Anamudi( 8842 ft), the highest peak in South India is located in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is a 2,695-m high popular trekking trail in Munnar. Do you know why the name Anamudi? It’s because the peak looks like an elephant’s head. The position of  Anamudi Peak is strategic. It is at the junction of three mountains- the Anamali Hills, Palani Hills, and Cardamom Hills.

Why is it popular?

This is the highest peak outside the mountain ranges of the Himalayas. It is located in the Eravikulam National Park. This prime location makes the peak a repository of rich wildlife. Besides, it is surrounded by dense forest. The green forest, especially the cluster of Blackwood trees and Teak trees gives Anamudi a whimsical charm. You all must have heard about the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every twelve years. You can see their beauty in Anamudi if it is the blooming season.

Moreover, the peak offers you breathtakingly beautiful views of Thekkady, Munnar, and Tamilnadu. It is an ideal trekking and camping spot covered in evergreen forest.   

Anamudi Trekking

If you are ready to embark on an adventurous trekking trail, we would say, you must try to explore Anamudi. As it is located in the Eravikulam National Park, You can enjoy the wilderness at its best. The trek through the woods is an experience of a lifetime. You can spot Asian elephants, Gaurs, and Lion-tailed macaque  Nilgiri Tahr, among many other wild animals. Similarly, many endemic birds, plants, and other flora and fauna are there to welcome you. Besides, this highest peak is covered with evergreen forest, the source of many brooks and rivers. You’ll also get a panoramic view of the valleys in the Western Ghats.

 The Trekking Trail

 You have two trekking routes depending upon the time you have at your disposal. The first is a trek starting from the foothills of Eravikulam that lasts for two to three days. You can stop over the tribal villages during this trek. The next trek is much shorter. It takes just two hours from Eravikulam National Park to Anamudi.  Make sure that the forest department and National Park officials nod yes to your trekking. However,  there are two trekking routes which do not need permission. One is the Kurinji trail. The second is the cascade walk along the Lakkam waterfalls.

When it’s the journey, not the destination that matters

While you head towards Anamudi, you will be mesmerised by the scenic beauty of the surrounding area. You can spot vast vistas of spice and tea plantations carpeting across the slopes. Meandering meadows, the evergreen forests, and the green mountain slopes are indeed beauties to behold. Besides, you will come through a rich biodiversity of native flora and fauna. What else do you need to refresh your soul and pan the camera?

What is the best time to visit the Anamudi Peak?

Trekking the Anamudi peak and feeling the winter breeze on your skin is an otherworldly feeling. Do not miss that opportunity.Blooming flowers in the spring season at the Anamudi Peak are definitely a sight to behold. So pack your bag anytime between November and May to see the real beauty of the Peak.

Other tourist attractions near Anamudi. 

 Eravikulam Natioonal Park

 Anamudi Peak lies in the southern part of Eravikulam National Park. The park is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. It is an endangered wild goat. In addition to the Nilgiri Tahr, you can spot many other endangered and endemic species within the park.

You can witness a beautiful blue-purple spectacle if you visit the park during the blooming season of Neelakurinji, which happens only once every 12 years. The next blooming season falls in 2030.

The best way to explore the park is to set off for a jeep safari or bus safari. 

Nayamkadu Waterfalls

 Nayamkadu Waterfalls is just 8 km away from  Anamudi Peak. The surrounding tea plantations and dense forest add charm to its spectacular beauty. The rugged terrain with boulders makes it an adventurous trekking spot. Similarly, rock climbing to the top is also a favourite activity among adventure seekers. 

Kannan Devan Tea Museum

If you are a tea lover and interested in knowing the history and processing of tea, then make it a point to visit the Kannan Devan Tea Museum. Travel around 17 km from Anamudi, and you’ll reach the museum. You can learn about the process behind a delicious cup of tea we sip every morning. You’ll also get to see various old and new tea processing machines such as rollers and wheels. 

Mattupetty Dam 

If you are ready to travel 15 to 20 kilometers from Anamudi, you’ll reach the famous Mattupetty Dam. It’s a famous tourist attraction in Munnar. You can explore the beauty of the Mattupetty lake as well as the dam. The spectacular view of the valley from the dam is something you cannot miss. Activities such as boating and horse riding are also there to entertain you. 

Lakkam Waterfalls

  Travel 11 Km from Anamudi, and you’ll reach the Lakkam waterfall.  It is located 7,300 feet above sea level and originates from the Eravikulam National Park. Its origin is traced back to a plateau.  Along with its cascading nature, the vaga trees surrounding the waterfalls make it even more beautiful.

Pothenmedu Viewpoint

It is the perfect vantage point to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Munnar and the surrounding hills carpeted with spice and tea plantations. You can hike the way to the top and get lost in the mesmerising beauty of Mother Nature. When it comes to entry, it’s totally free. Besides, you can visit anytime during the day. If you are a nature lover, then you must visit Pothenmedu View Point. It is worth the effort.

Punarjani Traditional Village

If you are a culture enthusiast, Punarjani, which is 24 km away from Anamudi, is the perfect place to spend some time. It is a performing art theatre. They host cultural sessions. You can enjoy the iconic Kathakali at Punarjani. Kathakali is one of the traditional art forms of Kerala. It perfectly blends dance and drama to enthrall the audience. Similarly, you can watch Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala. These are performed daily at Punarjani. Besides, Punarjani provides Ayurvedic massage sessions to rejuvenate your body and mind.

Echo Point

Shout your heart out and listen as it reverberates. As the name suggests, Echo Point echoes the sounds it receives. This natural phenomenon is one of the reasons for its popularity. The scenic beauty of the place also attracts tourists. It is the meeting point of three mountains, making it even more picturesque. You can see lush tea plantations as well as spice and coffee gardens, sprawling far beyond your eyesight. As it is situated by the lake, Echo Point offers boating opportunities. You can enjoy boating there.

How to reach Anamudi?

 You can reach Munnar by air, road, and rail. From there, various transportation facilities are available to help you reach Anamudi.

Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport. It is 114 km away from Munnar. If you prefer a train journey, then get down at Aluva railway station. Then, hire a cab and head to the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar. Government bus services are also available to take you there. From the park, you can trek your way to Anamudi. You have another option too: you can enjoy a direct ride to Anamudi from Munnar Town. It’ll take around one hour to reach your destination.

 Visiting time

You can visit on all days. However, the timing is between 7.30 am to 4.00 pm. Hence, plan accordingly.

How long does it take to trek to the Anamudi peak?

 If you are really into trekking, then the longest trekking trail that starts from Eravikulam will take around 2 to 3 days to reach the peak.

Entry fee

You don’t need to pay to enter Anamudi. However, there is a small entry fee for Eravikulam National Park. It varies for Indian citizens and foreign citizens. 

If you want to avoid the queue, it is better to book the entry ticket to the park in advance.

Information centre, Munnar

Phone: 04865231563;  08281993741

On another note

The trek is a bit of a challenging task. You need to be healthy and fit to embark on a two to three-day trek. The eastern and western parts of the Peak are sloppy whereas the northern and southern parts are gentle. Hence, be careful and ensure that you have proper trekking gear while you trek. You can trek up to 2 km on foot. If you have plans to trek to the top, you need to ask the forest department and the national park authorities for permission.

Forest Information Centre: 

Phone: +91 4865 231587

District Tourism Promotion Council:

Phone: +91 4865231516

The weather

Typically the temperature ranges between 18  and  25 degrees Celsius during the spring. There are no extreme weather conditions. 

 Closure

You cannot visit the Peak in February and March as it is the calving period of Nilgiri Tahr.