Kayaking in Munnar

Located 15 kilometres from Munnar, at an altitude of 600 feet above the sea level is the famous Echo Point. Known for its natural echo phenomenon, it is at Echo Point where you can hear your voice reverberate back to you as an echo when you shout. Situated along the banks of the picturesque Kundala Lake, Echo Point is surrounded by misty clouds, hills, verdant meadows and forests, which make a visit to this scenic place even more exhilarating. Essentially, Echo Point is the confluence of three famous South Indian mountain ranges. These are the Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and the Kundala ranges. Situated alongside the banks of the enchanting Kundala Lake, Echo Point boasts of a misty background while being surrounded by greenery. One can enjoy a lot of activities here at Echo Point. Be it a peaceful stroll around the hill slopes, or a trek to the hilltop, Echo Point is a paradise for adventure junkies. You can also go for boating in the lake, and choose between a speedboat or a paddle boat according to your liking. Echo Point also serves as a great place for bird watching, as many people come here to get a glimpse of the vibrant species of native and migratory birds here.Amongst the most interesting and beautiful attractions at Echo Point are the rare Neelakurinji flowers. Also known as Strobilanthes, these flowers are known for blooming once every 12 years, thereby enhancing the beauty of the entire valley. Located close to the Echo point are various other peaks and attractions, which are worth visiting if you are coming to Munnar and wish to spend a day amidst its natural beauty. 

The ethereally beautiful hill station of Munnar in ‘God's own country’ Kerala is also where you will find some of the most vivacious waterfalls in the Western Ghats Mountains. Whether you are traveling free soul, nature photography enthusiast, birder, or just a vacationer in the Nilgiri side of Kerala, visit to the iconic mountain springs around Munnar cannot be missed, one such being the Atukkad Falls. It is located in the mountainous Idukki district on the way from Munnar to Pallivasal where the Attukad Falls cascading down roaringly is a thrilling spot to halt by. There’s abundant greenery as far as the vision goes, and resounding peacefulness found amidst untouched nature. The lush jungles are inviting for an adrenalin-thumping trek inside deep woods, but if you are only in the mood to relax, feel free to settle by the falls with a picnic basket and a good book! Unlike most mountain destinations, Attukad Falls in the Western Ghats is recommended for a visit during the monsoons as well as in the clearer seasons. The road to the falls remains comparatively safe to travel during frequent showers, while the verdant surroundings turn brilliantly scenic after the rains. It’s a treat to the senses to walk the wet earth and listen to the rain falling through the foliage. The cool and deep, speedily running waters of the pool formed at the base of the falls is just right for an enjoyable swim. The mountain stream too turns wild and untamed during this season, thus doubling up the pleasure. There are also a number of top reviewed luxuriant resorts set in the woods near here. 

Located around 32 kms from Munnar, often called the ‘Kashmir of South India’, Top Station is a sight worth witnessing! It is the highest point of Munnar, and derives its name from being the uppermost railway station in the Kundala Valley, the ruins of which can still be seen from the Munnar Tea Museum. The 5500 feet high destination is a blissful viewpoint for a panoramic visuals of the Western Ghats and the beautiful valley of Theni in Tamil Nadu. Once you’re at the peak, you almost feel like you can reach out and touch the clouds, making this point truly ‘Heaven on Earth’! Top Station is also popular for its abundant foliage and the Neelakurinji flowers which bloom once in twelve years, adding a blush blue, vibrant look to the destination. Being in Munnar, Top Station is also famous for its sprawling tea gardens, where you can take a stroll and learn about the cultivation process from the locals.Originally, Top Station was a trans-shipment point for delivery of tea between Munnar and Bodinayakanur. Being the terminal of the Kundala Valley and the upper terminus of an Aerial Ropeway route, lent it the name Top Station. This station was built in 1902 between Munnar, Kundala and a low point in the crest of the hills with a monorail goods carriage system being installed along the route. Six years later, in 1908, a 24-inch gauge railway replaced the monorail. On these tracks, the tea chests that arrived at Top Station from the Kundala Valley were transported by a ropeway, 5 km downhill to the south to Kurangani, Tamil Nadu. The tea was first shipped by cart to Bodinayakanur, then by rail to other places in India and lastly by ship to England. The remains of this ropeway station and Kundala Valley Railway can be seen from the Munnar Tea Museum.