Hill Stations of Kerala
Much of Kerala's exotic appeal is focused in the highland area of the
western ghats. Rising to an average height of 1520 m, the tropical forests
of the ghats house rich flora and fauna. Not to speak of stretches of loamy
plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and fragrant cardamom.
Some of the most composed and caressing high land areas are
:
Munnar Hill Station:
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams -
Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, Kundala. 1600 m. above sea level, this hill station
was the summer resort of the British Government in South India. Sprawling
tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities
make this a popular hill station.
Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the
Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve
years, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South
India, Anamudi - which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for
trekking.
Ponmudi Hill Station :
Situated at an attitude of 915 m above sea level, Ponmudi near Trivandrum
is a beautiful hill station known for its pleasant climate, tea plantations
and enchanting scenery. The deep forest trails are ideal for hiking and
trekking.
Chithirapuram Hill Station :
10 kms from munnar, with its sleepy little cottages bungalows, old
playgrounds and courts, chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home
of the pallyvasal hydel power project, this hill town is also famous for its
picturesque tea plantation.
Devikulam Hill Station :
7 kms from munnar, this idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic
flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The sita
devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good
picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Idukki Hill Station :
A landlocked district, idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of
Kerala. The high ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three main rivers-
periyar, thalayar and thodupuzhayar- and their tributaries. The river pamba
also has its origin here. As a tourist destination, Idukki offers diverse
attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation
tours, mountain treks, elephant rides etc. Idukki has a large population of
tribals who have unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos which is
distinctly different from that of the mainstream culture.
Nelliyampathy Hill Station :
This fascinating hill station is at a height of 467 to 1572 m above sea
level. At least 10 hair pin bends have to be negotiated on the ghat road
that passes through the breathtaking evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges.
Seethakundu at Nelliyampathy offers a panoramic view of about one third of
Palakkad.
Attappady Hill Station :
A beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and forests, Attappady is of
great interest to anthropologists. This is the habitat of many tribes like
the Irulars and Mudugas. The Malleeswaran peak is worshipped as a gigantic
Sivalinga by the Adivasis who also celebrate the Sivarathri festival with
great fervour.
Pythal Mala Hill Station:
Pythal Mala in Kannur is an enchanting hill station situated 4,500 ft.
above sea level near the Kerala - Karnataka border, is rich in flora and
fauna. It is a six Km trek to the top of the hills.
Tusharagiri Hill Station :
Tusharagiri in Kozhikode is famous for its trekking tracks. It is located,
near Vythiri in Wayanad. Trekkers start early morning from the second
waterfall and climb uphill through the pristine, evergreen dense forests
populated with exotic birds and wild animals to reach Vythiri by evening.
Wildlife in Kerala
