7 Must-Visit Hill Stations Within 500 kms of Wayanad (2024)
Known for its natural beauty, the hill station of Wayanad unravels the opportunity for you to explore historical caves, experience lush greenery, and visit wildlife sanctuaries as well. Located in the hills of Western Ghats, Wayanad is home to many hill stations which you must visit to enjoy a rejuvenating holiday away from the urban hustle and bustle. In this article, you’ll get to know more about 7 best hill stations near Wayanad.
7 Must-Visit Hill Stations Within 500 Kms of Wayanad
1. Munnar: Located 345 km away from Wayanad, Munnar in the Idukki district attracts thousands of visitors every year because of its tea plantations and mesmerizing mountains. Munnar translates to three rivers. This hill station has been named after the confluence of three rivers i.e. Madura Puzha, Kundala, and Nallathanni. Popularly known as the Swiss of South India, this hill station lies at an altitude of 7500 feet on the Kannan Devan hills. Besides being popular among couples and families alike, this hill station attracts nature lovers as well. Munnar is also known for being the largest town in the district. During your visit to Munnar, you can also visit the Anamudi which is the highest peak in South India. If you love waterfalls, lakes, and lush greenery, you will definitely love Munnar. Popular attractions that you can consider visiting are Echo Point, Devikiulam, Kundala Lake, Mattupetty Dam, and Top Station. Munnar is also home to the Eravikulam National Park which is known for being a habitat of the endangered mountain goat Nilgiri tahr.
Location: Munnar, Idukki, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: September to March
2. Nelliyampathy: Situated 273 km away from Wayanad, Nelliyampathy in the Palakkad district is one of the best hill stations near Wayanad. Being a part of the Sahyadri Hills, the hill ranges here unravel the opportunity for you to experience nature at its best. This hill station is one of the unexplored hill stations in the state of Kerala.
Surrounded by the Kellikota mountain range, Nelliyampathy adorns itself with lush green valleys. Also, you’ll get to experience coffee, cardamom, and tea plantations. Lying at an altitude of 1572 meters, this hill station is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna as well. During your stay at Nelliyampathy, you shouldn’t miss popular tourist attractions such as Burma Bridge, Pothundi Reservoir, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. You can also go for rock climbing, mountain biking, and trekking here.
Location: Nelliyampathy, Palakkad, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: September to February
3. Vythiri: Located approximately 35 km away from Wayanad, Vythiri is one of the most popular hill stations near Wayanad. Situated at an elevation of 3750 feet, this hill station unravels the opportunity for you to experience the unique combination of antiquity and modernity. The peaceful environment here attracts thousands of visitors from every corner of the country. Besides being home to rain forests, Vythiri is known for having rubber, tea, coffee, and pepper plantations as well. You’ll also find a diverse variety of wildlife here. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, this hill station is the best spot for bird watching as well. During your stay here, you should visit the popular attractions such as the Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Meenmutty Falls, Pookot Lake, and Soochipara Falls.
Location: Vythiri, Wayanad, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: October to May
4. Ponmudi: Located 495 km away from Wayanad, Ponmudi in the Thiruvanthapuram district is known for being picturesque and quaint. Ponmudi translates to a golden city. Lying on the Western Ghats, this hill station adorns itself with breathtaking natural beauty, natural springs, and spice plantations as well. Being extremely popular among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts, this hill station attracts thousands of visitors in the Summer. You’ll be amazed to know that a part of this hill station runs parallel to the Arabian Sea. The thick tropical forests here are home to a wide range of wild animals. You can also get a glimpse of the Kallar river here. The nearby Agasthyarkoodam peak is one of the highest peaks of the Western ghats and is believed to have rare medicinal plants. During your stay in Ponmudi, you should consider visiting tourist attractions such as Ponmudi Waterfalls, River Kallar, Meenmutty Falls, and Deer Park. Shall you want some adrenaline rush, you can go trekking, hiking, or rafting here.
Location: Ponmudi, Thiruvanthapuram, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: November to March
5. Peermedu: Located 373 km away from Wayanad, Peermedu in the Idukki district is another popular hill station near Wayanad. Surrounded by Thekkady and Kuttikkanam of the Western Ghats, this hill station is known for cultivating rubber plants, pine forests, coffee plantation, and breathtaking waterfalls. The lush green grasslands here remain covered with clear blue skies and continue to attract a large number of visitors every year. Adventure lovers visit this hill station to continue trekking on some popular trails such as Memala, Peeru Hills, Kalthotti, etc. During your stay here, you shouldn’t miss attractions such as Thrissanku Hills, Panchalimedu, Vandanmedu, Parunthupara, Amritha Medu, and Summer Palace.
Location: Peermedu, Idukki, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: December to April
6. Devikulam: Located 354 km away from Wayanad, Devikulam is one of the prominent hill stations near Wayanad. According to the mythology, it is believed that Sita Devi took bath in the Devikulam Lake which is today known as the Sita Devi Lake. Thousands of devotees visit this lake for its sacredness and curative powers as well. Many adventure lovers come here to go hiking and mountaineering. The lush green valleys here are adorned with tea plantations as well. Some of the most popular attractions here include Power House Waterfall, Anayirankal Dam, and Lock Heart Gap.
Location: Devikulam, Munnar, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: November to March
7. Idukki: Located 337 km away from Wayanad, Idukki is known for being the second largest hill station in the state. Adorning itself with spectacular views, this hill station is home to many wildlife sanctuaries and plantations as well. Surrounded by three rivers i.e. Thalayar, Thoodupuzha, and Periyar, this valley is also home to Iduki dam which is also the biggest arch dam in Asia. Better known as the powerhouse of Kerala, Idukki caters to 66% of hydroelectric power needs of the state. During your stay here, you should visit places like Kalvari Mount, Eravikulam National Park, and Idukki Dam.
Location: Idukki, Kerala
Best Time to Visit: March to May
The tranquil hills of Wayanad are the best places to be when you want to get away from the urban hubbub. With a pleasant climate throughout the year, Wayanad is home to spectacular waterfalls and lush green valleys. Visit these hill stations near Wayanad and create memories forever.
