The Britishs choicest summer resort in the pre-independence times, Munnar is currently the top-rated hill station in Kerala. A much sought after tourist destination owing to its sprawling Tea plantations, lovely valleys, lanes and fairy-tale-like sceneries, Munnar is also famous for the Neelakurinji flower which blooms once in twelve years and literally paints the entire region in blue This hill station got its name due to the confluence of three mountain streams - in local, Moonnu Aar Munnar means Three Streams. Munnar is blessed with plenty of tourist attractions that offer variety entertainments like adventurous trips, trekking, boating, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and many more.
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Pleasantly nestled among the lush mountain range of the Western Ghats, in North Kerala, Wayanad is regarded as the most pristine and greenish region in the State. Fondly called as the Green Paradise of the Gods Own Country, Wayanad boasts of a sublime landscape attracting people from all wakes of life, including nature lovers, wildlife adventurers, heritage seekers, and honeymooners. This Green Paradise is also a haven of spices. Almost every crop such as Coffee, Tea, Black Pepper, Ginger, Turmeric, Cocoa, Vanilla, and Rubber are grown here. In particular, Wayanads black pepper is famous in the spices market owing to its unmatched quality.
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Located near to the Periyar National Park alias Thekkady, the village of Gavi is a tourist paradise with plenty of eye-feasting entertainments such as trekking, bird watching, outdoor camping, boating, and so on. Even the journey to Gavi itself is an experience to cherish as the ride goes past hills, valleys, tropical forests and lush plantations, enthralling the visitors.
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The second tallest peak in South India, after Anamudi, Meesapulimala is located very near to Keralas prime hill station Munnar. This beautiful hilly area, enriched with heavy vegetation plus forests and grass lands, offers one of the most thrilling and challenging trekking route for adventurers that can be hardly found in common hill stations. A trekking in terrific tough terrains with glimpses of live wildlife - experiencing Meesapulimala is something to cherish forever for trekking lovers.
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Located about 40 kilometres away from Munnar hill station, Marayoor is the only place in Kerala having natural growth of sandal wood trees. The Sandalwood factory established by Kerala Governments Forest department is a main landmark here. Also well known for pre-historic rock paintings, another attraction around Marayoor is the remains Megalithic age, which has been unearthed. This is called Muniyara.
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A pocket hill station characterised by Coffee and Tea plantations, flora fauna, and enjoyable climate, Nelliyampathy is located about 60 kilometers from Palakkad town in North Kerala. Not only this hill station but the route to this place is also worth trying as en-route there are many breath-taking sights like the Pothundy Dam, Seetharkundu, etc. Also from the elevation, scenic dam reservoirs at Chulliar and Meenkara can be seen.
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A mesmerizing location with greenish hills, refreshing mountain air and enchanting mist, Ramakalmedu is located about 40 kilometers from Thekkady on the way to Munnar. Best known for its windiest nature, Ramakalmedu is also famous for its gigantic monument - Statues of Kuravar and Kurathi. From this spot one can have great panoramic view of nearby villages.
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Thenmala is a small village at the foothills of Western Ghats, about 75 kilometers northeast of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. Predominantly a forest zone, Thenmala - meaning Honey Hills in local - is called so, as the honey collected from its forests is of very good quality. Thenmala is home to Shenduruni Wildlife Sanctuary, the first eco-tourism project in the country. Asias first Butterfly Safari Park also functions here. The charming waterfalls called Palaruvi is located near Thenmala.
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Located about half-an-hours drive from Thodupuzha town in Idukki district, central Kerala, Thommankuthu is a scenic seven-stepped waterfall. At each step a cascade and an underneath pool can be seen. Lush surroundings and the adjoining Sita Devi Lake makes Thommankuthu a fine picnic spot. Here visitors have ample scope for jungle trekking and fishing.
