Trivandrum is also known as the “Evergreen city of India.” This city has beautiful beaches, palm-fringed shorelines, windy backwaters, and amazing historical structures. This city is famous for ancient temples and architecture. Not only this, there are several places to explore around Trivandrum and the most popular ones are hill stations. Yes, hill stations near Trivandrum must be visited on your tour if you are a nature lover because these places are the best to unwind.
Top 21 Hill Stations Near Trivandrum
Here is a list of the best hill stations near Trivandrum where you can drive yourself and spend a weekend in the lap of mother nature. In fact, if you wish, some are even worth staying for more than a weekend. Spread across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, these are some of the best hill station in India, overall. Rich greenery, gorgeous valleys, rivers, waterfalls and whatever natural splendor you can think of can be expected. Check them out here!
- Munnar – For Captivating Vistas
- Thekkady – Watch The Elephants Play
- Wayanad – A Perfect Hill Station
- Idukki – Known For Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Nelliyampathy – Ideal For Trekkers
- Ponmudi – Admire The Scenic Beauty
- Devikulam – Haven For Adventure Fanatics
- Agasthyakoodam – Rich In Wildlife
- Pathanamthitta – Home To Several Rivers
- Painavu – For Ideal Weekend Getaway
- Thenmala – The Honey Hill
- Peermade – A Hub Of Picturesque Views
- Vagamon – Perfect Place To Unwind
- Malampuzha – Ideal For Family Getaways
- Gavi – Explore The Flora & Fauna
- Athirapally – Home To A Majestic Waterfall
- Kodaikanal – Enough Nature Around
- Thiruvambadi – Full Of Natural Splendor
- Malayattoor – A Hidden Beauty
- Konni – Your Offbeat Vacation
- Charalkunnu – Small But Scenic
1. Munnar – For Captivating Vistas
Munnar is a fascinating hill station located in Idukki District in Kerala. Munnar is a famous tourist place in Kerala. Do you know, Munnar is famous for the Neelakurinji Flower that blooms once every 12 years. Munnar is known as the trekker’s paradise. You can also witness amazing wildlife in Munnar.
Places to Stay:
- Chandy’s Windy Woods
- The Panoramic Getaway
- Forest Glade
- Devonshire Greens
- The Fog Resort & Spa
Places to Visit:
- Anamudi Peak
- Chinnakanal Waterfalls
- Visit Echo Point
Things to do:
- Witness wildlife
- Witness lakes, waterfalls, and mountains
- Plan a visit to the tea plantation
- Visit the wildlife sanctuaries
- trekking
Ideal for: Adventure junkie, Wildlife lovers, family trip
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 days
Best time to visit: October to March
Distance from Trivandrum: 257 km
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2. Thekkady – Watch The Elephants Play
Thekkady is one of the most beautiful tourist places near Trivandrum is located at the Kerala-Tamilnadu border. Thekkady is a popular summer getaway in the state of Kerala near Trivandrum. Thekkady is also known for scenic Kerala backwater trips in Periyar lake.
Places to Stay:
- The Elephant Court
- Paradisa Plantation Retreat
- The Mountain Courtyard
- Forest Canopy
- Poetree Sarovar Portico
Places to Visit:
- Periyar National Park – Meet The Animals
- Kumily – Admire The Nature
- Periyar Lake – Opt For Boating
Things to do:
- Witness the scenic beauty
- Visit the Periyar lake
- Visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary
- Mullaperiyar dam
Ideal for: Adventurous people, group of friends
Ideal trip duration: Half day to full day
Best time to visit: October to May
Distance from Trivandrum: 211 km
Suggested Read: 10 Luxury Resorts In Trivandrum That Beautifully Bring Out The Nature Of Kerala
3. Wayanad – A Perfect Hill Station
Wayanad is a famous hill station near Trivandrum. The hills of Wayanad have several evidences of the new stone age civilization. Wayanad has pleasant weather throughout the year, and thus, you can visit Wayanad at any time of the year.
Places to Stay:
- Arayal
- Banasura Hill
- Wayanad Wild – CGH Earth
- Mount Xanadu
- Wayanad Village Hotel
Places to Visit:
- Chembra Peak
- Meenmutty Waterfalls
- Phantom Rock, Ambalavayal
- Visit Meenmutty waterfalls
- Pookot lake visit
- Visit Wayanad Wildlife sanctuaries
- Trekking trip
- Trip to Thirunelli Temple
Ideal for: wildlife lovers, Adventurous people, tour with friends
Ideal trip duration: 2 full days
Best time to visit: October to April
Distance from Trivandrum: 400 km
Suggested Read: 8 Parks In Trivandrum That Are A Must Visit On Your Next Vacay!
