 379.9 KM
How to reach:To cover the distance of 381 km from Kochi you can use both bus and taxi to reach Yercaud. The nearest railway station is Salem railway station which is 35 km away
The best time to visit: September to early June
Major attractions: Lady’s seat, Yercaud lake, Kiliyur falls and Shevaroy hills are the landmark places of Yercaud.
Places To Stay: Breezy Land Residency, Chill Breeze Resort, D.G Resorts, Misty Meadows, The Brook Resorts & Spa
Things To Do: Explore The Hill Station, High Rope, Zipline
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
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11. Ooty: For Green Vistas
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If you are a nature buff and are looking for the nearest hill station from Kochi then include Ooty in your list. Nestled at a height of 7,440 feet, Ooty is surrounded by Nilgiris Hills that are commonly referred to as ‘Blue Mountains’. The place not only promises the best scenery but also offers amazing tourist places like Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, and Botanical Garden to explore. Ooty is not only a family destination but also famous among honeymooners as well as friends.
Distance from Kochi: 274 kms
How to reach: You can take a train ride from Kochi to Mettupalayam from where you will have to hire a taxi to Ooty which will take 5 hours to cover the distance.
The best time to visit: October – May
Major attractions: Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake, Wenlock Downs, and Botanical Garden
Places To Stay: Hotel BlueBerry, Ooty MAS Cottage , Ooty White House, Delightz Inn, Sri Krishna residency
Things To Do: Visit Dolphin’s Nose, Toda Huts, Doddabetta Peak
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
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12. Coonoor: Soothe Your Eyes With Greenery
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Another amazing hill station near Cochin that you must explore is Coonoor that is famous among the travelers due to its Nilgiri tea plantations. Wherever you look in Coonoor, you will get to see vast tea plantations that just soothe your eyes and calm your soul. Moreover, the plantations and forests are dotted with several colorful birds that add to the beauty of the place. Some of the birds that you will find here are robins, babblers, vultures, cuckoos, and eagles. This makes Coonoor one of the best places to explore for nature buffs and bird lovers.
Distance from Kochi: 275.5 kms
How to reach: The best way to reach Coonoor from Kochi is to hire a taxi and cover the distance. If the time allows, then you can also opt for the bus ride.
The best time to visit: March – June, September – October
Major attractions: Catherine Falls, Dolphin’s Nose, Lamb’s Rock, and Law’s Falls
Places To Stay: Glenwood holiday home, Night walk, Tea Nest, Sunvalley Homestay
Things To Do: Take A Trek, Take A Road Trip, Hike To Gorgeousness
Ideal Duration: 2 days
13. Palakkad: Ideal For Nature Buffs
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Palakkad boasts of its tranquil surroundings, beautiful backwaters, and green vistas which attracts several tourists to this place every year. Palakkad is also known as Palghat which is surrounded by the mountain ranges of Western Ghats. If you are the kind of person who gets excited with mountain views and greenery around them, then Palakkad is definitely a must-visit place. Moreover, there is no dearth of places to explore in Palakkad which is why it is one of the famous destinations in South India.
Distance from Kochi: 145 km
How to reach: The best way to reach Palakkad is by taking a cab ride and save time.
The best time to visit: December – February
Major attractions in Palakkad: Dhoni Waterfalls, Silent Valley National Park, Tipu Sulthan’s Fort, and Pothundy Dam
Places To Stay: Hotel Indraprastha, ATULYAM Serviced Villa, Sayoojyam Residency, Noor jehan’s Grand Noor
Things To Do: Revisit The History, Visit Rock Garden, Visit Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
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14. Valparai: For Tea & Coffee Plantations
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If you are looking for the nearest hill station from Kochi then consider Valparai in your list which is a lesser-known place in South India. Situated at an altitude of 3,500 feet on the foothills of the Annamalai Hill Ranges, Valparai is famous for its dense tea and coffee plantations. Besides this, you will also find cincona trees and cardamom trees while exploring Valparai. Moreover, it is home to one of the highest rainfall areas in India which goes by the name Chinna Kallar. If you like to explore quaint places that are not usually crowded with tourists then you must consider visiting this place.
Distance from Kochi: 161.5 km
How to reach: The most preferred way to reach Valparai from Kochi is by hiring a cab which will save you a lot of time.
The best time to visit: September to March
Major attractions: Monkey Falls, Nirar Dam, Anaimalai Hills, and Solaiyar Dam
Places To Stay: Green Inn, Malakkappara Dam Resort, Bison Valley, River view Homestay
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
15. Devikulam: Nothing Less Than A Paradise
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Devikulam is considered as one of the best hill stations near Kochi and it has attracted several travelers over the years. The word Devikulam is formed with two words – ‘devi’ which means goddess and ‘kulam’ which means pond. It is believed that Goddess Sita took a bath in Devikulam Lake after which the place got its name as Devikulam. If you plan to visit this place this year then you will also realize that it is nothing less than a paradise. Devikulam has the power to leave you bewitched with its beauty. So, are you ready to get mesmerized?
