The beautiful hills of Kerala are part of the Western Ghats in Kerala. Many hills are spread across the state and most of them are acclaimed as famous hills stations. The uniqueness of the hills of Kerala is the closeness of it from the se. Just a 100 kilometers from the coastline are these hills.
Ponmudi
Sixty kilometers from Thiruvanathapuram is Ponmudi, a 900 meter high hill station with scenic tea plantations and other trekking and hiking actives. The British had a strong presence here and started tea plantation which gives more glamour to this small hill station. The flora and fauna are rich and the roads towards Ponmudi are narrow winding roads. One could easily identify a lot of old English truss roofed bungalows at Ponmudi.
Agstyarkudam
Agastyarkudam is named after the sage Agastya who lived in this hill and is considered to be a chronic bachelor and a mythological character. This cone shaped hill is 1890 meters in height, and is home for rare medicinal plants and herbs. Trekking is a common activity here and entry is permitted from December to February every year with the permission of the forest department. Women are not allowed since the people here believe that the sage was a chronic bachelor and the presence of women would make him unhappy. The views from the hill are breathtaking and the hill looks violet in color when “Neelakurinju” blooms, this violet flower which blooms once in twelve years, which is another added attraction.
Ramakalmedu
15 kilometer from the Munnar Thekkady highway is Ramakalmedu, a windy hill close to Thekkady. The hill is close to the borders of Tamil Nadu, and one could see the villages of Tamilnadu from atop Ramakalmedu. Being a hiking and trekking destination, this rocky hill has some of the fastest recorded winds. There is a windmill farm nearby. Another attraction is the tall sculpture of kuruvan and kuruthi with their son who were the initial aborigines of Kerala. The spot is also considered to be picnic spot and it is open round the year.
Munnar
Munnar is the most glamorous and visited hill station of Kerala. These series of hills are named after the major town center of Munnar. Vast tea plantations, lakes, rivers, dams, and wildlife makes it the richest among the hill stations of Kerala. Sightseeing is the most common activity in Munnar. The rich flora and fauna attracts many people to go into the forest for trekking and other nature walks. The climate is cool and misty. Being in the Iddukki district, Munnar is 150 kilometers from Cochin international airport. Close to Munnar there are many other outing and sightseeing options. The height of this famous hill station is upto 2600 meters.
Vagamon
A series of verdant hills in the district of Iddukki is what Vagamon all about. This beautiful series of hills are one of the most untouched scenic spots in the Western Ghats. Vagamon is also considered to be a hideout where you come so close to nature and with its breezy winds and the eye appealing grasslands away from the towns and cities. One interesting activity that you would see here is paragliding. The hills of Vagamon are very much suitable for this sport. Unlike other verdant hills, Vagamon is an experience within itself. It is 150 kilomterers awsy from Cochin and is in the district of Iddukki.