HILL STATIONS IN KERALA

AGASTHYARKOODAM

Location :70 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Attractions : Rare herbs and medicial plants. The Agasthya forest believed to have been the abode of age Agasthya,a character from mythology.Trekking trails Thick forests Agasthyarkoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven of rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years. Women are not allowed up the peak. The aborigins here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram. Getting there: Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km from Bonocaud. Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 69 km from Bonocaud.

DEVIKULAM

Devikulam is a dainty town, sixteen kilometers southwest of Munnar. It consist of irresistibly green slopes touching the sky at a thousand metres and its silent clusters of slender red and blue gum trees. It has a lovely little lake hidden within the rolling hills. According to a legend, Sita Devi, the holy consort of Lord Rama, came down to frolic in the lake and the place came to be spoken about as ’Devikulam’(meaning the lake of the goddess), ever since.

ECHO POINT

Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar)This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.Getting there:Nearest airport: Madurai in Tamil Nadu, about 140 kms Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 190 kms.Nearest railway station: Theni in Tamil Nadu, about 60 kms Changanacherry, about 93 kms.

MUNNAR

The nature-lover’s paradise. Snuggling in the green and serene Kannan Devan Hills, lies the quite and restful resort of Munnar, at an altitude of 1524 m and 136 km off Cochin. Panoramic views of low-flying clouds and mist filled valleys make it a pretty little heaven with a cool bracing climate. It was opened up out of virgin forests a century ago by pioneering planters. Within its remote and elderly churches - gracious, stone-structures with ancient chandeliers and rosewood pews. A little beyond lies Anaimudi, South India's highest peak. In the vicinity is the Eravikulam National Park, the home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr that roams on a stretch of grassland or is seen climbing the pinnacles of the undulating hills. Here we can have a glimpse of a Gaur, Langur, Lion-tailed macaque, and Elephants roaming in herds. The Kundale Tea Plantation - An area surrounding a lovely lake that offers some of the most stunning views of the region. It offers the best opportunity you are ever likely to have to see the tea plantations, to watch tea being picked, to learn how tea is processed, to smell the sweet scent of tea wafting through the air and to buy the tea directly from the gardens. The Kundale Tea Plantation - An area surrounding a lovely lake that offers some of the most stunning views of the region. It offers the best opportunity you are ever likely to have to see the tea plantations, to watch tea being picked, to learn how tea is processed, to smell the sweet scent of tea wafting through the air and to buy the tea directly from the gardens.

NELLIYAMPATHY

A forest range 75 kms. (travel time: 2 ½ hours) from Palghat, 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 range from 467 meters to the tallest peak Padagiri looming at 1572 meters. Accessing Nelliyampathy from Palghat is a sensation on its own, as you negotiate over a dozen hairpin curves on the ghat road passing through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges. En route, 17 kms. from Palghat, the shimmering Pothundi Reservoir and its manicured surroundings make for an ideal stop over.

PANDIKUZHI

Location : 5 km from Thekkady This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight. Getting there: Nearest airport: Madurai in Tamil Nadu, about 140 kmsCochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 190 kms.Nearest railway station: Theni in Tamil Nadu, about 60 kms Changanacherry, about 93 kms.

PEERMEDE

Location: About 40 km from Kumily,Idukki district, central Kerala.Attractions: 915 m above sea level. Peeremede is a lovely hill station, an ideal retreat in the Western Ghats and a choice break for tourists en route to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Sprawling gardens of tea, coffee,cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus lying side by side with natural grasslands, pine forests and waterfalls make this an ideal summer resort. The summer palace of Rajas of erstwhile Travancore is today an important monument here. Peeremede and its surroundings are suitable for trekking, cycling and horse riding. Kuttikanam a place for adventure tourism and trekking is just 3 km from Peeremede. Another attraction here is Thrissanku Hills four km away. The rolling hills, the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make this a choice spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.

PONMUDI

Location: About 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram city,south Kerala. Altitude: 915m above sea level. Located within a short driving distance of Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi is an enchanting hill resort with narrow winding pathways and cool, green environs. Along with a beautiful array of mountain flowers, exotic butterflies and small rivulets, Ponmudi offers excellent opportunities for trekking. With its tea estates and mist covered valleys Ponmudi is a fast developing hill resort with cottages and dormitory accommodation facilities. Getting there: Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 67 km
RAJAMALA

Fifteen km from Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala, is the beautiful Rajamala. The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres), the Eravikulam - Rajamala region is now home to half the world population estimated at around 1300 - of this endangered mountain goat. But the Tahr is only one of the reasons to make a visit to Rajamala. The picturesque beauty of this mountain will make you want to tent here forever!

Accessing Munnar:

By road: Distance from Munnar to some tourist centres.Goa: 930 km; Chennai: 600 km; Malampuzha: 230 km, Kodaikkanal: 195 km, Kumarakom: 160 km, Top station: 34 km, Anamudi: 20 km.

Nearest railway station: Kottayam railway station, 142 km away

Nearest airport: Cochin international airport, 130 km away and in neighboring Tamil Nadu, Madhurai airport, 142 km away.

RAMAKALMEDU

Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu and enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. Distance 45 km from Idukki, 40 km from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar. Bus timings: 09.30 a.m. Munnar, 10.30 a.m. Kottayam, 09.30 a.m. Ernakulam. Getting there:Nearest railway station: Changanacherry, about 93 km.Nearest airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu) about 140 kmCochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 190 km

THRISSANKU AND PEERU HILLS

Located 4 km from Peermede, half a km from Kuttikanam. The landscape here is breathtaking with rolling hills and a gentle breeze caressing. A perfect spot to unwind and to go for long walks.. The spectacular view of the sunset and sunrise from these hills is simply awesome. Peeru Hills: Located 4 km from Peermede, 1 km from Kuttikanam. A true haven for trekkers and picnickers, Peeru Hills gets its name after the Sufi saint, Peer Mohammed who spent his last days here. Some of the spots worth visiting include the mausoleum of the Sufi saint, the summer palace of the royal family and the residence of the Diwan, all located nearby. Getting there: Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 180 km away. Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 75 km away.

WAYANAD

Luxuriant plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber, stretch over the hills of Wayanad as far as the eye can see. With the fast-flowing rivers - Panamaram, Mananthavady and Kabini - cutting across the undulating panorama and lending a picture-postcard look to the whole region - the north eastern tip of Kerala.