Photo Point, Munnar
While most of Munnar is photogenic, the Photo Point is doubly so. Only 3 km away from the main marketplace of this hill station, this site is a photographer’s favourite. Surrounded by the Tata Tea gardens of the Kanan Devan Hills and a string of silver oak trees, this point is right by the main highway.
Places to Visit Near Photo Point, Munnar
Munnar and its surrounding regions are full of interesting places, waiting to be explored. Here are some options near the Photo Point:
KFDC Floriculture Centre: Just a few hundred metres away, this flower garden on Mattupetty Road is a must-see for children. Also known as the Government Garden, the botanical garden levies a fee of INR 50 per head for a chance to see a variety of bonsai, cacti, flowering plants and succulents.
C.S.I Christ Church: At a distance of 3.5 km away, this Christian house of worship bears a lot of historical significance. It will take just a 10-minute drive to arrive here and admire the stained glass windows. Constructed in 1910, C.S.I Christ Church is a stone edifice with a sloped roof. The courtyard of the church premises is not only covered by grass but also serves as a resting place for the body of a Christian named Isabella who is buried at the cemetery here.
Carmelagiri Elephant Park: A little over 3 km from the Photo Point, the Carmelagiri Elephant Park is a delightful place for wildlife lovers. A short drive of 7 minutes will bring you to a herd of elephants that are tamed. Trained by mahouts, these elephants are ready to take tourists out on an adventurous ride on their backs. Meandering through the thick forest, the 1-km ride offers a great chance to experience nature from a different perspective.
Thirumeny Cultural Centre Munnar: A 6-minute drive from the Photo Point brings one to a cultural theatre where one can witness the traditional dances and martial art forms of Kerala. The entry fee of INR 300 ensures you a ticket to watch some riveting performances of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu. The shows are experiential in the way that you can watch the performers do their makeup and join in the dance towards the end.
Mattupetty
Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Munnar, Mattupetty is a captivating destination that promises a blend of natural beauty and exciting activities. Its star attraction, the Mattupetty Dam, is a magnificent reservoir surrounded by lush hills. The dam offers a serene environment for boat rides, allowing visitors to soak in the stunning views of the water and the verdant hillsides.
Adjacent to the dam is the Mattupetty Dairy Farm, a working cattle farm managed by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Visitors can learn about modern dairy farming techniques and even purchase freshly produced dairy products. The farm also houses a quaint shop where one can buy locally made chocolates and souvenirs.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the Mattupetty area offers excellent trekking trails. The Shola Forest Trek takes you through the misty shola forests, while the Echo Point Trail provides a chance to experience the joy of echoes reverberating across the hills.
The serene Kundala Lake is another gem in the Mattupetty region. Surrounded by rolling meadows and a thick canopy of eucalyptus trees, the lake is a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks. The bright and colorful pedal boats invite visitors to glide across the clear waters while enjoying the panoramic beauty.
Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the Kundala Tea Plantations, where the sight of endless rows of tea bushes against the backdrop of mist-covered hills is truly mesmerizing. The cool climate and refreshing air make it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or photography.
In summary, Mattupetty in Munnar captivates travelers with its scenic landscapes, tranquil reservoir, dairy farm experiences, trekking opportunities, and serene lakeside beauty. It's an inviting destination that appeals to both those seeking relaxation and adventure amidst nature's splendor.
Echo point
Echo Point, nestled within the captivating landscapes of Munnar, is a must-visit tourism attraction that promises a unique and enchanting experience. This scenic spot gets its name from its remarkable natural echo phenomenon. Visitors can shout out and listen as their voices reverberate across the hills, creating a playful and memorable interaction with nature.
Surrounded by lush greenery, Echo Point offers breathtaking views of the mist-covered hills and serene water bodies. The picturesque Kundala Lake lies nearby, adding to the tranquil ambiance and offering opportunities for boating and relaxation.
Adventure enthusiasts can explore the surrounding trails, which lead to beautiful viewpoints and vantage points that showcase the beauty of Munnar's landscape. The trek to Top Station begins from Echo Point, providing trekkers with a chance to experience the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Picnicking at Echo Point is a popular activity, with families and friends enjoying quality time amidst the pristine surroundings. The cool climate and refreshing air enhance the overall experience.
In summary, Echo Point is more than just an auditory wonder; it's a destination that immerses visitors in the natural beauty of Munnar. With its echoing calls, panoramic vistas, and opportunities for adventure and relaxation, Echo Point stands as a unique and inviting attraction for tourists seeking a memorable experience..
Elephant Arrival Spot
It’s hard to find a glade in a hill station so densely packed with trees, tea gardens and spice plantations. Yet, 100 square kilometres of meadows along the Munnar Top Station Highway in Kerala emerge as a temporary home for elephants. The Elephant Arrival Spot is 18 km from Munnar’s main market district, but unmissable if you plan to visit the Top Station, the highest point on these Nilgiri Hills. The distinct marks of Elephant trails and their scattered dung point to the place where these pachyderms arrive at various times in the day.
Kundale Lake
Kundala Lake Munnar is situated at a distance of 20 kilometres from Munnar and on the way to the top station. The height of the lake is 1700 meters above sea level. The lake is famous for the very unique and rare Neela Kurunji flowers which blossom only once in twelve years. Kundala Lake Munnar provides the opportunity to tourists to hire Shikara, pedal boats and rowboats. There is also the Kundala dam here, which is the first arched dam in the whole Asian continent.
This is among the best photo points in Munnar with the backdrop of a serene lake and an imposing dam. For some extraordinary pictures, reach here early in the morning when the beautiful sun rays fall on the lake to create a glittering effect.
As far as the nearby attractions are concerned, there is Aruvikkad Waterfall as well as a Golf Course. There is also Sethuparvathi Dam built in 1946 as a part of the Pallivasal hydroelectric project nearby the Kundala Lake that is a sight to be enjoyed.
Top Station
Perched at an elevation of around 1,880 meters above sea level, Top Station in Munnar is a destination that offers an unparalleled view of nature's grandeur. Its name originates from being the highest railway station along the Kundala Valley Railway, which was once used to transport tea from Munnar to Bodinayakkanur.
Top Station is renowned for its panoramic vistas, particularly during sunrise and sunset. The sight of the sun's golden rays illuminating the mist-covered valleys and reflecting off the distant reservoirs is a sight to behold. The Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu are also visible from this vantage point.
One of the prominent attractions at Top Station is the Neelakurinji Flower Bloom. This rare phenomenon occurs once every twelve years, when the hills are blanketed with a vibrant blue carpet of Neelakurinji flowers. The last bloom was in 2018, making the next one eagerly anticipated in 2030.
The picturesque Pambadum Shola National Park is nearby, offering trekking trails that take you through lush forests and grasslands. The diverse flora and fauna, including various species of birds and butterflies, make this park a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Travelers can also explore the Kundala Dam, which creates a picturesque reservoir amidst rolling hills. The nearby boating facility allows visitors to enjoy the tranquility of the waters and the surrounding greenery.
Top Station provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the tea culture of Munnar. The tea gardens surrounding the area offer visitors the chance to witness the tea plucking process and learn about tea processing at the tea factories.
In essence, Top Station is a paradise for nature lovers, offering breathtaking vistas, rare floral phenomena, diverse wildlife, and a chance to experience the region's tea heritage. It's a destination that beckons those seeking serenity and the magic of the hills in all their glory.
