Best Hill Stations in Kerala to Visit in Summer

Known For : Edakkal Caves Banasura Sagar Dam Chembra Peak

Wayanad, a district in Kerala, is a verdant paradise known for its misty landscapes and lush green mountains. The region is dotted with waterfalls, historical caves, and spice plantations, making it a haven for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

Things to do: Explore Edakkal Caves, trek Chembra Peak, visit Soochipara Falls, and experience bamboo rafting in Kuruva Island.
How to get there: Easily accessible by road from major cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru; the nearest railway station is Kozhikode (Calicut), and the nearest airport is Kannur International Airport.

Best Time: Throughout the year

46 Wayanad Attractions

Known For : Mattupetty Dam Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Rose Garden Munnar

Munnar, nestled in the Western Ghats in Kerala, is a picturesque hill station known for its sprawling tea gardens, cool climate, and scenic beauty. With its winding lanes, misty hills, and exotic plant life, Munnar stands as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in southern India.

Things to do: Stroll in tea gardens, visit Eravikulam National Park, explore the Attukal Waterfalls, and witness the blooming of the Neelakurinji once every 12 years.
How to get there: Well-connected by road to major cities; the nearest railway station is Aluva, about 110 km away, and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 125 km away.

Best Time: September to May

54 Munnar Attractions

Known For : Vagamon Falls Kurisumala Vagamon Lake

Located near Kottayam-Idukki Border, Wagamon, popularly known as Vagamon, is a quiet offbeat hill station in Kerala. With a pleasant climate throughout the year, this breathtaking tourist spot has meandering rivulets and lush green hills surrounding it. The tea garden, pine forests, waterfalls, mesmerising meadows are all that makes Vagamon the perfect getaway.

Things to do: Trekking, paragliding, visit Vagamon Pine Forest, and explore the Vagamon Meadows.
How to get there: Nearest railway station is Kottayam (64 km) and the nearest airport is Kochi International Airport (94 km).

Best Time: October - March

20 Vagamon Attractions

Known For : Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Golden Valley Mini Zoo, Ponmudi

Nestled in the lap of rolling hills of the Western Ghats, enveloped with tea plantations, lush green hills and valleys, waterfalls and streams; Ponmudi is a quaint little town in Trivandrum, Kerala. Trekking and mountain climbing on Agasthayarkoodam, the highest peak in the region is the most popular activity.

Things to do: Trekking, explore Golden Valley, and visit Meenmutty Falls.
How to get there: Thiruvananthapuram railway station (61 km) is the closest, and the nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (67 km).

Best Time: November to May

5 Ponmudi Attractions

Known For : Hill View Park Idukki Arch Dam Kalvari Mount

Idukki, a landlocked district of Kerala, is one of the most nature-rich areas in Kerala with more than half of the area covered with forest. This rugged hill resort is known for its wildlife sanctuaries, beautiful bungalows, tea factories, rubber plantations and forests. Surrounded by rugged hills and lush forests, Idukki boasts of the Idukki Arch Dam, Asia's first and the world's second arch dam. 

Things to do: Visit Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, explore Idukki Dam, and indulge in spice tours.
How to get there: Kottayam railway station (133 km) is the closest, while Cochin International Airport (98 km) serves as the nearest airport.

Best Time: Throughout the year

40 Idukki Attractions

Known For : Periyar National Park Kadathanadan Kalari Centre Periyar Tiger Trail

Home to the country's largest Tiger Reserve- Periyar, Thekkady is an important tourist destination in Kerala. There are many resorts near the national park and an early boat safari within the sanctuary is a must-try to be able to spot wild elephants, bison, wild boars, various kinds of birds, etc.

Things to do: Wildlife safaris in Periyar, boat rides on Periyar Lake, and spice plantation tours.
How to get there: Kottayam railway station (114 km) is the nearest, while the closest airport is Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu (136 km).

Best Time: Throughout the year

27 Thekkady Attractions

Known For : Grampi Thrissanku Hills Peeru Hills

Blessed with lots of green covers, beautiful rolling hills, wandering streams and gurgling waterfalls; Peermede is a small bewitching hill station of Kerala, pure and pristine. Perched at an altitude of 915 m above sea level, the town has many hidden treasure troves waiting to be uncovered.

