vattavada tourist places

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7 Vattavada Tourist Places To Visit: Hidden Paradise in Munnar

Would you like to treat yourself to the freshest strawberries in Kerala, dream-like stays near Munnar and unexplored trekking routes in the Western Ghats, all at once?

Look no further than Vattavada.

Unknown to many travellers, Vattavada is a quaint agricultural village neighbouring Munnar in Kerala.

It is known as the ‘vegetable capital of Kerala’ as it produces a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables like strawberries, butter beans, and the famous Vattavada garlic, known for its unique medicinal properties.

Moreover, if you’re an adventure lover who likes offbeat places, Vattavada is the place to be, as it is known for mountain biking, camping and trekking.

I’ve visited Vattavada twice, and in this guide, I would like to tell you about the top 7 Vattavada tourist places you must cover on a road trip starting from Munnar.

7. Chilanthiyar Waterfall

5. planet farm, 5. which is the best time to visit vattavada, where is vattavada.

Vattavada is on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, 45 km from Munnar, i.e. almost two hours by car.

It is 10 km after Pampadum Shola National Park, the smallest national park in Kerala, which is the entry point for Vattavada.

Pampadum Shola National Park is a further 2.5 km from Top Station, one of the popular tourist destinations in Munnar.

Being an agricultural village, you’ll find plenty of farms in Vattavada growing various kinds of fruits and vegetables amidst the background of tall mountains.

Fun fact : Vattavada lies between Kolukkumalai, home to the highest tea plantations worldwide and Kodaikanal .

7 Vattavada Tourist Places You Must Visit

I want to give a disclaimer that out of the 7 Vattavada tourist places I’ve mentioned below, two are in Munnar, not Vattavada.

I’ve included these two places (Mattupetty Dam and Top Station) since you’ll cross them while travelling from Munnar to Vattavada.

Hence, I’ve added them to the itinerary as they’re prominent tourist destinations in Munnar.

For your Vattavada tour, I recommend starting your travel from Kochi by renting a car/bike (more on this later). 

The following are some benefits if you do so:

1. You can drive from Kochi to Munnar, an amazing route, and stop at various places of interest on the way, including a couple of waterfalls.

2. If you’re travelling in a group, renting a car/bike will be cost-effective. Moreover, as the roads are great, you’ll enjoy the ride.

3. You can get down at Mattupetty Dam and Top Station on the way to Vattavada. It may not be possible if you’re travelling via public transport from Munnar.

When planning a trip to Vattavada, ensure that you leave early morning from Kochi because it takes four hours to reach Munnar. 

Moreover, morning is also the best time to drive as the weather is pleasant and you can avoid traffic.

Note:  If you’re starting your travel from Kochi, ensure you reach there the previous night.

Once you start driving towards Munnar, the landscape starts changing. You’ll drive on mountain roads and observe valleys and waterfalls at various points. The journey to Munnar is comfortable as the roads are well-maintained.

Additionally, you can stop for refreshments during the drive as you’ll find roadside stalls and restaurants at various points.

After reaching Munnar, you can fill petrol/diesel at one of the gas stations since you won’t find them in Vattavada. You can also stop for a meal at one of the many restaurants in Munnar town. However, do note that parking will be a problem.

Thereafter, you can drive to Vattavada via the Munnar – Top Station Highway.

Now, let me walk you through the 7 Vattavada tourist places in chronological order:

1. Mattupetty Dam (Echo Point)

The Mattupetty Dam is your first destination for the Vattavada trip, 11 km away from Munnar.

It is a concrete gravity dam that helps in electricity generation.

The dam’s location makes it a popular tourist attraction in Munnar.

The lake flows through a valley of mountains with lush green forests and tea plantations, and blue skies in the background.

You can see the entire landscape’s reflection on the dam’s still waters.

It is also popular among birds and animals, including elephants, commonly spotted here.

While the dam has multiple points, ensure you stop at Echo Point. You can also halt at other points, but this is the main location I recommend.

As the name suggests, you’ll hear an echo of your voice at the Echo Point when you shout. More importantly, you can spend some peaceful time here along the lake or walk while observing the majestic landscape nearby.

Paddle boating and speed boating are two popular activities available at Echo Point. 

On the main road, you’ll find many shops where you’ll get snacks and drinks. You can also park your vehicle on the roadside as there is no official parking.

Overall, the only problem I see with Matupetty Dam is that it becomes heavily crowded on weekends. Hence, I recommend choosing a weekday to avoid this issue.

