18 Best Hill Stations in Kerala You Must Visit for Peace & Nature
Kerala is an idyllic state to visit and one of the most wanted tourist destinations in India. Kerala is well known as “God’s Own Country”. The quiet and pleasing beaches, beautiful backwaters, sensational hill stations, comprehensive waterfalls, flourishing green forests, interesting wildlife, and the attractive art and cultures of Kerala, give idiosyncratic attractions and charm to the tourists. The beauty of Kerala Hill Stations is really breathtaking. The pristine milieu of hill stations offers an opportunity for tourists to enjoy their holidays in the clean and natural air of hills.
Some of the famous hill stations in Kerala are Munnar, Mattupetty, Nelliyampathy, Ponmudi, Thekkady, Palakkad, Kannur, Wayanad, Idduki, Kasargod and Kozhikode. The pictorial beauty of these Kerala hill stations cannot be explained in words; it can be felt only. Kerala has a host of worth-visiting hill stations. The delightful lush green surroundings of these Kerala tourism hill stations are encircled by acres of tea, coffee, and spice cultivations.
Best Hill Stations to Visit in Kerala:
Unlock Best Deal on Kerala Tour Package NowGod’s own country, Kerala, offers a treasure of scenic beauty and ample chances to experience the beauty of nature. These include the alluring best hills in Kerala. The calm weather and refreshing air take one closer to the replenishing weather.
1. Munnar – The Tea Capital of Kerala
Munnar is popular and most visited hill station in Kerala, situated at the 55 km from Idukki town and at the convergence of three mountain streams i.e. Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Mundane. Extensive tea plantations, incredible towns, cozy hotels and amazing holiday facilities make it a popular hill station of Kerala.
| Location | Idukki District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | October to February |
| Attractions | Eravikulam National Park, Munnar Rose Garden, Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu View Point, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate |
| Things to Do | Visit Tea Plantations, Trekking, Visit Spice Gardens, Mountain Biking, Kathakali Performance, Fun & Adventure, Boating, Shopping at Local Markets |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Kochi International Airport (107 km). Aluva Railway Station is about 108 km away. Buses and taxis are available. |
| Ideal Stay | 2–3 days |
| Local Food | Try Kerala Appam with Stew, Malabar Parotta, and fresh tea snacks. |
| Shopping | Tea, spices, and homemade chocolates. |
| Tips |
Read More: 11 Perfect Tourist Places to Visit in Munnar You Shouldn’t Miss on Your Trip
2. Vagamon Hill – Meadows and Pine Forests
Majestic hills surround this hill station. This tranquil mountain retreat also provides the beauty of meadows and forests to visitors. Also known as, ‘Scotland of Asia’, Vagamon offers scenic views of a sparkling river, waterfalls, and lush green plains. The place also offers several adventure sports and activities to the visitors. The best time to visit here is from March to May.
| Location | Kottayam, Idukki, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | October and March |
| Attractions | Karikadu View Point, Pattumala Velankanni Matha Church, Vagamon Kurisumala Church, Vagamon Meadows Lake |
| Things to Do | Experience Paragliding, Trekking, Explore Vagamon Pine Forest |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Kochi International Airport (95 km). Nearest railway station is Kottayam (64 km). |
| Ideal Stay | 1–2 days |
| Food & Culture | Local Kerala dishes with toddy shops nearby. |
| Shopping | Local spices and herbal products. |
| Tips | Perfect place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Avoid visiting in heavy monsoon due to slippery roads. |
3. Wayanad – Land of Spices and Misty Hills:
Wayanad is blessed with the mist-clad mountains, situated at the height of 700-1200 m. In the list of top hill stations of Kerala, Wayanad is the most haunted tourist destination. Here tourists can enjoy the exotic variety of plants and animals. High cultivation of tea, coffee, rubber, pepper, and many other spices makes it the best place for an economic point of view.
