Long drives often reach beautiful destinations. The Top Station situated on the Munnar-Kodaikanal highway is one such beautiful destination. It is located around 1700 meters above sea level. The perfect scenery of blue sky, billowing clouds, and majestic peaks gives Top Station an ethereal charm.
The famous top station is located on the Kerala and Tamilnadu border. As it lies in the lap of Kannan Devan hills, the viewpoint gives a bird’s eye view of Munnar as well as the Theni district of Tamilnadu. From the tower atop, you will get a breathtakingly beautiful view of the mountains and valleys of the Western Ghats. Besides, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the famous Neelakurinji flowers if you happen to come during the blooming season.
A little bit of history
Munnar is known to you as a hill station. However, there is an interesting fact lying dormant in the annals of Munnar’s history. It’s about a railway station. Top Station was the highest railway station in that beautiful valley. It was established in 1902 as a monorail system in the Kundala Valley Railway. But, unfortunately, the 1924 flood swallowed the railway station. Top Station was also the topmost point of the Ariel Ropeaway of the Kundala Valley. This rope way was used to transport tea chests from the Top Station to the Kottagudi.
What is there at the Top Station?
Your trip to Top Station means you are setting off to beautiful viewpoints at the highest altitude. There is a watch tower and two viewpoints. From the watch tower, you can gaze at the mesmerising views of the gigantic hills and tea gardens of the Western Ghats.
When it comes to the viewpoints, get ready to sweat, as you’ll need to climb the stairs and walk further from the watchtower. Since the Top Station straddles the Kerala -Tamilnadu border, you’ll get to see both states from the viewpoints. That’s a visual treat you never want to miss.
Top Station Activities
Trekking trail
When you visit the top station, do not miss the sunrise. Top Station sunrise is a sight for sore eyes. It is a good option to try the Echo Point to Top Station trek and camp there to see the sunrise. You can stay at the tent campgrounds by paying a fee of RS. 400, and enjoy sunrise the next morning. Besides, you can have a stroll through the luscious tea gardens, woods, and grasslands.
Bike ride
If you are someone who loves adventure and bike riding, then Top Station is an ideal choice. There are facilities to rent a bake. You can rent one and explore the rugged mountain terrain.
Photography
There is no other place in Munnar like the Top Station for you to explore with your camera. Stunning pictures of Top Station sunrise and sunset are precious moments to freeze in a photo. The scenic beauty of Kannan Devan hills, the waterfalls, and the lofty mountains is another feast for the lens.
Attractions en route Top Station
Munnar is all about sightseeing. On the way to Top Station, there are various other attractions that you must not miss.
Tea plantations
They say, at every nook and cranny, you’ll find a tea plantation in Munnar. And they are, of course, no doubt, breathtakingly beautiful. On the way to Munnar Top Station, you can pull over and enjoy the beauty of luscious tea gardens.
Echo Point
As the name suggests, the Echo Point echoes your voice. It is an ideal and unique tourist destination. The place is located on the bank of a lake. It is also the meeting point of three mountains-Nallathanni, Kundala, and Mudrapuzha. If trekking is your cup of tea, then never miss this place. Boating is an important attraction surrounding Echo Point.
Mattuppety dam
It’s an ideal place for sightseeing. You can have a leisurely walk over the dam and enjoy the beautiful view surrounding the reservoir. Besides, there is Mattuppetty Lake. You can enjoy boating there.
The best season to visit Top Station.
November to May is the best time to visit Top Station. Summer may give you clear skies and better views. You can see the Western Ghats with all its splendour and beauty. However, you have to factor in the hot climate. On the other hand, winter and spring bring you a cool climate.
How to reach from Munnar to Top Station?
We would say, you just need to spend only an hour. It can stretch beyond that depending on the traffic. The distance from Munnar to Top station is just 35 kilometers. It is better to hire a cab. Well, if you love driving, go ahead with your vehicle. Another option is the KSRTC bus. Plan your journey in advance and enjoy the bus ride of the Kerala government.
There is a beautiful route.
It is the journey that matters. Not the destination. If you are an explorer, then you have a much more interesting route. It is the Munnar Top Station-Pampadumshola National Park-Koviloor-Vattavada Route. After the Top Station, you can continue further down to reach Pambadumshola National Park. Then passing the Koviloor village, you will reach Vattavada, a beautiful agricultural village.
Opening hours and entry fee
Top Station is open for exploration from 6 am to 6 pm. You can visit on all days. Entry is free up to a certain point. After that, you have to pay 20 rupees to enjoy the breathtaking views from the viewing platform.
If you have a plan to spend a few days in Munnar, then Top Station is worth visiting. Since the terrain is steep, the trek may be a bit hectic. However, there are tea stalls and small eateries along the way for a halt. If you are a nature enthusiast, never miss this beautiful destination.
