Hillstations

THE HIGH HILL STATIONS OF KERALA

There are many incredible destinations in Kerala which will certainly entice you with its natural beauty and charm. We are absolutely sure that these wanderlust destinations will surely attract you again, if you visit once. Come and reconnoiter the most desirable places which will reward you with most memorable moments in your life!

Much of Kerala’s outlandish appeal is centered in the highland area of the Western Ghats. Mounting to an average height of 1520 metres, the tropical woodland of the Ghats stores rich flora and fauna along with sprawling plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and aromatic cardamom. All the tremendous hill stations gift a collection of exciting activities  like bird watching, hill hiking, visiting waterfalls, tea gardens, spice plantation, cruise, fishing in lakes and many more. The principle hill station attractions of Kerala consist of  Munnar, Nelliyampathy, Thekkady, Ponmudi, Kuttikanam, Vagamon, Lakkidi, and Vythiri, which will truly revitalize you to enjoy life.  

Vythiri

VERDANT   VYTHIRI

This is the resplendent place that offers a true taste of Wayanad. Vythiri is a very outlandish and picturesque place situated in the Sylvan Northern High Ranges of Kerala in Wayanad District. It is known for its refreshing, comfortable and pollution free environment. Vythiri is the only hill station resort of its kind in Kerala.

Lakes, gorges and ravines; dreamy dawns and misty evenings; verdant hills that shove the clouds are standard fare in Vythiri. There are plenty of God’s endowments around Vythiri. Vythiri is bounty with excellent resorts and sight-seeing. Another more welcome intruder is intercepted by the mountains: swollen clouds, loaded with rain. Kerala receives the benefaction of plentiful rain and as a result there is an eruption of greenery all over.

Vythiri is everything for the one who needs to get away far from the hubbub of city life. Clam, serene and praiseworthy natural surroundings make this place the perfect paradise. Surrounded by thriving green and dense forests it really gives a new dimension the phrase “in the lap of nature”. There is the facility of tree house in almost all resorts which will give you a new experience.

Vagamon

VELVETY    VAGAMON

As Helen Keller quoted it “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart”. This is true, when we talk about Vagamon (Wagamon) in God’s own country. Vagamon is the ultimate tourist point, which is garlanded by the greenery of tea gardens, alluring meadows, deep valleys and dales.  It seems as if Vagamon is bedecked with green emeralds. Fortunately, this grand hill station soon will be India’s top eco-tourism destination.

All the adventurous tourists will surely enjoy climbing this 3800 ft tall hill. A walk through the thick pine forest or refreshment through the calm landscape will cherish your senses. An amalgamation of spiritual mysticism and European bequests, this hillside village is an ecstasy of serenity. The chain of three hills – Thangal Para, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala – is a mark of religious congruence.

Woods with shining needles

There is a splendid pine forest dell in Kolohalamedu where you can take in the pine-scented air and take a glimpse on the towering, stately pine trees densely decked with gleaming needle covered branches. This blotch of land is ‘a prohibited area’ where you can see caution boards warning the tourists not to carry any plastic or litter the place.

Rock-strewn hill

Vagamon is recognized for its rocky terrain. Like most of the hill stations, Vagamon also has a “suicide point”, a V-shaped ravine called the Moopan Para. The depth is truly spine-chilling. Thangal Para, a huge rock located five kilometres from Vagamon is worth a visit. Adjacent to the rock is the dargah (Sufi shrine) of Sheikh Fariduddin, who is believed to be a Sufi saint of Afghan, lived here 800 years ago. History says that he used a small stone to grind betel leaves which has transformed into an enormous rock. During the annual Uroos festival, thousands of devotees gather near the rock. On the eastern side of Kurisumala is Murugan Para, a rock-temple dedicated to God Murugan that magnetizes devotees throughout the year.

