Kerala’s hill stations are full of green views, tea gardens, and local culture. Hidden in the Western Ghats, they stay cool all year and are perfect for nature lovers, adventure lovers, or anyone wanting a peaceful break.
There’s a reason why Kerala is called God’s Own Country. Kerala is blessed with beautiful green landscapes, beaches, and backwaters. But hidden among the Western Ghats, there are many magnificent hill stations in Kerala where locals and tourists both visit to refresh their minds. Some of the top hill stations in Kerala remain pleasant throughout the year.
Unlike hill stations in North India, the hill stations in Kerala have a unique tropical mountain ecosystem. The tea plantations, spice gardens, wildlife, and the cultural richness of the local communities of Kerala make them even more special. These highlands are perfect for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and families looking for a weekend escape.
If you’re planning to explore these hill stations in Kerala, considering our Kerala Tour Packages can save you time and provide a well-organized experience. Most of these hill stations are situated at elevations ranging from 700 to 2,100 meters, offering comfortable temperatures even during summer months when the rest of the state experiences high humidity.
Let’s explore the top 20 hill stations in Kerala that represent Kerala’s beauty at its finest.
1. Munnar
Munnar, one of the famous hill stations in Kerala, is a green paradise of tea plantations that make Munnar even greener. At 1,600 meters above sea level, this former summer resort of the British Government has misty mountains and the refreshing scent of tea and spices hovering in the air. The confluence of three rivers – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala also happens in Munnar, Kerala, which makes it even more popular.
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Places to visit in Munnar: Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Top Station, and Anamudi Peak.
2. Wayanad
Wayanad is among the top 10 hill stations in Kerala known for its spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and prehistoric caves. Situated at an elevation of 700-2,100 meters, this heaven has a rich cultural heritage with tribal communities. The landscape of Wayanad is a combo of mountains, forests, paddy fields, and mist-covered valleys that attracts visitors with their untouched beauty.
Places to visit in Wayanad: Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Pookote Lake, and Soochipara Falls.
3. Thekkady
Thekkady is famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India’s most well-maintained tiger reserves. This hill station in Kerala offers a unique experience of wildlife spotting amidst hills covered with spice plantations. The aromatic air was filled with the scent of cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper while boating on Periyar Lake, and elephants, deer, and numerous bird species around you is an experience you won’t forget.
Places to visit in Thekkady: Periyar Tiger Reserve, Elephant Junction, Spice Gardens, Kumily, and Murikkady.
4. Vagamon
Vagamon is one of the hidden gems among the hill stations in Kerala, relatively untouched by commercial tourism. Located at an elevation of 1,100 meters, it features rolling hills, grass-covered land, and pine forests. The three hills – Thangal, Murugan, and Kurisumala – represent religious harmony as they are sacred to Muslims, Hindus, and Christians, respectively, making this hill station culturally significant.
Places to visit in Vagamon: Kurisumala, Pine Valley, Vagamon Lake, Murugan Hill, and Thangal Para.
5. Ponmudi
Ponmudi, meaning “Golden Peak,” is one of the lesser-explored hill stations of Kerala, just 55 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The twistiting road to Ponmudi with 22 hairpin bends offers a thrilling journey with spectacular views. This hill retreat is characterized by narrow streams, butterflies, and mountain flowers.
Places to visit in Ponmudi: Golden Valley, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Echo Point, and Kallar River.
6. Idukki
Idukki stands out among the top hill stations in Kerala for its massive arch dam between two mountains. This region of Kerala is specifically famous for its dense forests, valleys, and spice plantations. The hill station offers views of the Western Ghats and is home to diverse wildlife. Idukki’s peaceful beauty makes it best for those who want to have a peaceful weekend vacation away from the crowds.
Places to visit in Idukki: Idukki Arch Dam, Hill View Park, Anchuruli Tunnel, Calvary Mount, and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.
7. Nelliyampathy
Nelliyampathy is one of the hidden hill stations in Kerala, as it is not known to the majority of people. The road journey to Nelliyampathy through nine hairpin bends offers spectacular views of the Palakkad plains. Because of its orange and cardamom plantations, biodiverse forests, and panoramic views, it is highly visited by photographers. The misty mountains and colonial bungalows add a nostalgic charm.
Places to visit in Nelliyampathy: Seetharkundu Viewpoint, Kesavanpara, Palagapandi Estate, and Victoria Church.
8. Peermedu
Peermedu, named after the Sufi saint Peer Mohammed, is among the famous hill stations in Kerala with a rich colonial heritage. Located at an altitude of 915 meters in Idukki district, it’s characterized by extensive rubber, tea, coffee, and spice plantations. The pleasant climate year-round and the old colonial bungalows surrounded by gardens make it popular among families.
Places to visit in Peermedu: Kuttikanam, Thrissanku Hills, Peeru Hills, and Summer Palace.
9. Lakkidi
Lakkidi, known as the gateway to Wayanad, is one of the hill stations in Kerala, receiving the second-highest rainfall in India. Located at an altitude of 700 meters, the hill station offers amazing views of the magnificent Thamarassery Ghat pass. The cloudy mountains, forests, and pleasant climate make it a preferred stopover for travelers heading to Wayanad.
Places to visit in Lakkidi: Chain Tree, Pookode Lake, Lakkidi Viewpoint, and Vythiri.
10. Devikulam
Devikulam, just 7 km from Munnar, is one of the peaceful hill stations of Kerala named after the mythical bathing place of Goddess Sita. The cool climate, mist-covered hills, and the waters of Sita Devi Lake make it a rejuvenating retreat. At an elevation of 1,800 meters, this hill station is blessed with lush green meadows, exotic flora, pristine lakes, and tea plantations.
