HILL STATIONS IN KERALA

Kerala’s hill stations present only the once face of its multifaceted beauty. These places are blessed with the paradise of variety of flora and Fona, dazzling pure streams and waterfalls that caresses the rocks and the green car- pet of fresh tea plantations. A trip to these stations will provide an opportunity for adventurous trekking through the mountain slopes, animal and bird watching and visiting spices also. The state of Kerala is bordered by the Western Ghats rising to an average height of 1520 meter as a number of hill stations to be proud of.

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MUNNAR

It is situated at 1600 metre above the sea level and is tagged as the “Kashmir of Kerala” Munnar means “three rivers” which is obtained by the confluence of three rivers Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundali rivers. The highest peak of Western Ghats Anamudi is situated near Munnar. Another attraction of this
place is blooming of Neelakurinji flowers that happen after every 12 years. It still shares the glory of colonial bungalows (check) as it was a place of summer refreshment for the British during the colonial time. The lush green carpet of tea gardens are the main attraction in Munnar .

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PONMUDI

This is in Thiruvananthapuram district which is also a part of the Western Ghats and is situ- ated about 900 meters from the sea level. It has the thick covering of tropical forest which spread drown to its valley. The hairpin curves, the rivulets, cool water, fish and the tea estates on the way make the journey thrilling as well as aesthetic. It is the play ground of many rare species like Painted Bush Quail, the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Neelgiri Pipit. Another main attraction of this place is Agasthyarkoodam, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats.

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VAGAMON

This is an ideal green hill station for nature lovers and trekkers which is situated at a height of 1600 meters. It is also known as the “Scotland of Asia” The Zigzag path to this place is lined with pine forest and cut in solid tocks. Here we can see a wide variety of Orchids. Paragliding is an important sport of this place.

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WAYANAD

The world Wayanad means “Land of Paddy Fields” the main attractive of this place are the Edakkal cave, Soochippara waterfalls, Muthanga wild Life Sanctuary Pakshipathalam etc.Majority of the population and indigenous tribes. The land of Wayanad is a rich place for spices like vanilla, plantain, pepper, cocoa along with coffee and rice. It can therefore also be called the land of spicy hills. Banasura peak and chembara peak are the most visited spots of this place. Wayanad wildlife Sanctuary with its rich bio-diversity is an essential part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.