Kerala is famous for its beaches and backwaters, but the hill stations in Kerala are equally breathtaking. Nestled in the lush Western Ghats mountains in Kerala, these cool highland destinations offer misty valleys, tea plantations, wildlife forests, and refreshing weather throughout the year.
If you are looking for cold places in Kerala, mountain places in Kerala, or the most scenic hills in Kerala, these destinations provide the perfect escape from the humid plains. Many travelers visit these cool tourist places in Kerala for trekking, nature photography, honeymoon trips, and relaxing holidays.
In this guide, we explore the top hill stations of Kerala, including famous destinations like Munnar, Wayanad, Vagamon, Thekkady, and Ponmudi, along with lesser-known Kerala mountain places and highland regions.
Top 10 Hill stations in Kerala
Here is a quick Kerala hill station list of the most famous highland destinations. Most of these hill stations had once served as the Summer Capitals of the British during the colonial era courtesy of their cooler temperatures. With picturesque lakes and dams as their focal point, many are excellent places for boating activities.
- Munnar – Most famous hill station in Kerala
- Wayanad – Green mountain paradise
- Vagamon – Scenic meadows and pine forests
- Thekkady – Wildlife and mountain forests
- Ponmudi – Hill station near Trivandrum
- Vythiri – Luxury hill resorts in Kerala
- Athirapally – Waterfall hills
- Ramakkalmedu – Windy hilltop views
- Thenmala – Hidden hill station of Kerala
- Lakkidi – Gateway to Wayanad hills
These hills of Kerala are some of the coolest places in Kerala and are perfect for nature lovers.
Kerala hill stations have several alluring tourist attractions, viewpoints, and adventure activities for travelers like trekking, safaris, rock climbing, caving, visiting waterfalls, staying in treehouses, and toy train rides.
Here is a list of the most famous hill stations in Kerala and the best hilly places in Kerala for nature lovers.
1. Munnar- Highest Hill Station in Kerala
Munnar is the most famous hill station of Kerala and one of the most visited cold tourist places in Kerala. Located in the Idukki hill station belt, Munnar is known for sprawling tea plantations, misty valleys, and scenic viewpoints. It is often considered the Kerala coolest place and one of the most beautiful mountains in Kerala.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Top attractions | Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Top Station, Tea Museum, Attukad Waterfalls |
| Best time to visit | October to March |
| Distance from Kochi | Approx. 126 km |
| Altitude above sea level | Around 1,500–2,500 m |
| Nearest Airport to Munnar | Cochin International Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station to Munnar | Aluva Railway Station |
ALSO SEE – Munnar Vs Wayanad – Which Is Better?
The highest hill station in Kerala is Munnar, located in the Idukki district of the Western Ghats. Munnar sits at an altitude of around 1,600 meters above sea level and is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in South India.
2. Wayanad- Popular Hill station near Bangalore
Wayanad is a lush highland region in Kerala located in the northern Western Ghats. Known for dense forests and wildlife sanctuaries, it is one of the most famous hill stations of Kerala.
The region is filled with waterfalls, caves, and trekking routes, making it a favorite among adventure travelers.
It is bounded on the east by the Nilgiris and the Mysore districts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka respectively. It shares its borders with the Coorg district of Karnataka on the north, on the south with the Malappuram district, and on the west with the Calicut and Cannanore districts.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Top attractions | Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Soochipara Waterfalls, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Best time to visit | October to May |
| Distance from Kochi | Approx. 267 km |
| Altitude above sea level | Around 700–2,100 m |
| Nearest Airport to Wayanad | Calicut International Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station to Wayanad | Kozhikode Railway Station |
ALSO SEE – Wayanad or Coorg – Your Complete Guide
3. Vagamon- Scenic Meadows and Pine Forests
A virgin hillscape in the Idukki District of Kerala 1,100 meters above sea level, Vagamon is one of the most scenic Greenfield hill stations in India with moderate winter, pleasing monsoons, and a salubrious climate around the year. The room temperature does not usually rise above 22 degrees Celsius even during the hottest season in these high range places in Kerala.
Vagamon is one of the most charming hill places in Kerala and is known for green meadows, pine forests, and tea estates. It is among the top hill stations in Kerala for couples, families, and nature lovers.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Top attractions | Vagamon Meadows, Pine Forest, Kurisumala Hill, Thangal Para, Vagamon Lake |
| Best time to visit | September to March |
| Distance from Kochi | Approx. 103 km |
| Altitude above sea level | Around 1,100 m |
| Nearest Airport to Vagamon | Cochin International Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station to Vagamon | Kottayam Railway Station |
ALSO SEE – Vagamon Travel Guide
4. Thekkady- Wildlife Hill Station of Kerala
Thekkady is one of the most-visited hill stations in Kerala with a plethora of options for adventure junkies too. Bamboo rafting, border hiking, Mangla Devi temple, Periyar Lake, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Sukri Dam, and the Tribal Heritage Museum are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Thekkady.
Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on Earth for those who love nature in its wildest manifestations. The Periyar Tiger Sanctuary is Thekkady’s crown jewel and is spread over an area of 777 sq. km surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 sq/ km.
ALSO SEE – Thekkady Boating- Online Booking, Timings & Updated Fare
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Top attractions | Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Lake, Bamboo Rafting, Mangala Devi Temple, Spice Plantation Tours |
| Best time to visit | September to May |
| Distance from Kochi | Approx. 155 km |
| Altitude above sea level | Around 900–1,800 m |
| Nearest Airport to Thekkady | Cochin International Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station to Thekkady | Kottayam Railway Station |
5. Ponmudi – Best Hill Station Near Trivandrum
Ponmudi is a beautiful hill station near Trivandrum and one of the most accessible cold places in Kerala for travelers from South Kerala. Its winding roads, mist-covered hills, and scenic streams make it a refreshing getaway.
Ponmudi was discovered by Rishi Parshuram, a prominent Indian mythological figure. Some notable tourist attractions located in Ponmudi are Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Echo Point, and various trekking spots. Mist-laden valleys, especially Golden Valley near Kallar River, also draw tourists here. Travelers can find a deer park and wood and stone cottages colored in bright hues during their visit here.
ALSO SEE – Ponmudi Hills – Best Places To Visit & Things To Do
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Top attractions | Golden Valley, Meenmutty Falls, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Agasthyarkoodam Trekking Base, Kallar River |
| Best time to visit | October to March |
| Distance from Trivandrum | Approx. 53 km |
| Altitude above sea level | Around 915–1,100 m |
| Nearest Airport to Ponmudi | Thiruvananthapuram International Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station to Ponmudi | Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station |
6. Vythiri- Hill station with luxury resorts in Kerala
Vythiri hill station is located in Northern Kerala near Wayanad in the Sylvan Northern High Ranges. Since Vythiri is located in the high range places in Kerala at an altitude of 4,000 feet above sea level, the climate here is pleasantly cool throughout the year.
ALSO SEE – Top 11 Premium Resorts in Vythiri Wayanad
Vythiri is one of the best hill station resorts in Kerala destinations, especially for those looking for luxury stays in the middle of forests and mountains. It is a favorite among honeymooners and families.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Top attractions | Pookode Lake, Lakkidi View Point, Chain Tree, Soochipara Waterfalls, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Best time to visit | October to May |
| Distance from Kochi | Approx. 243 km |
| Altitude above sea level | Around 700–800 m |
| Nearest Airport to Vythiri | Calicut International Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station to Vythiri | Kozhikode Railway Station |
7. Athirapally- Waterfall hill station near Kochi
Athirapally, located east of Chalakudy in Thrissur District, is situated on the fringes of the Sholayar forests of the Western Ghats, which are the rainforests of Kerala. Athirapally is famous mostly for its 42-meter-high waterfalls.
Athirapally, lying at an average elevation of 300 meters above sea level consists of 14,850 hectares of tropical wet, evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous riparian forest ranges. Photographers who visit this most beautiful district in Kerala can capture some stunning landscape photos.
The Athirapally forest is one of the five territorial ranges of the Vazhachal Forest Division, the others being Charpa, Vazhachal, Kollathirumedu, and Sholayar. The forestland of Athirapally is one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots, as it is home to endangered as well as threatened species of flora and fauna.
ALSO SEE – Athirapally Falls Visit Guide- Photos, Timings, Entry Fee, Images & Routes
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Top attractions | Athirappilly Waterfalls, Vazhachal Waterfalls, Sholayar Forests, Chalakudy River Viewpoints, Forest Trails |
| Best time to visit | September to January |
| Distance from Kochi | Approx. 67 km |
| Altitude above sea level | Around 300–680 m |
| Nearest Airport to Athirappilly | Cochin International Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station to Athirappilly | Chalakudy Railway Station |
8. Ramakkalmedu- Windy Mountain Viewpoint in Kerala
Ramakkalmedu is one of the most unique kerala mountain places, known for strong winds, wide valley views, and dramatic landscapes. It is one of the best hills in Kerala for photography and scenic drives.
Located close to Thekkady, Ramakkalmedu is a beautiful view spot on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, giving breathtaking views of Kombai villages in Tamil Nadu on one side and the surreal villages around Nedumkandam in Kerala on the other side.
ALSO SEE – 20 Best Things To Do In Thekkady
Kuravan mountain, which has the Kuravan Kurathi statue, is among the most scenic hill stations in Kerala and the legend is that Rama and Sita came there during their exile and rested on the rock in Ramakkalmedu. Other than the religious factor, its rolling green hills and fresh mountain air also make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat.