The hill with a cross

It is a Christian pilgrim centre in Kerala. During the eve of Easter, flocks of disciples gather in this place to climb the hill carrying wooden crosses. At the foot of the hill is the centenary memorial dedicated to St. Thomas. On the top, you can see the reformation of Christ’s final journey, the Way of the Cross. There are 14 crosses along the path. Devotees halt at each cross and offer prayers. This landscape is spell- bounding with the nature attired in green apparels. The main day of attraction is the Good Friday. The Kurisumala Ashram manages a dairy farm which is truly delightful. Have a sample glass of hot ‘Kurisumala milk’, its really tasty!  So visit this El Dorado and take enchanting memories back with you.

Fact file:
Location                 : – 60 kms from Thekkady
Best Time to go : – August to May is the right time. If you desire to enjoy the monsoon, June and   July are ideal.

Thekkady

Tremendous Thekkady

Thekkady means ‘land rich with teak trees’. Thekkady’s greenery, its enchanting canopy of tropical ever-green and deciduous trees, the varied wildlife as well as its peaceful silence makes the destination a highly demanded tourist spot. Thekkady- the very name itself suggests the images of elephants, chains of small hills, massive mountains and aromatic smell of spice plantations. Getting to Thekkady is as sublime as the destination itself. Thekkady is a landlocked home for its myriad fauna and flora.  A scenic journey rediscovering misty mountains, spice plantations and open grasslands punctuated with spectacular waterfall, the tropical rainforests which stands as one of the world’s most ancient and complex environments and courageous trekking trails forms access to your enthusiasing trip. Perched amidst of dense forest in the outskirts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the largest sanctuaries in India, you can perceive pleasant surprises like wild boars rushing across the road in front of you, as you near the sanctuary. Thekkady shares the border with Tamil Nadu.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River are like the gems of her crown. The greatest attraction of Periyar is that we can observe the herds of wild elephant that come down to play in the lake. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can catch the astonishing sight of the wildlife. It is a place that radiates the spirit and ethos of nature. Thekkady was the first destination in the State to promote environmental tourism.

The House of the Ferocious

This grassy land is the oldest and one of the twenty-seven reserves in India. Declared a protected area way back in 1933 by the Maharaja of Travancore, the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady flaunts to be the largest sanctuary in the state of Kerala. Located in the southern region of the Western Ghats, this rambling 777 sq kilometre of foliage is a habitat of the Asian elephants. A storehouse of rampant, rare and diminishing biota, this sanctuary is a major seminal point for two important rivers, Periyar and Pamba. This area is also renowned for the tow pilgrimage centers- Sabarimala and Mangala Devi Temple.

Periyar is a combination of tropical evergreen, semi-green, moist deciduous forests and grasslands. The statistics records prove that there are 62 species of mammals, 320 variety of colourful birds, 45 species of reptiles, 27 species of amphibians, 38 species of fish and 160 collections of butterflies and 1,966 varieties of flowers. ‘The Travancore Evening Brown’, one of the most valuable butterflies in the world was found here. Boat cruises are a trilling experience at dawn and dusk when the chances of viewing wildlife are bright. Certain paws marks of the Great Indian tiger are present everywhere, dotting the moist grounds of the terrain. It is here, that you can see spurting sambars, closely followed by a pack of wild dogs. Ride an elephant at the Periyar wildlife sanctuary and you will fail to resist yourself from falling in love with these sensitive and intelligent animals. Apart from elephants, one can also enjoy the rare lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri Langurs. It is not unusual to spot a few monitor lizards basking in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore or a python climbing the branches of trees.

Herds of gaur, sambar and wild boar can often be noticed in a distance grazing in the grasslands. Water birds like darters, grey herons, egrets and kingfishers can be sighted here. Some of the India’s most fascinating rain forests are found here, and there is an opportunity to observe not only rare birds like Paradise flycatcher, racket tailed drongo and pied hornbill but also other mammal species such as the sloth bear and the Nilgiri langur. The Periyar Valley, a great place for animal lovers, bird watchers and trekkers, is also a holiday option for families.

