The Hill Stations of Kerala, India
Tea-Gardens of Kerala are far removed from the heat and dust below
Tourism in Kerala brings to mind the beaches, monuments, temples and palaces. The hill stations are a different experience as opposed to tourism in the plains.
Tourism in the Hills of Kerala
There are about fifteen hill stations tucked away in the scenic hilly area that spans the western boundaries of Kerala, in South India. This area known as the Western Ghats has historic and scenic significance for tourists; and a cultural, religious, and commercial connotation for the locals. Covered in lush tropical greenery and interspersed with serendipitous waterfalls and lakes, the Western Ghats will fascinate you in a variety of ways. Take the winding road to discovery and enchantment.
Munnar—the tea gardens of Kerala
This hill station in Kerala is one of the most tranquil and scenic you may come across in a long while. The peace and quiet is unbelievable. Rising over 2000 metres above sea-level, Munnar enjoys beautiful weather and fresh air. If you have a book to write or even read, or a last chapter of your thesis to complete, or simply rejuvenate body and soul...head for Munnar.
Hundreds of acres of tea gardens stretch out in emerald glory as far as the eye can see. Munnar has the largest concentration of tea estates in Kerala. The place gets its name from three rivers that meet in the area in a picturesque confluence. Munnar has a colonial past, vestiges of which can still be seen in buildings and even lamp posts dating back hundreds of years.
Peermade—the spice rack of Kerala
Peermade is the garden of spices. Cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, tea and coffee plantations lie languidly on the sleepy slopes and valleys, lending a dreamy atmosphere to this hill station in Kerala. Situated close to 1000 metres above sea-level, Peermade used to be the summer getaway of the erstwhile royalty of Kerala.
Scenic beauty abounds in splendid waterfalls, rocky cliffs and undulating meadows. Clusters of settlements in hill sides and valleys glow at night resembling the starry skies above. Still untouched by in-your-face tourism, Peermade remains a diamond in the rough as far as amenities are concerned. Comfortable accommodation is however, not an issue.
Wayanad—luxury in the hills
It’s hilly terrain all the way, but the scenic splendour is unparalleled. This is nature at its best untouched by modern civilizations. Once you get here, you’ll learn all about the native people who live literally in the lap of nature, untouched by synthetic influences of any kind. This is probably how man lived in pre-historic times, before we were pummelled by pollution and commerce. These are protected sites, and so they continue living in paradise, oblivious to the woes of modern civilization. Around this utopia you’ll find the resorts and holiday ventures all geared up to meet visitors.
