Exotic Hill Stations in Kerala

How to Reach By Air Coimbatore is the nearest airport to the hill station of Attappady and is located around 55 km from Palakkad, which in turn is just about 40 km from Mannarkkad. By Rail The nearest railway station to the quaint hill station of Attappady is at Palakkad, from where you can reach the green slopes of Attappady by a number of options of transportations. Attapaddy is around 40 kms away from Palakkad. By Road Attappady is well- connected to almost all its neighboring districts by smooth roads and an efficient system of local transport.

	Idukki Idukki is scarred by the rivers Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar. The low green hills at Idukki make way for the meandering rivers to gurgle past its slopes. A sprawling 1500 sq. m area at Idukki is taken up by Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to an amazing range of wildlife. With its aroma of its famous spices and the moist green hills Idukki is ready to get you drunk with its abundance. Tourist Attractions · Idukki wildlife Sanctuary · Tea plantations · Spice plantations · Idukki arch dam · Waterfalls at Keezar Kuthu

How to Reach
Idukki is very well connected via road to other places in Kerala and outside. The NH 49 and state highways 13 and 33 pass through the district. The nearest rail and air terminal is at Madurai 140 km away.

Munnar
Green and surrounded by the serenity of spectacular hills, the beautiful hill station redefines nature like never before. A part of “God’s Own Country”, Kerala, the beautiful hill station of Munnar is one of the most popular tourist destination of India, drawing a wide variety of people with the lure of her picturesque landscapes. Thus, whether you are a newly wed couple planning a honeymoon in Munnar or just planning a holiday in Munnar with your family, this beautiful district promises to charm!

The district of Munnar is characterized by being the confluence of three rives, the Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, which in turn gives the district its name as the word Munnar means “three rivers” in Tamil. Clean and pure, the district is also home to the famous Neelakurunji plant, which blooms only once in 12 years.

How to Reach
By Air
Kochi or Cochin is the airport nearest to Munnar, located around 130 kms away from this scenic hill station. The town of Munnar is well-connected to the airport at Kochi by a number of means of transportation.

By Rail
The nearest railway station to the quaint hill station of Munnar is at Kochi and is well- connected to the hilly slopes of Munnar

By Road
Munnar is well- connected to almost all its neighboring districts by smooth roads and an efficient system of local transport. These include cities like Madurai which takes around six hours to reach as well as Coimbatore at almost the same distance.

Peerumedu
Named after a Sufi saint Peer Mohammed, Peerumedu is blessed with a history that forms one of its most important attractions. Located around 85 km to the east of Kottayam, the weather of Peerumedu is invitingly cool and moist, a perfect excuse for that weekend getaway to Peerumedu. The green slopes of the region are also the perfect place for newly weds to be if they are keen on a honeymoon in Peerumedu. Surrounded by rich plantations of tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus, the entirety of Peerumedu is enveloped with a fragrance that is heady and delightfully intoxicating!

How to Reach

By Rail
The nearest railway station to Peerumedu is at Kottayam, located around 85 kms away from this un-spoilt hill station of Kerala.

By Road
A number of well- maintained roads connect Peerumedu to the other major cities of Kerala as well as a number of neighboring cities which actually fall in Tamil Nadu.

Pashipathalam
A trekker’s paradise and one of the most uncorrupted hill stations of India, the pristine beauty of the quaint hill station of Pakshipathalam promises to sweep you off you your feet while on a visit to Pakshipathalam. Located around 7 kms to the north eastern portion of Thirunelli, Pakshipathalam can only be reached by trekking. A haven for several rare and exotic species of birds and animals, the lush, green deciduous forests of Pakshipathalam were once the meditating area for countless rishis or saints of ancient India.

Today a wildlife lover’s paradise, a trip to Pakshipathalam is a must include in your tour journey of Kerala, drawing countless tourists to its lands with the lure of rich natural beauty. One of the major centers of eco tourism in Kerala, Pakshipathalam is also located close to Kuruvadweep, an island which is renowned for its perfect ecological balance. Known for possessing the best soil for the growth of rare species of orchids and a number of other examples of flora, a trip to Kuruvadweep is a definite must include while on a holiday in Pakshipathalam.

