Welcome Kerala's misty December with an exciting trip to these hill stations

As the rain subsides, the hills, valleys, meadows and the verdant paddy fields of Kerala get covered in thick blankets of smoky mist. The beautiful hills and the picturesque cardamom plantations of Idukki adorn a scintillating garb of mist early in the morning. The sweet aroma of fresh cardamom pods travels kilometres, luring tourists to these havens of beauty. The mist would begin to melt away by February when the coffee flowers start blooming. These are some of the best spots in the high ranges of Idukki and Kottayam districts of Kerala to enjoy the mist this season. 

Pampadum Shola National Park
Pampadum Shola National Park gets covered in snow and mist by mid–December. The crystals of snow resting on the verdant meadows at Munnar and Mattupetty glisten under the golden sunlight during the day. Local residents observe that the weather is so unpredictable in the area that a sunny day may be followed by an extremely cold and chilly morning. Accommodation facilities inside the forest could be booked via the forest department’s website or the office of the wildlife warden. Visitors could choose from packages that include food too. Besides, accommodations are also available at the nearby towns of Vattavada and Kanthalloor. 

Beautiful estates
The estates of Idukki are the perfect place to enjoy the splendid December mist. The smoky mist, droplets of shining snowflakes and the calming breeze create a magical weather here. Although Kerala doesn’t experience snowfall, the misty climate in the hilly areas is locally referred to as 'snowfall.' This amazing misty climate can be enjoyed perfectly in the Devikulam, Lokhart, Lakshmi, and Chenduvarai estates. When the temperature plummets below zero, water droplets freeze into crystals. Visitors could book homestays near Letchmi Estate for accommodation. You could either reach Lokhart and Chenduvarai estates early in the morning or arrange accommodation facilities at nearby towns. 

Kuvalettam
Kuvalettam is a place within the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, near Valakod, on the road from Vagamon to Upputhara. Visitors could reach here only by booking the Windywalk trekking program arranged by the forest department. You could enjoy the delightful sights of cloud beds, misty mornings, spot wild animals and even see the panoramic views of the Idukki dam from here. Visitors can book the trek on the forest department’s website or contact Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.

Anapara
Anapara is a popular tourist destination on the Thodupuzha – Ezhalloor route. A thick blanket of mist shrouds this place at all times. You should trek for over a kilometre to reach the top of the rock. However, this trekking path isn’t too dangerous, and the trekkers can easily ascend the rock. The panoramic views of the cloud bed embracing the distant hills look magical from here. 

Calvary Mount
Calvary Mount is the perfect place to view the endless cloud beds. Meanwhile, you could also steal a peek at the Idukki dam and nearby places when the smoky mist melts away. Visitors need to purchase tickets at the entrance of Calvary Mount.

Points to note
•The temperatures plummet at these places early in the morning. So, try to reach before sunrise or the previous night. 
•Do not forget to carry woollen outfits and winter jackets
• Travelling in your own vehicles is the best way. Although public transportation is available, it is better to hire a taxi or a jeep to reach the summits of the hills. 

Places to see mist in Kottayam
•Areas near Murinjapuzha in Vagamon – Kuttikanam road
•Muthukoramala in Poonjar Thekkekara panchayat
•Ayyampara Thalanad
•Nadukani Kayyur
•Kuninji Viewpoint, Ramapuram
•Kolani Mountain, Melukavu
•Vagamon Thangalpara
•You could see mist floating above the marshy fields if you take a train from Changanassery to Kottayam early in the morning.