Hill Stations in Kerala
Kerala has many beautiful hill stations. Not only are these beautiful destinations they are also the source of the famous spices of Kerala. Spices such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and the cashew nut have been grown in plantations on these hill stations in Kerala, for centuries. Cash crops such rubber and tea were introduced by the Dutch and English colonial rulers of Kerala in the 18th and 19th centuries, when they realized these plants could grow in the tropical climate of Kerala.
Some of the hill stations in Kerala, which you can see on tours with Kerala Backwater are:
Munnar :
Munnar is the best known of Kerala's hill stations. You can see the scenic attractions of Munnar on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater. The British Government of South India used this incredibly beautiful hill station in Kerala, as their summer resort, during colonial times. The tea plantations in Munnar are a result of the British government discovering that is was possible to grow tea in the pleasant climate of Munnar. Munnar is situated at an altitude ranging from 1500 to 2695 m and has some of the highest tea estates in India.
There are many colonial bungalows and buildings in Munnar. Munnar is also near several wildlife sanctuaries including the Erivakulam National Park, which is home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr.
The green hills of Munnar are covered by extensive tea plantations and spice plantations. You can enjoy nature walks, treks and bird watching tours along the winding roads of Munnar and within the green environs of the plantations in Munnar.There are many varieties of plants grown in the forests and plantations of Munnar, which have medicinal properties. These plants are collected by practitioners of Ayurveda, the traditional system of Medicine in Kerala and their extracts are added to the oils used in Ayurvedic massage therapy.
Idukki :
Idukki district in Kerala is known for the Periyar and Idukki wildlife sanctuaries and the hill station of Munnar. This area of the hill ranges in Kerala is also known for many picturesque waterfalls and verdant views.
Ponmudi :
Just over 60 Km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is the beautiful hill station of Ponmudi, which means golden crown in Malayalam. A series of gently rolling green hills with forests, tea estates and rippling streams, Ponmudi is an easily accessible getaway, which you can visit on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
Nelliyampathy :
Located a two-hour drive from Palaghat, Nelliyampathy is a scenic hill station with a beautful approach road that includes 10-12 hairpin bends as the road winds its way up the hillside covered with tropical forest and lush greenery.
Devikulam :
located 16 Km south west of Munnar, in Idukki district of Kerala, Devikulam is a breathtakingly beautiful locale. According to legend Sita is believed to have bathed in the picturesque lake here and therefore it is known as "The Lake of The goddess." You can see the beautiful lake surrounded by green hills at Devikulam on tours of Kerala with Kerala Backwater.
Wagamon :
Also spelt Vagamon, this beautiful hill station in Kerala is located at an altitude of 1100 m above sea level. It is 64 Km from Kottayam and 100 Km from Kochi (Cochin). A stunningly beautiful series of gentle hills, valleys, waterfalls and green slopes, Wagamon has to be seen to be truly appreciated. There is a famous dairy farm at Kurusimala in Wagamon, which you can visit on your tour of the hill stations of Kerala with Kerala Backwater.
