What's the itinerary?+
• The journey to Munnar starts with a 2-hour drive from Kochi, stopping at Oonnukal, where breakfast is provided at a restaurant that also offers refreshments. Departure to Munnar follows, with a visit to Cheeyappara Water Falls along the route.
• Cheeyappara Water Falls is situated on the left side of the Kochi-Munnar highway and is ideal for photography, although swimming is prohibited due to slippery rocks. There are no entry or parking fees, and a 15-20 minute stop is recommended to explore a few local food shops nearby.
• Kundala Dam, built for the Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project in 1946, is regarded as Asia's top arch dam. It lies between Top Station and Munnar town, making it easily accessible. This picturesque location is great for photography and offers boating activities such as pedal boats, speed boats, and shikhara rides on the lake.
Kundala Dam Travel Tips
• The site is accessible to all visitors without restrictions.
• Entry is free; however, boating and horse riding on the lake incur additional charges.
• If you plan to partake in other boat activities in Munnar, this location could be skipped.
• A brief visit of about 15-20 minutes is sufficient if no activities are planned.
• Although there is little of significance at this spot, it offers a good backdrop for photos. An entry fee of Rs 20 per person applies here.
• Scenic tea plantations are visible along the route to Top Station or on the return trip. Visitors can take photos without any entry fees. The entire Munnar area is filled with tea plantations, providing numerous photo opportunities.
• Mattupetty Dam, located 13 km from Munnar city and a 20-minute drive towards Top Station, offers a stunning combination of mountains, lakes, and greenery for exceptional photos and memorable moments. Unlike Kundala, Mattupetty has better facilities for tourists, including restrooms, a visitor center with a coffee shop, snack bar, and recreational areas for children. It is advisable to visit the boating center first for a ride before moving to the dam for photographs.
Mattupetty Dam Travel Tips
• If time permits, walking from Kundala to Mattupetty Dam offers views of the tallest blue gum trees.
• Those coming from areas with numerous lakes and mountains may choose to skip this stop.
• The site is accommodating for everyone, including those with disabilities.
• This location is excellent for family outings with children.
• It is suitable for small souvenir shopping, though there are no restaurants; hot noodles and local snacks are available. During peak times, it can be crowded, leading to potential waiting times of up to an hour for boating tickets or parking.
• Take beautiful photos along the dam; vehicles are not allowed to park on it, so access needs to be done on foot.
• A botanical garden maintained by KTDC Floriculture Centre features a variety of flowers, including roses, and is located 5 km from Top Station road, with an entry fee of Rs 50 per person.
Travel Tips
• The site includes steps, so it may not be suitable for those who require wheelchair access.
• Restroom facilities are available for public use.
• Visitors can purchase plants from the rose garden.
By 1:00 PM, the schedule is expected to conclude, with a one-hour lunch break in Munnar city where a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurants is available. After lunch, a trip to Rajamalai in Eravikulam National Park is planned.
• The park is home to the Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat species, and protects its habitat, showcasing the largest stretch of undisturbed shoal-grassland in the Western Ghats. Key attractions include:
1. Anamudi View, the highest peak south
