|
| |
Hill
Stations in Kerala
Kerala has been famous for its natural riches at least since the time of King
Solomon. Driving from the ocean to the hills the moist jade of coastal rice
and paddy fields and coconut groves give way to bananas, black pepper, Ginger
and tapioca. Moving higher the road begins to wind through
tea estates and plantations of coffee, rubber
and spices. Kumily, the town is rich in spices particularly cardamom and along
with cinnamon, ginger, nut Meg, cloves and of course Kerala’s famous “black
gold”- pepper. The small towns and villages dotted through the inland hills are
friendly and relaxed places.
A landlocked district,
Idukki
is one of the most nature rich
areas of Kerala. Three main rivers- Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar- and
their tributaries gird the high ranges and wooded valleys. The river Pamba also
has its origin here. As a tourist destination, Idukki offers diverse attractions
like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, mountain
treks, elephant rides etc. Idukki has a large population of tribals who have
unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos, which is distinctly different
from that of the mainstream culture.
Another place
Munnar,
situated at an altitude of 1525 meters, 135 km from Cochin and
55 km from Idukki town, is a
confluence of three mountain streams. 1600 m above sea level, this hill station
was the summer resort of the British
government in south India.
It has a cool bracing climate exuding the old- world charm. The atmosphere is
fragrant with extensive tea and cardamom plantations. There are enchanting high
ranges lakes and streams and lovely views of low-flying clouds and mist-filled
valleys. The highest peak of South India Anamudi (2695 metres) is only a short
distance from the place. Anamudi
is an ideal spot for trekking. Sprawling tea plantations, picture - book towns,
winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular hill station
Neelakurinji is the flower which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve
years, will bloom next in 2006 A.D. Much of Kerala's exotic appeal is centred in
the highland area of the Western Ghats. Rising to an average height of 1520 m,
the tropical forests of the Ghats house rich flora and fauna.
The toy like resort of Ponmudi can be reached in an easy, two-hour drive
from Trivandrum. The winding road passes farms, small villages the enchanting
“Golden Valley” passed and those still to come. The rolling vistas of mountains,
tea plantations and mist-covered valleys unfold in all directions.
Peermade
is a small hill Station on the way to Thekkady. It is a
fertile land at an altitude of 914 meters. Formerly the summer palaces of
Travancore Raja’s, this tiny and cool hill station are full of rubber, tea,
coffee, pepper and cardamom plantations, intersquessed with waterfalls and open
grasslands.
At an elevation of 110 meters above sea level is Vagamon, is the ultimate
trekkers’ paradise. Stop by to see the unique rock formations at Thangalpara,
the lush green meadows and the hidden valleys, all compelling works of nature.
Wagamon is also known for its tea gardens and the Kurisumala Ashram.
Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is famous for its highly
specialised dairy farm - the indo Swiss live stock project. Over a 100 varieties
of high yielding cattles are reared here. The Mattupetty Lake and dam, just a
short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot.
Devikulam is a small hill station situated 16 km
south west of Munnar. Devikulam, literally means that the ‘Pond of Goddess’.
According to legend Sita the consort of Lord Rama, once had a bath in this lake.
It is a beautiful place with a lot of tea plantations.
Kerala’s hill stations are built
on a small scale; but what they lack in size is amply compensated by charm,
mesmerizing beauty and a sense that one is stepping back into a former more
gentle time.
|
