Hill Station Boss Find nature near by you !!
Are you looking for top hill stations near Cochin which is close by 100 Km distance? Check out these weekend spot to visit during weekend with family. Formerly known as Cochin, Kochi is a leading port-city of southern India situated in Kerela State. It is often termed as the Queen of the Arabian Sea and is the second largest city of the state. Kochi is well connected through airport, railway stations and road transport system and is visited every year as a stopover city by travelers visiting Kerela. Here are top ten nearby hill stations from Kochi to cut the heat and escape from the din of the city:
Painavu
At about only 107 kms from Kochi, Painavu is considered as the commercial center of the Idukki district. This spot listed in top 10 Hill stations of Kerala. Standing at an altitude of 3900 feet, this place offers an array of beautiful flora and fauna. It houses the Wild-Life Sanctuary of Idukki district and can be easily reached via road as well as water. It is only 5 kms from idukki bus stop. Elephants can be spotted during the winters. Mountain treks and dams make this place a hub for tourists every year.
Landmark Place:
Idukki
How to Reach?
Painavu is about 5 km far from Idukki bus stand. You can reach here by Tourist bus or Taxi.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Painavu is between November to May month.
Idukki
Spotted with spice gardens, dams and green mountains, Idukki is situated 105 kms from Kochi. It houses the south India’s second highest peak Anamudi and 13 other peaks at about an altitude of 2000 feet. Idukki dam offers boat rides on its pristine backwaters and mountain treks are a hot favorite amongst tourists. Kuravan and Kurati are two gigantic rocks formed by the Idukki gorge, with the river Periyar flowing through it.
Landmark Place:
Periyar National Park, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi, Mullaperiyar Dam, Mattupetty Dam
How to Reach?
Distance between Idukki and Kochi is approx 105 km, you can use taxi or tourist bus for Idukki.
Best Time to Visit:
October to June is the best time to visit Idukki.
Munnar
About 120 kms from Kochi, Munnar is considered as one of the most frequently visited hill stations of south India. Located in the Kannan Devan Hills, it is the largest town in Idukki district and is at an altitude between It is considered as the Swiss town of South India for its immense beauty and natural reserves. Munnar means the confluence of three rivers namely Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. The area is carpeted by green expansive tea estates and has several breathtaking waterfalls, lakes and forests. The place is also famous for Nilakunji flowers, blooming every 12 years. During the blooming season, the valleys are filled with these flowers, a sight of heaven on earth!
Landmark Place:
Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi, Devikulam, Attukal Waterfalls
How to Reach?
Munnar is approx 120 km far from Kochi. After reaching Kochi you can use either taxi or bus services.
Best Time to Visit:
November to June
Thekkady
140 kms from Kochi, Thekkay houses the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary. It is a popular summer escapade and is famous for its backwater trips, specially the artificial lake on Mullaperiyar Dam. It is only 4 kms from the Kumily bus stop and is the only wildlife reserve which offers sight of wildlife at close proximity from a boat. The reserve also houses few watch towers to spot tigers and other wild animals.
Landmark Place:
Kumily
How to Reach?
You can use taxi, bus or tourist bus.
Best Time to Visit:
March To July
Ponmudi
222 kms away from Kochi, Ponmudi is located South and is about 1000 meters in altitude. It is a famous trekking spot where adventure seekers flock every year to experience the ebuaty and thrill of the place. Meenmutty falls, Deer Park, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Ponmudi Waterfalls are few local attractions. The small hill station is covered with rolling hills and green forests housing several species of wild life. It is often termed as the Golden Crown.
Landmark Place:
Meenmutty falls, Deer Park, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Ponmudi Waterfalls
How to Reach?
For reaching to Punmudi you can use taxi or bus.
Best Time to Visit:
Mid of October to the end of june
Vythiri
Standing at an altitude ranging between 3750-4500 kms, Vythiri is has a unique blend of spice gardens, majestic hills and dense forests. It is situated in the Wayanad district of Kerela and 229 kms away from Kochi. Pookote Lake, Soochipara, Meenmutty Falls, Chembara Peak, Edakkal Caves, Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam and Karalad Lake are few sightseeing spots. This place is packed with rubber plantations, spice and coffee plantations and is also a house to migratory birds.
Landmark Place:
Pookote Lake, Meenmutty Falls, Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam
How to Reach?
For reaching to beautiful place Vythiri you can use tourist bus or taxi.
Best Time to Visit:
September to May
Wayanad
246 km away from Kochin, the plateau has mesmerizing views of vast expansive paddy fields at an altitude ranging between 700-1200 feet. The caves of Ampukuthimala speak of the rich ancient history of the place. Other spice gardens are also spotted in this region with a backdrop of the mountain range. This place is has a tribal origin and is the commercial hub of foreign exchange.
Landmark Place:
Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Thirunelli Temple and Kuruvadweep.
How to Reach?
Tourist bus and taxi both are available for Wayanad.
Best Time to Visit:
You can visit Wayanad throughout the year.
Kodaikanal
Located in the Dindugul district and at a distance of 272 kms from Kochi, Kodaikanal is a tourist’s favorite with its rolling hills and expansive lakes. It is often termed as the Princess of Hill Stations for its virgin beauty. Nestled on the southern part of the Palani hills, the place stands at an altitude of 7000 feet and is a popular romantic getaway for couples. Bear Shola Falls, Kodai Lake, Silver Rocks, Pillar Rocks are a few attractions in Kodaikanal. Nearest airport and railway station is Madurai, from which buses can be availed to reach the spot.
Landmark Place:
Kodaikanal Lake, Bear Shola Falls, Palni Hills, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory and Kodaikanal Golf Club.
How to Reach?
Transport facility are available for Kodaikanal.
Best Time to Visit:
January to December
Coorg Madeki
Termed as the Scotland of India, Coorg or Kodava stands at a height of 1525 meters and is at a distance of 362 kms from Kochi. The place is famous for its coffee plantations, lush green tea gardens and orange orchards. Coorg experiences the highest rainfall and the misty pleasant environment imparts a soothing effect to weary travelers making it one of the most unforgettable places in Karnataka. Abbey Falls, raja’s Seat, Omkareshwara Temple, Dubare, Irrupu falls and wild life sanctuaries are major attractions. The place is inhabited by the Kodava tribe and is termed as the land of anger.
Landmark Place:
Abbey Falls, Irrupu falls and Omkareshwara Temple.
How to Reach?
Use can use taxi or bus.
Best Time to Visit:
Mid of October to the end of may.
Yercaud
Situated at an altitude of 4920 feet in the Shevaroy hill range. The place is famous for its ancient stone age discoveries embedded in the hills as well as its teakwood, silver oak and sandalwood forests. Several coffee, tea, fruits orchards and spice gardens fill up this place and celebrates the seven day long Summer Festival in the month of May. Few major attractions are Lady’s Seat, Emerald Lake, Shevaroy Temple, Bear’s Point, Kiliyur Falls, Small Lake, Botanical Gardens and Pagoda Point
Landmark Place:
Lady’s Seat, Shevaroy Hills, Kiliyur Falls and Yercaud Lake.
How to Reach?
You can visit Yercaud by road ways.
Best Time to Visit:
End of September to first week of June.
All the hill stations are well connected by road and either private cars, buses or trains can be availed to reach the desired destinations. Peak season for all the places are between March to May and again from September to October. With growing popularity the places get very crowded during this time, so make sure to plan your holidays and book way in advance to avoid disappointment.
