The hill stations of Kerala are little gems that crown the massive ranges of the Western Ghats. Unfortunately, they have taken a backseat because of the more popular backwaters and beaches. But they are no less in beauty thick with vegetation and home to a variety of wildlife, clad with mist and blessed with an agreeable climate. The common thread that runs through all these hill stations are the plantations of green tea and spices such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and cashew nut. Another typical feature is their hair-pin bends, gurgling streams, plunging waterfalls besides the less common refreshing springs. The most popular hill stations of Kerala are Wayanad, Munnar, Thekkady, and Ponmudi.
Wayanad: A household name for its wildlife sanctuary, the place stands at an altitude of 1,300 m. It is ravishingly breathtaking graced with lofty peaks such as the Malleshwaram and Chembra and the rolling hills are verdant with spice and tea plantations. It is also well recognised for the Thirunelly Temple, a popular pilgrimage spot thronged by people who come for a holy bath at the Papanisini River believed to be able to rid one of all sins.
Munnar: This former summer resort of the British is dotted with vestiges of its colonial past in the form of bungalows and cottages. But it is its natural beauty that retains a huge fan following along with easy access to the backwaters. The lush forest of Munnar is especially enchanting when it is complimented by the dreamy clouds drifting over the Nilgiri Hills.
Thekkady: Famous for its sanctuary called Thekkady or Periyar, the hill station always welcomes a steady throng of visitors. Nature is undiluted at Thekkady. Here one can hear the sweet songs of birds that resonate in green wilds and velvety hills.
Ponmudi: Close to the backwaters near Thiruvananthapuram, which is just 60 km away, Ponmudi is a series of gently rolling hills covered with tea plantations and forests drained by tender streams. It is at an altitude of 1100 m.
Idukki: Nature is at its purest form in Idukki. The rugged terrain is silhouetted by dense forest and enlivened by gushing waterfalls. The woodsy wilds of the area comprise both the Idukki and Periyar wildlife sanctuaries, home to plenty of wild animals.
Devikulam: It is famous for its mineral water springs and Lake, where Sita, the consort of Lord Ram is said to have taken bath. Devikulam "The Lake of The goddess" is at an altitude of 1800 m. The mountain ranges enclose the picturesque Lake. |
