When tour operators suggest a trip to South India after exploring North India, when travelers research the first image that’s shown are the backwaters of Kerala and the sun-kissed beaches touching the Arabian Sea.
But Kerala is more than that, hidden in the valleys of the Western Ghats; this enchanting South India state has many breathtaking hill-stations. These hill-stations are home to misty hills, dense pine forest with canopies, tea gardens, coffee plantations and cool climate. They are a heaven of breathtaking natural beauty and tranquility. Those travelers wanting to spend some days in a cool and refreshing place, away from the coastal heat, do visit.
With India Tours reaching these far away mountain retreats are hassle-free; you will be picked up from your hotel and dropped at your destination. The itinerary is designed in such a way that travelers will have an immersive experience, exploring the region, knowing about its culture and tradition.
1. Munnar: The Emerald Queen of the Hills
The most famous hill-station in Kerala is Munnar, situated at a height of 1,600 meters above sea level. This iconic hill station has cool climate and lush greenery, and hence was the summer resort of the British officials during the colonial era.
The word Munnar is derived from Malayalam and it means three rivers, which are Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. These three rivers are responsible for nourishing the valley with lush greenery and fertile soil.
The moment you arrive in Munnar you will be welcomed by the beautiful tea gardens, which seems like it is covered with a green carpet. The air is clean and refreshing, combined with the aroma of the tea leaves.
The Kerala tour packages planned by tour operators ensure to include relaxation with experiential activities. Enjoy a walk around the tea gardens, visit the Tata Tea Museum that lets you know about the process involved in making tea and know the colonial past of the region.
Wildlife enthusiasts, take a wildlife safari tour in Eravikulam National Park, which is the only place which is has the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and the rare Neelakurinji flower, which blooms once in every twelve years. For trekking experience, navigating uphill the undulating terrain, take a trek to Anamudi Peak, which is the highest point in South India.
For a relaxing experience, walk around the local market, take a sip of the locally brewed tea or enjoy watching the sunset at a viewpoint.
2. Wayanad: Where Nature and Culture Intertwine
Located in the north-eastern side of Kerala, this region is filled with dense forests, paddy fields, and indigenous community following ancient traditions and culture. Even today Wayanad is not so much commercialized like other parts of Kerala, you can expect raw beauty.
The Kerala tour packages designed by tour experts to Wayanad, offers a package combined with nature, history, and tribal heritage.
Start your exploration in Wayanad with a visit Edakkal Caves, which is known for its prehistoric rock carvings which is more than 6000 years old. To reach the cave, you have to trek for a short distance. Walk through a scenic trail, filled with spice plantations, mixing the air with the aroma of spices.
Wildlife lovers take a wildlife safari tour in the jungles of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. This Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere, and here you can find wild creatures like leopard, tigers, elephant and different bird species.
Beyond the forests trails, the region has many waterfalls like Soochipara, Meenmutty, and Kanthanpara, welcoming nature lovers with its cascading sound amidst nature.
No trip to this offbeat hill-station is complete without choosing a stay in a traditional Kerala-style cottage, allowing visitors to experience how it feels to stay in a local homestay, living just like the locals and savoring local cuisine.
3. Thekkady: Wilderness & Spice Plantation
Next on your itinerary is Thekkady which is situated near Tamil Nadu border. Thekkady is a heaven for nature and wildlife lovers and apart from these, travelers can explore the spice plantations and engage in adventure activities.
Start your trip with a wildlife safari in Periyar Tiger Reserve for which the region is most visited for. And the most unique way to explore this wildlife sanctuary is to take a boat safari on Periyar Lake, gliding through the waters of the lake deeper into the jungle. Have a close encounter with the elephants, sometimes tigers, sambar deer grazing, hornbills and more.
For a more adventurous experience, don’t miss bamboo rafting, night safari in the buffer zone of the forest and border hiking.
Take a spice plantation tour, where cardamom, pepper, and cloves are grown. The air is filled with the fragrance of these spices; you can get the aroma from miles. In fact Kerala is known as the Spice Garden of India, and India Tours ensures to give a spice plantation tour of these aromatic farms.
4. Vagamon: The Hidden Gem of Kerala Hills
Vagamon is Kerala’s best-kept secrets; this lesser known hill-station is located in Idukki-Kottayam border. This untouched hill station is home to winding roads, lush green, meadows, pine-clad valleys, misty hills and murmuring streams. Those wishing for an idyllic retreat, this is a must visit destination to include in your itinerary.
You can spend the day with a paragliding experience over the verdant hills, boating in Vagamon Lake, hiking in the Vagamon Pine Forest and a short easy trek to Thangalpara Viewpoint for sweeping panoramic views.
With Kerala tour packages designed by expert tour operators, your trip will include a stay in eco-lodges or boutique resorts that focuses on sustainable tourism and offers activities that relax your mind, body and soul like yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic wellness retreats.
5. Peermade: A Tranquil Tea and Spice Retreat
Peermade is located at a short distance from Thekkady and is dotted with tea gardens, coffee, and spice plantations and has colonial era bungalows. This hill station is less crowded and is one of the best places to get away from the crowd.
6. Ponmudi: The Golden Peak
Situated around 60 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala is a less visited hill-station, known as Ponmudi. The Ponmudi means Golden Peak, and is a alluring destination with 22 hairpin bends (sharp curved hilly roads), beautiful hilly streams, tropical dense forests and lush green tea gardens.
In the itinerary designed by India Tours, you can engage in actvities like birdwatching, guided nature walks, visit to waterfalls like Kallar and Meenmutty, hiking to Agasthyarkoodam Peak (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), and interacting with the local communities and knowing about their culture and tradition.