| Location | Wayanad District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | November to February |
| Attractions | Sree Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple, Lakkidi View Point, Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Things to Do | Trekking, Photography, Bird Watching, Visit Tribal Villages, Spice Plantation Tour, Boating, Visit Tea Plantations |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (95 km). Kozhikode Railway Station is the nearest rail link. |
| Ideal Stay | 3 days |
| Food | Malabar Biryani, Puttu with Kadala Curry. |
| Shopping | Coffee, spices, and bamboo handicrafts. |
| Tips | Carry trekking shoes and raincoat in monsoon. |
4. Thekkady – Gateway to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Thekkady Places offers a view of majestic mountainous terrain and a chance to explore the alluring tea, coffee, and spice plantation. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, this place is no less than heaven for you. A stretch around the hill station offers closer access to wildlife than ever. It also has a string of adventure activities like jeep and elephant safari, boating in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, bamboo rafting, and board hiking for adventure junkies. The best time to visit Thekkady is from September to May.
| Location | Idukki District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | October to February |
| Attractions | Elephant Junction, Thekkady Rose Park, Periyar National Park |
| Things to Do | Wildlife Safari, Boating on the Lake, Nature Walks, Spice Plantation Tours, Trekking and Hiking, Bamboo Rafting, Bullock Cart Rides |
| How to Reach | Madurai Airport (153 km) and Kottayam Railway Station (106 km). |
| Ideal Stay | 2 days |
| Food | Freshly spiced Kerala curries. |
| Shopping | Cardamom and pepper. |
| Tips | Book safaris in advance. Best for wildlife lovers. |
5. Idukki – Land of Dams and Scenic Treks
Idukki is one of the most scenery rich areas of Kerala offering attractive wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantation tours, mountain treks, and many more.
| Location | Idukki District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | October to February |
| Attractions | Hill View Park, Idukki Dam, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Things to Do | Visit Tea and Spice Plantations, Participate in Adventure Activities, Enjoy Boating |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Kochi (103 km). |
| Ideal Stay | 1–2 days |
| Food | Kerala meals served on banana leaves. |
| Shopping | Tea leaves and forest honey. |
6. Nelliyampathy – The Hidden Gem of Palakkad
This enthralling hill station is found on the height of 42 to 1572 m. The breathtaking green forests offer a panoramic view to the tourists.
| Location | Palakkad District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | September to May |
| Attractions | Seethargundu Viewpoint, Pothundi Dam, Nelliyampathy Caves |
| Things to Do | Plantation Tours, Trekking, Birdwatching, Scenic Drives |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Coimbatore (117 km). Palakkad Railway Station (59 km). |
| Ideal Stay | 1–2 days |
| Food | Local Kerala cuisine with coconut-based curries. |
| Shopping | Spices and coffee. |
Read Also: 17 Best Places to Visit in Palakkad That Will Make Your Trip Amazing
7. Ponmudi – Golden Peak of Trivandrum
There is a hill station near Trivandrum called Ponmudi that features narrow winding pathways and picturesque scenery for those who drive there. Trekking trails in Ponmudi lead to a variety of natural wonders hidden from the casual eye.
| Location | Trivandrum District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Attractions | Kallar Meenmutty Waterfalls, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Things to Do | Trekking and Nature Walks, Picnicking by the River, Adventure Activities |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Trivandrum (58 km). Nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central (55 km). |
| Ideal Stay | 1–2 days |
| Food | Kerala-style fish curry and tapioca. |
| Shopping | Handicrafts made of coir and bamboo. |
Read Also: 18 Finest Tourist Places to Visit in Trivandrum with Family for a Memorable Trip
8. Mattupetty – Famous for Its Lake and Dairy Farm
Mattupetty is an ideal spot for a picnic, located at a height of 1700 m. Mattupetty is famous for its dairy farming which is an Indo-swiss project. The presence of the farm allures a number of tourists to visit here.
| Location | Idukki District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | August and May |
| Attractions | Cowboy Park, Yellapetty View Point, Meesapulimala View Point |
| Things to Do | October to February |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Kochi (118 km). |
| Ideal Stay | 1 day |
| Food | Fresh dairy products, especially cheese. |
| Shopping | Spices and tea packets. |
9. Silent Valley – Untouched Wilderness of Kerala
A perfect blend of ecological and ethnic diversity, Silent Valley is an uncommercialized destination to visit. The place offers a raw and natural charm. You can experience the lush green plains, and the beautiful Western Ghats give the best of nature to the visitors. The hill station in Kerala is also a place with endangered flora and fauna. If you are lucky, you can see many endangered and unheard of species there. The best time to visit Silent Valley is from December to April.
