Summer in India often brings scorching temperatures, dust, and humidity, making it the ideal time to plan a refreshing getaway to cooler climes. When it comes to escaping the summer heat, hill stations in Kerala stand out as perfect destinations. Blessed with misty hills, rolling tea estates, rich biodiversity, and cool breezes, these highlands offer an experience that rejuvenates your mind, body, and soul. Here’s why hill stations in Kerala should be on your list for your next summer vacation.
1. Pleasant and Refreshing Climate
Unlike the plains, hill stations in Kerala maintain a pleasant temperature ranging from 15°C to 25°C during summer. Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon, and Wayanad are wrapped in cool mist and breezes even when nearby cities are sweltering. The crisp mountain air and refreshing winds make these destinations ideal to relax, sleep peacefully, and explore without exhaustion.
2. Lush Green Landscapes and Tea Gardens
Kerala’s hill stations are adorned with sprawling tea gardens, spice plantations, and dense forests. Munnar, for instance, is known for its endless stretches of emerald tea estates, where you can walk amidst fresh tea leaves and savour aromatic teas at estate outlets. Vagamon’s meadows, Wayanad’s forests, and Peermede’s cardamom plantations paint a picture of greenery and peace, offering a welcome change from the concrete jungles of cities.
3. Perfect for Family and Kids
Summer vacations are often planned keeping children in mind, and hill stations in Kerala provide ample activities to engage them. Wildlife safaris in Thekkady, boating in Pookode Lake, exploring Edakkal Caves in Wayanad, or visiting tea museums in Munnar enrich children’s learning while ensuring fun. The safe and clean environment of these hill stations makes them family-friendly destinations.
4. Opportunities for Adventure and Trekking
If you want more than just relaxation, Kerala’s hill stations offer plenty of adventure activities:
- Trekking: Trails like Anamudi Peak in Munnar, Chembra Peak in Wayanad, and Agasthyarkoodam near Ponmudi are popular among trekkers.
- Paragliding: Vagamon is emerging as a paragliding hub in South India.
- Bamboo Rafting: Thekkady offers bamboo rafting across Periyar Lake surrounded by forested hills.
- Camping and Nature Walks: Many eco-resorts and local operators organise camping experiences in Vagamon and Wayanad.
5. Rich Wildlife and Bird Watching
The hill stations are part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its biodiversity. Thekkady’s Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Eravikulam National Park in Munnar allow you to spot elephants, bison, Nilgiri Tahr, deer, and numerous bird species in their natural habitats. Such experiences are rare in summer destinations elsewhere in South India.
6. Peaceful and Less Crowded Options
While Munnar is popular, many hill stations in Kerala like Vagamon, Peermede, and Ponmudi remain relatively unexplored, offering peace and solitude away from tourist crowds. Imagine sitting in a quiet pine forest, listening to the rustling winds, or enjoying your coffee with panoramic views without any disturbance – an ideal way to spend your summer break.
7. Refreshing Waterfalls and Streams
Summer is the pre-monsoon season in Kerala, which brings light showers and revives its waterfalls. Soochipara and Meenmutty waterfalls in Wayanad, Perunthenaruvi near Pathanamthitta, and Attukal Falls in Munnar flow gracefully during this period, offering scenic spots for photography and nature walks.
8. Stay Options for Every Budget
From luxury resorts with private tea garden views to budget homestays amidst plantations, hill stations in Kerala cater to all types of travellers. Many resorts offer Ayurvedic therapies, infinity pools overlooking valleys, and plantation tours, ensuring your summer vacation is both comfortable and rejuvenating.
9. Experience Unique Culture and Cuisine
Hill stations in Kerala are home to diverse communities including Malayalis, Tamils, tribals, and Tibetan settlers (in places like Idukki). This diversity reflects in their cuisine, art, and lifestyle. Enjoy local dishes like Kerala Sadya, Puttu with Kadala Curry, freshly brewed teas, and tribal herbal cuisines. Festivals like Vishu (April) celebrated in these regions give a cultural flavour to your trip.
10. Easy Connectivity
Most hill stations in Kerala are well connected by road from major cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode. Munnar is just a 4-5 hour drive from Kochi Airport, while Wayanad is easily accessible from Calicut. This makes planning a short summer trip convenient without spending long hours in travel.
Best Hill Stations in Kerala to Visit This Summer
- Munnar: Famous for tea gardens, Eravikulam National Park, and Anamudi Peak.
- Wayanad: Known for waterfalls, caves, and wildlife sanctuary.
- Vagamon: Meadows, pine forests, and offbeat stays.
- Thekkady: Spice plantations and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Ponmudi: Ideal for quick getaways near Thiruvananthapuram.
- Idukki: Scenic dams, forests, and quiet retreats.
- Peermede: Spice gardens and cultural experiences.
Conclusion
If you are planning your next summer vacation, look beyond crowded beaches and humid cities. The hill stations in Kerala offer the perfect blend of cool climate, scenic beauty, adventure, and culture to make your holidays memorable and refreshing. Whether it’s sipping hot tea amidst misty plantations, trekking through forest trails, or simply relaxing with a book in peaceful resorts, Kerala’s highlands promise an experience that will revive your senses and energise you for months ahead.