4. Idukki – Known For Wildlife Sanctuaries
Idukki is one of the most visited places in Kerala. Idukki is also home to one of the highest peak in South India known as Anaimudi. There are different attractive places to visit in Idukki, like the Idukki dam, wildlife sanctuaries, and spice plantation centers.
Places to Stay:
- Green Berg Resort
- Misty Mountain Plantation Resort
- Palette Hill View Resort
- Palette Hill View Resort
- Winter Vale
- Visiting spice plantation
- Idukki dam, Kulamavu dam, Cheruthoni dam visit
- Visit the Idukki wildlife sanctuary
- Wooded valley in Kerala
Ideal for: group trips
Ideal trip duration: one to two days
Best time to visit: October to May
Distance from Trivandrum: 230 km
Suggested Read: 37 Amazing Things To Do In Kerala For An Incredible Holiday
5. Nelliyampathy – Ideal For Trekkers
Nelliyampathy is a famous and charming hill town in Palakkad district of Kerala. This hill station is located at the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This place is renowned for exquisite flora and fauna. This place also offers a great opportunity for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.
Places to Stay:
- Nelliyampathy Resort and Camp
- Mango Village Farm House
- Paray Village County
- Srivilas
- Western Gateways Farm Resorts
Things to do:
- Trekking
- Visit the keshavam view point for sightseeing
- Look at the excellent view of Sholayar Pass and Raja’s Cliff
- Visit the tea, coffee, and cardamom plantation
Ideal for: travel enthusiast, adventure junkie, family trip
Ideal trip duration: Full day
Best time to visit: November to May
Distance from Trivandrum: 300 km
Suggested Read: Winter In Kerala: 11 Best Places To Visit For A Blissful Vacation In 2021-22!
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6. Ponmudi – Admire The Scenic Beauty
Ponmudi is a cute picturesque hill station in Kerala. The Ponmudi hill station is surrounded by beautiful scenic hills, tea estates, and spice plantation. Mythological stories say that Ponmudi hill station was founded by a famous Rishi known as Rishi Parshuram. This is the nearest hill station from Trivandrum which is blessed with scenic beauty and a thick tropical forest.
Places to Stay:
- Darpana Homestay
- Gowry Art Residency
- Hill View Stay Inn
- Hotel Rohini International
- Amritham Holidays
Things to do:
- Visit the Peppara Wildlife sanctuary
- Know about the Ayurvedic medical treatment
Ideal for: Travelers who love trekking, trip with friends
Ideal trip duration: Full day
Best time to visit: April to October
Distance from Trivandrum: 53 km
Suggested Read: Kerala In November: Places And Events Not To Be Missed Out
7. Devikulam – Haven For Adventure Fanatics
This hill station is situated at an altitude of 1800 meters. If you visit Munnar ever, you must visit the Devikulam hill station near Trivandrum. Mythological stories say that Goddess Sita bathed in the Sita Devi lake, also known as Devikulam lake. This lake also has water that has curative mineral waters. This hill station is also famous for hiking and mountaineering.
Things to do:
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Adventure sports
- Visit the tea plantation
- Trip to Anayirankal dam
Ideal for: adventure junkie, group visit
Ideal trip duration: one day
Best time to visit: October to February
Distance from Trivandrum: 290 km
Suggested Read: Kovalam In December: Explore This Touristy Seaside Town In Kerala
8. Agasthyakoodam – Rich In Wildlife
This is next to the nearest hill station from Trivandrum which is located at a distance of 62 km. This hill station is located in the western ghats and is famous for its scenic beauty and rich wildlife. Agasthyakoodam is famous for Buddhist as well as Hindu pilgrims. This hill station is known for the abode of sage Agasthya (disciple of Lord Shiva), as well as Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
Ideal for: religious trip, family trip
Ideal trip duration: At Least two days
Best time to visit: December to April
Distance from Trivandrum: 62 km
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9. Pathanamthitta – Home To Several Rivers
Pathanamthitta is also known as the pilgrim capital of Kerala. Visiting Pathanamthitta will also give you an opportunity to other religious places like Sabarimala, as it is the transport hub of Kerala. This city is located near to the three major rivers of Kerala like, Achankovil, Pamba, and Manimala. Sabarimala is one of the most famous pilgrim centers located in Pathanamthitta. Pathanamthitta might not be the nearest hill station from Trivandrum but it’s worth a visit for spiritual seekers.