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A picturesque hill station, Vagamon is located near Kottayam-Idukki border of central Kerala, about 65 kilometers away from Kottayam town. Surrounded by three hills namely Thangal hill, Murugan hill and Kurisumala, and enriched with Tea estates, pine forests, grass lands, meadows, shola forests, Vagamon is a hill station full of excitement. The cool ambience with fresh mountain air offers thrilling activities to the travellers such as picnics, hangouts, hiking, trekking, climbing, so on.
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Nestled in high ranges, Coorg is a well-known Karnataka hill station. Miles of luxuriant coffee plantations, misty mountains and green valleys make this land a perfect getaway for nature lovers. Despite playing host to a number of powerful empires such as the Kadambas, Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara, the Coorg or Kodagu region preserved its ethnic cultural heritage. In fact some of Indias most valiant and decorated Army officers are from Coorg.
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Located about 40 kilometers from Keralas prime hill station Munnar, Pampadum Shola or Pampadumchola is a National Park spread over a high altitude, with evergreen Shola forests. In local the name Pampadum Shola means the forest where the snake dances - Pampu is local for Snake and Shola alias Chola means Forest. However not just these reptiles but Pampadum Sholas flora fauna consists of varied wildlife species in addition to many rare species of plants. This National Park is an ideal spot for those who love adventure and jungle trekking.
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The first Sanctuary in South India, Muthumalai Wild life Sanctuary is located on the Mysore-Ooty highway, and is the continuation of the Bandipur National Park. These two sanctuaries are separated by the river Moyar which flows through the borders of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The topography of the land is tremendously varied with many huge hills, valleys, water courses, swamps and ravines making the area much beautiful to the travellers. The flora and fauna of the place is also incredible with the varied vegetation and huge number of birds and animals.
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About 50 kilometers far from Kalpetta town in Wayanad, North Kerala, Tholpetty is a Wildlife Sanctuary, rich in animal life. The main attractions of Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary are night camping in deep woods and jeep safari. On wildlife safari animals like Bison, Deer, Langur, Wild Squirrel, Jungle Cat, Elephants, Tiger and variety birds are common sights. There is lake inside this sanctuary and it is the main water source for the animals and birds. The watch tower near the lake is a vantage point to watch the animals coming to the lake to drink water.
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Valparai is a small and cute hill station in Tamil Nadu, near the Kerala border. Here carpet like tea plantations surrounded by evergreen forest and the pure chilling mountain air provides a rejuvenating experience to the visitors. Valparai also serves as the starting location to other tourist attractions such as the Aliyar, Sholayar and Nirar dams. The route from Valparai to Azhiyar is really thrilling with 40 hairpin bends and picturesque sceneries, whereas Valparai Sholayar route is equally enjoyable too with exciting wildlife views.
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A gateway to Muthumalai and Bandipur wildlife sanctuaries, Masinagudi is a small town set in a pleasant environment. Blessed with fantastic climate this location can be termed as a doorstep to pristine natural charm. A major attraction here is the legendary Masini Amman Temple.
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A humble village located in Idukki district of central Kerala, near to Marayoor and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanthaloor is a relatively unexplored location with sublime natural beauty. Nicknamed as the Apple Valley of Kerala, here quality apples, strawberries, plums and kiwi fruits are cultivated. Apart from these, Organic vegetables farms, Orchards, Rose gardens and Nurseries, enhance Kanthaloors beautiful landscape. Also this is one of the few places where terraced-paddy cultivation can be seen. Overall, misty mountains, dense forests, waterfalls and above all, soothing climate make this spot a virtual heaven.
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An enchanting high range region where visitor will become one with nature, Meghamalai is hill station covered with extensive Tea, Cardamom, Coffee, Pepper, Cinnamon plantations, and also houses a variety of rare flora and fauna. Besides, the dense Meghamalai forests are home to a large number of animals such as Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Gaurs, Deer, Wild Boars, The Nilgiri Langur, Tahr, Sloth Bears, Macaques, Otters, and 100 different species of birds. In this lovely land, visitors can avail many exciting activities in the form of plantation visits, wildlife spotting and bird watching.
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