You can spend up to an hour here as per your time.

2. Top Station

Your drive to Top Station will be one of the trip highlights. You’ll pass through gorgeous tea plantations, intimidating mountains and a few waterfalls on the way.

Top Station has an interesting history dating back to the British rule.

It was built as a terminal railway station as part of the Kundala Valley Railway, the first monorail system in India, and later converted to a narrow gauge railway.

Britishers named it Top Station as it was the highest railway in the valley at the time.

They used Top Station to transport tea leaves from the high ranges of Munnar’s high ranges to Tamil Nadu’s plains. The tea leaves were further distributed across India and then exported to the UK.

However, a flood in Kerala in 1924 destroyed the complete railway line, and only a few remains are left, seen in the Munnar Tea Museum today.

As a tourist, you can visit a couple of viewpoints and a watchtower at Top Station today, where you’ll get panoramic views of the Western Ghats. As it falls on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, you’ll see both the states from here.

The watchtower is at a walkable distance from Top Station’s parking area.

However, for the two viewpoints, you’ll need to ascend/descend via stairs and walk further from the watchtower. The hike’s not very tiring, though, as you’ll find a few shops selling snacks and juices along the way.

If you’re lucky, clouds or mist will surround you at the viewpoints when the weather is favourable.

After the trek to the viewpoints, you can have lunch from one of the restaurants near the parking area, as you’ll reach Vattavada only in the evening.

In my experience, the food I had here was tasty and reasonably priced.

Much like Mattupetty Dam, this is another destination that draws huge crowds. Hence, it’s better to come here on a weekday.

3. Pampadum Shola National Park

Also known as Vattavada Forest, the Pampadum Shola National Park is only 10 minutes away from Top Station. The actual journey to Vattavada starts from here.

There’s a forest check post at the park’s entrance where you stop your vehicle and register your details.

The forest guards at the check post will also inform you that you cannot stop your vehicle in the national park due to the presence of animals.

Note : Entry via this park is allowed between 6 am and 6 pm, and there’s no fee.

Thereafter, they’ll open the checkpost as you make your way to Vattavada via the Pampadum Shola National Park.

Although it’s the smallest national park in Kerala, the drive through the Pampadum Shola National Park is one of my favourites in Kerala.

Keep all your senses open and drive slowly to take in the sights and sounds of this scenic drive; it’ll transport you to a different world.

You’ll be driving through tall eucalyptus trees inside the forest, that have a unique aroma. The entire landscape eventually opens to meadows and mountains.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot some bison or deers on the drive. 

If you’re interested in staying in the middle of a forest with no people or network, you can do so at the Pampadum Shola National Park.

They provide accommodations of various types along with vegetarian food. Another benefit of staying here is that you may spot other animals like elephants, langurs and guars, among many others, especially in the morning/evening. 

If this interests you, I recommend staying here for a night. You can book a room at one of their stays  here .

You can also go trekking inside the park with the guidance of forest officers. For more details, check this  website .

4. Vattavada Beauty View Point

You’ll reach Vattavada Beauty Point, 7 km after the Pampadum Shola National Park. It is the poster boy of Vattavada tourism and also the starting point of Vattavada.

It is a viewpoint from where you’ll get panoramic views of Vattavada’s terrace farms. This view includes some houses scattered across the farms in the background of tall mountains.

The viewpoint looks amazing, especially after the monsoon season, when there’s greenery everywhere accompanied by mists.

5. Strawberry Farm

Among all the Vattavada tourist places, the strawberry farms are its most popular attractions, and you’ll find a few near the Vattavada Beauty View Point (ask the locals nearby or check for sign boards).

Owned by the locals of Vattavada, these farms also sell other organic fresh produces like carrots and cabbages, apart from strawberries.

Visiting any Vattavada strawberry farm is free, and you can also pluck strawberries from the gardens with their permission.

The locals sell strawberry jams and wines to tourists on these farms. If you’re curious, they’ll also give you information on how strawberry is cultivated and made into jams and wines.

The strawberry season in Vattavada is from March to May.

However, I got my hands on strawberry jams and wines, even in August.

While I suggest two strawberry farms in Vattavada – Babu Organic Strawberry Farm and Viji Strawberry Farm, feel free to visit any other farm that may interest you.

6. Pazhathottam View Point

Located 9 km from the Vattavada Beauty View Point is the Pazhathottam View Point.

It is the best Vattavada view point, in my opinion.

