So, you’ve had enough of city honks, inbox pings, and concrete views from your window? Great. Because it is nestled just a few hours from Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala has tucked away a few postcard-perfect hill stations and nature escapes that are practically begging you to visit.
Whether you’re someone who packs a backpack the second monsoon hits or just wants a break from your air-conditioned 9-to-5 life, these hill stations near Trivandrum will reboot your soul — and your Instagram game.
Let’s jump into the misty madness, shall we?
Ponmudi – The Golden Peak (61 km | 2 hrs)
AKA: The hill station that looks like someone Photoshopped too much green.
Why Visit: Ponmudi is basically Kerala’s way of showing off. With lush tea gardens, winding mountain roads (which your car might grumble about), and cool misty air that makes your skin feel feelings again, this one is perfect for a day trip or a peaceful weekend.
Top things to do:
- Trek to Varayattumotta (with actual chances of spotting Nilgiri Tahr)
- Sip hot chai on a foggy morning
- Visit Meenmutty Falls – because no hill trip is complete without a waterfall selfie
Travel Tip: Go on a weekday if possible — weekends get a bit too popular.
Agasthyakoodam – Trekker’s Paradise (70 km | Permit Needed)
AKA: The “only fitness test you’ll enjoy.”
Why Visit: Agasthyakoodam isn’t your average hill. It’s Kerala’s second-highest peak and part of the biodiverse Western Ghats. It’s also believed to be the abode of Sage Agastya — a spiritual bonus if you need some divine motivation while gasping uphill.
Top things to do:
- Trek through rainforests that smell like fresh Earth and old secrets
- Spot rare herbs and over 2000+ plant species (if you’re into botany, prepare to geek out)
- Brag about it on social media — this one’s not for the lazy traveler
Permit Alert: You’ll need permission from the Kerala Forest Department. The trek is usually open Jan–Mar.
Travel Tip: If you think you’re fit, Agasthyakoodam will confirm — or crush — your beliefs.
Thenmala – India’s First Eco-Tourism Spot (72 km | 2 hrs)
AKA: The “green escape” with a tourist twist.
Why Visit: Thenmala is like your multi-talented friend — part adventure zone, part serene forest escape. It’s great for couples, families, solo explorers, and even those “I-don’t-like-trekking-but-want-good-photos” travelers.
Top things to do:
- Walk the Suspension Bridge (not scary, but wobbly enough to remind you you’re alive)
- Explore the Butterfly Safari Park (because butterflies > traffic)
- Try boating at the dam, or better yet, just sit and stare like a poetic philosopher
Travel Tip: If you’re short on time, Thenmala is the most “everything in one place” option near Trivandrum.
Kallar – The Secret Stream Stop (48 km | 1.5 hrs)
AKA: Where the forest hugs the road — literally.
Why Visit: If you’re the kind who gets distracted by flowing water and random birds, Kallar is your zone. It’s not a full-blown hill station, but it’s a perfect pitstop or half-day nature escape en route to Ponmudi.
Top things to do:
- Chill at the river banks
- Try spotting colorful birds (you may or may not know their names, but they’re pretty)
- Enjoy a nature walk without getting too ambitious
Travel Tip: Not for thrill-seekers, but perfect for introverts with good playlists.
Munnar – For the “I want it all” Travelers (270 km | 7 hrs)
AKA: Yes, it’s far. No, you won’t regret it.
Why Visit: If your vacation philosophy is “go big or stay home,” then Munnar is worth the journey. Carpeted in tea plantations, surrounded by misty hills, and dotted with waterfalls and elephants (not metaphorical), it’s the crown jewel of Kerala hill stations.
Top things to do:
- Walk through tea estates pretending you own them
- Visit Eravikulam National Park to spot the Nilgiri Tahr (again, fancy goat)
- Watch the sunrise at Top Station — trust us, it’s better than sleep
Travel Tip: Spend at least 2–3 days. This one deserves a proper affair, not a fling.
Gavi – For the Wild at Heart (185 km | 5.5 hrs)
AKA: Where Google Maps gets nervous.
Why Visit: Tucked deep in the Pathanamthitta district, Gavi is a dream for true nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It’s part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which sounds fancy because it is. Minimal crowd, maximum wilderness.
Top things to do:
- Take a Jeep safari (spot elephants, gaur, maybe a tiger if you’re very lucky)
- Canoe in the lake like you’re in a travel documentary
- Stay in a forest eco-lodge and listen to real-life jungle background music
Travel Tip: It’s remote — but hey, that’s the whole point. Pre-book through Kerala Forest Department.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary – Peaceful and Picturesque (50 km | 1.5 hrs)
AKA: Where you escape humans and meet deer instead.
Why Visit: Sometimes you don’t want a packed itinerary. You want trees. Silence. Maybe a gentle waterfall. Peppara delivers exactly that, with zero drama and a lot of soul-soothing green.
Top things to do:
- Walk quietly and let the forest surprise you
- Visit the dam and enjoy the views
- Reconnect with nature — or at least disconnect from emails
Travel Tip: Great for a slow, mindful day trip.
How to Reach Trivandrum (If You’re Flying In)
Coming from outside Kerala? No worries. Book a cheap flight to Trivandrum through trusted travel platforms like Indian Eagle. Especially if you’re flying from Dallas to Trivandrum, Indian Eagle offers great deals and flexible travel dates to help you land straight into God’s Own Country — minus the budget shock.
Once in Trivandrum, you’ve got hills, forests, and waterfalls all under 3–4 hours away. Rent a car, grab your travel playlist, and hit the road.
Best Time to Visit These Hill Stations
- October to February: Cool weather, clear skies — the golden season.
- June to September: Monsoon magic! But expect muddy trails and dramatic clouds.
- March to May: Warmer, but higher altitudes like Ponmudi and Munnar stay comfortable.
Quick Packing Checklist
- Trekking shoes (your flip-flops won’t survive)
- Raincoat or umbrella (because Kerala weather has moods)
- Power bank and offline maps
- Sunglasses, cap, and reusable water bottle
- Snacks. Always snacks.
So there you have it — your ultimate guide to nature escapes and hill stations near Trivandrum. Whether you’re looking for an intense jungle trek, a weekend of tea-sipping in the mist, or just a peaceful picnic by a river, there’s a perfect escape just a few hours from the city.
All that’s left is for you to pick a spot, book that ticket (hint: Indian Eagle is your friend), and let nature do its thing.
Because honestly, the hills are calling — and your group chat needs new content.
