6 hidden hill stations in Kerala for the traveller who hates crowds

When planning a hill station trip, most of us skip the underrated ones, and go with the popular ones as we don’t want to experiment when we already have less time for that. This means, one mostly ends up in popular places, and have the crowd with their selfie sticks to give them company. But, if you are the one who hates crowds, here are some hidden among Kerala’s misty hills and tea-covered slopes, lesser-known escapes that aren’t just cool in temperature—they’re cool in attitude too.
So, here are 6 offbeat hill stations in Kerala that are still flying under the radar—and honestly, you will love every bit of them.

Literally meaning “Golden Peak,” Ponmudi is just an hour and a bit from the state capital but feels like a secret mountaintop retreat. With winding roads that spiral like a nature-made rollercoaster, butterfly-filled meadows, and mist, this hill station is chill in every sense.

Okay, Silent Valley isn’t technically a hill station, but it’s so cool, green, and high-altitude that we included it in this list. Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, this untouched paradise is home to rare species, ancient trees, and air so pure your lungs will thank you for sure.

Located in Palakkad, Nelliyampathy is a place that is popular for coffee and tea plantations, and makes for a sight to behold. With orange plantations, eerie colonial bungalows, and hills that feel like a lost chapter from a guide book, this place is perfect for those who prefer rustling leaves over rumbling engines.

Popularly known as the Ooty of Kerala, this place still managed to remain a secret. Located in Kasaragod and known for its shola forests and grassy meadows, Ranipuram offers a blend of Karnataka-style coolness and Kerala-style greenery. Bonus: wild elephants sometimes drop by to make your trip exciting.

Once a favourite summer retreat of Travancore royalty, Peerumedu still oozes vintage charm. With pine forests, spice plantations, and weather that makes you want to laze around, it’s indeed Kerala’s cozy little secret. Fun fact: It’s named after a Sufi saint—Peer Mohammed—so yes, even the vibes are holy.

Tucked between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Malakkappara is a tea country that shares borders with the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. It’s remote, serene, and has roads that look like they’ve been hand-drawn by a landscape artist.Warning: You might see an elephant crossing the road. Slow down, smile, and consider it a blessed traffic jam.
Kerala’s offbeat hill stations aren’t just pretty—they’re peaceful, and packed with great variety. So the next time Munnar feels a bit too mainstream, detour into one of these misty hideaways. You will love every bit of your trip, and fun is guaranteed.