You can see the whole of Vattavada at an elevation, including the mountains, tea plantations, villages, step-cut farms and houses. The addition of mists and the blue sky makes the landscape stand out.

The ride to this viewpoint is equally exciting. 

You’ll cross through narrow roads inside forests and pass through local houses. While the road conditions are not ideal, the adventurous ride to the Pazhathottam Viewpoint makes the trip worth it.

The best time to visit this viewpoint is during the morning/evening. 

Chilanthiyar Falls is the most popular one among all the Vattavada waterfalls.

It is only 5.5 km away from the Pazhathottam Viewpoint.

It is a cascading waterfall deep inside a reserve forest. Being a hidden gem, you’ll hardly find any crowds here. The area is quite calm and peaceful.

Parking is available at the falls’ entrance, and you’ll also find a small shop there that sells tea and snacks.

As the waterfall is 2 km away from the entrance/parking area, there are two ways you can reach the falls:

1. Trek to the waterfall but ensure you have good gripping shoes as you’ll be walking on steep muddy roads.

2. Hire a jeep from the parking area unless you have an SUV or a bike that can ride easily on off-roads.

The best time to visit the falls is after the monsoon season when the water streams are full.

How to reach Munnar?

To reach Vattavada, you need to come to Munnar first.

Following are the ways you can reach Munnar:

If you’re coming from another state, take a flight to Cochin International Airport. It’s the nearest airport to Munnar, at a distance of 108 km.

The nearest railway station to Munnar is Aluva, at a distance of 108 km. However, the only catch is that every train may not stop at Aluva.

If that’s the case, you can take a train to Ernakulam (Town or Junction), the railway station for Kochi.

If you’re in Kerala, you can easily get buses to Munnar via KSRTC, the state’s government bus service. 

You can check the availability of the bus to Munnar from your location and book tickets from the  KSRTC website .

If you’re coming from nearby cities like Bangalore and Chennai, you can get private buses to Munnar using apps like  Redbus  and  Abhibus . 

How to reach Vattavada?

As I’ve mentioned earlier, entry to Vattavada is via Pampadum Shola National Park. As it’s a reserved forest, you can only enter it between 6 am to 6 pm.

So ensure that you plan your trip accordingly.

To reach Vattavada, you can take a local shared jeep available in Munnar town. You can find them at the designated jeep stand in the town.

You’ll also get KSRTC buses from Munnar, but they’re unreliable as they have fixed timings.

Cabs are also available in Munnar town, but you’ll have to negotiate with them and lower their asking rates.

For the best experience, I suggest renting a car or a bike from Kochi (as I’ve mentioned before).

For renting a car,  Zoomcar  is available in Kochi. I rented a car with them from Kochi, and my experience was great.

Kochi also has many shops that give two-wheelers for rent. You can research them online and decide accordingly. If you want my recommendation, I’ll suggest  Royal Brothers .

Note : You can find a few shops in Munnar that rent bikes. This will be ideal for you if you’re coming straight to Munnar and want to begin your journey from there. For more details, do a simple search on Google.

Best time to visit Vattavada

Unlike Munnar, Vattavada has a favourable climate throughout the year as it is a rain shadow village.

Being a rain shadow village means Vattavada receives less rainfall compared to Munnar.

I’ve travelled to Vattavada twice, in August and September.

Both times, the Vattavada weather was amazing as there were no rains, ample sunlight, and the entire landscape was green.

At night, it is even better as you can see the Milky Way Galaxy (on certain nights) and shooting stars.

In summary, you can visit Vattavada anytime from August onwards to see clear blue skies, green valleys and waterfalls.

If you want to experience the mist additionally, you can visit Vattavada during December and January.

Where to stay in Vattavada?

Despite being a remote location, Vattavada has various accommodations, including homestays and resorts.

Moreover, if you’re a solo traveller/backpacker who needs a Vattavada tent stay experience, you’ll find plenty of them here.

Hence, I’ve also added a few campsites to the list below (based on my research) that’ll be useful if you want to camp next to nature and have an offbeat experience.

1. The Only Place Log Cabin

If you’re travelling to Vattavada with a group of friends/family, I highly recommend booking a stay at The Only Place Log Cabin. 

Although it’s slightly expensive compared to other similar properties, you’ll have a lifetime’s worth of experience at this Vattavada homestay.

I stayed at The Only Place with a bunch of friends, and let me tell you, ‘it’s the best homestay I’ve stayed in India’. 

The Only Place is straight out of a Hollywood movie. It is perched on a hilltop, isolated from any other location in Vattavada, with stunning sceneries of the mountains and valleys nearby.

It also has well-kept gardens, trekking trails and a friendly dog. The only sounds and sights you experience here are that of nature.

Moreover, the family of two prepare fresh organic food sourced from their farms. Hence, you’ll be amazed with the quality and taste of their meals. They prepare traditional South-Indian cuisine with options for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.

As icing on the cake, the owner, Giri Sir, is very friendly and approachable. You can strike up a conversation with him any time, and in one such talk I had with him, he mentioned that his homestay is ‘India’s only stay made of Eucalyptus wood’.

I recommend spending at least two nights here for the best experience. And if you book this homestay, say hi to Giri Sir from my end.

2. Mountain Hut Resorts

I stayed at Mountain Hut Resorts for my second visit to Vattavada. However, I only recommend this place if you want a budget-friendly stay with decent views.

While they have good ratings on Google and beautiful images, I found the resort above average. 

Moving on, if you’re a solo traveller/backpacker, I recommend the following highly-rated campsites based on my research:

3. Magic Valley

4. cox cargill.

Apart from accommodation, these campsites also provide food, and treks to unexplored Vattavada tourist places along with guides, among others. For more information, DM them on their Instagram accounts or get their number on Google.

Best restaurants in Vattavada

Being an offbeat tourist destination, you won’t find many restaurants in Vattavada. 

Even the few restaurants you may get in Vattavada or Koviloor, the neighbouring village, don’t have a lot of variety in their menu. Regardless, the food is homely, tasty and cheap.

Most of the accommodations in Vattava, including the campsites, provide food, so you won’t have to worry about this aspect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. what is special in vattavada.

Vattavada is known for its unique produce like strawberries and butter beans, better weather compared to Munnar and many unexplored trails in the Western Ghats.   Vattavada also has many campsites and is ideal for solo travellers/backpackers who like exploring offbeat places.

2. What is the Vattavada entry fee?

There is no entry fee for Vattavada. However, you can enter Vattavada only between 6 am and 6 pm via the forest check post at the Pampadum Shola National Park.

3. When is the Vattavada strawberry season?

The harvest season for strawberries in Vattavada is from March to May. During this time, many locals sell strawberry fruits, wines and jams to tourists.

4. How to travel from Munnar to Vattavada?

You can hire a local shared jeep from Munnar town to travel to Vattavada. You can also avail of KSRTC buses from Munnar, but since their timings are limited, you need to plan accordingly. 

If you need flexibility and love road trips, you can also hire two-wheelers on rent from a few shops in Munnar.

Being a rain shadow village, Vattavada has a pleasant climate throughout the year. You can visit this hill station from August onwards for the clearest views and in December to experience the mist.

Vattavada is unlike any other place you’ll experience in Munnar. And that’s why I suggest you follow the itinerary I’ve mentioned in this article to get the best of both Munnar and Vattavada in one go.

As I’ve recommended, start your trip from Kochi by renting a car/bike. If possible, plan a weekday trip, as Mattupetty Dam and Top Station attract weekend crowds. Stay at one of the campsites if you’re a solo traveller or at ‘The Only Place Log Cabin’ if you’re a group of friends.

Also, after following the aforementioned itinerary, I urge you to visit this gorgeous hill station again, as I feel there are many more Vattavada tourist places waiting to be explored.

If you have any doubts regarding your Vattavada trip or discover any cool new place there, let me know in the comments below!

Jerry quit his 9-5 job to become a digital nomad and travel the world. Through Framedventures, he helps people have experiential and immersive travel adventures across India. He has travelled to 15+ states/UTs in India so far. Besides travelling, he's also passionate about landscape photography. Connect with him on his social media channels to get his latest travel updates!

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Things To Do in Vattavada

Vattavada near munnar in kerala is a beautiful village with stunning views of the western ghats and lush greenery., highlights of vattavada, 1. natural beauty:.

Vattavada’s charm lies in

–Terraced farms, rolling hills, and tea plantations.

2. Agricultural practices:

–Eco-friendly farming and traditional methods for cultivation.

3. Flora and Fauna:

–Wide variety of plants and animals.

–You can explore different species of birds, butterflies, and small animals.

4. Trekking and Nature walk:

–opportunities for trekking and nature walks.

–The trails take you through the stunning landscapes and in the natural beauty of the landscape.

5. Kurinjimala Sanctuary:

–This place is known for its Kurinji flowers, which bloom once in every 12 years. It is a home for different wildlife species.

