Escape the familiar backwaters and explore the serene hills of Kerala. Discover misty mountains, lush forests, and hidden gems waiting beyond the waterways.
Renowned as “God’s Own Country,” Kerala is a repository of natural beauty, rich culture, and peaceful retreats. Among its many wonders, the hill stations of Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady stand out as perfect places for travellers looking for adventure, peace, and revitalization. Every one of these hill stations provides particular experiences shaped by their surroundings, history, and customs. Let’s investigate what draws people to these locations and highlight the best excursions, sights, and lodging choices to savour during your visit.
Munnar – The Queen of the Hills
Many times, considered the apex of Kerala’s hill resorts, Munnar Endless tea farms, cloaked in fog and fresh mountain air, ornament its terrain, stretching across rolling hills. The lush vegetation and cool climate of the city make it a great escape from the rat race of urban life.
Exploring Tea Plantations and Nature in Munnar
Exploring the tea estates of Munnar is among the most fulfilling activities available. Guided tours around the expansive estates let guests learn about the complex process of tea growing and preparation. Beginning this adventure at the Tata Tea Museum is perfect as it blends fascinating displays with history.
Eravikulam National Park will appeal to those who love nature. Along with amazing views of the Western Ghats, the endangered Nilgiri Tahr resides in this protected region among several trekking paths. For adventure lovers, the arduous journey to Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India, is quite fulfilling.
While Echo Point provides an entertaining natural phenomena where voices are returned by the hills, Mattupetty Dam presents a peaceful setting for boating amidst beautiful scenery. Attractive sites for relaxation, nearby waterfalls like Attukal enhance the natural beauty.
Top Stays and Landmarks in Munnar
Some really remarkable hotels to stay can be found in Munnar’s hospitality industry. Tea County Munnar is noteworthy for combining contemporary luxury with colonial charm. For relaxing, Parakkat Nature Hotels and Resorts has large rooms with tea garden vista. A small boutique hotel called The Fog Munnar offers visitors a warm, personal experience.
Attukal Waterfalls is must-see for sightseeing; Kundala Lake is renowned for pedal boating; and the well-kept Blossom International Park is perfect for family outings.
Wayanad – A Wilderness Retreat
Famous for its rich biodiversity, wildlife sanctuaries, ancient caves, and spice plantations, Wayanad is a fascinating hill station situated on the verdant Western Ghats plateau. It is a paradise for those who love exploring the unspoilt beauty of nature.
Must-See Attractions and Adventures in Wayanad
With their prehistoric rock carvings dating back over six thousand years, the Edakkal Caves provide a view into past human history. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where jeep safaris expose glimpses of elephants, deer, and strange birds, would appeal to nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
For its amazing lake and kayaking and boating possibilities, a visit to India’s biggest earthen dam, Banasura Sagar Dam, is imperative. With a breath-taking heart-shaped lake and vast vistas of the terrain below, the journey to Chembra Peak provides modest difficulties and great rewards. Another attraction ideal for swimming and savoring the reviving water is the Soochipara Waterfalls, sometimes referred to as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls.
Best Accommodations and Natural Wonders in Wayanad
Wayanad’s lodging choices mirror its environmental consciousness. Surrounded by rainforest and providing distinctive treehouse and cottage stays, Vythiri Village Resort is a noteworthy option. While The Windflower Resort and Spa blends luxury with nature for a revitalizing stay, Wayanad Silverwoods offers a basic but pleasant experience.
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Visitors should not pass Kuruva Island, a protected river delta renowned for rare flora and fauna, or spending quiet moments by Pookode Lake, a freshwater body surrounded by hills. For more safari expeditions, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is excellent.
Thekkady – Gateway to Wildlife and Spice Gardens
Known for its rich biodiversity and spice farms, Thekkady is a place combining cultural events with wildlife adventure. The appeal of Thekkady revolves on the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where a boat trip on Periyar Lake presents opportunities to view elephants, wild hogs, and many other bird species in their natural setting.
Wildlife Experiences and Cultural Highlights in Thekkady
Here one will have an amazing experience exploring the scented spice plantations. While exploring the spice trade legacy of Kerala, tourists can stroll among cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon plantations. Seeing the edge of the forest and seeing animals is a quiet approach to do bamboo rafting on the quiet river.
For those wishing to go further into the forest paths, there are plenty of guided nature hikes and treking possibilities. Cultural events like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s traditional dance and martial arts, brighten the trip and sometimes come to life in the evenings.
Comfortable Stays and Notable Sites in Thekkady
Among the lodgings, The Elephant Court is a grand hotel with refined rooms and vistas over woodlands. While Cardamom County is a lovely location with great amenities to unwind following a day of discovery, Greenwoods Resort is well known for its small cabins.
Accessible by walking inside the sanctuary, Thekkady also features sites like the Mangala Devi Temple, where visitors are treated to breathtaking views. While Periyar Lake is an excellent place for birdwatching and scenic boat journeys, the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre features mesmerising martial arts displays.
Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady, Kerala’s hill stations, present a great blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. For the greatest experience, come between October and March. These locations will have you renewed and motivated whether you search for thrill or tranquillity.