Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 40

Anamudi: (110 km from Thekkady) It is the highest peak in South India and
towers over 2695 meters. It is the highest point in India outside the
Himalayan Mountain Ranges. Anamudi, together with the Eravikulam Park, is
home to one of the largest surviving populations of Asian elephants, Gaurs
and the Nilgiri Tahrs. It is very near to the famous hill station Munnar and is
an ideal spot for trekking.
Agasthyakoodam: This is the second highest peak in Kerala which has a
height of 1900 meters above sea level. Blessed with a lively wildlife, the
forest of Agasthyakoodam is an abode of rare medicinal herbs and 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.
Chembra Peak: (14 km west of Kalpetta) At 2100 meters above sea level,
Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and is ideal for trekking.
Devikulam: (7 km from Munnar) This Idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns,
gorgeous flora and fauna and cool, tranquil mountain is a rare experience.
Lakkidi: (55 km east of Kozhikode and 5 km south of Vythiri) Lakkidi, the gateway
to Wayanad, is situated 700 meters above mean sea level, at the crest of
the Thamarasseri Ghat pass.
Nelliyampathy: (75 km Southeast of Palakkad) This fascinating hill station is
at a height of 467 to 1572 meters above sea level. At least 10 hairpin
bends have to be negotiated on the Ghat road that passes through the
breath taking evergreen forests of the Western Ghats.
Peermede: (915-1100 mt above the sea level) This famous plantation town
takes its name from Peer Mohammed - a Sufi Saint and close associate of
the erstwhile royal family of Travancore. Plantations interspersed with
cascades, sculptural rocks, meadows and mist-cloaked hilltops make
Peermede unforgettable.
Ponmudi: (61 km from Thiruvananthapuram) Ponmudi is located at a height of
915 meters above sea level. This is an idyllic hill resort with tiny, winding
pathways and cool, green, wooded environs.
Munnar: (Altitude 5000-8000 ft above the sea level and Rainfall - 275 cm) Munnar
is situated at a commingling of three mountain streams, Mudrapuzha,
Nallathanni and Kundala, 1600 meters above sea level. This hill station
was once the summer resort of the British in the South India. Among the
exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji.
Pythal Mala: (65 km from Kannur) This enchanting hill station, situated 4,500
feet above sea level near the Kerala - Karnataka border, is rich in flora and
fauna. It is a 6 km trek to the top of the hills.
Ranipuram: (85 km from Kasaragod) Ranipuram is famous for its trekking
trails and varied vegitations. Situated 750 meters above sea level this
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HILL STATIONS|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS