7 Most Popular Hill Stations in Kerala

Kerala is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth. The serenely beautiful landscape of the state – sparkling backwaters, golden coastal strip, and fertile hills – makes it a perfect destination for global travelers. Kerala, with its palm-lined beaches, is a world away from your average Indian city.

Kerala has its fair share of hills stations - Vagamon, Munnar, Thekkady – covered in misty clouds. These destinations are perfect plantation spots for spice, tea and coffee plantations and are beautiful in their own right. Overall, Kerala is a dream getaway and its hills are perfect for nature lovers.

Here are a few of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala:

1. Vagamon

• Best time to visit: March to May
• Accommodation: Resorts, budget hotels, homestays available
• Attractions: Paragliding Training, camping, trekking, sightseeing

• How to reach: The nearest railway station to Vagamon is Kottayam (64km/40mi). Cochin international airport is the nearest airport to the hill station (95km/59mi). Ettumanoor KSRTC Bus Station is the closest bus stop to the venue. Usually from the hill station, one can book a private transfer till here.

Vagamon, the first name on the list of most gorgeous hill stations in Kerala, is often referred as the Paradisiacal Hill Station of India. The mysterious beauty of the Vagamon – a beautiful combination of meadows, forests, and hills – probably makes this place more enchanting. Tourists can be often seen walking through natural trails or paragliding.

2. Thekkady

• Best time to visit: September to May
• Accommodation: Resorts, plantation houses, budget hotels, homestays available
• Attractions: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, visiting the cardamom and coffee plantations, sightseeing

• How to reach: Rajapalayam is the nearest railway station to the Thekkady. You can also hire a private cab from the nearest airport - Cochin International Airport to the hill station. Kumily Bus Stand is the nearest bus deport to the Thekkady.

Thekkady is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala mostly due to its rich flora and fauna and lush greenery. Being close to the Periyar National Park, you can expect a run into fellow nature lover and photography enthusiasts. Tourists can go for long trekking excursions or nature walks – filling your lungs with a healthy dose of oxygen.

3. Munnar

• Best time to visit: Pleasant throughout the year - April to July is the best time to visit
• Accommodation: Resorts, budget hotels, homestays available
• Attractions: Jungle safari, camping, trekking, sightseeing, Eravikulam National Park

• How to reach: Aluva is the nearest railway station to Munnar. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport. Munnar Bus Depot is the nearest bus stop to the hill station.

A favorite holiday spot for most of locals, Munnar is truly magnificent. Close to the Eravikulam National Park, Munnar is close to still running beautiful 19th century tea plantations and other heritage landmarks. Apart from exploring the colonial architecture, visitors can go for the national parks and heritage spots close to the venue.

From the strategically located viewing points, tourists can observe the beautiful valley and rivers (Periavaru, Mattupetti and Nallathanni) flowing through the region.

4. Thiruvambady/Thiruvambadi

• Best time to visit: December to February
• Accommodation: Resorts, budget hotels, homestays available
• Attractions: Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Mananchira Square, Arippara waterfalls, Kurumbakavu Temple, Thusharagiri waterfalls boating at Iruvanjippuzha River, hiking

• How to reach: Mukkam is the nearest bus stop to Thiruvambady. Chemutti International Airport is the nearest airport. Kozhikode Main is the nearest railway station. From these transit point, tourists can either book a private transfer or arrange pickup services through their respective holiday resort.

Being a perfect honeymoon destination, Thiruvambady should be included in the list of beautiful hill stations in Kerala. Situated at the Kozhikode district and located on the banks of Iruvanjippuzha River, the hill station is easily accessible from the district city.

5. Lakkidi

• Best time to visit: November to May
• Accommodation: Resorts, budget hotels, homestays available
• Attractions: Chembra peak, Pookode Lake, Thusharagiri waterfalls, Lakkidi View point, Heart Lake, Puliyarmala Jain Temple, Kuruva Island, St Joseph’s Church

• How to reach: Kozhikode is the nearest railway station to Lakkidi. Kozhikode International Airport is the nearest airport to Lakkidi. From the airport, tourists can book a private transfer to reach the hill station. Or, transfer services offered by resorts or hotels can be booked.

Lakkidi is a high altitude area, and from its mountains you can see a panoramic view of the beautiful natural scenery. At sunrise and sunset, it will bring you unforgettable experience!

6. Vithura

• Best time to visit: November to March
• Accommodation: Homestays and resorts available
• Attractions: Rock climbing at Chittipara Rock, hiking near Thavakkal Waterfall, Agasthyakoodam and Bonacaud, nature walks close to Peppara dam, exploring the Shri Krishnaswami Temple

• How to reach: The nearest railway station to Vithura is Thiruvananthapuram Central. Keshavadasapuram is the nearest bus stop to the hill station. Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest railway station to the venue.

Vitura is a small village surrounded by the Western Ghats. With its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate, Vitura is the crossroads leading to tourist, cultural and religious centers.

7. Ponmudi

• Best time to visit: December to March
• Accommodation: Resorts, and homestays available
• Attractions: Hiking near the Golden Valley, trekking through the dense forests of Kallar to watch the glorious Meenmutty waterfalls, going for a jungle safari to meet the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.

• How to reach: Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to the Pompudi – one of the most enchanting hill stations in Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram Central is the nearest railway station from the venue. From these locations, tourists can easily avail taxi transfer to their resorts or hotels.

Ponmudi is an ancient town in Kerala. Hiking and mountain climbing on the highest peak in the area are the most popular activities. You can explore the wilderness of the Golden Valley and stroll leisurely along the Kalari River.

And, here we come to the end of the list of most popular hill stations in Kerala. The entire state is filled with beautiful and enchanting destination – which are worth a visit.