Distance from Kochi: 135 kms
How to reach: The best way to cover the distance is by taking a car ride from Kochi to Devikulam.
The best time to visit: October – February
Major attractions: Lockhart Gap View, Munnar Top Station Highway, Pothamedu View Point, and Chokramudi Peak
Places To Stay: Pine Tree Munnar, Munnar Hotel Club NiNe, Munnar valley view, Hotel Misty Hills
Ideal Duration: 1 day
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16. Kotagiri: Mountains Of The Kota Tribe
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Situated in the Nilgiris district, Kotagiri is a small hill station near Kochi that one cannot afford to miss. After Ooty and Coonoor, it is the oldest and thirds largest hill stations in the whole district. As the Kota tribe lived here the place was named as mountains of Kota – Kotagiri. The place is now famous for green vistas and coffee plantations. The first coffee plantation can be dated back to the year 1843 which was then followed by several plantations. If you are tired of exploring the plantations then you can also indulge in activities like rock climbing and trekking.
Distance from Kochi: 300 kms
How to reach: The best way to reach Kotagiri is by taking a train from Kochi to Coimbatore from where you can take a taxi to the destination.
The best time to visit: December to May
Major attractions: Lamb’s Rock and Catherine Waterfalls
Places To Stay: The Grape Escape, Hanging Huts Resorts, Royal Crown Resorts, IVC Villa, Misty Mountains Holiday Home
Ideal Duration: 1 day
17. Peermade: Named After Peer Mohammed
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You might not have heard of Peermade as it is a quaint hill station near Kochi that offers the best views of the Western Ghats. It is located between Thekkady and Kittikkanam at an altitude of 915 meters. The place got its name from Peer Mohammed who was a Sufi Saint and also the first spices’ trader in the region. Peermade boasts of beautiful waterfalls, tea & coffee plantations, pine forests, and rubber plants. Apart from this, you can also visit Periyar National Park which is located at a distance of about 40 kms from Peermade.
Distance from Kochi: 131 kms
How to reach: Hire a taxi in Kochi from anywhere or from the stand and reach Peermade within fews hours.
The best time to visit: December to March
Major attractions: Pine Forest, Parunthumpara Hill View Point, and Valanjananam Waterfalls
Places To Stay: Eagle Rock Holiday Villa, Tea Garden Chalets, Rhapsody Holiday Villas, Shri Devi Toursim
Suggested Read: 6 Best Resorts Near Kochi For A Surreal Stay Amidst Nature’s Beauty
18. Vagamon: Full-Package Destination
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No list of places in South India is complete without Vagamon as it is one of the best hill stations near Cochin that resides in the foothills of Western Ghats. Travelers usually head to this place in the summers to beat the heat in the plains. Also, popular as Scotland of Asia, Vagamon is wrapped by three hills namely Kurisumala, Thangal Hill, and Murugan Hill. Vagamon is a full-package destination as it is not only rich in plantations but also beautiful waterfalls and tourist places.
Distance from Kochi: 106 kms
How to reach: Take a train till Kottayam from where you can take a direct taxi to Vagamon.
The best time to visit: October – February
Major attractions in Vagamon: Murugan Hill, Vagamon Hill Town, and Kurisumala Ashram
Places To Stay: Vaga Hills Resort, Spice Green Residency, Nest Rock Hut, Cocoon Valley Hide, Bliss Vagamon
Things To Do: Trekking, Off Roading, Boat Ride, Waterfall Camping
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Further Read: 7 Exotic Villas In Kochi That Are What Dream Stays
Of all the popular hill stations near Kochi, these are the top and the most visited hill stations. They not only offer peace and tranquility but also adventure and thrill. So, what are you thinking about? Pack your bags, plan a holiday to Kochi and get ready to be mesmerized!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations Near Kochi
Is Kochi a good location for a honeymoon?
Yes, Kochi is a perfect location for a honeymoon where the couples can make beautiful memories in the hills stations and its beauty.
Is Kochi safe for tourists?
Yes, Kochi is absolutely a safe place from the tourist point of view and the security of the place is also good.
Are Kochi and nearby hill stations very expensive?
No, the hills stations near Kochi are not too pricey but they are not very cheap as well. So it can be said that the prices are balanced.
What is the distance of Thekkady hill station from Kochi?
The distance between the Thekkady hills and Kochi is around 140 km. You can take both a taxi or car and a tourist bus to reach the place.
Do all the hill stations near Kochi have nearby railway stations?
Yes, almost all the districts that have hill stations near Kochi has good rail connections. However, some places do not have a direct connection to railways but there are nearby rail networks that can be easily used.
Is Kochi only famous for hill stations?
No, the place Kochi is also very famous for its gold and silver jewelry so you can shop gold and silver jewelry pieces from Kochi.
What to shop in Kochi?
Apart from the gold and silver jewelry items, you can buy handmade items, handloom products, and beverages from Kochi.
How is Kochi popularly named as?
Kochi is popularly named as the Queen of Arabian Sea as the city has a lot of tourist attractions and has one of the finest natural harbours in the world.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