| Location | Munnar, Idukki District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | December to April |
| Attractions | Keralamkundu Waterfall, Meenvallam Waterfall, National Park |
| Things to Do | Wildlife spotting, Guided trekking, Go camping, Take a nature walk |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Coimbatore (91 km). Palakkad Railway Station (45 km). |
| Ideal Stay | 2 days |
| Food | Local vegetarian Kerala meals. |
| Tips | This area has restrictions as it is eco-sensitive, so follow rules strictly. |
10. Peermade – A Cool Escape in the Western Ghats
A cute small hill station, Peermade is surrounded by different forms of scenic beauty. From milky-white waterfalls, refreshing streams, and an abundance of flora and fauna. One of the best hill places in Kerala, Peermade also offers views of coffee, tea, spice, and rubber plantations. In a wholesome experience, it also offers adventure activities like trekking, hiking, and cycling for adventure enthusiasts.
| Location | Idukki District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | April to June, September to November |
| Attractions | Valanjanganam Waterfalls, Mottakunnu Hill View Point |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Kochi (136 km). |
| Ideal Stay | 1–2 days |
| Food | Spicy Kerala beef fry and tapioca. |
| Shopping | Spices and handicrafts |
11. Malampuzha – Adventure and Family Fun in the Hills
A perfect destination for a full-family high-altitude vacation, Malampuzha is said to offer a whole family package experience. It offers a visit to the rock garden, fish-shaped aquarium, and even amusement parks for a wholesome experience. Situated at just 16 km from the Palakkad district, the hill station in Kerala, is home to amazing flora and fauna, with also enjoyable activities like boat rides and trekking. The best time to visit is from August to April.
| Location | Palakkad District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Attractions | Malampuzha Dam, Malampuzha Ropeway Station, Malampuzha Snake Park |
| Things to Do | Explore the Dam and Reservoir, Take a Ropeway Ride, Relax at the Hanging Bridge, Trek on Nature Trails, Take a River Bath |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Coimbatore (64 km). Palakkad Railway Station (17 km). |
| Ideal Stay | 1 day |
| Food | Simple Kerala vegetarian meals. |
| Shopping | Souvenirs from nearby Palakkad town. |
Read Also: 9 Famous Dams in Kerala: Get Glimpse of Largest, Biggest & Highest Dams of Kerala
12. Thiruvambadi – A Riverside Escape in Kozhikode
Located on the bank of river Iruvanjippuzha, Thirumvambadi offers a scenic experience to visitors. The perfect place for a romantic trip, the hill station is home to the apex of nature’s beauty. It is one of the best hill stations in Kerala for honeymoon. The scenic place offers visits to waterfalls, lush green mountains, and refreshing surroundings. The Varkala beach near the hill station is famous for its black sand. Thiruvambadi is a must-visit in your itinerary for your trip to Kerala.
| Location | Kozhikode District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Attractions | Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, Mammiyur Sri Mahadeva Temple |
| Things to Do | Enjoy Nature Walks, Experience Traditional Music and Dance, Trek in the Hills |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Kozhikode (36 km). |
| Ideal Stay | 1–2 days |
| Food | Try Malabar fish curry and biryani. |
| Shopping | Spices and banana chips. |
13. Vithura – Waterfalls and Peaceful Escapes
The ideal destination for peace seekers, Vithura is a lesser-known hill station in Kerala. Due to its low popularity, the place offers a serene and calm environment to visitors. A photographer’s paradise, the palace offers numerous activities like birdwatching, trekking, camping, rock climbing, and a walk around rubber and spice plantations. The best time to visit this place is from October to March.
