The southern part of India offers some of the most untouched and relatively unknown destinations that are wrapped in Nature's lap in pristine conditions. Summers are really hot in this part of India and visiting a hill station at this point of time is the only way to beat the heat and explore nature. We already know about Ooty, Coorg, Kodaikanal, Coonoor etcetera but there is much more to South India. If you want to make your next trip full of adventure and surprises, visit the following 6 hidden hill stations in South India and escape the scorching sun while exploring these astounding and relatively unknown spots.

1. Kudremukh

Kudremukh is one of the most popular adventures and trekking spot. Located 329 km from Bangalore, 67 from Sringeri and at an elevation of 1894 m from ground level, this is one of the highest peaks of the western ghats. Kudremukh peak lies inside the national park and therefore it requires a permit signed by the RFO of Kudremukh town before going for the trek. You also might need to check with the RFO about camping since it is allowed only in some seasons. Among the several well-known routes, the Samse-Mullodi route is the most preferred by the trekkers. Mullodi is a small settlement at a distance of 12 km from Kudremukh via Samse. Some people also start the trek from Samse itself which lies 4 km before Mullodi. It takes around 5 hrs from Mullodi to cover this 14 km long trek. You can easily set up camp at the top and spend the night in nature's lap or you may have to return to the Mullodi village at dusk if camping is not allowed around that time.

Kudremukh Trek

Kudremukh can be a wonderful honeymoon location as well with all the peace and quiet here in Nature's lap. Book your flights to Bangalore, stay a day or two there, stay in the best hotels in Bangalore and move on to Kudremukh after sufficient rest. There are a lot of Couple friendly hotels in Bangalore. Make sure you check them out.

2. Devikulam

Devikulam is one of the hidden hill stations that is considered as Nature's pandora box. At a staggering altitude of 1800 meters, Devikulam is a top hill resort near Munnar in Kerela. Devikullam hill station is located at a distance of 18 km from Munnar Bus Stand and 45 km from Idukki. To visit the Sita Devi Lake, prior permission is needed from Tata Tea Regional Officer at KDHP House in Munnar.

Devikulam

Devikulam is made up of two words and there is a religious history behind the name of this hill resort. Devi refers to Goddess Sita and Kulam means a pond. As per our religious texts, Sita used to bathe in this pond and hence the name. The Sita Devi Lake is therefore called as Devikulam lake also. Tourists are drawn to this lake not only for its sacredness but also due to the supposed healing powers of its mineral water. The lake and the nearby open space attracts people looking for a picnic site and a place to relax. The steep slopes and lush greenery covering them is an ideal place for hiking and camping activities. The tea plantations on the slope, red-blue hued gum trees add to the scenery of Devikulam. Devikulam has pleasant weather round the year and so it welcomes the tourists with its misty slopes. Many tourist attractions such as Power House Waterfall, Lock Heart Gap and Anayirankal Dam are the must-visit in Devikulam. Couples if you are planning a road trip out of Bangalore, you must go to Devikulam. Don't worry about your hotel bookings. You can book a hotel in Bangalore that allows 24/7 check in and check out facility. You can even book hotels by the hour to suit your dynamic and random plans.

3. Agumbe

Agumbe is a beautiful hill station located in Shimoga district in Karnataka. Agumbe Hill is one of the four peaks in the Western Ghats that borders the mainland and divides it from the coast. It is located at a distance of 345 km from Bangalore and 100 km from Mangalore. Agumbe has rich biodiversity and is one of the last lowland rain forests. It recieves heavy rainfall all round the year. It is also referred to as Hasiru Honnu which translates to Green Gold. Several rare medicinal plants are found in these hills. India's only Rainforest Research Station is located in these dense forests. Agumbe has several hills, rivers, streams hidden amidst the dense forest and is home to a plethora of animal and bird species. Reptiles are found in the majority here and it is also known as the home of the mighty King Cobra.

