Devikulam Hill Station - It Gives Grisp And Cool Mountain Air To Nature's Lovers

DEVIKULAM HILL STATION

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IDUKKI

Source : Kerala Tourism

Devi kulam hill station is located 16 kms from Munnar, this gorgeous hill station symbolises nature in her pristine glory. The crisp and cool mountain air heavily laden with the fragrance of wild flowers and rare herbs is any nature lover's paradise. 

The Sita Devi Lake offers rejuvenating springs of mineral water and is also a favourite picnic spot among tourists. Besides the expansive tea plantations, a spice garden run by the district tourism promotion council nurtures a wide variety of spices. 

Traveling with a quest takes individuals on a destination worthy of being visited. And the journey becomes pious when it is made for the search of God and solace in Nature which is what one gets in a very small village - Devikulam hill station - the place with the lotus pond of Goddess.

People on vacation in world famous Munnar might not formerly aware of Devikulam as a hill station which is isolated but one glance around here and there is no doubt that the chilly in the air, greenery on the slopes, low hanging clouds over hills and the Sita Devi Lake surrounded by colors and vibrancy of Nature are to be cherished forever. Just 16 Km away from Munnar, Devikulam in Idukki district of Kerala is often a part of combined package tourists and vacationers take to come to this place.

The village is very small, thus seem crowded in summers when locals take weekend trips to get immersed in the views of Nature as she resides here. Devikulam tour has many reasons; nearness to Munnar, the prominent ones are beauty of the place, legends and mythology associated with the place that tells about Goddess Sita (Wife of Lord Rama) bathing in the lake after which it is named since then, skin-ailments treating water of the lake and numerous opportunities to explore hills through trekking and hiking. In God's Own Country, journey to all the places become a pilgrimage in their own likeness!

Munnar being in close proximity as well as great in popularity generally steals much of the show, but those who like some peace, pick home stays or hotels in Devikulam as their option for accommodation. Those who are coming directly to this hilly landscape can remain stick to the idea of going solitary lived to the perfection. However, the distance between the two is so less, it hardly takes any time commuting from one place to the other.some of the popular names of this place include- Autumn Trees, Pavitram Holiday Inn, Spring Dale Resort, Misty Buds Homestay, and others.

By Air 

Kochi International Airport is best to reach the village is flight is the preferred way of journey.

By Train 

Kottayam and Kochi 130 Km and 150 Km respectively are the nearest railway stations from where taxis or buses could be taken to reach Devikulam.

By Bus

Journey on roads from Cochin (Kochi) and Kottayam is a delight especially when the driver is experienced and efficient for the hill driving.

Live Honeymoon Experiences From These Best Honeymoon Resorts In Munnar

5 Best Romantic Honeymoon Resorts In Munnar Handpicked For A Perfect Memory

The hustle of the caterers, couturiers and champagne has paved way to your much awaited time to break away from all these and begin the new life together. To make your romance even more profound, we take you to one of the highest honeymooning destinations in Kerala– Munnar, the heart of the tea state. Munnar honeymoon resorts are the stuff fantasies are made of. Romantic cottages and gardens; misty mountains and valleys with their green carpets; and background music of waterfall gushing down the hills, promise you diverse options to customize your honeymoon.

To help  live these experiences we quickly bring to you the 5 best honeymoon resorts in Munnar

1. Windermere Estate – Old School English Charm

Set in the hills, this is the best resort in Munnar for honeymoon. It offers a luxurious yet intimate country retreat. Stare into the gardens from your beautiful rooms, roam in the cardamom and coffee plantations and fall in love with the surroundings and your partner.

Where: Munnar-Bison Valley Road, Pallivasal, Munnar – 800 m from Munnar town centre.

What’s special: Enjoy a romantic walk as the soft grass brushes against your feet and the raindrops splash around. Treat your taste buds at The Barn, The Hut.

Don’t miss: A trip to Eravikulam National Park. Buy tickets from the office in the town to avoid the queues.

Suggested rooms: 1st Floor Cottage rooms; pay a little extra for the Planters’ Villa.

Things to do on honeymoon: Indulge in rappelling, rock climbing and nature walks.

Tariff: INR 7,496 – INR 14,608 | Rating: ***

2. Blackberry Hills Retreat Spa – True Escapism

Want to escape from it all and immerse yourself in the wonders of Mother Nature with your significant other? This resort in Munnar offers you a delicately perched view on the hillside overlooking the lush green, tropical Pallivasal valley.

Where: Bison Valley Road, Pothamedu, Munnar – 5 km from Munnar town.

What’s special: During check in, an Ayurvedic welcome drink awaits you. The in-house resort activities include – mountain biking, guided treks, bird watching, paint your canvas and other cultural events on request.

Don’t miss: Tea tree trek, tea tasting sessions and meditation under the cinnamon shades.

Suggested rooms: Room numbers starting with 4 give you a direct view of the lush green plantations. Try the Valley View suites – view from their balcony is mesmerizing.

Things to do on honeymoon: Wait for your partner to sleepily wake up as the sunbeams weave enchanting patterns in the dewy mist. Take long walks along the hilly pathways surrounded by the rich aromas of exotic wild flowers. Relax under cinnamon trees, take a soft jeep safari and cozy up in the warmth of camp fires. Treat her/him with an exquisite lunch at Hornbill – The Restaurant.

Tariff: INR 6,776 – INR 12,081 | Rating: ***

3. The Tall Trees – Honeymoon in the lap of Nature

On a verdant slope among the misty mountains and evergreen forests with hundreds of old and tall trees, this honeymoon resort in Munnar is covered with stretches of preserved wilderness. The air here is suffused with romance providing all the privacy and security that you have ever dreamt of.

Where: PB. No. 40, Pothamedu, Bison Valley Road, Munnar – 8 km from Munnar Town.

What’s Special: Campfire programs and cultural events, indoor and outdoor games.

Don’t miss: Short and long treks through virgin forestlands, along rocky streams and meadowlands, with campfire, barbecue and a customized dinner at Hill Spice and Nature.

Suggested rooms: Room 302, Deluxe Cottage as they are closer to the plantations.

Things to do on honeymoon: Holding hands and hearts together, watch the sun melt in the evening amidst the humming of the bumble bees and the rustle of leaves from swishing branches.

Tariff: INR 4,741 – INR 15,249 | Rating: ***

4. Aranyaka Resort – A Paradise Within

With just four cottages that stand distinct, distant from each other, Aranyaka Resort is high on aesthetics. It offers absolute privacy to enjoy the spellbinding view of the Athukkad waterfalls.

Where: Pallivasal Tea Estate, Pallivasal, Munnar – 1 km away from NH-49.

What’s special: Bird watching, romantic bonfires, nature walks and short treks.

Don’t miss: A rejuvenate session at the sauna, relaxing at your private balcony, and Hatha yoga sessions with a yoga instructor on request.

Suggested rooms: Room 101, 102 and 104 provide you a closer look of the beautiful Athukkad waterfalls.

Things to do on honeymoon: A stroll to the nearest point of the waterfall (take short cuts through the tea plantations to cut the distance into half) will take you lovebirds to utmost privacy in the open, and a barbecue at their exclusive campfire site.

Tariff: INR 3,652 – INR 6,599 | Rating: ***

5. Birds Valley Resorts – Romance among the Birds

Number 5 on our list of best honeymoon resorts in Munnar is the Birds Valley Resort – a paradise for birdwatchers. It combines an elegant cosmopolitan look with tasteful contemporary facilities, ideal for honeymoon trips and family getaways.

Where: Kunjithanny, Idukki Dist, Munnar – 12 km away from Munnar Town.

What’s special: Birds like Malabar barbet, Malabar parakeet, Golden Oriole, Hill Myna and a lot more are at the disposal of a photographer in you; the special flower bed; river bathing; and herbal food at their multicuisine restaurant.

Don’t miss: Jeep Safari, cocoa, toddy and paddy experience.

Suggested rooms: Select rooms facing the jungle, go for Blueberry Cottage.

