For the love of mountains

Compared to the Himalayas, the Western Ghats and other mountain ranges in the south, are of low elevation. In the south, however, the Anamudi peak attains a height of 8842 ft. It is the highest point south of the Himalayas in India and in Sri Lanka. On International Mountain Day, we list 5 peaks that you can go exploring in Kerala **Banasura Hill** Just shy of the 6800ft, the Banasura Hill is the second highest mountain in Wayanad. You need permission from the North Wayanad Forest Divison to trek the hill. The winds will whisper to you, the sounds of birds and the animals in the forests and the cascading waterfall of Meenmutty will cheer you on. A difficult trek, but the view from the top of the hills will prove that it was worth the effort. It normally takes three to four hours to trek up the hills. **Chembra Mudi** Chembra is the tallest hill in Wayanad region and stands at 6900ft. The windswept hills are so popular that some movies have been shot here. And once you trek to the top of the hill, you will be surprised to see a heart shaped pond. You need to apply for permission and passes have to obtained before you trek uphill. You can also avail the services of a guide. **Chokra Mudi** Chokramudi is about 7200 ft high and it is tough to miss the hill if you have been to Munnar. A tough trek it is ideal to walk it up at your own pace. At Chokramudi, you can actually touch the clouds. Permissions are needed for the trek because it takes you through the forest ranges. **Pambadum Shola** Pampadum Shola is about five kilometers from Top Station on the Vattavada- Koviloor route and about 35kms away from Munnar. The slopes of this hill range from 6000ft to 8000 ft. Home to the rare Nilgiri Marten, Pampadum Shola is one of the smallest reserve forests in Kerala. So, are there snakes in Pampadum Shola? The answer is yes. Permissions have to be taken from the trek. **Meesapulimala** Meesapulimala is about 8661ft high and about 24 kms from Munnar town and is for the highly adventurous. Tall pine trees wave to you from both sides of the road. If you are in luck, you get a chance to see elephants, gaur and Nilgiri Tahrs on this trek.