Things to explore in Vattavada:

Tea plantations: It gives a new experience to see the tea-making process and taste some finest teas in the world.

Spices: You can buy a variety of fresh spices like Cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon directly from local markets.

Homemade Chocolates: Handmade chocolates in various flavours are available in shops.

Organic Farming: Vattava offers grown organic produce like potatoes, carrots, and cabbages.

Honey: During the Kurinji flowering season you might come across fresh honey.

Traditional handicrafts: You can see carved wooden items and handmade textiles.

Ayurvedic products: You might find various herbal oils creams and other products that are known for their therapeutic benefits.

Tourist destinations:

      1. Chilanthiyar waterfall

Chilanthiyar Waterfall is a natural gem in Vattavada.  Cascading down the lush hills, the waterfall offers a refreshing retreat for visitors seeking tranquility.

      2. Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty Dam is nearby Vattavada and is a wonderful place to relax with boating and beautiful views available. It is a haven for wild animals and birds.

      3. Vattvada beauty viewpoint

Easily accessible from  Vattavada, this viewpoint provides panoramic vistas of hills and valleys. It is an ideal spot to experience both sunrise and sunset.

       4. Pampadam Shola National Park

This national park is home to diverse flora and fauna. Treks allow you to discover its trails and possibly encounter wildlife.

      5. Top station

It is 15 to 20 kilometers away from Vattavada. It is a popular viewpoint that offers a stunning panoramic view of hills and valleys and the western ghats.

       6. Kurinjimala Sanctuary

It is a great place for nature enthusiasts and trekkers.

       7. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

It is known for its flora and fauna and trekking trails.

       8. Anamudi Peak

It is located nearby. The surrounding area offers lush forests and natural beauty.

      9. Pazhathottam viewpoint

It is a beautiful fruit garden. It offers stunning vistas.

    10. Kanthalloor

It is an adjacent village where visitors can explore the fruit farms and relish the serene ambiance.

How to reach:

From Kochi: The distance from Kochi to Vattavada is 70 kilometers . The journey from Kochi to Munnar is scenic offering picturesque views of Western Ghats.

 Other Tourist Destinations near Vattavad: Eravikulam National Park, Carmelagiri Elephant Park, Kolukumala Peak, Echo Point, and Kuttikanam tea plantations.

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Munnar Insider Travel Blog

Vattavada Tourist Attractions

posted on May 8, 2022

Munnar is a place known for its natural beauty and tea plantations. Anyone visiting Munnar will feel that they have entered a piece of heaven. If you are planning to visit Munnar in the near future, we suggest you add Vattavada to your itinerary. Vattavada Tourist Attractions  add to the mesmerizing beauty of hills, take a walk through zig-zag paths, and absorb the scenic surroundings. Located at a distance of 50kms from Munnar, Vattavada is blessed with different varieties of flora and fauna. It is also known as the “market of Kerala” due to its extensive vegetable fields. The large vegetable and fruit fields are a major attraction to the tourists visiting Vattavada.

While visiting Vattavada, you can indulge in some of the best varieties of fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits like plum, apple, orange, gooseberry, blackberry, peach, passion fruit, and egg fruits can be found in abundance in this tiny village. This enchanting hill station has a lot to offer to its visitors. If you love adventure and the outdoors, do not forget to enjoy trekking, mountain biking, jungle safari, camping, etc. during your visit. You can plan day trips to major Vattavada tourist attractions and explore the place to your heart’s content.

PopularTourist Vattavada Tourist Attractions:

Vattavada may not be on the popular tourist radar but it has some great experiences to offer to its visitors. You will be surprised to know about the unique things you can do in Vattavada and the places you can explore nearby. If Vattavada is on your mind, here are some major Vattavada tourist attractions that should be part of your itinerary.

1. Pampadam Shola National Park

Pampadam Shola national park is one of the most frequently visited Vattavda tourist attractions. The name literally translates to “the forest where the snake dances”. It is the smallest national park in the state of Kerala. The national park is accessible throughout the year treating its visitors to a variety of flora and fauna. Some of the flora and fauna you can find inside this national park include Grandis, eucalyptus, Humus, Nilgiri marten, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, Gaur, Lion-tailed Macaques, Indian wild dogs, and many more.