Things to do on honeymoon: Go for tent camping and campfire with music where you can sing for your loved one on a karaoke.

Tariff: INR 2,813 – INR 5,497 | Rating: ***

PLEASE VISIT TRAVEL TRIANGEL

Eravikulam National Park – Most Of The Areas Of The National Park Are Steady Hill Plateau

ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK

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IDUKKI

Eravikulam National Park is in the nearest Munnar town of Idukki district of Kerala State of India. The first of its kind in Kerala, where the endangered Nilgiri Thar is protected. Spread over 97 sq. km., this park holds the largest viable population of Tahr, several other species of rare animals, birds and butterflies. 

The park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also of the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mist. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years.

Most of the areas of the national park are consistent hill plateau. So, you can see only high rolling slopes here.In 1975 Eravikulam was declared as a wildlife sanctuary and then in 1978 it was given the status of a National park. The main motive behind this was to protect the rare Nilgiri Tahr and Hemitragus Hylocrious, which are common here. But now the park is home to numerous protected species of flora and fauna.

It is an ideal place for seeing the biodiversity of high elevation shola-grassland ecosystem. Visitors are taken to Rajamalai in forest dept vehicles and given an opportunity to see all this. Private vehicles are not allowed here. The National Park is usually closed at the time of calving of Nilgiri Tahr which is usually during the early months of every year.

A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Kannan devan hills.

Anamudi, the highest peak (2695 m) south of Himalayas, stands majestically in the core area of the national park. The slopes of the hills abound in many kinds of rare flora which include rare terrestrial and epiphytic orchids, and beautiful wild balsams. Important fauna here are the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, leopard, tiger, Indian bison, etc.

Rajamalai is the tourism zone of the National Park, where the visitors are taken in forest dept vehicles and introduced to the shola - grassland eco system unique to this region. There is a very informative interpretation centre at Rajamalai.

A protected area, the sanctuary is divided into three regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area - Rajamalai - the region lying beyond the road entry into Eravikulam. Here one can observe the Nilgiri Tahr at close quarters.

Don't make this your destination during the early months of the year, the park may be closed for visitors because it is calving time of the Tahr.

Visiting hours: 0700 to 1800 hrs

By Air

Nearest airport is Madurai (Tamilnadu) about 142 km; Cochin International Airport, about 150 km.

By Train

Nearest railway station is Aluva  about 109 km from Munnar; Angamali, about 108 km from Munnar.  

Entry fee for Indians: Rs. 15/head

Entry fee for Foreigners: Rs. 200/head

Entry fee for children below 12 years and for Bonafied students: Rs. 5/head

Contact Address: 

The Wildlife Warden

Munnar PO, Idukki 

Kerala, India - 685 612

Thommankuthu Waterfalls - The One And Only Main Magnetism For Visitor Is Seven Stepped Waterfall

THOMMANKUTHU WATERFALLS

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IDUKKI

Thommankuthu waterfalls is located in Idukki District of Kerala State. Thommankuthu, a beautiful eco tourism destination, has a series of waterfalls. In addition, there are several caves and viewpoints.

It comes under Kerala Forest Department, Kothamangalam Division, Kaliyar Range. Kannadiyaru is the name of the river flowing through Thommankuthu.

It starts 20kms inside the Plakkulam forest area and flowing through the Kaliyar forest. To cover most of it, you need a 12 kms trek up the hill and through the woods.

Most tourists are happy to visit just the bottom two falls, Thommankuthu and Ezhunilakettu. Other few, who continue forward, are rewarded with a memorable experience. Whether you walk a long way or have a short stroll instead, will be delighted to see nature at its best.

Kerala Forest Department has arranged all basic facilities for the tourists in Thommankuthu. Visitors will be greeted by the reception, which is being managed by local staff. 

An entry ticket is required for the entry in the Forest. It is available in the counter and entry ticket fee is Rs 20 per adults and Rs 10 for the children. After entering in the forest, there is one interpretation centre available where all the details about the forest, spotting of animals etc are given by the staff.

