Meesapulimala (Malayalam: മീശപ്പുലിമല) is the second highest peak in the Western Ghats after Anamudi. Its peak is 2,640 metres (8,661 ft) above sea level.[2] This is the highest mountain in Kerala which can be trekked. Meesappulimala is called so because it resembles the face of a Tiger. Meesa means Tiger and Puli means Hill in Malayalam language.
There are two ways to trek to Meesapulimala. 1. KFDC Package - Kerala Forest Development Corporation Limited [3] 2. Via Kolukkumalai Tea Plantations.
Since Meesapulimala lies near Kolukkumalai, which is in Tamilnadu, trekking through Kolukkumalai - Meesapulimala would be offended by the Kerala Forest officials who are at the top of Meesapulimala.
MUNNAR
Munnar is a town and hill station located in the Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. Munnar is situated at around 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) above sea level,[2] in the Western Ghats range of mountains.
The name Munnar is believed to mean "three rivers",[3] referring to its location at the confluence of the Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers.[4] Munnar town is situated on the Kannan Devan Hills village in Devikulam taluk and is the largest panchayat in the Idukki district covering an area of nearly 557 square kilometres (215 sq mi).[citation needed] The nearest major railway stations are at Ernakulam and Aluva (approximately 140 kilometres (87 mi) by road). The Nearest Functioning Railway station is at Udumalaipettai according to Google maps The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 105 kilometres (65 mi) away.
PARUNTHUPARA
Parunthumpara is a small village, located between Peermade and Thekkady. The word parunth in the local language means Eagle and para means rock. It is called Parunthumpara or eagle rock because of a large area around like an eagle.It is 6 km from Peermade, 25 km from Thekkady & 3 km From National Highway 220.( Kottayam Kumily road).This area provides a bird's eye view of an endless stretch of green forest land and low-lying areas.Parunthumpara is six km from Peerumade on National Highway 220 and is increasingly being visited by tourists who are on their way to Thekkady and others as well. If the sky is clear, visitors can get the view of the Sabarimala forests.
Easily accessible through the narrow ghat road from Kallar Junction, this hill station stands out for its sprawling grasslands where the families can enjoy a few quiet moments, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. A perfect choice for those who wish to have a holiday off the beaten track and to explore the unseen and the unexplored beauty of the pristine forests around, Parunthumpara has been attracting a large number of domestic tourists during weekends.
Though the place is yet to be included in the tourism map of the district, the place can stand up to any other hill stations.
However, the steep hills also pose a threat to reckless visitors. There are a few deep slopes and one should be careful while visiting Parunthumpara.
The District Tourism Promotion Council plans to develop Parunthumpara as a hill station and as a stopover place for tourists who come from Kumarakom to Thekkady. There are two main roads through which the domestic and international tourists reach the district — from Nedumbassery to Munnar and from Kumarakom to Thekkady. Between these main tourism destinations, there are a few must-see places and Parunthumpara had been identified as one among them.But this place lacks basic facilities like lodging and boarding.
A project had been submitted to the government for constructing a protective wall and for allotting a parking area so as to prevent the entry of vehicles on the grasslands.
VAGAMON
Vagamon (Malayalam: വാഗമൺ) or Wagamon is a hill station located in Kottayam-Idukki border of Kottayam district of Kerala,India. Few area is located in Idukki district also.
It has a cool climate, with the temperature between 10 and 23 °C during a summer midday. It is situated 1,100 metres above sea level.
Still untouched by commercialisation, the sleepy town with its scenic valleys, beautiful green meadows, enchanting pine forests, mists, fogs, tea estates, waterfalls with the overall greenery is really striking. The landscape is mostly hilly bald with green meadows. Vagamon is also home to a large variety of flowers and orchids. Cuddled up within three striking hills Thangal, Murugan and Kurisumala hills which are the representation of the chief religions in Kerala, i.e. Hindu, Muslim, and Christian which represent the cultural harmony. Vagamon has amenities for trekking, paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing. However business interests are trying their best to exploit and sell and market Vagamon for tourists. How much benefit the local people are receiving from tourism boom is to be seen. The efforts made by the Kurishumala Ashram have helped the farmers of vagamon to improve their earnings by ensuring better price for milk and marketing opportunities.
PONMUDI
Ponmudi (Malayalam: പൊന്മുടി)[1] (the Golden Peak) is a hill station in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in India. It is located 55.2 km north-east of Trivandrum city at an altitude of 1100 m. It is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea.[2]
Ponmudi is blessed with scenic splendor and natural beauty, Ponmudi has a carpet of thick tropical forest that rolls down to the foot of the hill range. No doubt, the salubrious atmosphere and the twisted trails across clear streams must have contributed to her health. Ponmudi is connected to Trivandrum by a narrow winding road offering scenic views on the way to Ponmudi. The climate is pleasant year-round.[3] Ponmudi serves as a base for trekking and hiking. There are also tea gardens in the area. There are 22 hairpin turns along this short route which makes the travel a definitely thrilling experience.
Other attractions near Ponmudi include Golden Valley and a number of rivulets and rapids, some even across the road. The lush forest area has tropical vegetation.[4] A variety of wildlife inhabit the hills. The Golden Valley offers vistas of the hills and access to the Kallar River. Flowing though a wilderness area, it has rounded pebbles, cool water, fish, and lush green trees.
Some notable tourist attractions located in Ponmudi are Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Echo Point and various trekking spots. Mist-laden valleys, especially Golden Valley near Kallar River, also draw tourists. Travelers can find a deer park and wood and stone cottages coloured in bright hues while visiting here.Located about 1.5 km from the hill station, is the Ponmudi Falls. Around 3 km from the Ponmudi Resort, is the popular Deer Park. The Meenmutty Falls, another popular attraction of the region, is about 3 km from the Kallar Main Road. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the outskirts of Ponmudi, is a preserve spread across 53 km2and accommodates a variety of wild animals and birds like Asian elephants, sambar, leopards, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar grey hornbills, etc.
Another main attraction in the region is Agasthyarkoodam, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, with the highest peak at 1868 m. This peak is famous for its wilderness, and can be accessed only with the Forest Department's permission. Agasthyarkoodam Biosphere Reserve is another popular attraction covering Neyyar, Peppara, Shendumey Wildlife Sanctuaries and divisions of Achencoil, Thenmala, Konni, Punalur, and Thiruvananthapuram
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