Western Ghats on one side and the Vembanad Lake on the other, the “City Of Letters” or “Akshara Nagri”, as Kottayam is sometimes called, presents the perfect blend of natural and man-made marvels. The first city in India to achieve a 100% literacy rate, Kottayam is an important cultural and economic hub. With rubber export at the heart of its economic engine, Kottayam is also home to a number of ancient religious shrines, each enriching the town with a bit more old-world charm.
Not to forget, the presence of breathtaking views of the hills on one side and awe-inspiring vistas on the other, Kottayam delights every visitor without exception. With that said, Kerala is filled to the brim with hill stations that are just waiting to be explored and a visit to Kottayam presents the perfect opportunity to do the same. If you are in the city, and are looking for a short hilly getaway, here’s a list of top hill stations near Kottayam.
10 Most Beautiful Hill Stations Near Kottayam
From lush green valleys to impeccable escapes, Kottayam is surrounded by numerous hill stations offering a perfect hilly abode amidst nature. Read on to know those stunning hill stations near Kottayam that are known for offering a perfect vibe of South India hill stations.
1. Vagamon – 64 Km From Kottayam
2. Peermedu – 81 Km From Kottayam
3. Painavu – 98 Km From Kottayam
4. Idukki – 103 Km From Kottayam
5. Thekkady – 118 Km From Kottayam
6. Munnar – 136 Km From Kottayam
7. Devikulam – 146 Km From Kottayam
8. Ponmudi – 169 Km From Kottayam
9. Nelliyampathy – 200 Km From Kottayam
10. Kodaikanal – 259 Km From Kottayam
1. Vagamon
Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, Vagamon is the perfect weekend getaway destination. The beautiful hill station offers the ever popular blend of thrilling adventure sports like paragliding or trekking, mixed with a surreal collection of lush green forests, gorging waterfalls, and expansive valleys covered with thick forest. The close proximity of Vagamon to Kottayam makes this hill station a perfect opportunity to go for a break and get a good kick of adrenaline.
Additional Info:
Distance From Kottayam: 64 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: March to May
Places Of Interest: Thangal Pal, Mundakayam Ghat, Illikkal Peak, Poonjar Palace
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Places To Stay: Vaga Hills Resort, Bliss Vagamon, Falcon Crest, Zostel Vagamon, Mubarak Holiday Inn
Things To Do: Murugan Mala- Trekking, Off Roading, Vagamon Lake- Boat Ride, Waterfall Camping & Trekking
Must Read: 30 Inviting Tourist Places In Kottayam
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2. Peermedu
Known to be rich with different shades of green, Peermedu is a small hill station that was named after Sufi Peer Mohammad. While the hill station boasts pleasant weather all round the year, it is especially favored by the vacationers in nearby cities during the summer season, when Peermedu becomes a haven unaffected by the harsh heat wave the engulfs the country during this time.
Apart from the pleasant weather and lush green vegetation, Peermedu is also home to an overwhelming amount of natural beauty present in the form of magical waterfalls, deep valleys, cloud-covered mountaintops, expansive pine forests and plantations of rubber, cardamom, coffee, and tea.
Additional Info:
Distance From Kottayam: 81 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: April to July
Places Of Interest: Thrissanku Hills, Peeru Hills, Valanjanganam Waterfalls
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Places To Stay: Ruthira Inn, Hive Avinashi Road, Gowthams Nest, Kamadhenu Residency, Seyon Plazaa
Suggested Read: Discover the Best Way To Observe New Year’s Celebrations in Kerala
3. Painavu
Painavu is mostly viewed as a stopover town on the way to Idukki but its scenic beauty is often overlooked. Rich with views of lakes, hills, valleys while also boasting some truly pleasant weather, Painavu is a relatively unexplored hill station in this region.
If you aren’t looking to visit any places of importance and simply want to spend some quiet time amidst the sound of nature, Painavu is definitely worth your time.