ALSO SEE –  Top 15 Must-Visit Munnar Tourist Places

2. Kundala Dam Lake

Located at a distance of 20 km from Vattavada, Kundala dam lake is a perfect getaway for those looking for an unforgettable experience. Kundala dam is built on the River Periyar and is surrounded by the Western Ghats mountain range turning it into a perfect picturesque picnic spot for visitors. This serene Vattavada tourist attraction can be enjoyed by getting on a pedal boat or a rowboat. Entry to the lake is free for everyone but the boating experience is chargeable. The prices are highly reasonable. The visiting time for the Kundala Dam lake is from 9 AM to 5 AM but the boating ends at 4:30 PM.

3. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is amongst the top Vattavada tourist attractions for those who wish to enjoy nature in its full swing. This glorious sanctuary is located at a distance of around 93 km from Vattavada. It is protected in a unique way by Eravikulam National Park in the south and by the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in the north. This thorny scrub forest attracts several nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts to its premises as it inhabits the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. It is also home to a wide range of species of mammals, including Panthers, Spotted deer, Indian Elephants, Gaur, Tigers, Sambar Deer, Common langur, Bonnet Macaque, crocodile, butterflies, Hanuman monkey, Nilgiri Tahr, and much more.

ALSO SEE – Top 9 Best Tree Houses in Munnar

4. Kurinjimala Sanctuary

Kurinjimala Sancturay comes under top Vattavada tourist attractions. This sanctuary protects the approximately 32-hectare core habitat of the endangered Neelakurinji plant. The reserved forest also provides a safe space for threatened species of elephant, gaur, deer, and Nilgiri Tahr. The name of the Kurinjimala sanctuary comes from the flower Kurinji, which translates to the mountain of Kurinji flowers. For those who are not aware, Neelakurinji is a blue flower that grows in abundance in the regions of Idukki and Munnar. In the blooming season, the entire regions turn blue due to these flowers and present a surreal view.

5. Anamudi Shola National Park

The 7.5 square kilometers, Anamudi Shola National Park, is located at a distance of 25 km from Vattavada. The Park is surrounded by Eravikulam National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary, Mathikettan Shola National Park. Declared as a national park in 2003, Anamudi Shola National Park provides safe and comfortable habitat to several varieties of flora and fauna. It is a safe haven for several animals including elephants, tigers, Panther, Indian Bison, Nilgiri tahr, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Giant Grizzled Squirrel, Hanuman Langur, Sloth Bear, Flying Squirrels, etc. Visitors can indulge in eco-tourism activities designed in a way to provide means of sustainable livelihood to local communities. It is one of the Vattavada tourist attractions that you should not miss.

6. Lockhart Tea Factory

At a distance of 52 km from Vattavada lies Lockhart Tea Factory, an ancient British tea factory in Munnar. The tea factory was established 160 years back by the British East India Company. Visitors are allowed at the factory during normal working hours where they can get a tour of the factory and witness several stages involved in tea processing. You can also know about the history of the tea plantation by visiting the factory museum. Tea tasting sessions and tea sale outlets are also available for visitors of the Lockhart Tea Factory.

Vattavada has a lot to offer to its visitors in terms of flora and fauna. Great experiences are waiting for you at Vattavada if you are a nature lover. The lands of Vattavada have a rich history and the tribals in the area are a testament to that. The customs, arts, and culture of the people of Vattavada have intrigued people for centuries. Interacting with locals, walking through beautiful natural vegetation, admiring the surroundings, can all add up to an unforgettable experience.

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THE BEST Things to Do in Vattavada

Things to do in vattavada.

• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Pampadum Shola National Park

Kolukkumalai and Vattavada: must visit places in Munnar

I visited Munnar recently to witness Neelakurinji flower blooming. What is so special about Neelakurinji blooming is that these plants flowers only once in 12 years. It is a rare and exclusive event in nature, everybody was waiting eagerly for a long time. But unfortunately, heavy rain and flood in Kerala cut off Munnar from outside world for a good number of days. It was only towards the last days of the life of Neelakurinji flowers that most people were able to visit Munnar and experience this colourful fiesta of nature. I was also waiting, who knows I will be alive to see them again after 12 years. So decided to go even though it was late and most of the flowers have already perished. Came to Munnar on a weekend, explored some amazing places like Kolukkumalai and Vattavada in search of the flowers.

More than seeing the Neelakurinji flowers, the journey was the most exciting part. I visited some new places in these mountains. Kolukkumalai has the best views from the top, I would say. And Vattavada is another beautiful village far away from the hustle of tourism, have the best climate and some really fresh air.

So what is Neelakurinji?

