Scenic Hill Stations in Kerala for an Awesome Two-Day Vacation (Around Kochi)

Kerala, often known as "God's Own Country," is endowed with a plethora of breathtaking hill stations, wildlife preserves, rugged mountains, waterfalls, and forests.

There are more than 60 hill stations in Kerala. Some of them are populer and some are not. This blog will cover all of the picturesque regions of Kerala, from Kasargod to Trivandrum. If you wish to take a break and go on a weekend getaway, read this blog to choose the best hill stations in kerala that you want to explore.

#1 Vagamon

Vagamon is a beautiful hill station in the Kottayam district, nestled between three hills: Thangal, Murugan, and Krisumala. It is widely renowned for its tea plantations, acres of rolling hills, pine woods, waterfalls, magnificent landscape, and comfortable climate, making it a perfect summer weekend getaway location.

How to Reach:

• Nearest airport: 95 km from Cochin International airport
• Nearest railway station: 22 km from Kuttikkanam railway station

Places To Visit: Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary, Vagamon Meadows, Vagamon Pine Forest, Barren Hill, Thangalpara, Maramala Waterfalls, Parunthumpara ViewPoint, Mundakayam Ghat, Vagamon Orchid Garden, Murinjapuzha Waterfalls

Places of Worship: Kurisumala Ashram, Murugan Mala

Things to Do: Camping, trekking, mountaineering, off-roading, boat rides, paragliding, taking photographs, and enjoying nature walks.

The best time to visit Vagamon is after the monsoons, from June to September, or before the summer, from March to May.

Other must-visit places near Vagamon:

Ilaveezhapoonchira

The best places in Kerala to watch sunset and sunrise without any hindrance. Ilaveezhapoonchira in Malayalam indicates a "valley where leaves don't fall", which is known because trees are not present in this area.

The best time to visit Ilaveezhapoonchira is between November to March.

Kuttikanam

Kuttikanam is covered in tea plantations, pine forests, streams, cardamom plantations, and hills, which ooze out an alluring charm for a relaxing and peaceful vacation at 3500 metres above sea level.

The best time to visit Kuttikanam is between November to February.

#2 Athirapally Waterfalls

Also known as the "Niagara of Kerala' it is one of the best places to visit during the Kerala monsoon. The 80-foot-high waterfall is situated in the Thrissur district, where the Chalakudy River is the gateway to the Sholayar range and is surrounded by lush flora and fauna.

How to Reach:

• Nearest airport: 33 km from Cochin International airport
• Nearest railway station: 27 km from Chalakudy railway station

Places To Visit:Thumboormuzhi Dam and Hanging Bridge, Charpa waterfalls, Vazhachal waterfalls, Ezhattumugham, Muniyattukunnu, Thrissur zoo

Things To Do: Trekking, mountaineering, natural river bath, jungle safari, photographing, bird watching, enjoying nature walks.

The ideal time to visit Athirapally is between June to December.

#3 Idukki

Idukki, a landlocked hill district in the Western Ghats, is endowed with beauty and tranquillity. Idukki is also known as Kerala's Spice Garden, and it is home to various animal sanctuaries, hill stations, and hiking trails.

How to Reach:

• Nearest airport: 100 kms from Cochin International airport
• Nearest railway station: 100 km from Kottayam railway station

Places To Visit: Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki Arch Dam, Calvary Mount, Painavu, Ramakkalmedu, Thommankuthu Waterfalls, Anchuruli Waterfalls, Vandanmedu, Keezharkuthu Falls, Mangala Devi Temple, Ayyappancoil Hanging Bridge, Anakkara, Kulamavu Dam, Meesapulimala

Things To Do: Camping, trekking, mountaineering, Off Roading, boating, taking photographs, enjoying nature walks.

The ideal time to visit Idukki is between October to February.

#4 Marayur

Nestled in the shadows of the Western Ghats, Marayoor is a pre-historic site in the Idukki district, it is the only place in Kerala with natural sandalwood forests and the least touched by population. This place is the most famous rock art site and attracts many visitors.

Places To Visit: Marayoor Sandalwood Forest, Muniyara (dolmenoid), Ezhuthupara, Marayoor sarkara, Thoovanam waterfalls, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Things To Do: Take photographs of the sandalwood forests and the panoramic views, Go for a trek, visit the small shops and collect souvenirs.

The ideal time to visit Marayur is between October to March.

#5 Thekkady

In Kerala's Idukki district, it is a nature lover's and animal enthusiast's heaven. Magnificent elephants and tigers may be spotted wandering along the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary's pure waterways. Aromatic spice gardens and plantations of tea and coffee present an amazing ambiance for visitors.

Places To Visit: Periyar National Park, Thekkady Lake, Murikkady, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Pandikuzhi, Mullaperiyar Dam, Abraham’s Spice Garden, Kumily

Things to Do: Bamboo Rafting and Hiking, Tribal Walks, Bird Watching, Elephant Spotting, Jungle Walks, Trekking, Boating, Jeep Rides, Visit the ancient temple inside the reserve dedicated to Mangala Devi, take a tour of cardamom and tea plantations, or enjoy an Ayurvedic massage.

The ideal time to visit Thekkady is between November to February.

#6 Munnar

Munnar is formed by the fusion of three mountain streams: Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. This hill station of Kerala is located in Idukki district, which is 1,600 m above sea level, and is home to enormous tea plantations, quaint towns, meandering lanes, and recreational amenities, making it a very popular vacation destination.