Thommankuthu is only 18 kms from Thodupuzha, one of the major regional towns. The seven stepped waterfall is a major attraction of the region.

The best time to visit Thommankuthu is from Jun to Nov. Thommankuthu is an uprising tourist attraction and a splendid place to visit. This place is not idle for visit during summer time when the river bed is dry from Feb to May.

The waterfall and stream is live after the monsoon in Kerala. During the heavy monsoon time, the river overflows and the three waterfalls become live.  Bathing, crossing the river etc are completely banned during Jun and Jul.

There are also small cascades and rapids that certainly contribute to the look and feel. Multiple waterfalls means multiple pools. 

Thommankuthu attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers. Nature lovers get the perfect opportunity to feel the coolness of mountain stream, take in the aromas and enjoy the woods. Adventure seekers find avenue for some exciting trekking. The Best if you are both!

By Air

Cochin International Airport.

By Train

Aluva Railway Station (57kms), Kottayam Railway Station (72kms)

By Bus

Karimanoor, Vannapuram, Thodupuzha Buses are

Periyar Tiger Reserve At Thekkady

PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE 

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THEKKADY

The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Wealth of Periyar Forests:

Flora:Over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species 143 species of orchids. The only south Indian conifer, scientifically known as Podocarpus wallichianus, grows in the forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Fauna:

Mammals: More than 60 species are found here which includes the Asian elephant, Tiger, Indian bison, sambar deer, Indian wild dog, Leopard, Barking deer, Smooth-coated otter which can be sighted during a boat cruise in the Periyar Lake. The Nilgiri tahr is confined to the higher rocky areas whereas the endangered lion tailed macaque can be found in the interior evergreen forests. Both the bonnet macaques and Nilgiri langur can be seen foraging from the trees near the boat landing. Malabar giant squirrel is omnipresent.

Birds:

265 species including migrants. The Malabar grey hornbill, The Indian pied hornbill, Whitebellied Treepie, many species of drongos, woodpeckers, flycatchers, babblers, the spectacular Malabar trogon, etc can be seen near the boat landing.

Reptiles:

Cobra, viper, krait, a number of non-poisonous snakes, and the Indian monitor lizard.

Amphibians:

Frogs like the colorful Malabar gliding frog, fungoid frog, bicolored frog, many species of toads, and limbless caecilians.

Pisces (fish):

The Periyar lake and streams have several species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. The Smooth-coated otter can be frequently spotted from the boat.

Plantations:

Tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations abound in the areas adjoining the Tiger Reserve.

Watch Towers:

There are a few watch towers inside Periyar Tiger Reserve which are excellent for viewing wildlife. Reservations can be made at the Forest Information Centre, Thekkady. Ph: 322028.

By Train: Kottayam Railway Station, about 110 km from Thekkady.

By Air : Madurai, about 140 km and Cochin International Airport, about 190 km from Thekkady

THEKKADY

   

  HILL STATION 

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THEKKADY

Thekkady is the located at the Periyar National Park which is an important tourist attraction of Kerala State of india.

Thekkady is the location of one the country’s most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries and conjures up images of unending greenery, hills, plantations, elephants and tigers. In between the hills are nestled tiny habitations and winding roads that make for a fantastic drive and holiday destination.

Thekkady is a perfect retreat for anyone who loves adventure, fun, wildlife and nature. Nestled between the ever-green and semi-evergreen forests of Western Ghats, Thekkady has so many things to offer for the tourists who visit this place. In the biggest wildlife sanctuary, you can sight Asian elephants, bison, sambar deer, boars, tigers, leopards, wild squirrels, lion tailed monkeys etc.

Boat rides are offered by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and the Kerala Forest Department for sightseeing and spotting wildlife around the river. You can opt for a small or a big boat and pay accordingly.

Go for a night patrol with the forest authorities accompanied and forest guards.

Stop your car engine, ride up on a bullock cart and traverse through the village lanes: take a break from the mechanical bondage and experience life in its simplest form!