Places to Stay:
- OYO Rooms Inn
- Raj Royal Residency
- Shanthi Tourist Home
- Tharangam Residency
- Hotel Hills Park
Things to do:
- Visit the famous Sabarimala temple
- View of the Perumthenaruvi waterfalls
- Enjoy different social and religious festivals
- Enjoy the authentic Kerala cuisine
Ideal for: Religious devotees, people who want to know about the culture and history
Ideal trip duration: three to four days
Best time to visit: November to March
Distance from Trivandrum: 102 km
Suggested Read: 10 Luxury Resorts In Trivandrum That Beautifully Bring Out The Nature Of Kerala
10. Painavu – For Ideal Weekend Getaway
Painavu is known as an important tourist attraction as well as a commercial center in Kerala. If you are in Munnar or Kochi, you must visit Painavu for a weekend getaway. This place is famous for its beautiful surroundings and picturesque beauty. You can also enjoy the cruise in Painavu. This hill is surrounded by green forests and beautiful hills all around.
Things to do:
- Cruise
- Witness the big elephants and wildlife beauty
- Visit Idukki wildlife sanctuary
- trekking
Ideal for: people who love trekking, wildlife lovers, family trips
Ideal trip duration: 2 days
Best time to visit: September to May
Distance from Trivandrum: 230 km
Suggested Read: 12 Homestays In Trivandrum To Experience The True Traditions Of Kerala!
11. Thenmala – The Honey Hill
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If you are looking for the nearest hill station from Trivandrum then you must consider going to Thenmala which is a planned ecotourism spot. Lying in the thick forests of Western Ghats in the Kollam district, Themala is mostly popular for its honey. This is how the place got its name as the word ‘Thenmala’ literally means the ‘Honey Hill’. You will also find timber and rubber trees here in abundance along with tea plantations. There are several eco-spots where one can unwind and enjoy a sight of rare species also.
Things to do:
- Mountain biking
- Rock climbing
- Trekking
- Explore the flora & fauna
Ideal for: Nature enthusiasts, kids, families, and friends
Ideal trip duration: 2 days
Best time to visit: December to February
Distance from Trivandrum: 70 km
Suggested Read: Top 10 Places To Visit In Kerala During Monsoon For A Mesmerising Trip
12. Peermade – A Hub Of Picturesque Views
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With green rolling slopes everywhere you see, Peermade is an unadulterated hill station near Thiruvananthapuram that might take your heart away. Settled at a height of 915 m above the sea level, Peermade is home to several plantations of coffee, rubber, tea, and cardamom. You will find several places to trek to from where you can get a perfect glance of the valleys. Along with this, Peermade is home to amazing waterfalls that are worth visiting on your trip.
Things to do:
- Trekking
- Shopping
- Ayurvedic treatments
Ideal for: Families, couples, friends, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Best time to visit: July to January
Distance from Trivandrum: 176 km
Suggested Read: 9 Hotels Near Trivandrum That Offers You Great Experience In Kerala
13. Vagamon – Perfect Place To Unwind
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The list of hill stations near Trivandrum remains incomplete without Vagamon in it as it is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Located in the Idukki district, this place oozes with freshness, brilliance, and green landscapes. If you are a nature lover and looking for top picnic spots near Trivandrum where you can relax and unwind amidst green surroundings with less tourist crowd then there cannot be a better option than Vagamon.
Places to Stay:
- Honeycomb By Astral Inn
- Chillax
- Falcon Crest
- Holiday Vagamon
- Winter Vale Green Stay
- Trekking
- Paragliding
- Rock climbing
Ideal for: Nature lovers, families, and couples
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Best time to visit: March to June
Distance from Trivandrum: 186 km
Suggested Read: These 14 Waterfalls Near Trivandrum Take Away The Breath Of Spectators, Just Like That!
