10 Most Beautiful Hill Stations Near Kottayam
From lush green valleys to impeccable escapes, Kottayam is surrounded by numerous hill stations offering a perfect hilly abode amidst nature. Read on to know those stunning hill stations near Kottayam that are known for offering a perfect vibe of South India hill stations.
1. Vagamon - 64 Km From Kottayam
2. Peermedu - 81 Km From Kottayam
3. Painavu - 98 Km From Kottayam
4. Idukki - 103 Km From Kottayam
5. Thekkady - 118 Km From Kottayam
6. Munnar - 136 Km From Kottayam
7. Devikulam - 146 Km From Kottayam
8. Ponmudi - 169 Km From Kottayam
9. Nelliyampathy - 200 Km From Kottayam
10. Kodaikanal - 259 Km From Kottayam
1. Vagamon
Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, Vagamon is the perfect weekend getaway destination. The beautiful hill station offers the ever popular blend of thrilling adventure sports like paragliding or trekking, mixed with a surreal collection of lush green forests, gorging waterfalls, and expansive valleys covered with thick forest. The close proximity of Vagamon to Kottayam makes this hill station a perfect opportunity to go for a break and get a good kick of adrenaline.
Additional Info:2. Peermedu
Known to be rich with different shades of green, Peermedu is a small hill station that was named after Sufi Peer Mohammad. While the hill station boasts pleasant weather all round the year, it is especially favored by the vacationers in nearby cities during the summer season, when Peermedu becomes a haven unaffected by the harsh heat wave the engulfs the country during this time.
Apart from the pleasant weather and lush green vegetation, Peermedu is also home to an overwhelming amount of natural beauty present in the form of magical waterfalls, deep valleys, cloud-covered mountaintops, expansive pine forests and plantations of rubber, cardamom, coffee, and tea.
Additional Info:Distance From Kottayam: 81 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: April to July
Places Of Interest: Thrissanku Hills, Peeru Hills, Valanjanganam Waterfalls
Ideal Duration: 1 dayPlaces To Stay: Ruthira Inn, Hive Avinashi Road, Gowthams Nest, Kamadhenu Residency, Seyon Plazaa
3. Painavu
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Painavu is mostly viewed as a stopover town on the way to Idukki but its scenic beauty is often overlooked. Rich with views of lakes, hills, valleys while also boasting some truly pleasant weather, Painavu is a relatively unexplored hill station in this region.
If you aren't looking to visit any places of importance and simply want to spend some quiet time amidst the sound of nature, Painavu is definitely worth your time.
Additional Info:Distance From Kottayam: 98 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Places Of Interest: Malankara Reservoir, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Thommankuthu Waterfalls
4. Idukki
Those looking to visit a mainstream hill station don't have to travel far, as only a few kilometers away from Painavu, lies the famous hill station of Idukki. Home to the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, the hill station boasts a fantastic collection of forests, treks, and some impressively large spice plantations. Don't be surprised if you find yourself waiting for an elephant to cross the road during the rainy season!
A staggering variety of flora and fauna, a collection of some of the best views in the country, year round pleasant weather, it's easy to imagine how Idukki became so popular among travelers.
Additional Info:5. Thekkady
Want to explore the wild side of Kerala, Thekkady is the place to be. Home to the rich Periyar WIldlife Sanctuary, Thekkady is known to house a rich collection of flora and fauna.
From hiking along the TIger Trail to bamboo rafting in the middle of a forest, Thekkady prides itself with offering a collection of unique and pulse pumping adventure activities that are worthy of any bucket list.
Those looking for a more laid back sort of vacation can also head for a day of absorbing the serene views sitting in the middle of expensive coffee and cardamom plantations that stretch as far as the eyes can see.
Additional Info:6. Munnar
Scenic beauty at every nook and corner, thriving tea plantations, the highest peak of South India, these are just some of the things that are special about the famed hill station of Munnar. Munnar has been a popular tourist destination for decades now and over this time, it has come to offer something to every sort of traveller.
From budget excursions that involve camping in the wild to luxury resorts that offer scenic views right from the balcony, from a thriving ecosystem of flora and fauna to mystical mountain trails covered with dense fog, a visit to Munnar never disappoints.
