Kerala has a long chain of lush, mid-clad hill stations that are home to exotic wildlife. All the hill resorts in Kerela offer the most enchanting experience of nature in all its virgin beauty.When the heat is on the plains, and the time to get away from the crowd, came for a rendezvous with nature. Inhale the bracing mountain air, relax in peace, stroll down winding paths, marvel at the beautiful views, enjoy the profusion of flowers in bloom. Kerala's exotic appeal is centered in the highland area of the Western Ghats. Rising to an average height of 1520 m , it houses rich flora and fauna. Kerala has many beautiful hill stations. Not only are these beautiful destinations they are also the source of the famous spices of Kerala. Spices such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and the cashew nut have been grown in plantations on these hill stations in Kerala, for centuries. Cash crops such rubber and tea were introduced by the Dutch and English colonial rulers of Kerala in the 18th and 19th centuries, when they realized these plants could grow in the tropical climate of Kerala. Munnar, Ponmudi, Peermade, Wagamon, Nelliyampathy, Vythri, Embra Peak, Lakkidu, Pythak Mala, Ezhimala and Ranipuram are some of the most exotic hill stations of Kerala. Situated 1600 m above sea level, Munnar used to be a summer resort of the Britishers during British rule in India. It is one of the most visited hill resorts in Kerala. Peermade, located on the way to Periyar wildlife sanctuary is also a pleasant hill station. Pine forests cover this hill station. One will also come across the Tea, Cardamom, Coffee and Rubber plantations on the beautiful hill station. Tucked away at the north eastern tip of Kerala, Vythri hill station is renowned for its coffee, tea, cardamom and pepper plantations. Ponmudi hillstation is located 915 m above sea level. It is an ideal hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooden environments. One can also enjoy trekking in Ponmudi.