Flavour Your Taste buds with Zesty Spices

You will not only be enthralled by the aroma of cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, vanilla and coffee plantations, but you will also know how they are grown, harvested and processed, before they reach the supermarkets. Perhaps it suggests that you can have a cup of green cardamom- flavoured tea at any time of the day.  Most of the hotels also grow a small garden with samples of these plantations to showcase their guests about this agriculture. Walk amidst the palette displaying variant shades of green, neatly arranged into stepped farms. A lazy zephyr curls through the hills tuning life into a rhythm, as you find yourself relinquish to this sensual enthusiasm. It is believed that the spice trade dates back three thousand years in Kerala. As for the many spices that find their home here, Pepper still remains the King of Spices. Nevertheless, the slanting slopes also caress a variety of clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves. Make a trip to the Sahyadri Organic tea factory in Peermade, a recent venture of the PDS.

If you wish, you will be taken to the distinctive grey thatched tribal hamlets and also to the Tribal Heritage Museum. You can see the traditional fishing gears, hunting gadgets and indigenous medicinal plants – an important part of their culture and more importantly, their life. Drive 12 km from Thekkady past dense forests to reach the Mangladevi Temple, situated on the northern boundary of the reserve. The ruins of this stone temple house the deity of Mangladevi or Kannagi.

A Village Beauty

Chellarkovil is a small, scenic village located at a distance of 15 km from Kumily, Idukki. Like most parts of Kerala, Chellarkovil too displays abundant natural beauty, with numerous waterfalls, lush green landscape and majestic mountain views. The village gradually slopes down to the neighbouring Tamil Nadu State’s. Chellarkovil covers the Aruvikuzhi Waterfalls and an old cave. Again you will find a vast garden full of vegetable plants, forest fruit trees and a refreshing stall managed by Unit Level Organization (ULO). This serene land is not yet explored.

Thus, Thekkady is a must-see destination of Kerala as Thekkady tantalizes the adventurous travellers.

Fact file:

Location: – 4 kms from Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Altitude: – 900metres to 2,019 metres above sea level.
Best Time to Visit: – December to May

Ponmudi

PLEASANT    PONMUDI

This hill resort near Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is a cool and quiet asylum. It is a place which would be typical for walks and treks, the many winding, wooded paths inviting you to explore and the picturesque viewpoints to pamper you. Apart from the spice and tea plantations that the area is studded with, giving it a lovely green cover; there is a lot of flora on the hillsides, especially wild.

The Welcoming Falls

About 15 kilometres before reaching the top of the hill, there is a scenic trail to the right. It leads to the Meenmutty Waterfalls, where the Kallar River falls from a tremendous height. The lagoon that is formed is wide and placid enough to swim.

Aruvikkara Dam and Devi Temple

The ancient Bhagavati temple is built on a rock, with a waterfall below it. The river has been blocked above the waterfall, which is called as Aruvikkara Dam. As part of the offering to the deity, the highlight here is the feeding of the sacred fish in the river, which have grown to great sizes and are not afraid of people. There are shops selling feed and pooja items. No discrimination is considered here.

The Numismatics Museum

Located at Nedumangad, the Valiakoyikkal Palace was the royal headquarters of the Perakam dynasty. Today, the palace houses a Numismatics and Folklore Museum. The coins exhibited here belong to different parts of the world as well as to different eras. There are household utensils and tools used by ancient man for hunting, harvesting. It also includes rare articles like percussion instruments, old manuscripts (thaliyola) and dress material made out of the bark of trees (maravuri). The Kettuvilakku, a ceremonial lamp made of coloured paper and light wood splits, which is lit during festivals at Bhagavati temples. The dolls used for Tholpavakoothu (leather puppetry) are also preserved beautifully.

Leisure time Activities

• Walk the trails and check out the flora and fauna
• Visit a spice or tea plantation
• Trek to Meenmutty waterfalls
• Stop at scenic look out points and enjoy the scenery

Fact file:-

Location: - 61 kms northeast of Thiruvananthapuram.
Best Time to go: -    September to January.
December to April is best for trekking.

Nelliyampathy

NIFTY   NELLIYAMPATHY

This utopia is tucked south of the Palakkad Gap and once it was universally known for its Juicy Oranges. But now Nelliyampathy is sheathed with tea, coffee, pepper and cardamom plantations. Nelliyampathy has all the attractions of a hill station destination – green climate, appealing views and thick foliage with biota. Usually known as the ‘Poor man’s Ooty’, Nelliyampathy offers the inhabitants of Palakkad an escape from the blistering summer heat of the plains.

Nelliyampathy got its name from the pockets of ‘nelli’ (gooseberries), which grow around the region. This Nelliyampathy range was once owned by the maharajas of Kollengod and Kochi, now it is a part of the Nenmara Forest Division.

During the 40s, Nelliyampathy was famous for its oranges grown at the agricultural research station. Boxes loaded with juicy sweet oranges were sent to the British troops during the II World War. It was so loved that these luscious oranges were also sent to the queen of England. But as other cultivation took over, orange growing is declined and currently medicinal plants cultivation is done by private and government agents.

It is very enthusiastic to drive on the wooded and winding road leading up to this quaint hill station. The nicest thing about the drive is that the green carpet of the Ghats is not disturbed by any human inhabitation. It is an ideal destination for the traveller who wants a calm holiday in the lap of Mother Nature.

 The Glittering Reservoir

While going to Nelliyampathy, there is the attractive Pothundy reservoir, which is near Nenmara village. Pothundy is built across Meenachadypuzha and Padipuzha, the tributaries of the Ayalar River (which is a sub- tributary of Bharathapuzha). When we reach the top, we can see the Pothundy reservoir shining like a sapphire admits of the greens of the forest.

Seetharkundu

Seetharkundu is at Karuna plantations. It gifts an eccentric vista of the plains, as far as Palakkad town and its surrounding countryside. Besides the fanciful waterfalls, there is a tall knotted tree, which is one of the main fascinations. Ramayana, the great Indian epic rewinds that Rama, Sita and Laxmana dwelled here during their period of exile. Sita Devi used take her bath here and in this way this place got its name ‘Seetharkundu’. The Agasthya temple over here is famous for its murals and wood carvings.

Straggling Plains

As we reach the Mampara, we can discover that the white clouds literally envelop the whole place, giving us an eternal felling. From the sprawling grasslands, a spectacular view of the entire Palakkad range can be viewed.

As the mist clears, new vistas of enthralling dales, verdant slopes, solid forests and a patchwork of luxuriant paddy fields discloses itself before us. Some of the major parts of Palakkad like the dams of Malampuzha, Chulliyar, Meenkara, Pollachi, Coimbatore and Mettupalayam in Tamil Nadu are noticeable.

Delicious Oranges Ranch

Orange groves were cultivated in abundance in the coffee estates. Most of these have disappeared, but now there is a renew effort to revive them and oranges have been planted in 237 acres of land. There is a fruit preservation unit, where guavas and passion fruit are converted into jams, preservers and squash. 

Adventurous Trekking

There are trekking trails from Pothundy and Kalchady to the Hilltop where the distance ranges from eight to fifteen kilometres. There are also trekking trails to Kesavanpara, Ranimedu and Cheriyampara. These treks not only give you the intrinsic pleasure of trekking but also enable you to see some pristine wilderness that are not normally seen on the tourist circuit.

 The Natural World…

Nestling deep in a valley and stretching over 258 square kilometres. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary claims of the first ever scientifically managed teak plantation and the world’s tallest and oldest teak tree. Apart from the surprising array of flora and fauna, this sanctuary offers challenging hill ranges for trekking and vast lakes for boating. Parambikuulam is a great birding retreat too and was known to be the favourite haunt of the legendry ornithologist, Salim Ali.

The three dams here – Parambikulam, Tunacadavu and Perivarapallam, were constructed across the Chalakkudy River for generating hydroelectricity power.  As a result, a unique feature of this sanctuary is that you can se a series of reservoirs interconnected with tunnels, channel, river courses and canals. Thunacadavu is perfect for viewing wildlife. Elephants, spotted deer and gaur are found along the periphery of this reservoir. The other dams have environs that are excellent for bird watching.

Parambikulam Sanctuary is an authentic storehouse of diverse habitat types – evergreen forests, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, dry deciduous montane grasslands and Shola forests. Deer, sambar and gaur roam freely in marshy grasslands. The scientifically managed teak plantations and the deep freshwater ecosystem created by the construction of three add diversity to the sanctuary.

The Kannimara Teak is the world’s oldest and largest teak tree. It is said to be over 350 years old. This living relic of the once luxuriant natural teak forests is a major tourist attraction.

You can see the wild animals coming to the reservoirs to quench their thirst. The fresh water crocodiles, otters and turtles are found there. We can surely see Langurs, sambars, gaur, mongoose, fox and barking deer, lion – tailed macaque, Slender Loris, king cobras, tiger, leopard, civet cat, pangolin, porcupine, Nilgiri Tahr. The Parambikulam frog is exclusive to this sanctuary. This sanctuary also harbours more than 250 bird genuses ranging from the common myna, grey headed myna to the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Great Indian Hornbill. This sanctuary also supports 285 species of endemic, rare and endangered flora and 1320 genus of flowering plants, including 70 species of orchids. Most of the threatened South Indian medicinal plants find a shelter in Parambikulam. It is also a hiker’s El Dorado.

 Fact file:

Location      : -           Nelliyampathy is perched at a height of 4,600 ft above the sea level,
                                           60 kms from Palakkad town.

Best Time to go: – It is pleasant throughout the year but September to January is the  
                               Best time.

Munnar

Mesmerizing Munnar

With its picture-book towns and winding lanes, Munnar has been rated as Asia’s second best tourist destination in the TripAdvisor’s 2010 Traveller’s Choice Destination Awards. Situated 1520 metre above the sea level, the hill station of Munnar in Idukki district of Kerala, lies at the convergence of three mountain streams- Mudrapuzha, Nallanthanni and Kundala. Today, Munnar is famed to be the ever most popular destination of South India. You can see the beautiful tea plantations carpeting the slopes, Munnar is a fabulous experience with its wide range of trekking and holiday facilities. Among the other exotic flora found in the forests and pastures, here is the famous flower Neelakurinji, which blossoms once in twelve years. Munnar is also adorned with the highest peak in South India- Anamudi, which towers 2695 metres making it as the perfect spot for campers and trekkers.

Top Station, which is just 40 km away from Munnar, is another jewel of Idukki. Positioned at 1700 metres above the sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar – Kodaikanal road. It also offers the wide-angled view of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. Pallivasal is a place which 8 kms from Munnar. This is the site of the first hydroelectric project in Kerala. Mattupetty, 14 km away from Munnar is another major tourist attraction. It is famous for its specialized dairy farm and Indo – Swiss livestock project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. The Mattupetty Lake and dam, is an alluring spot. DTPC provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. There are uncountable fantastic places like Nyayamakkad, Lock Heart Gap, Pothenmedu, Chithirapuram, Devikulam Lake, Cheeyappara and Valra waterfalls, Meenuli, Keezharkuth that will definitely take away your breath!

The Cup that Cheers

The tea industry in India has a very important place in the Indian economy. There are many tea growing states in India but Idukki with 72.40 per cent provides the maximum amount of tea in India. Munnar is abundant with tea estates. There is a Tea Museum which will provide knowledge to the visitors about the manufacturing of tea, which is really very interesting! As we enter Munnar we are warmly welcomed by the rich fragrance of the tea and coffee. The sprawling Kundala tea plantation and the Kundala Lake are other attractions in Munnar.

The Wild Roar

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to Eravikulam National Park and Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu. This terrain is spread across 90 sq. km in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats of Kerala. This sanctuary has a wide array of vegetation like deciduous forests, dry thorny forest, riparian shrubs and trees, shoals and grasslands sprinkled with plains, hillocks, rocks and cliffs which provide micro- habitants for varied forms of life. It is also well-known repository of medicinal plants.

The perennial rivers Chinnar and Pambar support a healthy population of grizzled giant squirrel. Chinnar has recorded the largest number of reptilian fauna in Kerala including the mugger crocodile. Recorded with 225 species of birds, it is one of the richest areas in avian diversity in South India. Other chief mammals found over here are elephants, tigers, leopards, guars, sambar, spotted deers, common langur, bonnet macaque and many more… the famous ‘white bison of Majampatti’ is the recent addition to the list. The phenomenal butterfly migration occurs in between the monsoons.

The most prominent and natural habitat of Munnar “Nilgiri Tahr” (mountain goat) is found here and it’s becoming extinct nowadays. 

Munnar has long been a favourite with both Indian honeymooners’ and foreign tourists. Nature lovers usually make a beeline for Eravikulam National Park, which is home to colourful wildlife, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, ruddy mongoose and 120 species.   Visit the heaven on earth as it offers a wide range of staying options including homestays, budget and star hotels and resorts.

Adventure

Munnar has been attracting adventure travellers, who   are   enamoured of  the   stunning topography, which is ideal for paragliding, trekking and rock climbing.   Rhodovalley in Munnar provides a golden opportunity for trekking. Camping trips offered by the State Ecotourism Department range from one to three days.

• Munnar Fact File 

     Altitude: – 1520 metres
     Languages: – Malayalam, Tamil, English
    Annual Rainfall: – 12750 mm
    Best time to visit: – September to May

Lakkidi

LUXURIOUS   LAKKIDI

Lakkidi is the entrance to the Wayanad district. It is recorded as one of the highest locations in Wayanad. Lakkidi is a famous hill station in north of Kerala. It is located 700 metres above the sea level. Amazingly Lakkidi gets the second highest degree of annual rainfall in the world. So if you are planning to go to Lakkidi in the monsoon season, then you can enjoy the lovely rain. Vythiri is the nearest town to Lakkidi. 

Lakkidi as a Hill Station

Lakkidi is at the crown of the Thamarasheri Ghat Pass. Encrusted with steep mountains, rolling hills, rambling valleys, towering apexes which stand shrouded in mist, blooming greenery, twisty roads and murmuring brooks, Lakkidi is truly a nirvana.

The Gushing Lake  

Pookot Lake is one of Wayanad’s top visitor destinations. It is a fresh water lake which is wide and deep. The organizers have developed as a recreational centre having boating facilities, children’s park, a nursery selling potted plants and flower buds, shops for souvenirs and spices, a fresh water aquarium and hill produces things like spices, tea and honey which are sold on the sides of the paths. Supplied with a café and restaurant, this is a good planning for day outings with family. The atmosphere in this place is mellow and romantic, the setting is ‘picture perfect’. There is a pathway, one and half kilometre long winding around the lake on which horses and horse-carts trot up and down.

The Sentinel Rock Cascade

This Sentinel Rock Falls or Sochipara waterfall is one of the most captivating falls in the district. A curvy road from Vythiri passes through the grassy tea garden and then after it is through walking that we reach this place. In the middle of dense forest, the three-spiking falls hit the sharp point of granite at the base and hence it got its name ‘Soochipara’ (needle rock). As it is very difficult to climb these rocks near the falls, a suitable platform is made some distance away from the falls, so that the visitors could see this adorable sight. It seems as if a beautiful enchantress is uncurling her long golden hair.