The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the Tamil Nadu towns of Kumbum, Theni, Kombe, Thevaram, Uthamapalayam, Bodinaykannor, and Vaiga.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Top attractions | Ramakkalmedu Viewpoint, Kuravan Kurathi Statue, Windmill Farms, Ramakkalmedu Trekking Trails, Border Viewpoints |
| Best time to visit | September to March |
| Distance from Kochi | Approx. 143 km |
| Altitude above sea level | Around 980–1,070 m |
| Nearest Airport to Ramakkalmedu | Cochin International Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station to Ramakkalmedu | Kottayam Railway Station |
9. Thenmala- Hidden hill station of Kerala
Thenmala is in Southern Kerala near Kollam district, Thenmala is one of the highest places in Kerala that boasts of being India’s first planned ecotourism destination.
“Thenmala”, meaning “the hill that yields honey” in the local Malayalam language, is known for its vast network of bee-rearing farms and high-quality honey export.
It is essentially a small village at the foothills of the Western Ghats and predominantly a forest area. The hilly areas in Kerala encompassing the famous Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary are the most important nature reserve of Thenmala ecotourism. This Wildlife Sanctuary is about 100 sq. km and harbors large varieties of flora and fauna.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Top attractions | Thenmala Dam, Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary, Thenmala Ecotourism Park, Butterfly Safari Park, Suspension Bridge |
| Best time to visit | October to March |
| Distance from Trivandrum | Approx. 72 km |
| Altitude above sea level | Around 500–650 m |
| Nearest Airport to Thenmala | Thiruvananthapuram International Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station to Thenmala | Kollam Junction Railway Station |
10. Lakkidi- Gateway to Wayanad Hills
Lakkidi is referred to as the Gateway of the Wayanad district as it is the starting point in exploring the entire Wayanad region along with its impressive mountain peaks, dense forests, and beautiful streams.
Lakkidi is one of the highest locations in Wayanad and registers the second-highest degree of rainfall in the world. Despite its small size, Lakkidi is among the most famous Kerala hill stations.
ALSO SEE – 15 Most Fascinating Places To Visit In Wayanad
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Top attractions | Lakkidi View Point, Chain Tree, Pookode Lake, Thamarassery Ghat Pass, Wayanad Forest Drives |
| Best time to visit | October to May |
| Distance from Kochi | Approx. 239 km |
| Altitude above sea level | Around 700 m |
| Nearest Airport to Lakkidi | Calicut International Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station to Lakkidi | Kozhikode Railway Station |
The hill stations in Kerala are among the most beautiful mountain destinations in South India. From the tea-covered slopes of Munnar to the lush forests of Wayanad and the tranquil meadows of Vagamon, these Kerala mountain places offer breathtaking scenery, cool weather, and unforgettable travel experiences. Whether you are searching for the best hill stations in Kerala, peaceful cold places in Kerala, or scenic hills in Kerala for a relaxing holiday, these highland destinations provide the perfect escape from the heat of the plains. Exploring the beautiful hill stations of Kerala is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty, fresh mountain air, and serene landscapes that make Kerala a truly unforgettable travel destination.
Best Time to Visit Hill Stations in Kerala
The best time to visit hill stations in Kerala is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. During this period destinations like Munnar, Wayanad, Vagamon, and Thekkady offer clear views, comfortable temperatures, and excellent conditions for sightseeing and trekking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations in Kerala
1. Which is the best hill station in Kerala?
Munnar is widely considered the best hill station in Kerala because of its tea plantations, cool climate, scenic viewpoints, and easy accessibility from Kochi.
2. What is the highest hill station in Kerala?
Munnar is considered the highest major hill station in Kerala. It is located in the Idukki district and is close to Anamudi Peak, the highest mountain in Kerala at 2,695 meters above sea level.
3. Which hill station is nearest to Kochi?
Munnar is one of the nearest and most popular hill stations from Kochi, located around 126 km away by road.
4. Which hill station is near Trivandrum?
Ponmudi is the most popular hill station near Trivandrum. It is located about 53 km from the city and is known for misty hills, winding roads, and scenic streams.
5. What is the best time to visit hill stations in Kerala?
The best time to visit hill stations in Kerala is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant for sightseeing, trekking, and nature holidays.
Other famous hill stations in Kerala include Nelliyampathy, Devikulam, and Attappady, and if you are interested in visiting all these beautiful destinations, you must check out our customized Kerala Hill Stations Package and Call of the Hills Package. Start planning a trip right away if you want to immerse yourself in nature and soothe your mind, body, and soul at any of these amazing Kerala hilly stations!
Thank you so much for sharing. I have found it extremely helpful, I would like to visit those places.