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Kerala Hotels :
Kerala Mountains and Hill Stations
Kerala Mountains and Hill Stations
Kerala Hill Stations are the highland area in the east of Kerala. Kerala hill stations include high mountains, valleys and abyss. The land is home for wildlife as the dense forests are present in the wildest part of this land. Other regions include tea and coffee plantation.
The mountains of Kerala, with their height and varied configuration are fascinating. The Western Ghats represent the chief mountain ranges of Kerala. They have always protected Kerala from external aggressions. The highest peak in the Ghat system is the Anamudi in the Idukki district, with an altitude of 2817.06 metres. This has also the distinction of being the highest peak in India outside the Himalayan system. There are several other hills of varying altitude near the Anamudi peak, which with their deep valleys add to the general magnifi-cance of the mountain system.
What is of particular significance to the Ghat system is the presence of the Wynad plateau encompassing the Cannanore and Kozhihode districts of Kerala. This is only a continuation of the Mysore plateau and is perched on the crest of the Western Ghats. The Nilgiri-Kundah range is on the eastern side of the plain. The average height of the plateau measures 909.09 metres, though such peaks as Brah-magiri (1598.79 metres) and Banasura (2037.58 metres) dominate the sector.
Apart from the peaks and hills of the Ghats, there are several other scattered hills over the plains also. Some of them are important from the political and cultural points of view. Ezhimala or Mount Eli on the Can-nanore coast in North Kerala was the cradle of a flourishing kingdom in the early centuries of the Christian era. Strategically, it was a good landmark for mariners from very early times. Likewise, the Puralimala in Tellich-erry was associated with the Pazhassi revolt. A few of such hills or their valleys have been pilgrim centres. The most celebrated Sasta Temple on the top of Sabarimala in the Peermade Taluk, the Tirunelli Temple in the valley of the Brahmagiri peak and the St.Thomas Catholic Church on the top of the Malayattur hill in Alwaye are a few examples. The mountains and hills of Kerala, not only defended the freedom and integrity of the land but also helped to foster the religious and cultural advancement of Kerala.
Major Hill Stations in Kerala are :
Devikulam, Ponmudi, Vagamon, Idukki, Munnar, Thekkady and Wayanad.
Devikulam
Devikulam Hill Station is situated about 16 km from Munnar in Idukki District in the south of Kerala state. This small hill station is 1800m above sea level. Cool mountain air with the fragrance of wild flowers and herbs make Devikulam a paradise for nature lovers. Sita Devi Lake is a popular picnic spot offering scintillating views of fresh springs of mineral water. This lake is quite famous for trout fishing. Exotic flora and fauna, tea plantations and spice garden is the main attraction of Devikulam. Best time to visit Devikulam is from September to May. Devikulam is 149 km from Cochin and 132 km from Kottayam.
Ponmudi
Ponmudi is located in the Thiruvanathapuram district in Kerala. It is situated at a distance of 61 km north-east of Trivandrum. Ponmudi Hillstation is 910m above sea level. It is a part of the western ghats mountain range. It is located in a rich forest having tropical vegetation. It is a home to wildlife too. The weather is always pleasant here. Tea Gardens, Golden Valley and a number of rivulets and raids are the main attractions of Ponmudi. You can go for trekking and hiking here. Golden valley describes the beauty of the hills. Agasthyarkoodam is one of the highest peaks in the western ghats. It attracts lots of visitors but you need to take permission from the forest department to go there. Nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport and nearest railway station is Trivandrum central. Motta Peak located here is famous for trekking. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Golden Valley, Deer Park and Orchids are the places of interest near Ponmudi.
Vagamon Hill Station:
Vagamon Hill Station is a famous tourist destination in Kottayam-Idukki border in Kerala state. It is located 1100 m above sea level. The temperature varies between 10oC to 23 oC during summer season. Cool mountain air, valleys and enchanting waterfalls make it an ideal place for tourists. Vagamon Hills are good enough for trekking.
Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport and the nearest railway station is Kottayam Railway Station. Vagamon hills are well connected by roads from Kottayam. One can easily reach Vagamon by roads from Kottayam.
Idukki
Idukki is one of the 14 districts of Kerala. Idukki is spreaded over an area of 5,105.22km2 in Kerala. It is the second largest district by area among 14 districts of Kerala. It is surrounded by Pathanamthitta to the south, Kottayam to the southwest, Ernakulam to the northwest and Thrissur to the north and Coimbatore, Theni and Dindigul district to the east in Tamil Nadu. It is located 2500 m above sea level in Kulamavu and 5000 ft. above the MSL in Munnar. Highland area is covered by Alluvial soil and other parts are covered by laterite soil. The weather varies suddenly when we go from west to east. Hilly area has comparatively cold climate. Annual rainfall varies from 250 cm to 425 cm. One can take train from Ernakulam, Kottayam and Alwaye railway stations to reach Idukki. The Railways does not pass through the Idukki district. Nearest Ports are Cochin Port and Nedumbassery. There is an International airport to the north of the district. Idukki is a renowned tourist spot and popular for its natural wild beauty among tourists.
Munnar
Munnar is located in the south western ghats in the Idukki district in Kerala. Munnar is a small hill station in the Idukki district and is known as the famous tourist destination. Munnar is surrounded by dense and vast forests. It generally remains cool through most part of the year. It is located 1600-1800 m above sea level. In winter, the temperature varies from -5 oC to 10 oC and in summer, it varies between 15 oC to 25 oC. In monsoon, lovely drizzles drench the tea gardens and the dew on the tea leaves looks magnificent in light mist.
Thekkady
Thekkady is a popular tourist destination, located near Tamil Nadu border Tow-Kumily in Kerala. Periyar National Park is famous for its diverse wildlife in Thekkady. Thekkady is situated 257 km from Trivandrum, 114 km from Maduari Airport, 185 km from Cochin International Airport and 114 km from Kottayam Railway Station. Dense green forests, grass lands and the moist forests make it worth seeing. The scenic beauty here is quite relaxing and alluring. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 km2 (300 sq. miles), of which 360 km2 in the thick evergreen forests. Artificial lake by the Mullaperiyar Dam is also adds charm to the park across the Periyar river. Herds of wild elephants in the lake offer a treat to the eyes. Murikkady is famous for spice and coffee plantations, located 5 km from Thekkady. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is stretched over an area of 777 sq. km. dense forest provides home to exotic wildlife. There is Mangala Devi Temple located 15 km from Thekkady and 1337 m above sea level. It is open only during the Chitra Pournami festival.
Wayanad
Wayanad district is located in the North East of Kerala. Large area of the Wayanad district is covered by the forest. It is situated on the western ghats and dense forest, deep valleys, rugged terrain features the beautiful Wayanad district. Some mountains Chembra Peak, Banasura Peak, Brahmagiri are known as honeymoon site in Wayanad district. Kabini river drained the Wayanad district with its three tributaries – the Panamaram, Mananthavady and Kalindy rivers. Wayanad district has salubrious climate. Average rainfall is 2500mm annually. In winter, the temperature stays nearly at 10oC during December to February and in summer, the temperature is nearly 35oC during March to May.
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