Much of Kerala's exotic appeal is centred in the highland area of the western ghats. Lying on the windward side of the westrern ghats, Kerala has a long chain of lush, mist-clad hillstations that are home to exiotic wild life. All the hill resorts in kerala offer the most enchanting experience of nature in all its virginity.

Munnar : is nature lovers paradise, 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was the summer resort of the British Government in South-India.

Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and grass lends and holiday fecility make this a popular hill station among the exotic flora found in the forests and grass lends here is the 'Neelakurinji'.


This flower which bathes the hill in blue once in every 12 years, will bloom next in 2006 A.D. Munnar also has the highest peak in south india -Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Accessibility: Air - nearest airports - Kochi: 131 km, Madurai: 142 km, Coimbatore:167 km, Kozhicode: 287 km, Trivandrum: 302 km. Railway Stations - Kochi: 130 km, Kottayam: 147 km, Madurai: 162 km, Alappuzha: 200 km.
In and Around Munnar

TopStation : (32 km from munnar) 1700 m above from sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare 'Neelakurinji' (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Topstation also offers a panoramic view of the neghbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
Mattupetty : (13 km from Munnar) Mattupetty is famous for highly specialised diary farm, the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project.Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are rared here. The Mattupetti lake and dam, just short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot.The sprawling Kundala lake are other attractionsin the vicinity.
Devikulam : (15 km from Munnar) This idillyc hillstation with its velvet lawns,exotic flora faunaand the cool mountain air offers a rare experience to visitors.The Sita Devi lake with its mineral water springs and picturesquesurroundingsis agood picnic spot. The lake also ideal for trout fishing.

Kundala : (20 km from Munnar) Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station. The Golf Course wich belongs Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad waterfall is also near Kundala.

Pothamedu : (6 km from Munnar) Pothamedu offers an excellent view of view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantationsin Munnar. The rolling hills,the lush mountain and the breath taking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Nyayamakad : (10 km from Munnar) Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 mrters. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.

Pallivasal : (8 km from Munnar) This is the venue of the first hydro electric in Kerala and a place of immence scenic beauty.

Chithirapuram : (10 km from Munnar) With its sleepylittle cottages, bunglaws, old play grounds, and courts, Chithirapuram stillexudes an ideal old world charm. This hillstation is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.

Rajamala : (15 km from Munnar) The natural habitat of the neelagiri thar, Rajamala is 2695 m. above sea level. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.

Marayoor : (40 km from Munnar) This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory, the caves(muniyaras) with murals and relics from the new stone age are the main attractions.

Thommenkuthu : is famous for its numerous waterfalls. The place is ideal for natural lovers. To enjoy the panoramic beauty the best way is to undertake a trek that takes one to the top of the mountain, a 12 km climb.

Accessibility: 28 km from Thodupuzha.
Vandenmedu : 4000 feet high in the lush terrain of the Western ghats in Vandenmedu, a little town renowned world over as the largest cardamom producer. Spices and hill produce abound in the region. The land is cloaked in sylvan finary - lush tea estates dense jungles, and aromatic spice plantations. What strikes you is the outstanding scenic beauty of the place with thick blankets of mist enviloping you in an ambience of blissful serinity. Here's a cool getway from the dust and grime, an ideal haunt for honeymooners yearning for some lazy privacy, to be left all to themselves in the bossom of Mother Nature at her very best.
Accessibility: 10 km from Kattappana.

Nadukani : Apart from the refreshing greenery around the place, the Kulamavu damsite and the neaerby wildlife sanctury makes the place, a treate to the visitors. The top spot in Nadukani offers an exellent view of the entire Idukky valley including the Idukky township. Nadukani provides the visitor a glimpse of the riches of the heartland of Kerala, namely Idukki.
Accessibility: 25 km from Idukki.

Ramakalmedu : Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Kambam on the eastern slop of the Western Ghats.
Accessibility: 16 km from Nedumkandam.

Peermadu : Located 900 m above sea level, the place lays cloaked for most part in thick cloudes. Lovely eucaliptus and pine trees, lush green estatesand grass lands coupled with the silver dapples of lovely little cascades paint a post card image. This pleasant hill station was once the summer retreat of the Maharajas of Travancore. Here you will find sprawling tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus plantations side by side with natural grassland and pine forests.
Accessibility: 70 km from Kottayam, enroute to Thekkady.

Wagamon : Wagamon is known mainly for the beauty of its hills. Wagamon is surrounded by beautiful meadows, valleys and tea gardens. The small hillocks studdedwith lovely pines and fast paced mounten rivulets,give the place a picture post card effect.

Nearby Kolahamedu which offers five views of Wagamon is known for its Indo Swiss cattle breeding project. Olippunni is another place capturing your immediate attention set against a lush carpet of green tea plantations. Situated around 1100 m. above sea level, here's one of the leasttapped centres with huge prospects as a beckoning hill station. Wagamon is also a trekkers delight. Accommodation however is rather sadley the biggest problem in Wagamon.
Accessibility: 70 km from Kottayam.


Bhoothathankettu : A picturesque heaven situated in a vast forest, this mythologically popular picnic spot lies close to Thattekkadu sanctury. Trekking through the enchanting wilderness to the old Bhoothathankettu holds promises of excitement to adventure lovers.
Accessibility: 50 km from Eranakulam.

Nelliyampathy : This fasicating hill station is situated at a height of 1500 m. above sea level. Seethakundu at Nelliyampathy offers a panoramic view of about 1/3 of the area of Palghat District. At least 10 hair pin bendshave to negotiated on the Ghat road that passes through the breathtaking evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges. This hill county is trekkers delight. The DTPC Palakkad offers accomodation in the tourist resort with all facilities.
Accessibility: 40 km south of Nenmara.

Attappady : A beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and forest, Attapadi is of great interest to anthropologists. This is the habitat of many tribals like the Irulas and Mudugas.
Location: 38 kms northeast of Mannarkad

Vythiri : Mist covered peaks cloaked in lush forest cover hide away the beautiful town of Vythiry in Kerala's naturely endowed Waynadu. A peaceful hillresort, Vythiry comes as an automatic choice for the stress away urban brigade wanting to savour a bit of tranquility nestling in the luxurious lap of beautiful nature.Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hillstation. Vythiry is located near to Pookot lake, a pristine fresh water streame promising to take you to sublime spirituals.
Accessibility: 50 km from Kozhicode.

Agasthyarkoodam : is the second highest peak in kerala, at a height of 1890 m above sea level. Teeming with wildlife, the forests of Agasthyarkoodam abound in rare medicinal herbs and plants and brilliantly hued orchids.Abird watcher’s paradise, this legendary mountain is accessible by foot from Kottor, near Neyyar dam, as also from Bonacaud.

Ponmudi : is a place famous for its natural beauty and its narrow winding pathways which make excellent trekking paths, tiny ribbons of cool, crisp streams and rivulets, mountain flowers and exotic butterflies, and the salubrions environs never fail to enchant even the most discernig traveller.


The raw beauty of Thenaruvi meandering through thick jungles adding shades of silver, a deer park and sevaral tea plantation besides rubber and coffee are other attractions.

Accessibility: Ponmudi can be accessed from Trivandrum (61 km /2.5 hours) by a regular bus service.
Accommodation: Guest House Cottages and rooms Rs 250to Rs 600. Dormitory Rs 800. For reservations contact: The Secratery, General Administration Department (Political)Govt.Secrateriat, Tvm.