Feel like a huntsman for a day! The ex-poachers of Periyar National Park will guide you to an experience of a lifetime. Their tailor-made programs allow groups to venture into the whole forest till sunset. The group includes 5 visitors, 5 guides and 2 forest officials. Spot a nilgiri Langur, meet an elephant and encounter the tiger!

Have a day full of enjoyment from sunrise to sunset with the hiking and rafting programs of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The curriculum includes 10 visitors who would be guided by armed and guides.

Periyar River nurtures the plantations of tea, farmed around Vandiperiyar town. Today the place has become a major trade center with a number of tea processing factories.

The fertile land of Kerala has an abundance of tea, coffee and spice plantation of various sizes. Thekkady is especially known for its the cardamom, pepper, vanilla etc. Also learn how to make natural rubber from latex oozing out of rubber trees.

There are number of shops selling organic garden fresh spices in this region at reasonable rates. Take back as much as you can; also choose small packets that can be used as souvenirs

lephant rides are very common and popular in Thekkady. They are available not only in the Periyar Tiger Reserve but also in the various spice plantation compounds.

Among the many programs arranged at the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the Nature Walk is a trail that takes one through dense deciduous forests and swampy grasslands. A local tribal guide will accompany a group of 5 persons and venture into a perfect exploration.

Thekkady is a destination for all season. At any time you can make a visit to Thekkady. But, winter will be the best time to be at Thekkady. The cool and pleasant climate will help you to explore this place beautifully. Most of the festivals at Thekkady take place during winter season.

By Air

Nearest airport to Thekkady is Madurai, which is located 136 km away. Madurai is connected to important airports like Chennai and Coimbatore.

By Train

Nearest railhead is Kottayam, situated 114 km away.

By Road

State public transport buses connect Thekkady with other nearby cities.

MUNNAR

HILL STATION 

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MUNNAR

Munnar is idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. It is located in Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala.

Munnar is a lovely area of Kerala’s Western Ghats that is filled with green hills, valleys, forests and tea plantations. The magic of Munnar begins much before you reach the little hill town.

The drive is exciting what with the road winding around hillsides with tea estates on either side and stunning views beyond. The drive is fascinating any time of the day, but it is particularly surreal in the morning with swirling mists and moving clouds, changing subtly at every turn, round every bend.

Munnar attracts tourists from all over the world because of its exquisite natural beauty. Munnar is located in the state of Kerala and was the popular summer destinations of the British rulers.

It is a narrow stretch of land flanked on one side by the Arabian Sea and on the other side by the Western Ghat mountain ranges.

 Palm-fringed backwaters, scenic beaches, misty mountains, evergreen rain forests, gushing streams and waterfalls, all make this ancient spice capital of the world the most sought-after tourist destination.

Munnar experiences a moderate climate all through the year. Summers (March to May) are pleasant and the temperature ranges a maximum of 25°C to minimum of 15°C. Winters during December to February are cool and temperature comes down to 10°C during this period. Monsoons (June to September) are lovely with pouring rainfalls.

By Air

Munnar does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is 110 kilometres away by road. From Cochin, you can hire a cab to get to Munnar. The Madurai International Airport is 140 kilometres away from Munnar. In case you de-board at the Madurai International Airport, you can hire a cab or board the state transport or private buses to get to Munnar.

By Train

The nearest railway station from Munnar is at Aluva, which is at a distance of 110 kilometres from Munnar. The Ernakulam Railway Station is 130 kilometres away while the Madurai Railway Station is at a distance of 135 kilometres. From these points, you can either hire a cab or board the state transport or private buses wherever available.

By Bus

State-run or private buses, plying from various towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are the best way to get to Munnar by road. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation provides bus services to Munnar from all major cities in Kerala.

Self Drive Route

Ernakulam- Munnar: (135 kilometres) 4.5 hours 
 Thekkady- Munnar: (110 kilometres) 4 hours 
Thiruvananthapuram- Munnar: (300 kilometres) 9 hours 
Palani- Munnar: (120 kilometres) 2.5 hours 
Coimbatore- Munnar: (150 kilometres) 6 hours 
 Madurai - Munnar :(135 kilometres) 6 hours