Best of Kerala Tourism | Coolest Hill Stations in Kerala in Summer
Hill stations in Kerala are the ultimate cheat code to beat the heat – and no, we’re not exaggerating. While most of India swelters under the summer sun, these elevated paradises maintain their cool charm, making them ideal destinations for your summer getaway. Kerala in summer (especially in May and June) is a secret well-kept by seasoned travellers. While everyone’s still Googling ‘cold places in Kerala’, the smart ones are already booking their escape to the hills. With Kerala’s temperature being lower in the hill stations, it’s the best time to sip chai overlooking valleys, take misty morning walks, and fill your reels with cloud-kissed frames.
Whether you’re planning a Kerala trip with the fam, a solo trip in Kerala, or a romantic escape, the highlands serve cool vibes on a platter. Forget sweating it out in the cities – summer is when Kerala tourism turns green, clean, and totally serene.
And if you’re wondering where to go, stay tuned. We’ve got a list of the coolest (literally!) hill stations in Kerala you should head to this summer.
Picture Credits: Abhinav M S via Unsplash
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Hill Station Places In Kerala To Visit in May June 2025
Planning your Kerala trip for the upcoming summer? Here are seven magnificent hill stations that should definitely feature in your Kerala itinerary for May-June 2025, each offering unique experiences and landscapes that showcase the best of Kerala tourism.
Munnar
Nestled at 6,000 feet above sea level, Munnar stands as Kerala’s most beloved hill station. The rolling hills carpeted with emerald tea plantations create a mesmerizing backdrop for your summer retreat. During May-June, Munnar maintains a pleasant temperature around 20°C, perfect for exploring its natural wonders.
Things to do in Munnar? Visit Eravikulam National Park which is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, stroll through the tea museum, or simply enjoy the clouds curling through your window. The Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point offer stunning views and boating opportunities that are particularly enjoyable in summer. Tea lovers should visit the Tea Museum to understand the region’s colonial history and tea-making process. For adventure enthusiasts, the trek to Anamudi Peak—South India’s highest peak—offers an exhilarating challenge with rewarding panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
Wayanad
Wayanad in summer, with its perfect blend of wilderness, history, and culture, offers a refreshing summer escape at around 2,100 feet elevation. The district’s moderate climate (22-25°C in summer) makes exploring its diverse attractions comfortable even during May-June.
Nature enthusiasts will love the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, where elephant sightings are common during early mornings. The ancient Edakkal Caves with prehistoric petroglyphs provide fascinating insights into early human settlements. Chembra Peak, with its heart-shaped lake, offers excellent trekking opportunities, while Soochipara and Meenmutty waterfalls provide cool, natural swimming pools—perfect things to do in Kerala during the summer months. The Pookode Lake and Banasura Sagar Dam offer tranquil settings for boating and picnicking.
Vagamon
Often overlooked by mainstream Kerala tour packages, Vagamon remains one of the best-kept secret hill stations in Kerala. This tranquil hill station sits at about 3,500 feet, offering summer temperatures around 19-22°C—ideal for those seeking serenity away from tourist crowds.
Vagamon’s landscape features a harmonious blend of pine forests, verdant meadows, and misty valleys. The rolling hills locally known as “Mottakunnu” provide excellent paragliding opportunities for adventure seekers. Don’t miss the peaceful Vagamon Lake, encircled by three hills representing three religious communities—Kurisumala, Murugan Hill, and Thangal Para—symbolizing religious harmony. The vast tea plantations offer spectacular views and refreshing walks. For spiritual seekers, the Kurisumala Ashram provides a serene environment for meditation and reflection.
Thekkady
Thekkady combines the allure of wilderness with the comfort of a hill station. Home to the famous Periyar National Park, this destination sits at around 2,500 feet elevation with summer temperatures of 23-28°C, slightly warmer than other hill stations but still pleasant compared to the plains. Kerala in June sees the forests come alive with earthy smells, cooler air, and bursts of green everywhere. Whether it’s a boat ride on the Periyar Lake, spice garden tours, or bamboo rafting, Thekkady blends adventure with calm.
