Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1,600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue, once in every twelve years, will bloom next in 2018. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2,695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Go further for 13kms to reach Mattupetty
Mattupetty is famous for its Indo-Swiss livestock project. Situated some 1700 metres high in the Western Ghats, Mattupetty near Munnar is an ideal place to visit. Over 100 varieties of high yielding livestock are reared here. There is also a dam forming a lake close by the farm. In the Mattupetty dam, one can go for speedboat riding or cruise in slow motorboats. Boating on the calm serene of Mattupetty lake is a not-to-miss affair. The lake is on the border of a forest and if the travellers are lucky, they could have the sight of elephant herds strolling on the grass land.
Go further for 4kms to reach Echo Point
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point, situated on the way to Top Station from Munnar is a stop over for tourists visiting Top Station - the highest point in Munnar and the rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) blooms here.
Go further for 10kms to reach Kundala dam
A short drive from Mattupetty would take you to Kundala, a small town amidst the wild and greenery. A stroll through the sprawling tea plantations would be one among the joyous moments of your travel. .Another attraction here is the Kundala dam and a scenic lake where boating facilities are available. Row boats, pedal boats and shikara-style boats floating on the lake would be temptations to any traveller.
The Kundala Club, which boasts of a proud past dating back to the colonial era, is another interesting place to visit. The Club has a golf course and you can have a game with the permission of the Club Secretary. The clubhouse and premises are worth a visit.
Go further for 5 kms to reach Top station
The highest point (1700m) on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road, Top Station offers a panoramic view of the majestic Western Ghats the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. The rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus), for which the destination is popular, blooms over a vast area once in twelve year (next blooming will be in the year of 2018).
Go further for 3kms to reach Pampadum Shola
The highest point (1700m) on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road, Top Station offers a panoramic view of the majestic Western Ghats the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. The rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus), for which the destination is popular, blooms over a vast area once in twelve year (next blooming will be in the year of 2018).
Pampadum shola national park is also abode to large varieties and rare types of animals and vegetations. There are more than 22 types of trees, 16 types of climbers, 74 types of shrubs and herbs and large numbers of medicinal plants are seen in this sanctuary. And it holds 60% of vegetation wealth in it. It has 14 types of birds, 9 types of mammals, 100 types of butterflies and 93 types of moths are seen in this place. You can see large number of animals and birds in this place like elephant, wild dog, barking deer, sambar, leopard, Nilgiri wood pigeon, darters; blue rock thrush, Black-and-orange Flycatchers egrets etc. in this sanctuary.
Please get ready with your camera to take a rare shot of baysons who stands on the road in the evenings, almost all the day of the year. It is the perfect place for trekking and for some other adventurous activities.
Go further for 10 kms to reach the final destination, Vattavada
Located about 42 km east of Munnar is the serene village of Vattavada. At Vattavada, in comparison to other regions in Munnar, instead of tea plantations, it is the predominance of vegetables that occupy the terraced slopes and valleys of Vattavada. The main cultivation at Vattavada varies from Strawberry, Carrot, Beat root, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Garlic etc.
The scenic hilly tract of Vattavada is at an altitude of 6500 feet above sea level, and is a refreshing experience, which is yet to come under the constant gaze and the footprints of visitors. The place receives plenty of sunshine and the winter temperatures never dip below unbearable levels. The area also teems with bird life and also other winged beauties like butterflies in various colour, size and shape.
Vattavada could be taken for a place significant for trekking. Here, an avid trekker would get options to explore many adjoining locations. Some of the trekking routes starting from Vattavada include the ones going to Kodaikanal, Top Station, Mattupetty, Kanthaloor and Meesapulimala. Most of these treks offer enough excitement in terms of negotiating the terrain as well as enjoying the floral and faunal wealth on its course. Visitors could also engage in activities like mountain jeep safari, mountain biking, jungle camping etc. offered by private operators in the region.
At Vattavada, you can find Golden Vintage Residency, the prestigious resort of the region, for a calm and pleasant stay.
By road: Munnar is accessible by road from Ernakulam and Kottayam
By rail: Nearest railway station is Ernakulam Junction, about 130 km away from Munnar
By air: Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 110 km away from Munnar and Coimbatore Airport is 160 kms away from Munnar, via Pollachi, Udumalpettu, Chinnar
Kottakambur - 3 kms
Pazhathottam - 4 kms
Mannavan Sholai – 5 Kms from Kundala dam
Chinnar Wild life sanctuary – 18 kms from Marayur
Kodaikanal – 30 kms
Unique sitting that combines exclusivity and proximity GV Residency is located in the dead centre of neelakurinji sanctuary in vattavada. Its in a quiet street secluded from the hectic urban life of Munnar, just 8 km from the top station. Taking a step away from the ordinary and towards the excitement of natural milieu its ideally located in the vicinity of all must see spots.