14. Malampuzha – Ideal For Family Getaways
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Malampuzha is one the most beautiful hill stations near Trivandrum that is situated in the Palakkad district. From fish-shaped aquarium to rock garden, there is a lot to explore in Malampuzha which is why it makes the perfect holiday destination for families. This place is home to a rock garden which is a replica of Chandigarh’s Rock Garden. If you are planning a vacation with your kids then you must visit Malampuzha without any doubt.
Things to do:
- Sightseeing
- Playing
Ideal for: Families and explorers
Ideal trip duration: 1 day
Best time to visit: August to April
Distance from Trivandrum: 352 km
Suggested Read: 34 Places To Visit In Trivandrum That’ll Give You An Insight Into The Cultural Heritage
15. Gavi – Explore The Flora & Fauna
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Gavi is a nature lover’s paradise as this hill station near Thiruvananthapuram is covered with a carpet of greenery and home to a hundred birds & animals. This is the reason why Gavi is visited by several nature enthusiasts, wildlife voers, trekkers, and adventure fanatics. If you are looking for trekking places here then you must head to Sabrimala Temple from where you will get a mesmerizing view of Gavi. You can also explore a cardamom factory and spice garden here.
Things to do:
- Boating
- Canoeing
- Hiking
- Camping
- Night safaris
Ideal for: Nature fanatics, wildlife lover, couples, and adventure seekers
Ideal trip duration:
Best time to visit: September to February
Distance from Trivandrum: 181 km
Suggested Read: 5 Best Cottages In Trivandrum That Make The South Indian Escape More Fun!
16. Athirapally – Home To A Majestic Waterfall
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If you are looking for a full-packed destination in Kerala then there cannot be a better option than Athirapally which is the best hill station near Thiruvananthapuram. It is home to one of the most famous waterfalls in Kerala known as Athirapally waterfall. If you want to see the true beauty of these falls then the best time to explore them is in the monsoon or post-monsoon season when the pressure of the waterfalls is heavy. Besides this, you will also find a perfect combination of small streams as well as splendid landscapes that add to the beauty of Athirapally.
Places to Stay:
- Hotel Munnar Inn
- Hotel Dhanyasree
- Camelot Hotel
- Citrus Hotel
- Old harbor Hotel
Places to Visit:
- Vazhachal Waterfalls
- Sholayar Dam
- Kodanad Elephant Training Centre
Things to do:
- Trekking
- Photography
- Nature Walks
Ideal for: Nature enthusiasts, families, couples, and adventure seekers
Ideal trip duration:
Best time to visit: September to January
Distance from Trivandrum: 262 km
Suggested Read: 5 Best Cottages In Trivandrum That Make The South Indian Escape More Fun!
17. Kodaikanal – Enough Nature Around
Image Credits: Yukesh for Wikimedia
It might not be the nearest hill station from Trivandrum but Kodaikanal is a beautiful destination in Tamil Nadu. You can’t have enough lakes, forested valleys, waterfalls and grassy hills as there is an abundance of these in Kodaikanal.
Places to Stay:
- Kodai Resort Hotel
- Mistycove
- Villa Retreat
- Zostel
- Sterling Kodai Valley
Places to Visit:
- Bryant Park
- Coaker’s Walk
- Bear Shola Falls
- Kurinji Andavar Temple
- Guna Caves
Things to do:
- Trekking and hiking
- Night safari
- Boating
- Explore viewpoints
- Picnic
Ideal for: Anyone and everyone
Ideal trip duration: 3-4 days
Best time to visit: June to September
Distance from Trivandrum: 331 km
Suggested Read: 7 Guest Houses In Trivandrum To Stay Amidst Peace And Tranquility
18. Thiruvambadi – Full Of Natural Splendor
Being a major hilly town in Kerala, the banks of Iruvanjippuzha river will give you more than enough reasons to visit. Graced with a lot of natural splendor, Thiruvambadi is a place to be for peaceful weekends. The destination is one of the best known for providing isolation and solace.
