Three hill towns worth taking a detour for

Munnar earns its reputation, but it also earns its traffic. If you want cool air, walking and views without the tour buses, Kerala has several smaller hill areas that reward a detour. These three are not secret, but they are a different pace.

Vagamon: meadows and pine

Between Idukki and Kottayam, Vagamon is open grassland, pine plantation and small farms rather than tea. The walking is gentle and the views are wide. It has a growing paragliding scene, but check certification and weather before booking. Weekdays are quiet; weekends bring domestic visitors.

Ponmudi: the ghat road

An hour and a half from Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi is a small settlement at the top of a spectacular hairpin road. There is not much there — a tea estate, a few stalls, basic accommodation — and that is the appeal. Go for the drive and a quiet night, not for a resort.

Ranipuram: the far north

Near the Karnataka border in Kasaragod district, Ranipuram is grassland and shola forest with a short, steep trek. It is the least developed of the three, with basic facilities and a real sense of exposure. Go with a local guide; the area is an elephant corridor.

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Hill stationVagamonIdukki

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Hill stationPonmudiThiruvananthapuram

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Hill stationRanipuram HillsKasaragod