How to Reach

By Air
Kozhikode is the nearest airport to the hill station of Pakshipathalam with its airport called the Karipur International Airport being located around 55 km from Pakshipathalam.

By Rail
The nearest railway station to Pakshipathalam is at Kozhikode from which the only way of accessing this quaint and historic hill station is by trekking.

By Road
The only way of reaching the slopes of Pakshipathalam is by trekking.

Silent valley
One of the prettiest hill stations in India, the Silent Valley is a must visit while planning a trip to Kerala. The Silent Valley is also one of the most important national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of India, with its natural beauty being the perfect background for the comfort of a number of rare species of flora and fauna. Much of the natural charm of the Silent Valley is still well preserved today, with the scenic landscape of the Valley also being home to a number of aboriginal tribes mainly led by the Kurumbar Tribes, who make the tour to the Silent Valley even more special by their rustic charm.

The scenic slopes of the Silent Valley are home to a number of rare species of birds, animals and plants which include:

· Ceylon Frogmouth
· Great Indian Hornbill
· Nilgiri Laughing Thrush Or The Rufous-Breasted Laughingthrush
· Long-Legged Buzzard
· Red Winged Crested Cuckoo
· Malabar Pied Hornbill
· Nilgiri Laughing Thrush
· Pale Harrier
· Nilgiri Pipit
· Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon
· Nilgiri Flycatcher
· Nilgiri Laughing Thrush
· Black Bulbul

How to Reach

By Air
The airport nearest to the Silent Valley is at Coimbatore which is located around 55 km away from the hill station.

By Rail
The nearest railway station to the quaint hill station of Silent Valley is at Palakkad which is around 55 kms away from the Valley and is well- connected to the hilly slopes of Silent Valley

By Road
Silent Valley is well- connected to almost all its neighboring districts by smooth roads and an efficient system of local transport. One of the most convenient forms of transportation used in the region is the auto which travels along the following routes:

· Coimbatore – Anakkatty – Mukkali – 90 km
· Coimbatore – Palakkad – Mannarkkad – Mukkali – 120 km
· Kozhikode - Palakkad – Mannarkkad – Mukkali – 120 km

Vagamon
At an altitude of 1100 m and 65 km from Idukki district and 60 km from Kottayam Vagamon made up of the Thangal hills, the Kurisumala and the Murugan hills. Perched high among green tea plantations and gurgling streams, Vagamon or Wagamon ensures an exhilarating and soothing haven for trekkers and hikers. Strolling through the nature walks in Vagamon, you might come across elephants frolicking in pools juts like that. With a rich and varied range of flora and fauna Vagamon is ideal for all those seeking a travel experience with a difference.

Tourist Attractions
· Kurisumala (Christian pilgrimage)
· Kurisumala dairy farm
· Unique rock formation at Thangal para an Indo-Swiss project
· Tea plantations

How to Reach
Vagamon is well connected by road to Kottayam, Palai and Idukki. A 2- 2 ½ hrs (approx) drive from any of these places will take you to Vagamon.

Travel Tips
· The temperature remains between 10 degrees and 23 degrees centigrade. Carry adequate clothing
· Trek to the dairy farm run by monks to witness the work there
· Hike about nature walks; they have surprises for you in store

Wayanad
Located in the north eastern section of the state of Kerala, the beautiful district of Wayanad is one of the most popular hill stations of India. Surrounded by lush green, sloping plains of spice plantation, a trip to Wayanad is a must include if you are planning a tour to Kerala.
Blessed by nature with lush, tropical forests, undulating slopes through which a number of smooth flowing rivers run across and a climate that promises to charm, the serene hill station of Wayanad remains even today uncorrupted by modernity and thus, is generally regarded to be one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala. A definite must-visit while on a holiday in Kerala.

How to Reach

By Air
The airport nearest to the Wayanad is at Kozhikode airport at Karippur which is well connected to the hill station by a number of transportation options.

By Rail
The nearest railway station to the pristine hill station of Wayanad is located at Kozhikode, which is situated at a distance of around 67 kms away from Wayanad

By Road
A number of excellently maintained roads connect Wayanad with its neighboring cities. These include the Kozhikode- Mysore National Highway No. 212, which passes through the middle of the district. However it is best to avoid these roads at night as they run through a region which is famous for its elephants!

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