Places to visit in Devikulam: Sita Devi Lake, Lockhart Gap, tea plantations, and surrounding viewpoints.
11. Malakkappara
Malakkappara is an offbeat but the best hill station in Kerala, located on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This remote tea plantation town offers a serene environment away from tourist crowds. The road trip to Malakkappara through dense forests of the Sholayar range is an adventure in itself. The unspoiled nature, wildlife, and the authentic tea plantation experience make it worth visiting.
Places to visit in Malakkappara: Tea Plantations, Sholayar Dam, Valparai viewpoints, and the surrounding forests.
12. Meesapulimala
Meesapulimala, the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats after Anamudi, is among the offbeat top 10 hill stations in Kerala for trekking enthusiasts. The pristine environment and the trek make it popular among adventure lovers. Located near Munnar at an altitude of 2,640 meters, this hill station offers panoramic views of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Places to visit in Meesapulimala: Rhodo Valley, Kannimala, the surrounding peaks, and Kolukumalai Tea Estate.
13. Peerumedu
Peerumedu, with some ancient beauty, is one of the famous hill stations in Kerala known for its spice plantation and bungalows. The hill station derives its name from Sufi saint Peer Mohammed who meditated here. The hills covered with tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations are perfect for both photographers and peace seekers.
Places to visit in Peerumedu: Periyar Valley, Thrissanku Hills, Parunthumpara, and old bungalows.
14. Kuttikkanam
Kuttikkanam, situated in Idukki district, is one of Kerala’s beautiful hill stations known for its pine forests and colonial heritage. The hill station has a pleasant climate throughout the year and serves as a base for exploring nearby attractions. It is a perfect weekend getaway because of its mist-covered hills, plantations, and old-world beauty.
Places to visit in Kuttikkanam: Pine Valley, Panchalimedu, Peermade Palace, and Marykulam.
15. Gavi
Gavi, part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, is an eco-tourism destination and one of the famous hill stations in Kerala that offers a thrilling forest experience. This quiet location features dense forests, grasslands, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The sustainable tourism model implemented here makes it ideal for responsible travelers who look to connect with nature.
Places to visit in Gavi: Gavi Lake, Kochu Pampa, Sabarimala viewpoint, and forest trekking trails.
Before planning your visit, it’s essential to check the Best time to visit Kerala hill stations, which is generally between September and May when the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are possible.
16. Ottapalam
Ottapalam, often overlooked among hill stations, offers a unique blend of ruralness and hill station atmosphere. Located along the banks of the Bharathapuzha River, it has hills, traditional villages, and lush greenery. The hill station has historical significance and has been featured in numerous Malayalam films.
Places to visit in Ottapalam: Thiruvilwamala, Cheruthuruthy, Vellinezhi, and Hemambika Temple.
17. Paithalmala
Paithalmala, situated in Kannur district at an elevation of 1,372 meters, is one of the highest and least explored hill stations of Kerala. The trek to the summit offers spectacular views of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Because of its biodiversity, rivers, and mist-covered peaks, it is highly visited by nature lovers and trekkers who seek off-beat destinations.
Places to visit in Paithalmala: Paithal Valley, Meditation Center, Veeramala Hills, and trekking trails.
18. Silent Valley
Silent Valley, though not listed among hill stations in Kerala, as more than a hill station; it is a high-altitude national park. Named for the absence of cicadas(insect), this rainforest region houses rare species of flora and fauna. The valley’s untouched beauty, evergreen forests, and strict conservation measures make it special.
Places to visit in Silent Valley: Sairandhri, Kunthipuzha River, Mukkali, and birdwatching points.
Among the many places to visit in Kerala, these hill stations offer unique experiences that can’t be found elsewhere.
19. Ramakkalmedu
Ramakkalmedu, one of the windy top 10 hill stations in Kerala, is known for its constant strong winds and panoramic views. The hill station derives its name from the folklore of Lord Rama setting foot here during his search for Sita. Located in Idukki district at an elevation of 1,100 meters, it offers breathtaking views of Tamil Nadu villages and plains.
Places to visit in Ramakkalmedu: Kuravan and Kurathi statue, Windmill Farm, viewpoints, and trekking trails.
20. Ranipuram
Ranipuram, formerly known as Madathumala, is one of the emerging famous hill stations in Kerala located in Kasaragod district. At an elevation of 750 meters, this hill station features rolling hills, lush grasslands, and dense forests. The trek through the changing vegetation from deciduous to evergreen forests and shola woods offers a unique ecological experience.
Places to visit in Ranipuram: Ranipuram Peak, trekking trails, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, and viewpoints.
1. Which is the coolest hill station in Kerala?
A. Munnar is the coolest hill station in Kerala. It stays cool throughout the year with temperatures often dropping belo w 10°C in winter. Its tea gardens and cool climate make it the best hill station in the state.
2. Which place in Kerala is like Ooty?
A. Wayanad is often compared to Ooty because of its cool weather, green hills, and peaceful surroundings. It offers tea and coffee plantations, waterfalls, and forest areas, making it a good alternative to Ooty in Kerala.
3. Which is the coldest place in Kerala?
A. Munnar is the coldest place in Kerala. During peak winter, temperatures can drop to as low as 2°C. Its high altitude and constant mist make it the chilliest destination in the state, especially during December and January.
4. Did snow fall in Munnar?
A. No, snowfall has never been recorded in Munnar. However, during winter, temperatures can get very low, and frost sometimes forms on the grass, giving a snow-like look, but it’s not real snow.
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