Additional Info:
Distance From Kottayam: 98 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Places Of Interest: Malankara Reservoir, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Thommankuthu Waterfalls
Suggested Read: 37 Amazing Things To Do In Kerala For An Incredible Holiday
4. Idukki
Those looking to visit a mainstream hill station don’t have to travel far, as only a few kilometers away from Painavu, lies the famous hill station of Idukki. Home to the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, the hill station boasts a fantastic collection of forests, treks, and some impressively large spice plantations. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself waiting for an elephant to cross the road during the rainy season!
A staggering variety of flora and fauna, a collection of some of the best views in the country, year round pleasant weather, it’s easy to imagine how Idukki became so popular among travelers.
Additional Info:
Distance From Kottayam: 103 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Places Of Interest: Idukki Arch Dam, Kalyanathandu, Kezar Kuthu, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
Places To Stay: Tent Stay Calvarymount, Mountainmist Holidays, Orchard Homestsy, Best Mist, Johns Residency
Things To Do: Trekking, Camping, Paragliding, Boating
Suggested Read: Winter In Kerala: 11 Best Places To Visit For A Blissful Vacation
5. Thekkady
Want to explore the wild side of Kerala, Thekkady is the place to be. Home to the rich Periyar WIldlife Sanctuary, Thekkady is known to house a rich collection of flora and fauna.
From hiking along the TIger Trail to bamboo rafting in the middle of a forest, Thekkady prides itself with offering a collection of unique and pulse pumping adventure activities that are worthy of any bucket list.
Those looking for a more laid back sort of vacation can also head for a day of absorbing the serene views sitting in the middle of expensive coffee and cardamom plantations that stretch as far as the eyes can see.
Additional Info:
Distance From Kottayam: 118 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: September to May
Places Of Interest: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mukkady, Kumily, Vandanmedu
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Places To Stay: Dean Dale Cottages, Green Ark Resorts, Panthalams Residency, Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden, Blooms home stay
Things To Do: Thekkady Boating Tours, Bamboo Rafting, Hiking, Border Hiking
Suggested Read: Kerala In November: Places And Events Not To Be Missed Out
6. Munnar
Scenic beauty at every nook and corner, thriving tea plantations, the highest peak of South India, these are just some of the things that are special about the famed hill station of Munnar. Munnar has been a popular tourist destination for decades now and over this time, it has come to offer something to every sort of traveller.
From budget excursions that involve camping in the wild to luxury resorts that offer scenic views right from the balcony, from a thriving ecosystem of flora and fauna to mystical mountain trails covered with dense fog, a visit to Munnar never disappoints.
Additional Info:
Distance From Kottayam: 136 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Places Of Interest: Eravikulam National Park, TATA Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam and Lake
Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
Places To Stay: Casa Montana Munnar, Indeevaram Resort, Mountain Dreams Holidays, Wyte Mist Mountain Club, Treebo Trend Misty Garden Resorts & Spa
Things To Do: Plantation Resort, Rock Climbing, Camping, Anamudi Peak
Suggested Read: Kovalam In December: Explore This Touristy Seaside Town In Kerala
Planning your holiday in Kerala but confused about what to do? These Kerala travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
7. Devikulam
A small hill station near Munnar, Devikulam is packed to the brim with exceptional experiences. Surrounded by interesting Hindu mythology, the Devikulam Lake is believed to have been graced by the presence of Goddess Sita.
Apart from the religious importance it holds, the lake is also a popular spot for trout fishing and boating. An abundance of scenic views, a dense cover of beautiful greenery, and a hint of adventure, Devikulam has all the essentials that make it a superb hill station.
Additional Info:
Distance From Kottayam: 146 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Places Of Interest: Devikulam Lake, Thoovanam Falls, Pallivasal Falls
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Places To Stay: Pine Tree Munnar, Munnar Hotel Club NiNe, Homes Forest View Devikulam, Munnar valley view , Hotel Misty Hills
Suggested Read: 5 Amazing Zoos In Kerala To Witness The Captivating Wildlife In God’s Own Country!
8. Ponmudi
Another Kerala hill station rich with natural beauty and adventure, Ponmudi enjoys special popularity among hiking enthusiasts. The small hill station is home to Agasthyarkoodam, the tallest peak in the region, which attracts hordes of mountain lovers to witness its beauty, and for good reason.
