Kerala’s hill stations are a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle, offering breathtaking landscapes, cool climates, and serene vibes. Let’s dive into some of the top hill stations in Kerala.
Top Hill Stations in Kerala
- Munnar: A picturesque town nestled in the Western Ghats, known for tea plantations, rolling hills, and cool weather. Must-visit spots include Eravikulam National Park (home to the Nilgiri Tahr), Mattupetty Dam, and Top Station for panoramic views.
- Wayanad: Renowned for its lush forests, wildlife sanctuaries like Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and spice plantations. Edakkal Caves offer ancient petroglyphs and stunning views.
- Vagamon: A tranquil hill station with rolling meadows, pine forests, and scenic valleys. Popular for trekking and paragliding.
- Ponmudi: Near Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi offers cool climate, tea gardens, and golden valleys – perfect for nature walks.
- Nelliampathy: Known for its coffee and spice plantations, Nelliampathy offers offbeat charm with scenic views and trekking trails.
- Idukki: Surrounded by dense forests and hills, Idukki is home to the impressive Idukki Arch Dam and wildlife sanctuaries.
Activities
- Trekking: Munnar, Vagamon, and Wayanad offer excellent trails with stunning views.
- Wildlife Spotting: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park are great for spotting diverse flora and fauna.
- Tea/Spice Plantation Tours: Munnar’s tea estates and Wayanad’s spice gardens are fascinating.
- Paragliding: Vagamon is popular for adventure sports like paragliding.
Best Time to Visit
Generally, October to May is ideal for Kerala’s hill stations, with pleasant weather (15°C to 25°C). Monsoon (June-Sept) brings lush greenery but check for landslides.
Would you like to know more about a specific hill station like Munnar or activities like trekking in Wayanad?
Kerala offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Here are some top recommendations for hill stations like Munnar, Wayanad, and other popular destinations.
Munnar
- Spice Tree Munnar: A 5-star boutique resort nestled in the heart of Munnar, offering breathtaking views and luxurious amenities.
- The Panoramic Getaway: A 5-star hotel in Chithirapuram, Munnar, with stunning mountain views and modern comforts.
- Elixir Hills, Munnar: A luxurious resort spread over 200 acres, offering serene surroundings and picturesque views.
- The Leaf Munnar Resort: Amidst lush tea gardens, perfect for a tranquil retreat.
- Star Emirates Luxury Hotel and Spa: Offers luxury and comfort in Munnar.
Wayanad
- Spice Village: An eco-friendly resort set in a lush tropical rainforest, offering cottages, villas, and treehouses.
- Rainforest Boutique Resort: Blends comfort with nature’s beauty.
Kovalam
- The Leela Kovalam: A 5-star beach resort with an infinity pool and luxurious amenities.
- Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra: A luxurious Ayurveda retreat overlooking the Arabian Sea.
- Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort: Known for wellness-focused stays and Ayurvedic treatments.
Alleppey (Alappuzha)
- Ramada Alleppey: Offers luxury amidst Alleppey’s enchanting backwaters.
- Punnamada Resort: A charming boutique property ideal for relaxation.
Kochi (Cochin)
- Brunton Boatyard: A 5-star hotel in Fort Kochi with heritage charm and modern luxury.
- Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty: Luxurious waterfront resort with excellent amenities.
- The Malabar House: Boutique hotel with colonial architecture.
Thekkady
- Poetree Sarovar Portico: Eco-resort with stunning views of Periyar Lake.
- Lake Palace – Thekkady: Former summer palace turned luxurious retreat.
- Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Resort & Spa: Chic interiors amidst spice gardens.
Other Options
- Houseboats in Kerala’s Backwaters: Experience traditional Kerala on a Kettuvallam houseboat.
- Homestays: Offer authentic local experiences across Kerala.
Would you like more details on any specific accommodation or help planning your Kerala trip ¹ ² ³?
Booking hotels in Kerala is super easy and convenient, with plenty of options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some top ways to book hotels:
Top Booking Platforms
- MakeMyTrip: Offers “Book Now & Pay Later” options, free cancellations, and exclusive deals like PNB Credit Card discounts.
- KAYAK: Searches hundreds of travel sites for cheap hotels and best deals in Kerala.
- Booking.com: Provides a wide range of hotels, resorts, and homestays.
- Goibibo, Trivago, Expedia, Ixigo, and ClearTrip are other popular platforms.
Official Booking Channels
- KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation): Offers premium and budget properties across Kerala, like Bolgatty Palace and budget resorts in Ponmudi.
- Kerala.com: Provides destination-wise hotel bookings, resorts, and homestays.
Things to Consider
- Location: Proximity to attractions, airports, or city centers.
- Amenities: Check for Wi-Fi, pools, restaurants, spa services.
- Reviews & Ratings: Read user feedback for genuine insights.
- Price & Deals: Compare rates; book early for best prices (KAYAK suggests booking 61 days ahead).
- Cancellation Policies: Look for free cancellation options.
Popular Destinations in Kerala
- Munnar: Hill station with tea plantations (39% of Kerala hotel searches).
- Varkala: Cliffside beach town.
- Kochi: Vibrant city blending history and culture.
- Alleppey: Known for backwaters and houseboats ¹ ² ³.