It is a very common plant found in the mountains of Western Ghats. The scientific name is “Strobilanthes Kurunthias”, a blue colour flower. A certain region of the Western Ghats is called “Nilgiris”, because of these flowers. “Neela” is blue in Malayalam and Tamil. Every year, the Neelakurinji blooms in some random areas of the Western Ghats but this year it bloomed over a very large area.

This year it flowered mainly in the hills of Munnar, Ooty, Masinagudi and Kodaikanal. The flower individually is not that attractive in fragrance or appearance. But as a large group, once the entire mountains are covered with them, it will turn the landscape blue and it is something that everyone who loves nature should not miss. I can say, it is one of nature’s finest display of its beauty.

I reached Munnar on a fine morning. The small town of Munnar was crowded, though it is not a tourist season, the reason was Neelakurinji flowers. People from cities like Chennai and Bangalore were coming in big groups, especially during weekends.

The tourism department had many plans to promote this event and they were trying to bring a lot of tourists from around the globe. But the unexpected heavy monsoon was a big setback. So the tourism industry picked up only by the end of the season.

I was coming from Chennai. Once we pass Udumbanchola in Tamil Nadu on the way to Munnar, then you are entering into the forests of Marayur and Chinnar. My bus was going through the forest when I woke up, the views where amazing. Everyone on the bus was so excited to see Neelakurinji. Like most of the roads, this road was also damaged by landslides during the heavy rains. We can see patches on land sliced from the hillside and went down. During rain, the landslides are one biggest danger of the hill stations of the Western Ghats.

My friend Shankar was waiting for me in Munnar, the town was slowly waking up from the morning chill. We started towards Kolukkumalai in his motorcycle

Kolukkumalai

Kolukkumalai is said to be the highest tea plantation in the world. It is about 40 km from Munnar. The mountaintop is very famous for it sun rises. If you are coming here, then you should not miss the sunrise. We can come to the top of the mountain early in the morning to see the sunrise. Watching the sunrise, from the top, standing above the clouds is more than stunning.

We passed villages like Devikulam and Chinnakanal, all surrounded by vast tea plantations. People living in these villages work in these big tea estates. On the way, we can see women, carrying large sacks on their bag and plucking fine tea leaves early in the morning.

During the British period in India, they cleared off the forests in these mountains and planted tea. The tea from Munnar is very well known around the world. The people who live here now are successors of those who were brought by the British to work in the plantations. The only difference now is that the British have gone and big private companies own these estates now.

How to reach Kolukkumalai

To visit Kolukkumalai, you have to reach Suryanelli first. The entrance to Kolukkumalai tea estate is just half kilometre from Suryanelli town. It is not at all difficult to find the entrance. You will get public transport from Munnar to Suryanelli. There are a couple of buses which start from Munnar in the morning. The number of buses is limited but you will get a shared taxi ride from Munnar to Suryanelli all the time. That is the most economical way to travel there. So before taking any private taxi or auto, just inquire about the availability of public transport.

There is a Kerala transport bus at 6.30 AM and 10.30 AM from Munnar.

Kolukkumalai is a private property, at the entrance, you need to enter the name and pay the entrance fee. Our own vehicles are not allowed inside the estate. You can only go to Kolukkumalai in the vehicles provided by the estate. A vehicle will cost you around 2000 INR. Around 7-8 people can travel in a vehicle. So if you are alone or less in number, then try to find someone to share the ride and expense.

A ride up to the top of Kolukkumalai will take more than one hour. The journey itself is adventurous, there are no proper roads and the vehicle will be going all the way jumping one rock to another. You need some skills to drive in those roads.

Inside the estate, on the way, you will get some amazing views of the mountains. Vast tea estates stretch as far as we can see. There are plenty of viewpoints and a few small waterfalls on the way.

On the top of the Kolukkumalai hills, I found Neelakurinji flowers.

After Kolukkumalai, our next destination was Vattavada. We came back to Munnar and took another direction to reach Vattavada. Like most of the places around Munnar, the road to Vattavada is not at all disappointing. The views on both sides were surreal.

An interesting thing happened on the way. After passing the Mattupetty dam, there were elephants on the road and they attacked us. That was my first such experience and elephants came so close to us. We had to turn our motorcycle back to escape. After some failed attempts, the elephant realised we were harmless and agreed for a truce. And we continued.

It started to rain after. You may be knowing, I am a person who had fallen in love with the rains. Munnar also gave me something to be happier. We continued our journey. The cold wind was our challenge then. The greenery of the Munnar became more enchanting once it is touched by light drizzle and later the fog.