A Tree with a Chain

The local story says when a British engineer was futile in his efforts to find a passage through the dense forests of Wayanad; a young Adivasi youth named Karinthandan guided the Engineer through the difficult mountain terrain into Wayanad. The Engineer was unwilling to share the glory for the discovery, so he killed the poor Adivasi youth. Soon, Karinthandan’s spirit started haunting the travellers who passed through this route. A priest was assigned with the task of pacifying the revengeful soul; he chained the spirit to a tree. Then only the trouble ceased. Even now, after these many years, we can find a heavy chain fixed to the ground and branch of the tree. It’s really horrifying!

Killikkurissimangalam in Lakkidi is the birth place of Kerala’s famous satirist poet Kunjan Nambiar, the originator of the traditional solo folk dance form ‘Ottanthullal’.

The Edakkal Caves with astounding carvings and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary are other attractions near Lakkidi.

Kuttikkanam

 

KALEIDOSCOPIC    KUTTIKKANAM

Listen o the chirpy birds and discover the green beauty of life. Nature is on prowl at Kuttikkanam. It is fast developing and much sought after hill station. Kuttikanam renowned for its misty atmosphere is situated very close to Peermede. Cold beyond imagination, scenes beyond expectation, Kuttikanam is a world totally devoid of pollution. This is the right place for adventure tourism and rock climbing. This pictographic region is washed in the intoxicating fragrance of cardamom, tea, coffee, pepper, vanilla and many other spices. It is a land that achieved its apotheosis during the days of Travancore kingdom.

This place is known as “Kerala’s Own Ooty” as it is covered with mist all around the year. The climate is very pleasant.According to mythology the Pandava princes with their wife Panchali, spent their period of exile in the delightful site of this hills, this place later came to be known as “Panchalimedu” (medu means ‘meadows’). 

 Enjoy Tranquility in Thrishankhu Hills

The lovely landscape of the green clad hills and gentle breeze makes an ideal vacation spot. Thrisankhu hills are also used by the armed forces as a firing range. It also offers a breathtakingly beautiful view of the valleys below. Standing atop of these hills will give you an enticing look of sunrise and sunset.

A Walk to the Tea plantations
 
This is a beautiful hill station covered with unending expanse of tea plantations. The early morning mist was beginning to clear with the sun light beaming through, and all around us were huge mountains covered in a patchwork of tea plantations. Spread over acres of land, walking through the lush green plantations and watching the tea garden workers plucking the leaves is truly a memorable experience.

The Fall from Heights

Valanjanganam waterfalls cascade is approximately 75 feet long and wreathed with haze. This beauty is also nicknamed as Ninnumullippara and stands as the main attraction of Kuttikkanam. You will certainly love it! It is so charming and attractive that you will definitely halt to spend some of your leisure moments with this enchantress.
 
Summers of early Rajas

 This summer palace at Kuttikkanam is also owned by the Maharaja’s family, which is locally called as ‘Thamby Kottaram’. In 1962 His highness Maharaja handed over this palace to Sri Swamy Athuradas, which later developed as ‘Athurasramam Homeo Medical Collage’ at Kottayam. The teak structure, the smoke-stained hearths, corridors, the underground escape passage, the prison cell; the durbar hall and all portray a beautiful picture of the earlier crowned heads. But now it is in its dilapidated condition. Nevertheless, the caretaker will take you on a whirlwind tour of the crumbling palace.

 Tomb of Muslim saint Peer Muhammad

Peer Mohammad, a Sufi saint who is believed to be the first trader of spices in this region. Infact, ‘Peermede’ is named after him. His tomb is preserved over here and you can also pay a visit to the mausoleum of the Sufi-Saint Peer Mohammed.