Read More: WHY IS OOTY CALLED THE “QUEEN OF HILL STATIONS” IN INDIA?
1. Munnar:
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Munnar map
“The Kashmir of South India” is how a picturesque hill station Munnar located in Kerala is commonly referred to as.
Elevated at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level, it is known for its beautiful tea plantations. Furthermore, this scenic hill station has apparently been created by the fusion of three rivers named Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. In addition, it is also known for its exotic flora which includes a species of flower known as “Neelakurinji”. It is therefore a combination of a magnificent evergreen landscape and exotic flora which makes Munnar, one among a few “Enchanting Hill Stations” in Kerala.
2. Thekkady:
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Thekkady map
“Periyar National Park” considered to be India’s largest sanctuary is situated in a scenic hill station called Thekkady in Kerala.
Located at a distance of 257 km from Trivandrum, it is renowned for its overall scenic beauty. Furthermore, this hill station is also known for its rich, varied, and exotic species of flora and fauna. It is also said to be a “paradise” of spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, nutmace, ginger, and clove. And so, it is a fusion of a scenic green landscape and exotic flora and fauna which makes Thekkady, one among a few “Enchanting Hill Stations” available inKerala.
3. Vagamon:
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Vagamon map
Considered to be the “One of the most attractive places in India to visit” is a quaint hill station in Kerala known as Vagamon.Elevated at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level, it is known for its landscape that simply takes one’s breath away. Furthermore, this hill station is surrounded by magnificent evergreen hills, ravines, and rivulets. It is also popular for its beautiful tea plantations, pine forests, meadows, and waterfalls. Thus, it is the presence of a spectacular landscape which makes Vagamon, one among a few “Enchanting Hill Stations” in Kerala worth visiting.
4. Ponmudi:
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Ponmudi map
“The Golden Peak” is the literal English translation of Ponmudi, a majestic hill station situated in Kerala. 
Located at an altitude of 3600 feet above sea level, it is known for its rare and exotic flora and fauna. Exotic butterflies and varied wild orchids can also be seen at this quaint and tranquil hill station. Furthermore,the landscape available over here is ideal for outdoor activities such as “trekking and camping”. Adding a lot of charm to this hill station is the beauty of the Kallar River and Meenmutty waterfalls. And so, it is the majestic landscape and splendid flora and fauna which makes Ponmudi, one among a few “Enchanting Hill Stations” in Kerala truly worth a visit.
5. Peermade:
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Peermade map
Named after a Sufi saint named Peer Mohammed, is a beautiful hill station located in Kerala known as Peermade. Nestled high up at an altitude 3000 feet above sea level, it is known for its beautiful landscape. It is also renowned for some splendid plantations of tea, coffee, cardamom, and coconut.Furthermore, this hill station comprises of some magnificent rocks, beautiful waterfalls, and green meadows. It is then the presence of a majestic landscape which makes Peermade, one among a few “Enchanting Hill Stations” in Kerala that needs to be explored.
Also Read: TOP 10 HILL STATIONS IN THE WESTERN GHATS
Image Credits: Wikipedia and Pixabay
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Read More: 5 ENCHANTING HILL STATIONS IN KERALA
How to get there?
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By train:
The nearest railway station is in Kottayam. The Kottayam Railway Station is located at a distance of 114 km from Thekkady. This railway station is well linked to many of the major cities and towns in the country. Taxi services from Kottayam Railway Station to Thekkady are available.
By Road:
A number of Kerala State Transport Buses are available from places like Kottayam, Cochin, and Trivandrum to Thekkady. Kottayam and Kochi are starting points that are located in close proximity to Thekkady.
a. How to reach Thekkady from Kochi : The shortest route to reach Thekkady from Kochi is via NH183 as depicted in the map above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
b. How to reach Thekkady from Kottayam : The fastest route from Kottayam to Thekkady is via NH183 and the route map is depicted above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
By flight:
The closest airport to Thekkady is in Madurai. The Madurai Airport is well connected to most of the major cities and towns in the country. This airport is located at about 136 km away from Thekkady. The nearest international airport is in Cochin.
Climate and the best time to visit Thekkady
The climate in Thekkady can range from “hot to pleasant”. The summer which begins in March and ends in May is hot with the temperature ranging from 26 degrees to 36 degrees. The rainfall received during monsoons which begin in June and extends to September is heavy. Landslides are observed quite often during this period. While the winter months that begins in October and ends in February is pleasant with the temperatures varying from 15 degrees to 21 degrees. The ideal time to visit is in between September to March.
Things to do
- Kumily: Is renowned for its spice and beautiful tea plantations. It attracts a large number of tourists due to its extremely beautiful landscapes. This small town is frequently visited by Sabarimala devotees.
- Mangala Devi Temple: Is a temple built within the premises of the famous “Periyar Tiger Reserve” and, is located at the northern end. This temple is dedicated to Mangaladevi.
- Abraham’s Spice Garden: Is a beautiful organic garden of spices. This garden is surrounded by scenic beauty. It is also the ideal place for those interested to learn the basics of spice cultivation, organic farming, and Ayurveda.
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Is a famous sanctuary located on the banks on the River Periyar. This sanctuary is renowned for its beautiful lush green environment and scenic beauty. A number of wild elephants and other animals bathing in the lake can be seen. It is a major tourist attraction in Thekkady.
- KadathanadanKalari Centre: Is a centre renowned for an ancient form of martial arts of Kerala called “Kalaripayattu”. It is a major tourist attraction in Thekkady.
- Murikkady: Is renowned for supposedly possessing the world’s finest spice plantations.
Accommodation – Hotels, Resorts and Home Stays in and around Thekkady:
Click on the link here to check out the places to stay near Thekkady, Kerala on Google Maps.
Also Read: TOP 10 HILL STATIONS IN THE WESTERN GHATS
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