Every weekend is a small celebration for me — a quiet reward after a long week of work and routine. It is the time I wait for, the time I dedicate to chasing my small dreams, exploring new places, and experimenting with my creative ideas.

On one such weekend, I found myself searching for the perfect location to create a cinematic travel story. Like most people in Kerala, the first place that came to my mind was Athirapally Waterfalls. The majestic waterfalls, the mist, and the power of the water always attract travellers and photographers alike.

But then another thought slowly entered my mind — Malayattoor.

That weekend, I decided to explore Malayattoor Hill, a peaceful trekking spot near Kochi that many people pass by without truly experiencing.

This weekend wasn’t meant for crowds. It was meant for silence.

For the past five years, I have been living not far from these hills, yet I had never truly explored them with the curiosity of a traveller. When I imagined the crowds rushing through Athirapally and then compared it with the calm, quiet atmosphere of Malayattoor, the decision became clear.

With nothing more than a smartphone and a GoPro, I started the journey with a simple goal — to capture what I feel and love about nature.

For a long time, I believed that better gear meant better results. But over the years I’ve realised something different:
the best camera is the one you already have in your hands. What truly matters is learning to see, to feel, and to capture the moment honestly.

Some escapes aren’t about running away.

They are about returning to yourself.

This solo trek to Malayattoor Hills in Kerala became more than just a walk through the forest paths. It slowly turned into a quiet conversation with nature.

Far away from the noise of everyday life, the forest welcomed me with its own language — the whisper of wind moving through tall trees, distant monkey calls echoing through the valley, restless leaves dancing in the sunlight, and the soft rhythm of life unfolding everywhere around me.

In that stillness, something began to change. As I walked slowly along the forest trail, I started noticing the small details that we usually miss in our busy lives.

A thin spider web stretched between two branches, holding tiny drops of morning dew that shimmered softly in the light. Nearby, the rough bark of an old tree felt like a record of time itself, carved by years of wind, rain, and sunlight.

The ground beneath my feet was covered with fallen leaves — brown, yellow, and fading green — each one quietly telling the story of seasons that had passed.

Along the edge of the path, clusters of delicate ferns glowed in the gentle morning sun, their fresh green leaves moving slightly with every whisper of wind.

It felt as if nature was speaking in a language without words — a language only heard by those who slow down enough to truly listen.

Step by step, the trail climbed higher into the hills. The forest slowly opened, the air grew cooler, and the distant horizon began to reveal itself through the trees.

And when I finally reached the top, the landscape unfolded before me like a quiet revelation. Endless layers of hills stretched beneath drifting clouds, and for a moment, everything felt still.

How to Reach Malayattoor Hill

Malayattoor Hill is located in Ernakulam district, Kerala, about 50 km from Kochi.

• By Road: Easily reachable from Kalady, Angamaly, and Perumbavoor by car, bike, or local bus.
• Nearest Railway Station: Angamaly (17 km)
• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (20 km)

From the base, visitors can climb the hill through a paved pathway with steps leading to the hilltop church, surrounded by forest views.

Best Time to Visit

• Early Morning: Best for cool air, wildlife sounds, and soft forest light.
• October to February: The prime season for clear skies and lush green vistas.
• Monsoon (June–Sept): Ideal for photographers seeking misty, cinematic landscapes.
• December Special: Visit to see the Mirror Lake blanketed in its signature morning mist.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Climbing Malayattoor Hill

• Start early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.
• Carry water, especially during summer months.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the climb involves many steps.
• The path can be slippery during monsoon, so walk carefully.
• Respect the place, as it is also an important pilgrimage site.