| Location | Trivandrum District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | November to March |
| Attractions | Vazhvanthol Waterfalls, Mankayam Waterfalls |
| Things to Do | Trekking and Nature Walks, Adventure Activities, Scenic Drives and Photography |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Trivandrum (37 km). |
| Ideal Stay | 1 day |
| Food | Traditional Kerala food cooked in homestays. |
14. Ranipuram – The Ooty of Kerala
This is a lesser-known hill station in the Kasaragod district of Kerala. It is a paradise for peace lovers. Among the hill stations in north Kerala, the greenery of this, monsoon rainforest is home to several species of flora and fauna. Ranipuram is situated at an elevation of 2460 feet and offers an alluring trekking trail for adventure junkies. You can visit Tala Kaveri Temple, Bekal Fort, and Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary, near the hill station. The best time to visit Ranipuram is from October to March.
| Location | Kasaragod District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | November to February |
| Attractions | Ranipuram Entry Point, Chullithattu Waterfalls |
| Things to Do | Trekking and Nature Walks, Wildlife Spotting, Enjoy Local Cuisine |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Mangalore (114 km). Kasaragod Railway Station is 56 km away. |
| Ideal Stay | 1–2 days |
| Food | Malabar-style seafood. |
| Shopping | Spices and coir products. |
Read Also: 36 Things to Do in Kerala with Beautiful Photographs
15. Kalpetta – Coffee Town of Wayanad
A must-visit place for coffee lovers, the place offers an aromatic refreshment of coffee throughout your stay. Kalpetta hill station in the Wayanad district of Kerala is situated amidst the coffee plantation. With the aroma of the coffee, the place offers eye-pleasing scenic beauty. It is located at an elevation of 2560 feet and is blessed with rich vegetation. The best time to visit Kalpetta is from October to March.
| Location | Wayanad District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Attractions | Lakkidi View Point, Soochipara Waterfalls, Edakkal Caves |
| Things to Do | Visit Viewpoints, Engage in Adventure Activities, Visit Tea and Coffee Plantations |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Kozhikode (82 km). |
| Ideal Stay | 2 days |
| Food | Freshly brewed coffee and Malabar snacks. |
16. Vythiri – Land of Waterfalls and Tribal Culture
The hill station is located in the Wayanad district, away from the chaos of the city. It offers a scenic experience of waterfalls, lush green mountains, refreshing riverside and spices plantation. The hill station is located 1300 meters above sea level and is a centre for the culture and tradition of tribes in the area. The best time to visit Vythiri hill station is from October to March.
| Location | Wayanad District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | October to April |
| Attractions | Pookode Lake, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Karlad Lake |
| Things to Do | Boating in Lakes, Visit Spice Plantations, Bird Watching, Visit Tea Estates |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Kozhikode (71 km) |
| Ideal Stay | 2 days |
| Food | Taste Kerala fish curry meals and Malabar snacks |
| Shopping | Spices, forest honey, and handmade tribal crafts |
17. Athirapally – Kerala’s Majestic Waterfall Haven
A famous spot for movie shoots, Athirapally is a paradise for scenic beauty mongers, photographers and nature lovers. The eye-pleasing sights of waterfalls, wildlife and lush green ranges make it the compulsory hill station in Kerala to visit in your itinerary. Besides scenic beauty, the hill station also offers fun activities like theme parks, trekking, hiking to the waterfall and witnessing more than 150 species of butterflies at Thumboormuzhi Dam.
| Location | Thrissur District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | September to January |
| Attractions | Vazhachal Waterfalls, Charpa Waterfalls |
| Things to Do | Jungle Safari, Nature Walks, Adventure Activities, Visit Local Villages |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Kochi (34 km). Chalakudy Railway Station is 26 km away |
| Ideal Stay | 1–2 days |
| Food | Kerala snacks like banana fritters and spicy fish curry |
| Shopping | Bamboo products, handicrafts, and souvenirs |
Read Also: 9 Best Athirappilly Tourist Places to Visit for an Unforgettable Trip
18. Ramakkalmedu – Windswept Peaks and Valley Views
One of the must visit hill stations in Kerala, Ramakkalmedu hill station is situated in the Idukki district of Kerala. The hill station offers a mesmerizing view of lush green rolling hills and majestic mountains. The windiest place in the country, Ramakkalmedu is home to peace-giving and eye-pleasing valley views. This rock-structured hill station grabs the attention of the visitors.
