India’s most idyllic state, Kerala, better known as Gods Own Country, is today one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. Secluded beaches, palm-fringed backwaters, mist-clad hill stations, lush tropical forests, cascading waterfalls, exotic wildlife, majestic monuments, fine art forms and enchanting festivals give it a distinctive charm. Apart from being a tourist destination, Kerala is home to India’s most advanced society.
The Mountain Tour
The mountain ranges in Kerala consisting of the highland area of the Western Ghats, exude an exotic charm. The tropical forests of the Ghats house rich and unique flora and fauna. The high ranges and hill stations are the favorite spots of nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Expansive plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and fragrant cardamom and other spices, for which Kerala is famous for, are cultivated on the slopes of these hill stations.
Hill stations in Kerala offer tourists an opportunity to spend their vacations amidst clean and fresh air of the hills. Some of the more popular hill stations in Kerala are those of Munnar, Nelliyampathy, Ponmudi, Wayanad, and Idduki. Here you can see the milky waterfalls, mighty rocks, lakes, and hill-plantations. The scenic beauty of these Kerala hill stations cannot be defined in words; it is best experienced in person.
Much of Kerala’s exotic appeal is centered in these highland areas of the Western Ghats. Ideal places for adventure tourism and trekking, the fresh mountain air, the mist clad hills and a panoramic view make them worthy of a visit. Places like Munnar in Kerala produce an exotic species of flowers that bloom once in twelve years.
Most popular Hill stations
Idukki:
South India, along with a visit to Tourism in Kerala, would bring to relief that Idukki is a spice planter's delight with vast sloping territories of spice plantations of the order of tea, coffee, cardamom, cinnamon, etc, holding forth as the beauty flagships of this prized hill station in Kerala, South India.
This is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 ft. high and 650 ft. wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located close by.
The Idukki Reservoir formed by three dams - Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu - extends to 33 sq.km.
Munnar:
Munnar is a commercial centre with one of the world's best tea estates. There are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar. Among these, majority of the plantations are owned by Tata Group's Kannan Devan Tea Estate. A visit to Munnar can witness the nurturing of tea in plantation to the process of manufacturing and packing.
The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar area expose its beauty. The tea plants covered Munnar hills makes the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet.
Periyar:
Synonymous with elephants, misty hills and plantations, Thekkady in Idukki District captures the essence of all that is wild and wonderful. The most prestigious region on the high ranges of the Western Ghats, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is located on the Cardamom Hills of Thekkady. Sprawled majestically across 777 sq km, Periyar Sanctuary, declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the Project Tiger Scheme, attracts travelers from all over.
Environmental hotspot, Periyar Sanctuary is noted for its geomorphology, diverse wildlife and beautiful landscape. Encompassing a 26 sq km artificial lake, the rich jungles of Periyar is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. The lake serves as a watering hole for the animals during summer, harbors within itself of a unique aquatic ecosystem. A cruise along it is perhaps the best way to watch the wildlife in the Reserve. Exciting trekking trails and other adventure activities like tracking the tiger, jungle patrolling etc. awaits the tourists at this enchanting Sanctuary.
Wagamon:
Wagamon tiny plantation township in Central Travancore, Wagamon has an overtone of green. With never- ending line of the lush green hills, breathtaking ravines and meandering rivulets. A perfect tourist place situated 1200 meters above the sea level spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, Fresh cool air, murmuring Pine forest, small waterfalls, and attractive meadows inviting you to Wagamon. The Wagamon hill station offers you a unique and different environ in comparison to other hill stations of Kerala. Besides, being abundant in natural beauty, the place also offers space for spiritual activities. The peaceful surroundings with cool and soft breeze blowing across the valley make it a perfect place for meditation. If you are willing to experience the peace of mind then Wagamon provides you, the perfect conditions.
Nelliyampathy:
Nelliyampathy is all about beautiful valleys dotted with orange and tea plantations. Nestled in the greenery of the Western Ghats, the tour to Nelliyampathy will provide you with breathtaking views of the green valleys. Misty green valleys of Nelliyampathy are every tourists dream destination. Spend a few days in the lap of nature in the beautiful valleys of Nelliyampathy.
The bracing climate and green magic of nature enhance the exhilarating experience. For a vantage view of the spectacle, one must visit Seethakundu, where a 100m high waterfall provides an added attraction. It offers a fantastic view of the valley below a wide-angled vision of one-third of the entire Palakkad area. A forest range 75 kms from Palakkad, the Nelliyampathy hills comprise a chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dense evergreen forests and orange plantations.
The height of the hills ranges from 467 meters to the tallest peak Padagiri looming at 1572 meters. Nelliyampathy has immense trekking potential. The community hall at Kaikatty provides a good camping ground for the trekkers.
Wayanad:
Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture. Regarding geographical location, Wayanad district stands on the southern top of the Deccan plateau and its chief glory is the majestic Western Ghats with lofty ridges and rugged terrain interspersed with dense forest, tangled jungles and deep valleys. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Chethalayam Waterfall, Sri Mahaganapathy Temple at Thiruvangoor, Pazhassi Raja Museum, Pookote Lake and Edakkal Caves are the prime tourist attractions of Wayanad. Besides, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Tholpetty, Karappuzha Dam, Jain Temple at Sultan Bathery, Tiger Valley, Meenmutty Falls, Soochippara Waterfalls, Chembra Hills, Bird Sanctuary in north Wayanad, Thirunelly Temple and Kuruva Islands are the other nearby tourist destinations in and around Wayanad.