The highlight of any Thekkady visit is the Periyar Lake boat safari, offering chances to spot elephants, bison, and various bird species coming to the water’s edge. The Elephant Junction offers ethical elephant interactions and bathing experiences. Spice plantations tours provide fascinating insights into the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon—spices that made Kerala famous throughout history. For a cultural experience, don’t miss the Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances showcasing Kerala’s traditional art forms.
Ponmudi
Located just 55 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi (meaning “Golden Peak”) is one of the most accessible hill stations in Kerala. Sitting at about 3,000 feet, it enjoys temperatures around 21-24°C during summer months, making it a perfect weekend getaway.
Picutre Credits: sir_vp via Unsplash
The winding road to Ponmudi features 22 hairpin bends, each unveiling increasingly spectacular views. Once there, the Golden Valley offers excellent trekking trails through lush forests and mountain streams. The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary nearby houses diverse flora and fauna including the Nilgiri langur and Malabar giant squirrel. Nature lovers will appreciate the incredible butterfly garden featuring rare species. Don’t miss the mini deer park and the refreshing dips in the natural pools formed by mountain streams—a welcome relief during your Kerala trip in summer.
Idukki
Idukki, renowned for housing Asia’s first arch dam, combines natural beauty with engineering marvels. Nestled at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 feet, various parts of this district maintain pleasant temperatures between 20-25°C during summer.
Picture Credits: Nandhu Kumar via Unsplash
The Idukki Arch Dam spanning the Periyar River offers spectacular views, especially during summer when water levels allow better visibility of the structure. Wildlife enthusiasts should visit the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, sambar deer, and various bird species. Hill View Park provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and reservoirs. Don’t miss Calvary Mount, offering breathtaking sunset views over the Western Ghats. The Anchuruli Tunnel, cutting through a massive rock, connects Idukki with Ernakulam and offers a unique driving experience.
Malampuzha
While not as elevated as other entries on our list, Malampuzha is one of those hill stations in Kerala that deserves mention for its unique blend of natural beauty and human creativity. Situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats at around 1,500 feet, it offers slightly warmer summer temperatures (25-30°C) but cooler than the coastal regions.
Picture Credits: Well-Bred Kanna via Flickr
The centerpiece is the Malampuzha Garden and Dam, featuring Japanese gardens, a snake park, and a huge rock garden created by the renowned artist Nek Chand. The aerial ropeway provides breathtaking views of the dam and surrounding landscapes. Don’t miss the “Yakshi” sculpture by Kanai Kunhiraman, standing as an iconic symbol of the garden. The Fantasy Park offers entertainment for families, while the nearby Silent Valley National Park provides opportunities for serious nature exploration. The fish-shaped aquarium and boating facilities make it perfect for family outings during your Kerala tour package for family.
Cottages in Kerala by StayVista
After exploring these magnificent hill stations in Kerala, you’ll need the perfect accommodation to complete your highland experience. StayVista offers an exclusive collection of luxury villas in Kerala that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings while providing world-class amenities. Expect private pools, lush gardens, chef-cooked meals, and warm hospitality that makes every trip feel like home. From family retreats to couple escapes, we’ve got the perfect villa waiting for you in every corner of Kerala’s highlands.
When it comes to beating the heat, nothing does it better than the hill stations in Kerala. With misty mornings, cool evenings, and views that can melt stress faster than the sun melts ice cream, Kerala in summer is pure magic. From the ever-popular Munnar to the hidden charm of Ponmudi, every destination offers something unique, refreshing, and Instagram-worthy.
So whether you’re curating your next Kerala itinerary, planning a romantic escape, or going solo, the hills are calling—and they’re saying, “Pack that sweater, let’s go.”
Because in the end, the best way to do summer? Cool, calm, and Kerala.