| Location | Idukki District, Kerala |
| Best Time to Visit | September to February |
| Attractions | Kuravan Kurathi Statue, Tortoise Rock, Chathurangapara Viewpoint |
| Things to Do | Trekking and Hiking, Paragliding, Camping, Horse Riding, Jeep Safari |
| How to Reach | Nearest airport is Madurai (148 km). Kottayam Railway Station is 136 km away |
| Ideal Stay | 1–2 day |
| Food | Fresh vegetarian thali and Kerala meals |
| Shopping | Spices, handmade curios, and souvenirs |
| Tips | Carry light woolens as evenings are windy and cool |
Other Incredible Beauty of Kerala:
World’s Highest Organic Tea Garden:
There are so many tea gardens in Kerala. Undoubtedly, the main revenue will be generated from the tea. Lots of workers work in the tea garden. The major portion of Kerala hill stations is covered by tea plantations. The beautiful sloping landscape view of the tea gardens is really awesome.
One of the most famous is Kolukkumalai Tea Estate in Munnar, which is the highest organic tea garden in the world. Tourists can walk inside the gardens, see the tea-making process, and enjoy hot fresh tea with a misty hill view. Munnar is also known for homemade chocolates and spice gardens.
Home Of Ayurveda:
Kerala has many ashrams that are involved in providing Ayurveda treatment by the traditional Ayurveda method. The organic plants and herbs that are required for the treatment are come from the Kerala hill station forests.
Kerala is also home to many Ayurveda resorts like Somatheeram and Kalari Kovilakom, where tourists can enjoy therapies like Panchakarma, Shirodhara, and herbal oil massages. Ayurveda in Kerala is world famous because of its clean environment and natural herbs from the forests.
God’s Own Country:
Kerala is considered as a heaven on earth. What else can say about Kerala? It is a wonderful creation of God where the cloud kisses to the mountain. This mesmerizing moment will definitely give an adorable feel to the tourists.
This is why Kerala hill stations like Munnar, Vagamon, Wayanad, and Ponmudi are visited by lakhs of people every year. The cool weather, waterfalls, and misty valleys make Kerala truly God’s Own Country.
Photographer’s Place:
Beautiful landscape view of Kerala hill stations is really picturesque. The beautiful sunset & sunrise view is a worth capturing moment for the photographers. Tourists will get many sightseeing spots in Kerala.
Hill stations like Wayanad (Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves), Ponmudi (Golden Valley), and Vagamon (Pine Forests and Meadows) are perfect for photography. Kerala is also famous for the rare Neelakurinji flower, which blooms once in 12 years in Eravikulam National Park.
Kerala is also a most demanding place for the Film Industry. Most of the shooting of Bollywood movies and South Indian movies are done in Kerala Hill Stations. So in nutshell, the importance of Kerala in every field cannot be denied. Kerala is one of the most-visited cliffside destinations of the world.
Conclusion:
Kerala is really one of the most attractive places for worldwide tourists. To make the experience even more memorable, visitors can explore the charm of Kerala hill station tourism, which is widely known for its breathtaking natural beauty and peaceful environment. Apart from Kerala hill stations, one can also enjoy the culture, lifestyle, food, and festivals of Kerala.
Image Credit: Wikimedia, http://www.flickr.com/people/jigneshgohel
FAQs About Kerala Hill Station:
October to March is the sweetest weather—cool days, clear views, low humidity. June to September is monsoon; the hills look lush, but heavy rain can disrupt road travel and trekking, so always check local weather and landslide alerts before you go.
Not bad—just different. Waterfalls are dramatic and greenery is peak, but rain can be intense and some trails may close temporarily; drive slower on ghats and keep buffer time in your plan. Watch IMD/Kerala disaster-management advisories during June–August.
Head to Vagamon. It’s Kerala’s paragliding hub with rolling meadows and take-off points; the area also hosts flying festivals and tandem flights with certified pilots in season.
Carry a light jacket (mornings/evenings get nippy), raincoat/umbrella in any month, good walking shoes, and a small daypack. In monsoon, leech socks or high socks help on forest trails.
Short viewpoints don’t, but signature hikes like Meesapulimala (Munnar) and many forest trails in Periyar/Wayanad are allowed only with authorized guides and advance booking. It’s safer, more informative, and protects the fragile ecosystem.