Things to do: Visit Pattumala Church, explore the plantations, and trek in Kalthotti.
How to get there: Kottayam railway station (85 km) is the closest, and Cochin International Airport (150 km) is the nearest airport.

Best Time: April to June, September to November

8 Peermede Attractions

Known For : Thread Garden, Malampuzha Malampuzha Ropeway Malampuzha Dam

Also known as the Vrindavan of Kerala, Malampuzha hill station attracts thousands of tourists from across the country to an idyllic haven placed on the foothills of the majestic Western Ghats. The hill station boasts sparkling pools, aesthetic flower beds, the Japanese Garden, sprawling lawns, and fountains for a visual treat.

Things to do: Visit Malampuzha Dam and Garden, explore the rock garden, and indulge in boating.
How to get there: Palakkad railway station (7 km) is the nearest, and Coimbatore Airport (55 km) serves as the closest airport.

Best Time: August to April

8 Malampuzha Attractions

A favourite for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, Gavi has many activities that visitors can engage in. You can go trekking, bird watching or even just stay in your homestay and look for some interesting species of flora and fauna. It is also close to the Sabarimala Temple and you can trek to a point to get a fine view of this temple.

Things to do: Visit the Gavi Lake, wildlife watching, and explore the spice gardens.
How to get there: The nearest railway station is Kottayam (128 km), and the closest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (190 km).

Known For : Pookot Lake Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary BeeCraft Honey Museum

62 kms off Kozhikode is Vythiri, a popular resort town famous for its old-world charm with cottages, log huts, treehouse accommodations cosily nestled in the forests of Wayanad. Situated at an altitude of 700 metres, Vythiri in Wayanad comprises 18 villages. The Pookot Lake, Chembara Peak, Soojipara & Meenmutty Falls and the Wildlife Sanctuary are its major attractions.

Things to do: Visit the Pookode Lake, explore the Vythiri resort treehouse, and indulge in trekking.
How to get there: Kozhikode railway station (63 km) is the nearest, and the closest airport is Calicut International Airport (76 km).

Best Time: October to Apr

10 Vythiri Attractions

Known For : The Elembalai Hill Adyanpara Waterfalls Teak Museum

Nestled at the bank of Chaliyar River in the proximity to Nilgiri Range, Nilambur is a small town, popularly known as Land of Teak Plantations. It is an ideal hill station in Kerala for a quaint and laidback holiday. Located in the Malappuram District of Kerala, this hill town is enriched with abundant vegetation, a unique blend of cultures, exquisite art forms and shadows of colonial rule.

Things to do: Visit the world's first Teak Museum, explore Conolly's Plot, and experience bamboo rafting.
How to get there: Nilambur railway station serves the town, and the closest airport is Calicut International Airport (45 km).

Best Time: October to March

12 Nilambur Attractions

Known For : Butterfly Safari Adventure zone Trekking

Snuggled in between dense woods of the Western Ghats, Thenmala is an ecotourism hill station in Kerala located in the Kollam district. A fetching fusion of pristine nature and fabricated design, it offers quietude unlike anyplace else. Dotted with winding roads and rubber and tea plantations, Thenmala boasts of being the first planned ecotourism site in India.

Things to do: Visit the Thenmala Dam, indulge in trekking and mountain biking, and explore the butterfly park.
How to get there: Kollam railway station (72 km) is the nearest, and Trivandrum International Airport (76 km) is the closest airport.

Best Time: December to February

7 Thenmala Attractions

Known For : Nelliyampathy Hills Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary Seetharkund Waterfalls

With plenty of unexplored treasures, Nelliyampathy is a hill station located near the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border offering bounty of nature and lush green surroundings of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. A perfect place for eco-tourism and romantic holidays, the region comprises peaks of altitude ranging from 500m to 1600m providing an incredible trekking trail for adventure buffs.

Things to do: Explore the Nenmara Vallengi Rock, Seethargundu Viewpoint, and indulge in trekking.
How to get there: Palakkad railway station (56 km) is the closest, and the nearest airport is Coimbatore Airport (115 km).

