When most travellers think of Kerala, images of houseboats on backwaters, crowded hill stations, or busy beaches often come to mind. Yet beyond the usual spots lie hidden destinations that offer authentic experiences away from the crowds. These offbeat places let you connect with nature, local culture, and landscapes many visitors miss. Here’s a carefully curated guide to five such destinations to explore in 2026.
1. Kuttikkanam
Kuttikkanam is a high-range destination in the Idukki district, offering cool air, wide plantations, and sweeping views that change with passing clouds. The hills are covered with tea and spice estates, while frequent low-lying mist adds a unique atmosphere, perfect for long walks and quiet moments.
One way to fully experience this region is by staying at Misty Mountain Experience, a resort in the Peermade area. Spread across roughly 600 acres, the resort offers comfortable stays along with guided estate walks, jeep rides through plantations, wildlife spotting, and insights into traditional tea-making practices. The on-site waterfall is especially striking after seasonal rains, and the sunrise over the estates creates an unforgettable view.
Why visit Kuttikkanam?
Elevated viewpoints with fresh hill air
Extensive plantations to explore on foot or by jeep
A calm alternative to crowded hill stations
2. Ponmudi
Located south of the more popular hills of Munnar, Ponmudi features quiet peaks and gentle forest trails. The journey itself, with winding roads through shaded hills, offers scenic vistas, while the hilltops have grasslands and butterfly-filled meadows that remain largely undiscovered by tourists.
Offbeat appeal of Ponmudi:
Peaceful hilltop landscapes
Very few tourists compared with mainstream destinations
Excellent for photography, birdwatching, and nature walks
3. Gavi
Gavi, in Pathanamthitta district, is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve and is perfect for travellers seeking forest adventures. Surrounded by thick greenery, streams, and wildlife, Gavi offers trekking routes, boat rides, and guided nature walks, providing an immersive wilderness experience. It is especially attractive for those who want to explore forests without the crowds seen in more frequented national parks.
Highlights of Gavi:
Rich biodiversity and opportunity to see wildlife
Trekking and guided forest experiences
Remote and less crowded forested environment
4. Thenmala
Near Kollam in southern Kerala, Thenmala is India’s first planned eco-tourism destination. It combines outdoor adventure with environmental preservation. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking, nature walks, boating, and other activities in a forested setting with views of reservoirs and hills.
Why Thenmala is offbeat:
Eco-friendly outdoor adventures
Opportunities to explore rural landscapes alongside forests
Emphasis on sustainability and environmental conservation
5. Meppadi
Meppadi, located near Wayanad, is a quiet hill region surrounded by tea estates, spice plantations, and forested landscapes. It offers trekking trails, birdwatching, and opportunities to visit lesser-known waterfalls. Because it receives far fewer tourists than nearby Wayanad hotspots, Meppadi provides a peaceful, immersive experience in Kerala’s highlands.
Discover Meppadi:
Undisturbed plantation landscapes
Trekking and nature exploration
Ideal for travellers seeking calm and authentic highland experiences
Conclusion
Kerala has much more to offer than its well-known destinations. From misty hills like Kuttikkanam to forest retreats like Gavi, these offbeat places provide fresh, unique experiences for 2026 travellers.
If you are looking for a destination combining elevation, plantation life, guided activities, and a memorable mountain atmosphere, consider staying at Misty Mountain Experience, Kuttikkanam.
Plan your trip and experience the hidden side of Kerala at Misty Mountain Experience for an unforgettable getaway.
People Also Search:
Best Resort in Kuttikkanam, Kuttikkanam Resorts, Peermade Resorts, Misty Mountain Resort
When most travellers think of Kerala, images of houseboats on backwaters, crowded hill stations, or busy beaches often come to mind. Yet beyond the usual spots lie hidden destinations that offer authentic experiences away from the crowds. These offbeat places let you connect with nature, local culture, and landscapes many visitors miss. Here’s a carefully curated guide to five such destinations to explore in 2026.
1. Kuttikkanam
Kuttikkanam is a high-range destination in the Idukki district, offering cool air, wide plantations, and sweeping views that change with passing clouds. The hills are covered with tea and spice estates, while frequent low-lying mist adds a unique atmosphere, perfect for long walks and quiet moments.
One way to fully experience this region is by staying at Misty Mountain Experience, a resort in the Peermade area. Spread across roughly 600 acres, the resort offers comfortable stays along with guided estate walks, jeep rides through plantations, wildlife spotting, and insights into traditional tea-making practices. The on-site waterfall is especially striking after seasonal rains, and the sunrise over the estates creates an unforgettable view.
Why visit Kuttikkanam?
Elevated viewpoints with fresh hill air
Extensive plantations to explore on foot or by jeep
A calm alternative to crowded hill stations
2. Ponmudi
Located south of the more popular hills of Munnar, Ponmudi features quiet peaks and gentle forest trails. The journey itself, with winding roads through shaded hills, offers scenic vistas, while the hilltops have grasslands and butterfly-filled meadows that remain largely undiscovered by tourists.
Offbeat appeal of Ponmudi:
Peaceful hilltop landscapes
Very few tourists compared with mainstream destinations
Excellent for photography, birdwatching, and nature walks
3. Gavi
Gavi, in Pathanamthitta district, is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve and is perfect for travellers seeking forest adventures. Surrounded by thick greenery, streams, and wildlife, Gavi offers trekking routes, boat rides, and guided nature walks, providing an immersive wilderness experience. It is especially attractive for those who want to explore forests without the crowds seen in more frequented national parks.
Highlights of Gavi:
Rich biodiversity and opportunity to see wildlife
Trekking and guided forest experiences
Remote and less crowded forested environment
4. Thenmala
Near Kollam in southern Kerala, Thenmala is India’s first planned eco-tourism destination. It combines outdoor adventure with environmental preservation. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking, nature walks, boating, and other activities in a forested setting with views of reservoirs and hills.
Why Thenmala is offbeat:
Eco-friendly outdoor adventures
Opportunities to explore rural landscapes alongside forests
Emphasis on sustainability and environmental conservation
5. Meppadi
Meppadi, located near Wayanad, is a quiet hill region surrounded by tea estates, spice plantations, and forested landscapes. It offers trekking trails, birdwatching, and opportunities to visit lesser-known waterfalls. Because it receives far fewer tourists than nearby Wayanad hotspots, Meppadi provides a peaceful, immersive experience in Kerala’s highlands.
Discover Meppadi:
Undisturbed plantation landscapes
Trekking and nature exploration
Ideal for travellers seeking calm and authentic highland experiences
Conclusion
Kerala has much more to offer than its well-known destinations. From misty hills like Kuttikkanam to forest retreats like Gavi, these offbeat places provide fresh, unique experiences for 2026 travellers.
If you are looking for a destination combining elevation, plantation life, guided activities, and a memorable mountain atmosphere, consider staying at Misty Mountain Experience, Kuttikkanam.
Plan your trip and experience the hidden side of Kerala at Misty Mountain Experience for an unforgettable getaway.
People Also Search:
Best Resort in Kuttikkanam, Kuttikkanam Resorts, Peermade Resorts, Misty Mountain Resort
