It's Valentine's weekend; with winter preparing to bow out and summer pacing in - the climate is perfect to head out to Kerala's hill stations with the love of your life.
If you are confused about picking up the best place to celebrate your passion, allow Onmanorama Travel to help!
'Heights of love' lists some of the ideal destinations nestled on the rolling hills of the Western Ghats to pamper your passion. With destinations and stays cataloged region-wise, this lovers' map will come in handy while charting your course.
South – Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam
Though Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram may try to lure you showing the rustic backwaters and sandy beaches, this Valentine's Day let's cut the cliches and explore their wilder side.
Ponmudi - Kerala’s golden peak
The peak that lies to the northwest of Thiruvananthapuram, sits cozily in the lap of the Sahya mountain ranges. This veritable paradise is about 60km away from sea and remains covered in a blanket of mist even during the hottest summer. Here's Vinod Sasidharan's travelogue for that bit of inspiration.
Neyyar: The land where ghee flows
Agasthyakoodam is known as the evergreen spot in the entire Ghats range and Neyyar is born as small and nondescript mountain streams in various parts of this peak. Read more about the magic of these hills in V.R. Jyotish's travelogue.
Also Read: An escape to Mankayam
Thenmala is the first planned eco-tourism project in India. The project covers up to 10 eco-tourism destinations spread across Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta. Kerala Tourism has devised romantic escapes to adventure activities under the Thenmala project. Read Maya Menon's travelogue to know Thenmala better.
Gavi: a pristine rendezvous of destination and destiny
Gavi cast a spell on not one but two of our writers with the vibrant greens of the largest rainforest range in Kerala. Gavi's wilderness grows on you with each step on your journey. For more details about the legends, magic or just about the place, read travelogue by Prem Udayabhanu & Anagha Jayan E.
1,100m above the sea level and on the Kottayam-Idukki border, Vagamon offers a bundle of some of the most romantic spots in Kerala. But there is more to Vagamon than that and to know it read this article.
Central Region – Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Palakkad
With Idukki, which is home for romantic destinations like Munnar, Chinnar, Meesappulimala, hillocks where Neelakurinji blooms, in it's kitty, Central Kerala is the richest of the three franchises.
Munnar - fall in love with tea, valleys and undulating hill
Unending tea estates, mountain mist, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries make Munnar surreal. The lofty mountain ranges with misty peaks, sprawling tea estates and serene climate provide a quiet and peaceful escapade. Visit here for more romantics getaways in Idukki.
Pooyamkutty, settled quietly amidst the wild woods beyond Thattekkad, was made famous by the Mohanlal-starrer Pulimurugan. The Pooyamkutty forest area comprises Mamalakkandam, Pindimedu, Tolnada, Kurunnumedu and Knacherry, and has various other sightseeing spots like Thattekad bird sanctuary, Kuttambuzha and Pindimedu falls in close vicinity. Click here to know more about the Puliyur of Pulimurugan.
A road-trip to Valparai, the hidden heaven up the hills of Western Ghats
Valparai is the treasure that most of the people who travel to Athirappilly and Vazhachal miss, according to Anagha. Read on to know more about this romantic drive.
Siruvani dam – tucked away in the wilderness
There are stories woven around the dam and why Siruvani is perhaps the sole reservoir in India which has been kept out of bound for visitors amidst indescribably beautiful landscape of the Western Ghats. Here's Praveen Elayi unraveling the mystery surrounding the place.
Cheruppadimala: A misty getaway
If you are looking for a picture perfect spot to treasure your love moment then Cheruppadimala in Malappuram could end your search. Cheruppadimala is one of those places you go to watch the sunsets, to celebrate with friends or with family. There is nothing much to do other than relax and chill out. Click here to know more about this less-known destination.
Northern Region – Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
With it's Ghat roads clad in mist and getaways hidden high and deep in the wild, Wayanad steals the show in this region. Wayanad, being an entire district perched on the Western Ghats, is the only contender who could go toe-to-toe with Munnar if there is a bout for the 'Most Romantic Destination in Kerala. The diverse options ranging from Muthanga to Sugandhagiri to Thirunelli, Meenmutty to Edakkal caves will make it difficult for the jury to reach a verdict.
White water rafting: A pleasant adventure on river Tejaswini
If you are adventure loving couple then white water rafting on Tejaswini is the thing for you to do this Valentine's weekend. Gitanjali Diwakar reveals more about what the place has on offer.
Ranipuram: Kasaragod's very own Ooty
Fahad Muneer unearthed a gem hidden in the fag end of the district, which could eassily pass as Ooty in Kerala. There is a DTPC guest house to stay and more to know about the place click here.
Let's celebrate love at its supreme heights. Bon Voyage!
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