Brood over
crystal clear water. Add brackish lagoons and parallel lakes on the Malabar
coastal lines. Is this all that you can ponder about when your soul is
quenching over the resplendently alluring Kerala? If yes, then shed that
clichéd notion. Now, put exhilarating trekking trails and waterfalls to feed
your hungry soul. Sprinkle this vividness with tea planted hills and wildlife
sanctuaries. Finally, wholesome Kerala is ready to be gorged down.
From around half
a ton scenic hill stations embellishing the state, picking only 5 is no mean
task! Truth be told, I really tried giving my best shot to jot down the below
mentioned list.
Check:
11. Thekkady
The
spice-scented plantations adorning this hill station in the Periyar forest is
very assuredly going to leave you aghast. With plethora of vagaries in the name
of treks and mountain walks, the wildlife reserve has much to offer. Lying in
the Idukki district, from boat cruises on the Periyar lake to plantation tours
and elephant rides, Thekkady is spoilt for choices. Mangala Devi Temple,
Murikkady, Chellarkovil and Kumily are some of the places that shall comprise
the ‘must visit’ section of the bucket list of the eleutheromaniacs.
22. Munnar
The
most sought after hill station in South India held the unique distinction of
being the summer resort of the erstwhile British imperialists. Situated at an
altitude of 6000 feet above sea level, the town is laden with unceasing tea
plantations. In the rain shadow village lying in the eastern side of the
Western Ghats, hails Marayoor, also known as the hub of sandalwood trees. Neelakurinji,
an exotic flower that blooms once in 12 years increases the mesmerisation thousandfold.
Nilgiri Tahr(caprine ungulate) in the Nilgiri hills and Kundala lake are the
bountiful beauts. With placidity reigning the ambience, this place is
undoubtedly one of the finest destination to head on to.
33.
Ponmudi
Malyali
word ‘Ponmudi’ runs parallel to “golden peak” in English. Located in the
capital city of Kerala, the hill station rests at an elevation of 945m above
sea level. Layered with the enchanting arrays of mountain flowers, exotic
butterflies and tiny rivulets, the place is emerging as a sought after travel
destination at an impressive pace. Agasthyakoodam is an abode of rare medicinal
herbs, and is the highest peak of the district. Peppara wildlife sanctuary,
deer park and golden valley are some of the pristine locations that will leave
you convoluted with the problem of plenty.
44.
Lakkidi
Located
at the crest of serpentine Thamaraserry ghat pass, Lakkidi is an idyllic
destination to gaze at monkeys frolicking through the Vythiri roadside with a
heavy chain anchored to the ground and tied around the stout branches of the
tree. This lush green vantage point offers mind boggling views of cliffs and
valleys. Lakkidi boasts of tranquillity at a height of 700m above sea level.
Expensive resorts in the vicinity have led the way in industrialising tourism
as flocks of foreigners loll in serenity.
55.
Peermedu
The
small hill station was named after Sufi Saint Peer Mohammad. Wide vistas of tea
and cardamom interspersed with silver cascades, sculptural rocks and meadows
are what makes Peermedu, a delightful experience. Peeru hills, Grampi,
Pattumala and tribal settlements in the area make the view panoramic. With a
proportionate amalgamation of religious harmony and landscapes, kuttikkanam is
an undeniable spot for the adrenaline junkies.
Lost your
breath? Want something for your parched throat? Perhaps, just gulp down the
endemic coconut water and savour the indigenous meals on a banana leaf!
The perpetual
chains of hills in kerala are a guaranteed monotony breaker where the air is
redolent and a whiff of freshness propagated everywhere. Paradise is certainly
the permanent suffix of this state. I am not sure which gods live in this
paradise. Smallest. Largest. Biggest. Rarest. Oldest. But these superlatives
surely reside here.
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