Kuttikkanam

Kuttikkanam is an ideal place for enthusiastic trekkers. The cardamom, tea and coffee plantations that cover almost the entire hill station offers a splendid view. The peak zone in Kuttikkanam hilltop gives a picture of the whole landscape.
1. Peeru Hills
Peeru hills, located 1 kilometre from Kuttikkanam is a less famous hillock which offers a gorgeous view of nature. It is named after the saint Peer Mohammad who spent his last days here.

2. Grampi
Another significant place of visit is Grampi, popularly called as Parunthumpara. It is a vast rock sculpture which stands 150 feet high at 3,800 feet above sea level. Nicknamed as Eagle Rock, Grampi gives an outstanding view of the green forests and the hills that surround it.

3. Baker Hills
Baker Hills is situated at a distance of 2 kilometres from Kuttikkanam which offers an alluring view of sunrise and sunset. At a distance of 1.6 kilometres from Kuttikkanam, there is a pine forest covered with tall pine trees. Spread over an area of 100 acres, it is the home of almost 30 species of birds.

4. Valanjanjanganam Waterfalls
The most stunning place of a visit, which is also very popular among tourists is the Valanjanjanganam Waterfalls. It is located 4.9 kilometres from Kuttikkanam and is usually hidden behind the thick mist.

A popular place for trekkers is Vagamom, which is 24.3 kilometres from Kuttikkanam. The series of hillocks, lush valleys and rivers give a picturesque view of the landscape. The spice plantations can be spotted during the trail up the hill. It is popular for the three consecutive hillocks which are dedicated to the three main religions of Kerala - Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.
First Hill
The first hill is called Thangalpara, which has the tomb of Sheik Farududdin who visited the place from Afghanistan 800 years ago. The saint took his last breath at this place. The hill is known for its spherical rock formation and the splendid view from the peak of the hillock.
Second Hill
The second hill is called Muruganmala, which is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva. The mountain has a small temple dedicated to the deity which attracts hundreds of devotees every year.
Third Hill
The third hill is Amrithamedu, which is commonly referred to as Kurishumala. It is also a popular place for pilgrims as well. At the time of Easter, they trek up the hill which has 14 points, each of it having a cross. It marks the journey of Jesus’s last tour and offers a fantastic view of the tea estates that are spread around that area. These three hills are the major hotspots for trekkers near Kuttikkanam which provides an engaging trek up the hills.

The territory remained in the rule of Changanacherry kings till the mid 16th century. It was uninhabited until the time when the region was under the rule of the Travancore kings in 1756. Under their control, King Henry Baker began to cultivate coffee in the area. Followed by that, tea plantations were also developed. Also, the royal families of Travancore have a summer palace in the territory. Under the rule of Britishers, Kuttikkanam grew into an up-market. As commuting within the city was a challenge, Britishers began aerial ropeway as a means of transport. Under their rule, many people were brought into Kerala for the workforce. Today’s Kuttikkanam constitutes most of the descendants of these migrants. 
Apart from the historical side of it, certain parts of Kuttikkanam are also mentioned in mythological stories. Panchalimedu is a viewpoint near Kuttikkanam where the heroes of Mahabaratha, Pandavas and their wife used to hide. There is also a small pond nearby called Panchilikkulam,  which is named after Panchali, the wife of Pandavas.

By Road
Kuttikkanam is well connected to other major cities by the Kollam-Theni Highway. Many public buses link the nearby towns to Kuttikkanam. Cars can be hired, or self-driven vehicles can be rented to reach the hill station. The hairpin bends call for caution as it can be quite a challenge.

By Railway
Kuttikkanam does not have its railway station. The nearest railway station is in Kottayam at a distance of 77 kilometres. There are trains which link Kuttikkanam to other major cities.

By Air
The nearest airport is in Cochin at a distance of 90 kilometres from Kuttikkanam. There are frequent flights which connect Kuttikkanam to other major cities of India.