Much of kerala's exotic appeal is centred in the highland area of the western ghats. Rising to an average height of 1520 m, the tropical forests of the ghats house rich flora and fauna. Not to speak of expansive, loamy plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and fragrant cardamom.

      55 km from idukki town, munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams. 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was the summer resort of the british government in south india. Sprawling tea plantations, picture - book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular hill station neelakurinji is the flower which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years, will bloom next in 2018 a.d. munnar also has the highest peak in south india, anamudi - which towers over 2695 mts. Anamudi is a ideal spot for trekking.

      A mere one and a half hour's road journey separates the beaches of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) from the invigorating climate of Ponmudi Hills. The name Ponmudi, a hill station so close to the sea, in Malayalam means golden crown. On the way to Ponmudi, the thick tropical forest greets one at the foot of the Ponmudi hill range. The road passes under a canopy of thickly matted foliage. The forest recedes gradually giving way to neatly clipped tea bushes

      52 km south of nemmara, this fascinating hill station is at a height of 467 to 1572 m above sea level. At least 10 hairpin bends have to be negotiated on the ghat road that passes through the breathtaking evergreen forests of the sahya ranges. Seethakundu at nellyampathy offers a panoramic view of about one third the are of palakkad district.

      14 km west of kalpeta, at 2100 m above mean sea level, chembra is the highest Peak in wayanad and is an ideal area for trekking.

      65 km from idukki town, situated at an elevation of 110 m above sea level, this hill station is a trekker's delight. Wagamon is surrounded by beautiful meadows, valleys and tea gardens.