Munnar
Munnar, a beautiful, peaceful hill station covered with an unending expanse of tea plantations, is 133 km from Cochin and 148 km from Kottayam. With the altitude ranging from 1600 to 1800 metres above sea level, Munnar boasts the highest peak in South India– Anamudi, 2695 metres high.
The best place to halt enroute is Peermade, 43 km before Thekkady, a fertile land at an altitude of 914 metres. Formerly the summer palace of the Travancore Rajas, this tiny and cool hill station is full of rubber, tea, coffee, pepper and cardamom plantations, interspersed with waterfalls and open grasslands.
Kumily
This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region is in Kumily.
Pullumedu
The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar river, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed from a jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Joythi illuminations at the shrine are visible from here. Since it is part of the restricted forest zone, special permission to visit Pullumedu has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation Officer.
Kuttikanam
A place for adventure tourism and trekking, or even langourous, tranquil break. This picturesque plantation town washed in the fragrance of cardamom is surrounded by lush-green, gentle hills.
Thrissanku Hills
The rolling hills the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make this an ideal spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.
Peeru Hills
This idyllic hill station is a favourite haunt of trekkers and picnic teams. The hill is named after Peer Mohammed. the Muslim sufi saint, who spent his last days here. The mausoleum of the saint, the summer palace of the royal family and the residence of the Diwan situated nearby are all worth a visit.
Grampi
Grampi is also known as Parunthupara (eagle rock) because of the panoramic view from its high peaks. Rocky plains, lush hillsides, forests trekking trails and picturesque views lend charm to this destination. The road to Grampi is flanked by unending stretches of cardamom, tea and coffee plantations.
Pattumala
Lofty peaks little streams and ever expanding tea plantations are the attractions of this place. Pattumala (which literally means hill draped in silk) is home to the two most famous tea plantations in Kerala - Harrisions Malayalam and AV Thomas & Co. The Velamkanni Matha Church, built entirely of granite, at the top of the hill is a famous pilgrim centre. The flower garden nearby is a facinating riot of colours of roses, orchids and anthurium.
Vagamon
Grass covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain air make Vagamon a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is haven of tranquility. The chain of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks in worth a visit.
Ambukuthi Hills
There are the two Edakkal caves, natural rock cutout formations, formed by a large split in a huge rock roofed by other large rocks, all fixed in position through natural processes. These caves have been made famous worldwide for their ancient carvings and Pictorial wall inscriptions of human and animal figures with peculiar head- dresses and swastik forms any symbols. Archaeological say the place was one of the earliest centers of human habitations.
Jetayu Para
Jetayu Para, a huge rock, is another attraction in Kollam district. The huge rock is in the Chandayamangalam village on the M.C. road. The name comes from the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Jatayu, the giant bird in the epic, fell after failing in its attemt to stop Ravana from taking Sita away. The rock is ideal for trekking by the lover of adventure. The rock can be seen from the Chadayamangalam Jn. itself.
Ponmudi
Ponmudi an idyllic resort with narrow winding path ways and cool green wooded environment is located 915 meters of above sea level. It is famous for the beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets and springs. The hill station has excellent trekking trails. Ponmudi which means golden crown was named so because of the golden glow cast over its crest by the evening sun.
Ezhimala
Ezhimala is about 55kms from Kannur at a height of 885ft., an isolated but conspicuous cluster of hills. At the foot of the hill is a cave and an old burial chamber, further up the hills is an ancient mosque where sculptured stone pillars can be seen. Ezhimala and its surrounding areas are also known for some rare medicinal herbs used for Ayurvedic formulations. The combination of high hills and sandy beach makes Ezhimala a beautiful picnic spot. The country's (Asia's) largest Naval Academy, which is near in completion is located here.
Devikulam
Devikulam is a small hill station about 16 km from Munnar in the Idukki District of the southern state of Kerala in India. It is 1800 m above sea level.
According to legend, the goddess Sita Devi of the Ramayana epic bathed in the beautiful Devikulam lake waters surrounded by lush, green hills, now named Sita Devi Lake. The lake draws tourists not only because of its sacredness but also for the curative powers of its mineral waters. Nearby are the scenic Pallivasal Waterfalls, dense, green tea plantations, and the natural vegetation of slim red and blue gum trees.
Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad, at 2100m above sea level. It is located near the town of Meppady. A destination for trekkers as well as nature lovers, tourists can stay for one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps.
At the top of the Chembra Peak, there is a lake in the shape of a heart called hredaya sarass, hardly touched by man.
Agastya Malai
Agastya Malai (also known as Agastyarkoodam) is a 1,868 metres (6,129 ft) peak in the Western Ghats of South India. The mountain lies on the border between the Indian states of Kerala (in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram District) and Tamil Nadu (in Tirunelveli).
Agastya Malai is a pilgrimage centre for devotees of the Hindu sage Agasthya, who is considered to be one of the seven rishis (Saptarishi) of Hindu Puranas. The Tamil language is considered to be a boon from Agasthya. There is a full-sized statue of Agasthya at the top of the peak and the devotees can offer pujas themselves
Nelliampathi
Nelliampathi is a popular hill station 60 km away from Palakkad in Kerala a small state in south India. It is famous for its tea and coffee plantations and the excellent weather condition. The journey to Nelliampathi itself is an experience. The only route is from Nemmara, from where the first town of Nelliampathi, namely Kaikatty junction, is at a distance of 26 km. At the 9th kilometer is the Pothundi Dam, a small irrigation dam which provides water for the rice fields in the surrounding area. The dam is at the foot of the Nelliampathi hills. From here, the road winds up for the next 17 km, with many hairpin turns on the way. Immediately after Pothundy dam, comes the government forest, where one can see massive teak trees. The road is very narrow and requires a skilled driver behind the wheels. On the way, one can see wild animals like monkey, deer and porcupine. The view of the Pothundy dam from the height is a breathtaking sight. There will be many waterfalls by the roadside during the rainy season.
Nilambur
Nilambur is a small town in Malappuram district of Kerala, south India. Nilambur is situated close to The Nilgiris range of the Western Ghats.
The town of Nilambur is famous for the Nilambur Vettekaran Pattu held every year in the Nilambur Kovilakom temple. Nilambur is also home to the oldest teak plantations in the world. It is claimed that the world's tallest or biggest teak tree is in the Nilambur Teak Preserve. Nilambur is also famous for its bamboos. The word Nilambur means place of Nilimba (Sanskrit word for Bamboo).