Places to Stay:
- Cocozeena Farmstay
- Sahyadrihills Cottages
- LeCandles Resorts
- The Awakening Garden
- Pinnacle Inn
Places to Visit:
- Arippara Waterfalls
- Urumi Dam
- Pazhassi Cave
- Vellarimala
- Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple
Things to do:
- Go for a religious tour
- Explore the caves
- Boating
Ideal for: Nature lovers, spiritual seekers, families, friends
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 days
Best time to visit: All year round
Distance from Trivandrum: 389 km
Suggested Read: 4 Wonderful Resorts Near Trivandrum Where You Can Stay Without Burning A Hole In Your Pocket
19. Malayattoor – A Hidden Beauty
Image Credits: Ranjith Siji for Wikipedia
One of the finest hill stations in Kerala near Trivandrum, Malayattoor literally means the meeting place of mountain, river, and land. The misty hills of the hamlet appear to be the perfect place during weekends. It’s a hidden beauty so the pristine nature will impress you as well.
Places to Stay:
- Malayattoor Residency
- Thani Illam
- Periyar Riverview Homestay
- Quiet by the River – CGH Earth
- Manna Residency
Places to Visit:
- Kodanad Elephant Training Centre
- St. Thomas Syro Malabar Church
- Malayattoor Kurishumudy Church
- Elephant Sanctuary
- Illithodu Eco Tourist Spot
Things to do:
- Tour the religious sites
- Ride the elephants
- Boating and kayaking
- Wildlife viewing
Ideal for: Nature lovers, families, adventure seekers, spiritual seekers
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 days
Best time to visit: September to February
Distance from Trivandrum: 227 km
Suggested Read: 15 Awe-Striking Churches In Trivandrum You Should Definitely Visit This Year
20. Konni – Your Offbeat Vacation
Image Credits: Sujithnairv for English Wikipedia
Konni is known majorly for its elephant training centre and being close to the nearest hill station from Trivandrum. The green village is very laced with natural splendor pretty much all through it. Konni’s landscape has made it an ecotourism site which entails a lot of adventure and excitement for visitors.
Places to Stay:
- Kutties Residency
- B & B Apartments
- Rose Petals
- Hotel Hills Park
- Wyte Portico Hotel
Places to Visit:
- Kattathipara
- Kumbhavurutty
- Achankovil river
- Palaruvi waterfalls
- Aluvamkudi temple
Things to do:
- Hiking
- Rafting
- Boat tours
- Temple tours
- Elephant rides
Ideal for: Backpackers, nature lovers, hitchhikers, adventure sports enthusiasts
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 days
Best time to visit: December to February
Distance from Trivandrum: 92 km
Suggested Read: Shopping In Trivandrum: 10 Places To Shop At This Gorgeous City
21. Charalkunnu – Small But Scenic
Charalkunnu is a small scenic town offering splendid views of the neighboring valleys. To move away from the bustle of a city, the town offers plenty of solace. The serene river of Pampa, several nature trails and waterfalls will interest you.
Places to Stay:
- Malakkarethu House
- Park Residency Kozhencherry
- Swasthi Griha Homestay
Places to Visit:
- Kumbhavurutty waterfalls
- Perunthenaruvi waterfalls
- Chengannur
Things to do:
- Trekking and cycling
- Enjoy the delicious local food
- Boating in the river
- Photography
- Nature walks
Ideal for: Hikers, friends, families, nature lovers
Ideal trip duration: 2-3 days
Best time to visit: September to March
Distance from Trivandrum: 116 km
Further Read: 54 Best Places To Visit In India In Summer To Escape The Scorching Heat
Trivandrum offers myriad landscape and picturesque beauty. It is enchanting for every traveler to witness the natural beauty of places around Trivandrum. Thus, the next time you get confused about which place to visit for your upcoming Kerala holiday, don’t think of anywhere else. Just book a ticket today and visit a few of the famous hill stations near Trivandrum.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations Near Trivandrum
Is Kerala safe to travel alone?
Kerala is one of the safest states in India. No matter if you visit this place with your family or you go for a solo trip, you will love the scenic beauty of Kerala.
How many days are needed to Visit the hill stations near Trivandrum?
You will need at least five days to a week to spend some quality time in Trivandrum as well as for visiting the major hill stations near Trivandrum.
What is the best time to visit the hill stations near Trivandrum?
You can visit Kerala at any time of the year. But, the best time to visit Kerala and all the hill stations near Trivandrum is in the months of October to February.
Can you name some of the famous hill stations near Trivandrum?
Some of the famous hill stations in Kerala include Painavu, Idukki, and Munnar
What are some things I can buy in Trivandrum?
There are various handicraft items that you can buy from Trivandrum. Some of the things to buy from Trivandrum include shell showpieces, kasavu mundu, cashews, and coir handicrafts.
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