Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Thrissur, Kerala, is renowned for its vibrant culture, captivating festivals, and serene backwaters. Thrissur is well known as Kerala’s cultural capital and is famous for ancient places of worship. History buffs can marvel at the architecture of the colonial era. This area is also home to marvellous hill stations in Thrissur, where you can relax amidst nature and enjoy the serenity. The charm of these idyllic hill stations will captivate and mesmerise you. Explore the untouched beauty and tranquillity that awaits you in the heart of Kerala.
10 Hill Stations In Thrissur
Hill stations in Thrissur offer a refreshing escape from urban life. Here are some of the best spots for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts:
1. Athirappilly
Photo: Dil Shad Roshan / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Athirappilly beckons nature enthusiasts with its breathtaking beauty. The crown jewel is the cascading Athirappilly Falls, a majestic 80-metre plunge pool called the Niagara of India. Thrill seekers can enjoy a refreshing dip below the falls during permitted seasons. Nature trails through the lush rainforest canopy are great for spotting diverse flora and fauna. For a panoramic perspective, head to the viewpoint overlooking the cascading waters. The ancient Jain temple here will satisfy history lovers.
Major Attractions: Vazhachal waterfalls, Thumboormuzhi dam and butterfly garden
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Suggested Read: Indo Portuguese Museum
2. Vilangan Kunnu
Photo: Manojk / Wikimedia Commons
Located just 7 km from the town centre of Thrissur, Vilangan Kunnu or Vilangan hills offers scenic beauty. Breathe in some medicinal air as you walk through Asokavanam with the herbal plants along the trails planted by the State Medicinal Plants Board, Asokavana Samiti, and Vilangan Trekkers’ Club. You can take in the mesmerising beauty from the four points and the Selfie corner at the end of the walking trails. This is lesser known among the hill stations in Thrissur. Head to the serene Vilangan Lake for boating or enjoy bird watching here.
Major Attractions: Vilangan Kunnu viewpoint, Botanical gardens
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half day to 1 day
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
3. Kalashamala
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Kalashamala, surrounded by temples, is called Narimada hills or Kallaayi hills. The temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu invite pilgrims worldwide. The natural beauty of the hills is unmatched, and you will be rewarded with panoramic views. This hill also has a natural cave from the Stone Age, inviting adventurous travellers to explore. The Shola forest is home to several endangered tree species. If you are a nature enthusiast, you will get a chance to explore the forests here, which is famous for its Kulavetti trees.
Major Attractions: Kalashamala Hills, Ecological village, rubber plantations
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Suggested Read: Kollam Temples
4. Cheppara
Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you prefer exploring some offbeat hill stations in Thrissur, you will not be disappointed with Cheppara Rock Garden. You must trek to this hill for fantastic sunset views from the one-kilometre-long rock. Tourists will be spoiled by the bird’s eye view of Thrissur from the hilltop here. It is believed that the sages have meditated in the dolmens of the hills. As ecotourism is popular in Cheppara, the hills have railings, electric lighting, and facilities supporting differently-abled tourists.
Major Attractions: Cheppara viewpoint, Trekking trails, and rock formations
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
5. Nelliyampathy
Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Located 75 km from Thrissur, Nelliyampathy hills form the popular Sahyadri ranges. The tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations offer a spectacular view and tantalise your senses. This lesser-known Thrissur hill station is accessible via a scenic drive with many hairpin bends. Cascading waterfalls serenade your senses, while viewpoints like Seetharkundu offer panoramic views that leave you spellbound. Embark on a thrilling jeep safari through off-road trails to explore the natural beauty, or hike through the dense forests.
Major Attractions: Nelliyampathy mountain range, Plantations, Pothundy dam, Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary
Best Time To Visit: September to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Suggested Read: Wayanad Heritage Museum
6. Devikulam
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Devikulam is located in the Idukki district but is easily accessible from Thrissur. The lush tea plantations blanket the rolling hills, filling the air with their fragrance. Adventure seekers will find treks to hidden waterfalls like Thoovanam and Pallivasal more interesting. For a leisurely pursuit, explore the serene Sita Devi lake. If you prefer to have a relaxing time, bask in the tranquillity of Kundala Lake while boating. The MangalaDevi temple, perched atop a hillock, is also a sight to behold.
Major Attractions: Sita Devi Lake, Tea plantations, Pallivasal Falls, Hill View Park
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 to 2 days
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
7. Malakkappara
Photo: Athulvis / Wikimedia Commons
Adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts will revel in and enjoy Malakkapara, known for the emerald slopes of tea estates. Breathe the mountain air and soak in beautiful scenery from viewpoints like Malakkappara. Get your adrenaline going with jeep safaris through the forest to explore the diverse wildlife. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a treasure trove of biodiversity in Thrissur. You can also enjoy yourself at waterfalls like Chinna Kallar to rejuvenate your soul.
Major Attractions: Tea plantations, Valparai, Sholayar dam, Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 to 2 days
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Suggested Read: Bible Museum Trivandrum
8. Ranni
Photo: Ramjchandran / Wikimedia Commons
Ranni is one of the hill stations near Thrissur with a distance of 16 km and has the famous Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Surrounded by rubber trees, rivers, and huge mountains, Ranni invites adventure seekers and nature lovers. Immerse yourself in the cascading bliss of Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls, which is a 100-metre plunge. Explore the beauty of Aruvikuzhi waterfall, a seasonal wonder during the monsoon. To enjoy the best views, take a challenging trek to Charalkunnu hills. Cycle through the quaint villages on a scenic bike tour and enjoy the local culture.
Major Attractions: Sabarimala temple, Perunthenaruvi waterfalls
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 1–2 days
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
9. Idukki
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Idukki is arguably one of the most beautiful hill stations near Thrissur, with the highest mountain peaks. The spice plantations fill up your senses as you trek through the hills. Explore the rich biodiversity of Periyar National Park on a thrilling boat ride, where sightings of elephants and tigers are common. Also, tourists can witness the engineering marvel of the Idukki Arch Dam, a colossal structure among the hills. Visit the Hill View Park to enjoy nature’s embrace.
Major Attractions: Idukki wildlife sanctuary, Kulamavu dam, Anchuruli tunnel
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 to 3 days
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Suggested Read: Best Food In Trivandrum
10. Ooty
Photo: Hemant meena / Wikimedia Commons
Ooty is the crown jewel of the Nilgiri hills, with excellent views from the Doddabetta peak and is one of the best hill stations near Thrissur. Hike or ride the charming Nilgiri mountain railway through the blanketed hills that are laden with tea plantations. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and unwind by the serene Ooty lake. You can even enjoy paddleboarding on the lake or simply go boating to enjoy a serene time. The museum gives you a glimpse of the past, and the sprawling botanical garden is captivating for tourists.
Major Attractions: Rose garden
Best Time To Visit: October to June
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 to 3 days
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport
The hill stations in Thrissur beckon nature lovers with a serene atmosphere. After a challenging yet rewarding trek to these hills, you can soak in the panoramic views. Jeep safaris offer a thrilling ride inside the dense forests, taking you closer to wildlife in their natural habitat. Book your holiday to Thrissur through TripXL to enjoy these hidden gems.
Cover Photo: Pranchiyettan / Wikimedia Commons