Agumbe

Talking about tourist attractions, it is famous for its sunset viewpoint on one of the highest peaks of the Western Ghats from where the sun can be seen descending into the Arabian sea at the horizon. The extensive rains have blessed this region with some of the most amazing waterfalls which makes this hilly area a tourist destination for trekkers and campers. The Jogi Gundi Falls, Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Jomlu Theertha Falls, Kudlu Theertha Falls, Narasimha Parvatha trek, Kunchikal Falls are some of the attractions to name a few. Best time to visit Agumbe is from November to February when rainfall is minimal. The serenity of this place will definitely spark the love among love birds. If you are just reaching Bangalore, just book a hotel in Bangalore, there are a lot of couple friendly hotels in Bangalore. Make sure your hotel is a 24 hour check in hotel.

4. Thekkady

Forming a part of the scenic Kerela Backwater trips on the Periyar Lake, Thekkady is one of the most offbeat summer getaways in Kerela. Thekkady is also home to a tiger reserve in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and is one of the top tourist places in Kerela.

The sanctuary has an artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam which allows tourists to watch the wildlife from a boat in the lake, the only such sanctuary in India. There are also several watch-towers in the sanctuary from where one can easily view the wildlife from close quarters. Other than these, the sanctuary offers elephant ride, tiger trails, Jeep Safari and boat ride to its visitors. The sanctuary is home to 265 bird species including migratory birds and also to the Asian Elephants, Tigers, Lion-tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langurs, Wild Boars, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Dogs, Sloth Bears, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Civet, Nilgiri Tahr, etc.

Thekkady

Other than the sanctuary, Thekkady also welcomes lots of pilgrims who come to pray at the Sabrimala Temple and the Mangala Devi Temple.

Best time to visit Thekkady is from February to May. Keep a day aside to fully enjoy the rides and views at the sanctuary.

5. Vagamon

Often spelt as Wagamon, the misty slopes of Vagamon at an elevation of 1100 meters are well hidden from urban India and offer a destination to nature lovers to experience nature in its truest form. The nearest airport at Cochin is 94 km away while the nearest railway station is 24 km away at Kutiikanam. Vagamon is replete with dense vegetation, orchid flowers, meadows, pine forests, waterfalls and much more which makes it a perfect location to visit in summers. Vegamon also has religious significance with three hills-Thangal Para, Muruganamala, Kurisumala dedicated to three major religions Hinduism, Islam and Christianity respectively. Traverse the serpentine paths along the hills, live in tiny cottages in the countryside and experience the beauty of waterfalls dotting the entire landscape of this place. You can also take a boat ride to the interior of the jungle which will mesmerize you and leave you spellbound. You can also experience living in treehouses here. Couples leave the comfort of your hotels in Bangalore and spend a day in the treehouses here.

Vagamon

6. Vythiri

At a distance of 24 km from Wayanad, Vythiri is a small hill station in Kerela. At a staggering height of 4500 feet, Vythiri hill resort is a mix of natural delight and modern amenities. Vythiri is only an hour away from Calicut airport which makes it easily accessible. Vythiri has a dense vegetation cover in form of its evergreen rain forests area and is also known for coffee, tea, rubber, cardamom and pepper plantations. A plethora of wildlife and birds reside in these forests. It can truly be called heaven for bird watchers as you can spot a variety of migratory birds too.

Treehouses in Vythiri

Major tourist attractions of Vythiri are Pookote Lake, Chembra Peak, Soochipara & Meenmutty Falls, Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar dam and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also trek to the Karalad Lake and enjoy boating in this lake. Vythiri offers a calm and peaceful environment that is longed for by city dwellers and is an ideal spot to relax. Couples can surely visit this picturesque hill station and walk hand in hand alongside the pine trees and relish the nature's delight. The lush greenery and the pleasant weather is sure to take your breath away. The best time to visit Vythiri is from May to October.

These 6 destinations are a few from the many unexplored territories. Plan your next holiday or road trip with your loved one or friends keeping these locations well in mind. You will surely get to experience something new and different.

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