Apart from winding, scenic road that leads to the hill station, the sight of sprawling tea plantations from the top of Ponmudi is truly a sight to behold.
Additional Info:
Distance From Kottayam: 169 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: January to March
Places Of Interest: Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Golden Valley, Deer Park, Meenmutty Falls
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Suggested Read: Munnar In December: A Pocket Guide For A Tour Down This Charming Kerala Town
9. Nelliyampathy
While it may be a bit of a drive from Kovalam, Nelliyampathy sits comfortably in the Sahyadri Ranges on the Western Ghats, and is worth every moment is takes to reach this beautiful hill station. Surrounded by deep valleys and lush green hills with their heads in the clouds, Nelliyampathy is home to some truly picturesque waterfalls, mountain ranges, trekking trails, and a breathtaking collection of sprawling cardamom plantations that make for a perfect picnic spot.
The small hill station also houses (part of) the Nelliyampathy Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to a thriving variety of rare plants and animals.
Additional Info:
Distance From Kottayam: 200 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: September to February
Places Of Interest: Nelliyampathy Hills, Nenmara, Palpandi Estate, Padagiri, Seethargundu Viewpoint
Ideal Duration: 1-2 Days
Places To Stay: Nelliyampathy Resort & Tent Camp, Nelliyampathy Tent Camp, Mango Village Farm House
Suggested Read: Kerala Cuisine: What Makes The State The King Of Culinary Art
10. Kodaikanal
Centered around a beautiful star shaped man made lake, the hill station of Kodaikanal is a well-known one. The small town is famous for its beautiful lake, its collection of awe-inspiring hiking trails, and views of forest covered valleys that are as expansive as they are beautiful. The landscape of Kodaikanal, rich with cloud kissing mountains, cliffs covered in mist, scenic waterfalls, and rolling hills, is so surreal that it is often fondly called the Queen Of Hill Stations.
Additional Info:
Distance From Kottayam: 259 kilometers
Places Of Interest: Kodai Lake, Thalaiyar Falls, Devil’s Kitchen, Pillar Rocks, Suicide Point
Ideal Duration: 1-2 Days
Places To Stay: Vattakanal HomeStays, Meditation Resort, Kumaragiri Holidays, Spring Valley Residency, Zostel Kodaikanal
Things To Do: Night Safari, Dolphin’s Nose, Berijam Lake, Coaker’s Walk
Further Read: 6 Unusual Yet Exciting Things To Do In Ernakulam On Your Next Kerala Trip!
As you can see, Kerala has no dearth of beautiful hill stations blessed with nature’s goodness. With that said, for many, the state remains unknown territory and planning a holiday there can turn out to be a daunting task. Plan your trip to Kerala with TravelTriangle and don’t forget to explore the above-mentioned beautiful hill stations near Kottayam on your next visit to this serene town.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations Near Kottayam
How do I reach Nelliyampathy from Kottayam?
There are many bus routes operating between the cities of Kottayam and Nelliyampathy. Those looking for a more comfortable and perhaps quicker mode of transport can opt to hire a private taxi or rent a car from Kottayam to reach Nelliyampathy.
How do I get around in Munnar?
Munnar is a popular tourist destination and thus, boasts a strong network of public transport. While you can always find a taxi or auto rickshaw to take you around, government operated buses are a much more cost effective way to get around in the city. Thanks to the pleasant weather, renting a bike is also quite popular in Munnar.
Which is the closest airport to Munnar?
The closest airport to Munnar is the Cochin Airport which lies at a distance of about 110 kilometers from Munnar. From Cochin Airport, it is easy to find a taxi or a bus to reach Munnar. The journey lasts for about two hours.
What is the condition of roads between these hill stations and Kottayam?
For the most part, the roads in Kerala, especially around these hill stations are quite well maintained. However, if you are not an experienced driver, it is smart to have experienced drivers drive you to your destination in a cab or a bus.
Will there be language-related trouble in finding public transport in any of these hill stations?
While there are very few hindi speakers in Kerala, it is the state with one of the most impressive literacy records and thus most residents are able to speak basic english, and even understand some level of Hindi and other languages from the nearby areas. In other words, while communicating may prove to be a challenge sometimes, it will never be a problem.
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