How to Reach:

• Nearest airport: 107 km from Cochin International airport
• Nearest railway station: 108 km from Aluva railway station

Places To Visit: Tea Museum, Chinnakanal Waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Top Station, Kundale Lake, Shooting Point, Echo Point

Things To Do: Stay at tree houses, take a tour of tea plantations, camping, trek, boating, take photographs, and enjoy nature walks.

The ideal time to visit Munnar is between October to February.

Take note: Munnar is also known for Neelakurinji, a rare plant which flowers only once every twelve years.

#7 Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley is nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, home to the largest population of lion-tailed macaques. Silent Valley's densely forested terrain boasts unspoiled and untouched rich biodiversity. It is a year-round destination with high chances of wildlife sightings, situated in the Palakkad district.

How to Reach:

• Nearest airport: 77 km from Coimbatore International Airport
• Nearest railway station: 73 km from Olavakkode Railway Station

Things to Do: Wildlife Safari, Gaze at panoramic views from the Watchtower, Trek to Kunthi River

The best time to visit Silent Valley National Park is between December to April.

Take note:

• Prior permission from the Kerala State Forest Department is required.
• Entry is only permitted from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The park can only be seen and enjoyed by walking.
• Each group is accompanied by a forest warden who serves as a guide to guarantee that no harm is done to the national park's residents.

#8 Wayanad

Wayanad is a beautiful and one of the top hill stations in Kerala, famous for its plethora of magnificent sights, flora and fauna, wildlife, waterfalls, mountains, and lakes. At the same time, there are many historical temples and caves where you can learn more about crafts and culture.

How to Reach:

• Nearest airport: 93 km from Karipur International Airport
• Nearest railway station: 84 km away from Kozhikode Railway Station

Places To Visit: 900 Kandi, Glass Bridge, Edakkal Caves, Ripon Tea Factory, Kolagappara, Karapuzha Dam, Wayanad Heritage Museum, Sulthan Bathery, Krishnagiri Cricket Stadium, Pazhassi Raja Tomb, Karlad Lake, Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, Bamboo Factory, Lakkidi View Point, Phantom Rock, Soochipara Falls, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Pookode Lake, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Meenmutty Waterfalls, Neelimala View Point, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Kuruva Island.

Places of Worship: Varambetta Mosque, Jain Temple, Jumma Masjid, Pallikkunnu Church, Thirunelli Temple

Things to Do: camping and trekking, exploring caves, bird-watching, sightseeing, boating, rock climbing, rappelling, swimming, wildlife safari, mountain climbing, ziplining, tree house stay.

The best time to visit Wayanad is between October to May.

#9 Ponmudi

A captivating hill station in the Thiruvananthapuram district which also comes under the list of best coastal places in Kerala, as it is close to the sea and is situated 915 metres above sea level. Ponmudi hill station offers respite from the heat and the hustle and bustle of city life. Its narrow, meandering pathways, dark woods, and soothing climate make it a splendid weekend location.

How to Reach:

• Nearest airport: 57 kms from Trivandrum International Airport
• Nearest railway station: 55 km away from Trivandrum Railway Station

Places To Visit: Deer Park, Meenmutty Falls, Ponmudi Waterfalls, and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Mankkayam Falls, Varayattumotta, Golden Valley, Kallar, Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyikkal Palace in Nedumangad

Things to Do: Sightseeing, relaxing Ayurvedic treatments, trekking, Jungle Safari, and wildlife, rock climbing, mountaineering, and sightseeing.

The best time to visit Ponmudi is between October to March.

#10 Agasthyakoodam

Part of the Sahyadri ranges in the Western Ghats, Agasthyakoodam, situated at 1,890 m above sea level, is the second highest peak in Kerala. Sprawling with wildlife, the forests of Agasthyakoodam are teeming with rare remedial herbs and plants. It is also a bird watcher’s paradise, only accessible by foot from Kotoor, near Neyyar Dam and Bonakkad.

How to Reach:

• Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, around 61 km from Bonacaud.
• Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, around 69 km from Bonacaud.

Things to Do: bird watching, trekking, sightseeing, jungle safari, wildlife, rock climbing, mountaineering, camping.

The best time to visit Agasthyakoodam is between December to April.

Take note:

• The mountain peak has to be trekked from two base points, one at Kottoor and another at Bonakkad.
• Only 100 people with full physical fitness can enter the forest daily after thorough verification.
• Women and children are not permitted to enter the forest and take part in trekking.

#11 Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta, the smallest district in Kerala, is renowned as the centre of pilgrim worship and also known for learning and experiencing many cultural and traditional practices.

How to Reach:

• Nearest airport: 107 kms from Trivandrum International Airport
• Nearest railway station: 31 kms from Tiruvalla railway station

Places To Visit: Konni Elephant Cage, Gavi, Orakkampara Waterfalls, Konni and Adavi, Perunthenaruvi Waterfall, Thriveni Sangamam, Muloor Smarakam, Periyar National Park

Places of Worship: Sabarimala Sree Dharmasastha Temple, Maramon Convention, Parumala Church, Sree Vallabha Temple, St John’s Cathedral, St Mary’s Orthodox Church, Mahadeva Kshethram, Thekkekudi Cave Temple, Pandalam

Things to Do: Camping, trekking, hiking, boating, taking photographs, enjoying nature walks, exploring wildlife, and visiting holy places.

The best time to visit Pathanamthitta is between October to February.

This blog covers almost all the beautiful high ranges of Kerala. Get off the main path, discover hidden gems, and share your favourite travel tales with your loved ones back home. You can also enjoy taking a stroll through Kerala's stunning spice plantations, breathing in the scent of nature.