A handy guide to exploring the Rajamala Munnar Hills in Kerala

Rajamala Hills, located in the Idukki district of God’s own country, Kerala. It is a wonderful getaway from the mundane city life. The hill station is popular among tourists for its serenity, tranquillity, and calmness. Rajamala is not as crowded as typical hill stations, as tourists often overlook this spot. Ironically, this is one of the advantages of the hill station that tourists love, as they feel a sense of calmness here. Planning a Holiday to Kerala? Add Rajamala Munnar Hills to your Kerala Itinerary and enjoy!

The Rajamala hills have many different things to look out for, like its several waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and animal sightings. You can spot the rare Nilgiri Tahr, a type of mountain goat in Rajamala, and also the rarest Neelakurinji flowers. These Neelakurinji flowers are rare blossoms that bloom only once every twelve years and attract many tourists to this hill station.

History of Rajamala Hills

The Rajamala Hills has an interesting history. The hills were previously a game reserve managed by the Kanan Devan Hills. As a private entity, and came under the control of the Kerela government. Later, in 1975, the place was established as the Rajamala Wildlife Park to preserve the rare species the Nilgiri Tahr. Eventually, in the year of 1978, the wildlife sanctuary became a national park.

Highlights

The Rajamala hills are not actually hills. They are, in fact, plateaus that resemble rolling hills. The peak of the hills is at an altitude of 2695 meters. The Rajamala hills attract several trekkers and hiking enthusiasts all around the year. The region has thick tropical forests, lush green landscapes, shoals, and stunted trees.

The Rajamala hills and the National wildlife park has many fascinating aspects that have the potential to stir up your enthusiasm. The hills are the home to the Eravikulam National park, the very first national park in the Kerala state. You can spot more than 48 species of endemic wildlife, including the Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, and gaur. There also are about 133 different species of birds, both endemic and migratory. Therefore, this region attracts bird-watchers from all over the country. There are a variety of butterflies and reptiles in this region too.

Places to visit in and around Rajamala

People often confuse Rajamala hills with the Munnar hills. Though they have a similar name, these hill stations are entirely different from each other. Rajamala hills might not be as famous as the Munnar hills, but it has its share of exquisite locations to explore. Some of the most famous spots in and around the Rajamala Munnar hills are listed here.

1. Nayamakad Waterfalls

The Nayamakad waterfall is located at a distance of 4 km from the Rajamala Munnar hills and usually takes around eleven minutes to reach. These waterfalls gush from an altitude higher than 1600 meters above the sea level. Tourists love the Nayamakad waterfall for its serenity, calmness, and sense of refreshment. The place is usually misty and romantic all year round, making it a perfect spot among the hills. You will also find many locals indulging in tea-leaf picking activities.

2. Viripara Waterfalls

Waterfalls in Rajamala — Image Source: Unsplash

The Vivipara waterfall, also known as the Kainagiri waterfall, is another scenic waterfall located at a distance of 30 km from the Rajamala Munnar hills. The waterfall comes alive during monsoon when it rains heavily, creating a cascade. The waterfall is a part of the Kallar River, located in the Munnar hills. You will have to pay INR 20 as an entry fee and INR 50 if you want to bath in the waterfall. The amount is reasonable, so don’t hesitate to pay the entry fee, or you will regret it for the rest of your lives!

3. Lakkom Waterfalls

It is another spectacular waterfall, located at a distance of 21 km from the Rajamala Munnar hills. The waterfall is at an altitude of 7300 km above the sea level and comes from the Eravikulam plateau. There are no words to describe the beauty of the waterfall. It is engulfed by Vaga trees and a pool that collects water from the waterfall. As the Lakkom terrain also supports trekking activities, so you can find several trekkers in this terrain.

4. Kundala Lake

The Kundala Lake, also known as the Kundale lake, is about 40 from the Rajamala Munnar hills and takes an hour and a half’s drive. The lake is situated at an altitude of 1700 km from the sea level and has breathtaking scenery. The place is abundant with cherry gardens and the rare Neelakurinji flowers. You can go for boat rides in this lake along with your partner to turn on some romance!

5. Echo Point

You can reach the famous echo point in the Munnar hills by taking a 30 Km drive. Enjoy the panoramic view of the hill station from this point and also create echos. You also can go for a boat ride across the tranquil river and enjoy the various local fruits and fresh carrots!

6. Carmelagiri Elephant Park

At the Carmelagiri elephant park, you can go on elephant rides, watch the friendly animals play, take a bath, eat, and do their day to day activities! You will have to travel a distance of 18 km from the Rajamala Munnar hills to reach here.

7. Wonder Valley Adventure and Amusement Park

During your trip to Rajamala Munnar hills, don’t forget to visit the Wonder Valley Adventure and Amusement park, which is only an hour away. The amusement park houses more than 45 thrilling rides and has an entry fee of INR 1000 per head. You can enjoy yourself by indulging in balloon shooting, bull riding, bungee jumping, human slingshot, river crossing, water zorbing, Burma bridge, horizontal ladder, trampoline, human gyro, boating, zip-lining, rappelling, jumaring, archery, vortex tunnel, paintball shooting, rope cycling, and much more fun activities!

Timings & Entry Fee

You can visit the Rajamala hills any day, all year round. You have no entry fee to enter the tourist spot, and everyone is welcome always. However, there are few rules and regulations you will have to follow in the Eravikulam National park and the Rajamala wildlife sanctuary.

The national park is open only during the months between April and January and remains closed during the rest. The timings also are restricted from 7.30 AM to 4.00 PM. You can procure your tickets in advance to visit the Eranakulam National Park by enquiring at the Information Center at Munnar from 9.00 AM to 3.00 PM.

There is also an entry fee to enter the wildlife sanctuary that costs around INR 125 and INR 95 for adults and children, respectively. However, if you are a foreigner, then the entry fee is INR 420. Also, if you are pre-booking your tickets in advance, note that there is an additional charge of INR 50 per head. Besides this, if you are planning to bring along your cameras, then you will have to pay a fee of INR 45 and INR 335 for ordinary and video cameras, respectively.

Rajamalai Munnar Hills — Image Source: Unsplash

How to get to Rajamala?

You can reach the Rajamala Munnar hills by many modes of transport. It is at a distance of about 15 km from the Munnar hills. The following are some of the ways by which you can reach here.

By Air

You can land at the nearest airport, the Cochin International Airport, located at a distance of 115 km from the Rajamala Munnar Hills. From there, you can take a cab ride to reach your desired destination.

By Train

Train travel is the longest way to reach the Rajamala Munnar hills. The nearest railway station to the hill station is the Kottayam Railway Station, located at a distance of 145 km.

By Bus

You can always opt for public transport to reach the Rajamala Munnar hills if you are looking for a cheap option. The KSRTC department also offers reasonably priced rides to promote tourism.

By Car

You also can reach the hill station by car, which is relatively more comfortable but expensive. You can self-drive or hire a professional to help you.

Also Read: List of things that you could buy from Kerala

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