South Kerala Hills destinations

Ilaveezhapoonchira (55 km from Kottayam, 20 km from Thodupuzha) This is another picnic spot located in the midst of the beautiful hillocks near Kanjar. It is easily accessible from Palai in Kottayam district. Surrounded by three enchanting hillocks - Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara - makes this place ideal for trekking.

Ponmudi

Location: About 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, South Kerala. Altitude: 915m above sea level. Located within a short driving distance of Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi is an enchanting hill resort with narrow winding pathways and cool, green environs. Along with a beautiful array of mountain flowers, exotic butterflies and small rivulets, Ponmudi offers excellent opportunities for trekking. With its tea estates and mist covered valleys Ponmudi is a fast developing hill resort with cottages and dormitory accommodation facilities. Getting there: Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 61 km. Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 67 km. Agasthyakoodam Location: 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Attractions: Rare herbs and medicinal plants. The Agasthya forest is believed to have been the abode of sage Agasthya, a character from mythology. Trekking trails and thick forests around here. Agasthyakoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven for rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years. Women are not allowed up the peak. The aboriginals here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram. Getting there: Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km from Bonacaud. Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 69 km from Bonacaud. Vazhikkadavu On the outskirts of the district is this hill station of rocky terrains sought after for its pristine nature. On one side of the main rock are extremely tall and steep rocks and on the other is a valley of fearful depth. Bordering this crude landscape like a silver lace is the Meenachil River. During the months of December/January the landscape comes alive in a riot of colours with orchids and wild flowers. WagamonThis enchanting hill station on the Idukki - Kottayam border, dotted with tea gardens and meadows, will soon be one of India's foremost ecotourism projects. The breeding centre of the Kerala Livestock Board is located here. Charalkunnu This picturesque hill station offers a panoramic view of the nearby valleys. A camp house on the hill provides comfortable lodging. Maniyamkunnu The majestic mountains here that slope down to meet the beautiful valleys below are truly spellbinding.