Kerala

Recently, I was watching a movie’s teaser and they were referring Kerala as ‘God’s Own Country’. Well, true that and why not, the place has everything from landscapes to beautiful tea and coffee plantations, endless spice gardens and hill station in Kerala. Usually, when it is about Kerala we all often make an image of its famous backwaters and beaches, you can watch those virtual images in our Instagram account Routeprints. This time, let’s explore the other side of this appealing state and check out some of the best hill stations in Kerala. Whether you’re planning a family trip or romantic date or maybe some me time, the hill station in Kerala have something for all of you. Trust me you won’t regret your decision.

Kerala Hill Station — Source @mantra6272

Hill Station In Kerala

1. Wayanad

If anyone of you is looking for something that is perfect for the weekend getaway, nothing can be better than visiting Wayanad. Thanks to those beautiful mist-clad mountains and epic rivers. The ideal time to be the guest of Wayanad is from October to May. Not just you’re going to experience the thick rainforest, spice plantations, remarkable waterfalls, and splendid beauty but you can also indulge yourself in lots of adventure sports.

Make sure when visiting the hill station you don’t miss visiting Chembra peak, Soochippara waterfalls, Kuruva Island, Pakshipathalam, and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. Also, you can book your stay at the amazing Vythiri Village Resort or Banasura Hill Resort. Everyone wants to know more about south India’s hill stations and we are here to five you some travel tips

Nearest Railway Station: Kerala hill stations list

Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport

2. Munnar

Here comes the most famous and most visited hill station in the state that lies in the Western Ghats. Well, the hill station is just perfect for all the honeymooners out there as it has the best spice plantations, wonderful climate, and mesmerizing viewpoints. Also, if you do the planning in the right way, you can get a chance to see the valley turn blue at the time of the bloom of Neelakurinji. The unique part of visiting the valley is that it flowers only once in 12 years. Sounds like a perfect Valentine celebration, right?

The ideal time to visit this superb hill station is October to November and January to May and don’t forget to visit some of the other amazing spots like Eravikulam National Park, TATA Tea Museum, and Mattupetty Dam and Lake. Also, you can plan to stay at KTDC Tea County or Windermere Estate.

Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

3. Vagamon

D you know why I have added this hill station in my list? The specialty of the hill station is that it is not like any other commercialized hill station that means the place is far away from the urban culture. You get to know what the real nature means. The hill station is all covered by thee hills, forests, a combination of meadows, and with a lot of natural beauty that you’ll not get bored of praising.

Summer is the best time to visit Vagamon from March to May and when actually in Vagamon don’t miss visiting Kurisumala Dairy Farm, Thangal Para, and Mundakayam Ghat. Also, if possible try to stay at any of these two relaxing places: Vagamon Hide Out and Ayurveda Spa or Spice Garden Farm Resort.

Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

Vagamon Hill Station — Source @razal_riyaz

4. Ponmudi

Trekkers pay attention, this beautiful small hill station near Trivandrum is just perfect for those who love trekking and will also let you click pictures of some picturesque views when you walk through the narrow winding pathways. Hold the hand of your loved one because you’re also going to experience a lovely array of mountain flowers, small rivulets, rich tea estates, and exotic butterflies.

The best part about the hill station is that the climate remains pleasant throughout the year and the best time to visit Ponmudi is January to March. Make sure you also visit the Golden Valley, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, and Meenmutty waterfalls.

Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport

If I am asked about my favorite season, I would say winters especially the month of December, without a blink of the eye. This is the season when the sun is also on a holiday, the cold breeze is all around, time for festivals and vacations, good food, your favorite blanket, and a hot cup of tea.

Since I am one of the biggest travel enthusiasts in my group, I never miss traveling in this month because there’s nothing more perfect than traveling in December. In fact, there are a few places in India that simply take a new avatar with the wintry climate, lush vegetation, and of course, snow. So, here I am to tell you about some of the best places to visit in India in December.

1. Ladakh

Ladakh is often referred to as adventure capital of India. You’ll be glad to know that Ladakh has the world’s 3 highest motorable mountain passes. A huge number of bike enthusiasts from all over the country visit the place in December to experience this next-level long bike ride. Besides this, Ladakh also offers their tourists to indulge themselves in cycling, climbing, trekking, jeep safari, trekking and much more.

Do not worry if you’re not an adventurous kind of person because you spend a relaxing vacation in Ladakh instead. The place is full of sightseeing spots, rivers, valleys, some 16^th century Tibetan architectural structures, shopping spots to name a few. One of the best part about visiting Ladakh in December is you can experience their very famous Losar festival. But remember that the festival’s date changes every year as it is based on the lunar calendar. So, make sure you check the date before booking the tickets.

2. Goa

We all have been making plans to be in Goa at least once in life. Who doesn’t want to live their life to the fullest when they have their friends by their side? Well, there can be a number of different reasons to visit Goa but visiting the place in December can be the perfect way for holidaying in Goa. There’s nothing amazing than celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve when in Goa. Believe it or not, you’re going to have a gala time at the year’s biggest and most happening party there. Also, the much-awaited music festival of Sunburn and the pious feast of St. Francis Xavier is something you can’t afford to miss. What are you waiting for? Mark the dates on your calendar and book the tickets before it gets jam-packed. If you really want to plan your Goa trip successfully you should have to know the weather forecast of Goa.

Baga Beach, Goa — Source @prashantkohli3

3. Jaisalmer

What if you can spend some beautiful Arabian nights in the middle of the desert, under the sky full of stars, and lovely weather? Well, you can witness all this in Jaisalmer, the desert region of Rajasthan. Camel Safari through the beautiful sand dunes and overnight stay in the luxury tents is absolutely worth spending the money. You’ll be offered exotic dinner and a chance to get indulged in many cultural activities. And not just this, but you can also enjoy a number of sightseeing views in Jaisalmer. So, if you wish to spend a romantic night with your loved one with amazing moonlight dinner in the middle of the sprawling golden desert, just go and book your tickets fast. If you are planning to visit Rajasthan then Udaipur travel guide from Routeprints will really help you.

4. Alappuzha, Kerala

To spend a few days in the lap of nature and too that without being in the middle of a huge crowd can be quite difficult. But booking your tickets for Alappuzha can be the right decision to not just escape the crowd but your city life as well. Kerala is known for picture perfect backwaters and its tranquility and you’ll get to experience both in Alappuzha. Instead of staying in luxury hotels, try out the houseboats and sail through the quiet waters. The best part about being here in December is that the place celebrates a 10-day festival, Mullackal Chirap. Thus, besides being amidst the mesmerizing ambiance, you can also get a chance to know the culture of very beautiful Kerala.

5. Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

Without taking much of your time, let’s get straight to the point. There are 3 prime reasons one should definitely experience this Great Rann of Kutch in December. First, this is the only season when the whole white desert dries out, otherwise the Great Rann is submerged in water, secondly, the season is popular for the very amazing traditional festival of Kutch i.e. Rann Utsav, and lastly, you cannot have a better beginning of your New Year. Though the Utsav is known for camping and enjoying the folk performances one can even experience the night safaris in the desert. It is absolutely magical. So, these were some of the places I have tried till now and I have to admit that December makes these places worth visiting and even more beautiful. If you’re planning to be on a trip in December, try any of these places and trust me you won’t regret it.