GOC Holidaymaker Holidays in the Kerala Mountains
The Western Ghats mountains rise to a height of 2,600m (8000 ft), running from the tip of India to the North through the whole of Kerala. The highest forests receive 5000 mm (200 inches) of rain in a few months, with the highest rate twice as high as that in Brazil! To the South, the Cardamom Hills, and the Nilgiri Hills to the North form an unbroken line into the state of Karnataka and continue through the Wayanad area. The high Ranges have one of the richest biodiversities in the world, and wild life and bird sanctuaries are threaded along it. Here you can see elephants, the rare surviving tigers, hosts of bird and butterfly species and experience Kerala's magnificent flora.
Tea, rubber and spice plantations, which are vital to the state's economy, cover much of the rain forest, and can be visited as part of a mountain holiday. Accommodation can be arranged on plantations, and there are many opportunities to trek through the jungle, walk through the plantations and raft down the rivers which rise in the mountains and water the fertile plains of Tamil Nadu and lagoons of Kerala. Along the Western Ghats, you will see breathtaking scenery and awe-inspiring views of the mountain landscape dropping to the plains and plantations below. The centres for visiting this region are Munnar, where the highest tea plantation in the world rises on either side of the High Range, and Thekkady on the Periyar Lake and its Wildlife sanctuary.
Thekkady is probably the best location to see wildlife in the Western Ghat mountains. It is located in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve, with some hotels right inside the fence. Several boat trips can be arranged and treks with wardens in parts of the reserve are possible. The simplest way to see the animals is to take the 3 hour boat trip on the lake which stretches deep into the reserve.
Munnar is one of the best mountain locations for spectacular scenery and trekking. It is one of the highest towns in Kerala, with views of the nearby Anaimudi, the highest peak in the Western Ghats (2695 m). It has many plantations, and especially the tea plantations, where several hotels are located. The diverse flora and fauna adds interest to the region, and visits can be made to the Eravakulan National Park.
Wayanad is a high plateau at 600 m, with some of the most unspoiled rain forests in Kerala. It is especially beautiful during the monsoon season, when the blue misty mountains and many waterfalls give it a unique atmosphere. It is well known as a honeymoon location, and is also perfect for Ayurveda. The wildlife in the unchanged forests is particularly diverse, with elephants, monkeys, and many other animals.
Tea, rubber and spice plantations, which are vital to the state's economy, cover much of the rain forest, and can be visited as part of a mountain holiday. Accommodation can be arranged on plantations, and there are many opportunities to trek through the jungle, walk through the plantations and raft down the rivers which rise in the mountains and water the fertile plains of Tamil Nadu and lagoons of Kerala. Along the Western Ghats, you will see breathtaking scenery and awe-inspiring views of the mountain landscape dropping to the plains and plantations below. The centres for visiting this region are Munnar, where the highest tea plantation in the world rises on either side of the High Range, and Thekkady on the Periyar Lake and its Wildlife sanctuary.
PERIYAR and THEKKADY IN THE KERALA MOUNTAINS
Thekkady is probably the best location to see wildlife in the Western Ghat mountains. It is located in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve, with some hotels right inside the fence. Several boat trips can be arranged and treks with wardens in parts of the reserve are possible. The simplest way to see the animals is to take the 3 hour boat trip on the lake which stretches deep into the reserve.
MUNNAR IN THE KERALA MOUNTAINS
Munnar is one of the best mountain locations for spectacular scenery and trekking. It is one of the highest towns in Kerala, with views of the nearby Anaimudi, the highest peak in the Western Ghats (2695 m). It has many plantations, and especially the tea plantations, where several hotels are located. The diverse flora and fauna adds interest to the region, and visits can be made to the Eravakulan National Park.
WAYANAD IN THE KERALA MOUNTAINS
Wayanad is a high plateau at 600 m, with some of the most unspoiled rain forests in Kerala. It is especially beautiful during the monsoon season, when the blue misty mountains and many waterfalls give it a unique atmosphere. It is well known as a honeymoon location, and is also perfect for Ayurveda. The wildlife in the unchanged forests is particularly diverse, with elephants, monkeys, and many other animals.