Situated at an elevation of 4000 ft on the Western Ghats, Vandanmedu is a small hamlet in Idukki district in Kerala that offers a great rejuvenating escape from the hustle-bustle of the city life. Surrounded by lush green forests, tea and spice plantations, Vandanmedu mean ‘beetle shaped hill in Malayalam. Enriched with serene nature, this little slice of heaven near Thekaddy, a famous tourist attraction in Kerala, is popular as the largest cardamom producing region in the world. Overview: Located around 23 km from the Periyar, Vandanmedu is globally renowned for its sprawling cardamom and tea plantation. Lovingly known as the ‘queen of spices, Vendanmedu is one of the worlds largest auction centres for cardamom. Besides, cardamom and tea, a host of different other spice like nutmeg, clove, pepper, cinnamon etc are grown here in abundance. With greenery and serenity all around, this small hill station in Kerala is a great choice for romantic escape on long weekends. What all you can do in Vandanmedu Bestowed with mist-laden valleys, rolling hills, gushing streams and sprawling plantation, Vandanmedu is a good place for adventure activities like trekking and rock climbing. Besides, strolling and nature walking amidst the meadow, you can opt for guided tours through the long stretches of cardamom cultivation in Vendanmedu. Tourists can also plan a visit to one of the many tea factories in Vandanmedu to learn how tea is processed after cultivation. Nearby tourist attractions: Two most popular tourist attractions near Vandanmedu are Thekkady and Periyar Tiger Reserve. Situated at a distance of 22 km from Vandanmedu, Thekkady is a perfect destination for nature lovers. Blessed with dense green vegetation, lakes and varied wildlife, Thekkady is known as the eastern gateway to Kerala. Located in the district Idukki, Periyar Tiger Reserve is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Enriched with great scenic beauty, this park is notable as Bengal tiger and Asia elephant reserve. Some other important tourist places near this hill station are Murikkady, Pandikuzhi, Gavi, Mangaladevi Temple and Chellarkoil. How to reach Located on the Thekkady-Munnar highway, Vandanmedu is easily reachable by road. It is well connected with bus and taxi from Thekkady, Munnar and Kumily. While Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Vandanmedu, the most convenient railhead from this hill station is Kottayam Railway Station. Private cabs and buses are easily available from the airport and station to reach Vandanmedu. Accommodation The sight of luxurious greenery and richly grown plantations in Vandanmedu will delight a visitor in no time. From posh hotels, budget resorts to affordable guest houses, a wide range of accommodations are available in this pretty hill station to cater to the different budget and requirements of tourists. If you are planning a holiday to Thekkady or Munnar and willing to spend a few days in leisure away from hustle-bustle, you can customise your vacation and add this hill station to your itinerary design. However, to enjoy your vacation in the most convenient and hassle-free way, you can opt for a customized Kerala package from a reputed tour organizing company and include Vandanmedu in your itinerary.
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Dainkund Peak is the renowned travel destination in Dalhousie. It is known as the highest peak of the exciting hill station. Covered in the snow for the major portion of the year, this peak is a prominent attraction in the list of every holidaymaker. It is blessed with the beauty of nature as one can see the lush green surroundings including the towering pine trees.It Is Known For:-1) Dainkund Peak is the highest point in the hill station of Dalhousie that offers a 360° panoramic view of the entire valley.2) It is also known by the name of the “Singing Peak” because once reaching atop, one can hear the wind rustling and creating a melody.3) It also has a small area where countless flowers bloom. During spring, it shimmers beautifully with a band of different colors.4) During winters, the hills of this mountain range hide under the thick blanket of the white snow.5) It is a famous spot for trekking as well. Numerous trekkers visit this place to relish the venture of trekking.Best Time To Visit:-Dainkund Peak in Dalhousie is a destination that welcomes the visitors throughout the year. Summer is the apt season for enjoying the summer vacations at this place. During winters, spending a good time amidst the white surroundings is an experience in itself.Watch Out!Do not forget to carry extra cash along with you because there is no facility of the ATMs in the hilly region. Therefore, all visitors and tourists are recommended to withdraw a certain sum of money prior moving towards Dainkund Peak.Reaching There:-Chamba district is well-connected to the entire Himachal Pradesh via roadways, railways, and airways. The luxury interstate buses, express trains, and flights are available from different cities to reach the site conveniently.Nearest Railway Station:- Pathankot Railway StationNearest Airport:- Pathankot Airport
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Lockhart Gap is a refreshing, serene and picturesque landscape where the floating mist is found on the blue layers of hills and can be seen from this spot in Munnar. Located at around 12 to 13 km from Munnar on the way to Mattupetti, Lockhart Gap is one of the remarkable places in Kerala. With the expansive panorama of green tea slopes, the sharp winding mountain roads, the streaks of white cotton mist and the ultra-blue skyline made of mist-clad hills, this place is the perfect destination for those who want to spend quality times in a tranquil valley. The best time to visit this place would be Sunrise and Sunset to truly experience the wonderful view that it offers. Visited by hordes of tourists all across the world, Lockhart Gap View Point is one of the most alluring and soothing places to visit in Munnar. This spot offers a bird’s eye view of Bison Valley, which is named because of an abundance of gaur (bison) found here in the earlier days. The surrounding hills of this place have extended up to Thekkady. The pleasant climate and eye-catching surroundings make Lockhart Gap one of the most preferred locations to visit in Munnar. This place is not only an ideal destination for a picnic with your dear ones but also a perfect spot for adventure tourism and trekking. This destination is known for its scenic trails through dense forests. Rare and exotic species of flora and fauna can be viewed by the visitors while taking these trails into the forest. This place is considered as a photographer’s paradise because of its spectacular location amidst the hill ranges of Western Ghats. The view of rolling hills, lush green valleys, grasslands, etc. along with descending clouds gives a thrilling experience. Lockhart Gap View Point is also famous for its sprawling evergreen tea estates. A historic Malayil Kallan Guha (a natural cave) is also nearby for the visitors to explore here, which has an interesting story attached to it. It is said that a thief used to live in this cave and loot the travelers passing by. The steps leading to this cave are low and accessible. Best Time To Visit Lockhart Gap: The best time to visit Lockhart Gap is from January to March and October to November. Monsoon is not the favorable time to visit here as the visibility at this time hits a low and you won’t be able to see beyond 15-20 meters. How To Reach Lockhart Gap: As the place is just 13 km away from Munnar, one can reach the spot conveniently by hiring a cab from Munnar. • By Air - The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is nearly 125 km away from Munnar. • By Rail - The nearest railway station to Munnar is in Kochi or Ernakulam. • By Road - Hence, once visitors land in Kochi, Aluva or Ernakulam, they can hire a cab or take a bus to Munnar and then to Lockhart Gap.
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