Additional Info: Planning your holiday in Kerala but confused about what to do? These Kerala travel stories help you find your best trip ever!7. Devikulam
A small hill station near Munnar, Devikulam is packed to the brim with exceptional experiences. Surrounded by interesting Hindu mythology, the Devikulam Lake is believed to have been graced by the presence of Goddess Sita.
Apart from the religious importance it holds, the lake is also a popular spot for trout fishing and boating. An abundance of scenic views, a dense cover of beautiful greenery, and a hint of adventure, Devikulam has all the essentials that make it a superb hill station.
Additional Info:8. Ponmudi
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Another Kerala hill station rich with natural beauty and adventure, Ponmudi enjoys special popularity among hiking enthusiasts. The small hill station is home to Agasthyarkoodam, the tallest peak in the region, which attracts hordes of mountain lovers to witness its beauty, and for good reason.
Apart from winding, scenic road that leads to the hill station, the sight of sprawling tea plantations from the top of Ponmudi is truly a sight to behold.
Additional Info:Distance From Kottayam: 169 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: January to March
Places Of Interest: Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Golden Valley, Deer Park, Meenmutty Falls
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
9. Nelliyampathy
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While it may be a bit of a drive from Kovalam, Nelliyampathy sits comfortably in the Sahyadri Ranges on the Western Ghats, and is worth every moment is takes to reach this beautiful hill station. Surrounded by deep valleys and lush green hills with their heads in the clouds, Nelliyampathy is home to some truly picturesque waterfalls, mountain ranges, trekking trails, and a breathtaking collection of sprawling cardamom plantations that make for a perfect picnic spot.
The small hill station also houses (part of) the Nelliyampathy Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to a thriving variety of rare plants and animals.
Additional Info:Distance From Kottayam: 200 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: September to February
Places Of Interest: Nelliyampathy Hills, Nenmara, Palpandi Estate, Padagiri, Seethargundu Viewpoint
Ideal Duration: 1-2 DaysPlaces To Stay: Nelliyampathy Resort & Tent Camp, Nelliyampathy Tent Camp, Mango Village Farm House
10. Kodaikanal
Centered around a beautiful star shaped man made lake, the hill station of Kodaikanal is a well-known one. The small town is famous for its beautiful lake, its collection of awe-inspiring hiking trails, and views of forest covered valleys that are as expansive as they are beautiful. The landscape of Kodaikanal, rich with cloud kissing mountains, cliffs covered in mist, scenic waterfalls, and rolling hills, is so surreal that it is often fondly called the Queen Of Hill Stations.
Additional Info:Distance From Kottayam: 259 kilometers
Places Of Interest: Kodai Lake, Thalaiyar Falls, Devil's Kitchen, Pillar Rocks, Suicide Point
Ideal Duration: 1-2 DaysPlaces To Stay: Vattakanal HomeStays, Meditation Resort, Kumaragiri Holidays, Spring Valley Residency, Zostel Kodaikanal Things To Do: Night Safari, Dolphin's Nose, Berijam Lake, Coaker's Walk
Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations Near Kottayam
Q. How do I get around in Munnar?A. There are many bus routes operating between the cities of Kottayam and Nelliyampathy. Those looking for a more comfortable and perhaps quicker mode of transport can opt to hire a private taxi or rent a car from Kottayam to reach Nelliyampathy.
Q. Which is the closest airport to Munnar?A. Munnar is a popular tourist destination and thus, boasts a strong network of public transport. While you can always find a taxi or auto rickshaw to take you around, government operated buses are a much more cost effective way to get around in the city. Thanks to the pleasant weather, renting a bike is also quite popular in Munnar.
Q. What is the condition of roads between these hill stations and Kottayam?A. The closest airport to Munnar is the Cochin Airport which lies at a distance of about 110 kilometers from Munnar. From Cochin Airport, it is easy to find a taxi or a bus to reach Munnar. The journey lasts for about two hours.
Q. Will there be language-related trouble in finding public transport in any of these hill stations?A. For the most part, the roads in Kerala, especially around these hill stations are quite well maintained. However, if you are not an experienced driver, it is smart to have experienced drivers drive you to your destination in a cab or a bus.
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?A. While there are very few hindi speakers in Kerala, it is the state with one of the most impressive literacy records and thus most residents are able to speak basic english, and even understand some level of Hindi and other languages from the nearby areas. In other words, while communicating may prove to be a challenge sometimes, it will never be a problem.
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