Kerala

Attappady

A beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and forests, Attapaddy is of great interest to anthropologists, as this is the habitat of many tribes like the 'irolas' and 'mudugars'. Located 38 kms from Mannarkkad, the place consists of mostly hilly highland terrain, fed by the tributaries of the River Cauvery. An extensive mountain valley above the crest of the Ghat ranges with numerous rivulets of the Bhavani River , Attapady is inhabited mainly by tribes and some settlers from Tamil Nadu.

Topstation

The idyllic hill station is located 32 kms from Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road . Perched at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, it is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Road . The rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus), the flower that blooms once in 12 years, belongs to this region.

Munnar

This hill station, located at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level, was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British government in South India . Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands is the 'Neelakurinji' (Strobilanthus), the flower that blooms once in 12 years.

Nelliyampathy

Nestling atop the Western Ghats the cool hills of Nelliampathy, offer a breathtaking view of the misty mountains and enchanting valleys interspersed with sprawling tea, coffee, cardamom and orange plantations. Located at a distance of 52 kms from Palakkad it is easily accessible for the perfect summer getaway.

Ponmudi

The salubrious hill station of Ponmudi is perched at an altitude of over 100 m above sea level on the Western Ghats . The shimmering green waters of the winding streams and verdant woods of Ponmudi do not spare anybody. Trekking is a passion with the visitors to Ponmudi, lying within easy driving distance from Thrivandrum (61 kms).

Silent Valley

One of the least disturbed forests of 'God's own country' the Silent Valley . It is named so because it is devoid of the most common sound found in the Rain forests; the incessant chirping of cicadas. The local name of the forest is 'Sairandhri', another name of Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas. Some believe its name is derived from the lion-tailed Macaque, whose scientific name is Macca Silenus. Due to its topographic isolation no human being has ever made it their home. Places to see around Silent Valley are Attapady (35 Km) -- a tribal settlement of the Irulas and Mudugars, and Malleshwaram Peak -- worshipped as a Shivaling by the Tribals.