Best Time: October to March

14 Nelliyampathy Attractions

Known For : Devi Lake Pallivasal Falls Thoovanam Falls

This quaint little hill station located at an altitude 1800 m above sea level is best known for its mythical Sita Devi Lake, rolling hills, waterfalls and innumerable tea and spice plantations. The Sita Devi Lake, which is the prime attraction in the area is said to have been bathed in by Goddess Sita and hence assumes immense religious importance.

Things to do: Visit the Sita Devi Lake, explore tea plantations, and relax amidst nature.
How to get there: The nearest railway station is Aluva (112 km), and Cochin International Airport (111 km) is the closest airport.

Best Time: November to May

4 Devikulam Attractions

Known For : Karapuzha Dam Kanthanpara Waterfalls Shopping in Kalpetta

Kalpetta is a quaint town with a backdrop of majestic hills lurking in the shadows, lush green surroundings, fresh air and picturesque beauty. Located in the Wayanad District of Kerala, at a height of 780 m above sea level, Kalpetta is a perfect place for nature lovers as well as honeymooners.

Things to do: Visit the Banasura Sagar Dam, explore Edakkal Caves, and trek to Chembra Peak.
How to get there: Kozhikode railway station (72 km) is the nearest, and Calicut International Airport (85 km) serves as the closest airport.

Best Time: October to March

20 Kalpetta Attractions

The highlight of this hill station in Kerala is that it gives fantastic views of the other hill stations and waterfalls nearby. The green-carpeted mountains are just one element with many things like a majestic river flowing through the hills. You can also engage in mountain cycling, trekking and camping here.

Things to do: Enjoy the scenic views, explore the nearby plantations, and visit the ancient churches.
How to get there: Thiruvalla railway station (17 km) is the closest, and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (119 km).

The Silent Valley National Park, with its lush green forests and beautiful views of the rich flora and fauna, is a popular destination for nature as well as wildlife lovers all across the globe. Spread across an area of 89 square kilometres, the Silent Valley National Park is located in the Kundali Hills of the Western Ghats in Kerala in southern India.

Things to do: Wildlife safaris, trekking, and exploring the unique flora and fauna.
How to get there: Palakkad railway station (66 km) is the nearest, while the closest airport is Coimbatore Airport (91 km).

Ranni is a quaint hill station in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. It is an up-and-coming tourist destination and rests quietly on either side of river Pampa. Ranni has grown to become a hub of history, pilgrimage, natural beauty, and politics. It is only 66 kms away from the famous Sabrimala Temple, and pilgrims like to rest in Ranni's beautiful surroundings before taking off on their spiritual journey.

Things to do: Visit the Perunthenaruvi Falls, explore the Sabarimala temple, and indulge in trekking.
How to get there: Chengannur railway station (30 km) is the closest, and the nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (117 km).

Best Time: November-March

The gentle hills of Ranipuram in Kerala are famous for its trekking trail. Situated at the height of about 750 meters above sea level, this destination has thick forest vegetation and lush green grasslands. The whole place is proposed inside the Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary which merges with Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary of Karnataka.

Things to do: Trekking, explore the diverse flora and fauna, and visit the Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to get there: Kasaragod railway station (48 km) is the closest, and the nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (95 km).

Malakkappara or Malakhappara is a small hill station in the Thrissur District of Kerala. The Sholayar River drains into this heavily forested region. It is also home to a Tata Tea estate, with the rest of the forests being managed by the local Forest Department. For those who love exploring forests and enjoy wildlife - this region is known to have rare, endangered, indigenous flora and fauna.

Things to do: Visit the Valparai, explore the tea gardens, and indulge in bird watching.
How to get there: Thrissur railway station (89 km) is the closest, and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (124 km).

Best Time: October to March

Boasting one of the most highly specialized dairy farms, the Mattupetty hill station is located 13 kms from Munnar, amidst acres of stunning greenery with green rolling hills, making it an ideal destination and a must-visit for a surreal getaway. Enjoy mesmerizing views across the beautiful Mattupetty Lake situated on the forest border by taking a slow speed boat, an ordinary motorboat or a speed launch.

Things to do: Boating in Mattupetty Dam, explore the dairy farm, and enjoy the scenic views.
How to get there: The nearest railway station is Aluva (110 km), and Cochin International Airport (115 km) is the closest airport.