How to reach Vattavada

Vattavada is around 42 km from Munnar. The direction is same as towards Top Station. Top station is almost in the middle of Munnar and Vattavada. Just after Top Station, you will enter into Pampadum Shola National park. There is a forest check post and if you want to go to Vattavada, need to enter it before 6 PM. When we reached, it was 6.15 PM and the officers just let us pass. The road after that is through the lush and green forest till you reach Vattavada.

The climate of Vattavada is super chill, I think that is the major reason why people prefer here instead of Munnar or other places. The temperature almost reaches 0 degrees during winters. The air is fresh.

It was dark when we reached Vattavada, streets filled with people and their conversations. The temple at the village centre was very active at that time. The prayers from the temple microphones echoed the entire valley. We began looking for some budget hotels, the people were very helpful, within a short time, found our place to sleep for the night.

I saw Vattavada on the next day morning, it was dark when I reached and we had to find a place to crash as the village will go to sleep by 8 PM. Vattavada is very similar to the villages of Kodaikanal. Though it is in Kerala, the people here speak Tamil and their lifestyle is more inclined to Tamil culture.

Walking through the narrow bylanes of the village reminded me about the Kookal village.

Read more about Kookal

Actually, Vattavada is near to the Kerala-Tamilnadu border and once you cross the border, then it is Kodaikanal. The border villages of Kodaikanal like Kavunji and Klavara are much nearer than Munnar from here. There is actually a trek route from Vattavada to Kodaikanal but this forest route was closed now.

Vattavada survives on agriculture. The hillsides are occupied with farmlands. They grow carrots, cabbages and strawberries mainly. The farmers will bring their produce to the village centre and later agents will take them to send to the markets. A day in the village is busy with sales and auctions of vegetables and fruits.

A walk through the farmland is the best thing you can do here. If it is morning, people will be working on the fields and you get an understating about farming. Sometimes, they will offer you freshly plucked strawberries. The fresh strawberries are a treat to the tongue. Don’t forget to buy homemade jams and wines made of strawberries before leaving Vattavada.

Vattavada was not in the tourist radar for a long time. But recently, as the resort business in and around Munnar is legally controlled by the government, the new constructions are moved to Vattavada. A lot of forest area is clearing nowadays to build hotels and cottages. It is definitely not good. The uncontrolled growth in tourism will affect the climate and life in Vattavada.

We can feel the impact very clearly. Previously, Vattavada was a peaceful village, it is changing now. The transformation of these innocent villages is very common everywhere. I have seen many such places being forcefully dragged into the tourism industry, during my journeys through the Western Ghats. Vattavada is not different. Promoting sustainable tourism is one solution to this problem. If you are a good traveller, then think about it before choosing your accommodation and bringing plastics to these places.

One person in the village told us that there are Neelakurinji flowers in Chilanthiyar which is a nearby village. It is closer to the Kerala-Tamilnadu border. The road from Vattavada to Chilathiyar is scenic. We found some Neelakurinji flowers on a hillside in Chilanthiyar.

Even though we couldn’t see the mass Neelakurinji blooming as it is, we were very happy about both Kolukkumalai and Vattavada. Both the destinations and the journey was amazing and beautiful.

Do check out these amazing places you can visit in the Western Ghats .

That’s all about Vattavada and Kolukkumalai.

Also read about Poombarai and Vellagavi , beautiful Kodai villages on the other side of Munnar.

I hope you got all the information needed. Please let me know if you have any queries or suggestions. You can put them on the comment box below.

I thank my friend Bijin for helping me with some pictures on this blog.

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Nice guide and when I read your previous post about neelakurunji I was intrigued to visit but couldn’t take out time for them. Maybe next time….

Hey Mohit, am glad that you liked the post. Though you missed Neelakurinji, you can still visit Munnar. This place is amazing and must visit Vattavada and Kolukkumalai.

Great post, with wonderful pictures! There was a sense of traveling to Munnar, going through your post 🙂

Thanks Kaushik. Am glad that you liked the post.

Nice and informative. I missed both the places due to shortage of time. Next time definitely in my list. Also Mariyur is nice visiting where I stayed one night. It was on my route to Munnar. Thanks for sharing.

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Tourist Places

Periyar tiger reserve, thekkady.

The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Spreads across the entire district are the picturesque plantations and hill towns that nestle beautiful trails for treks and mountain walks.

Munnar rises as three mountain streams merge – 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, picturesque 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.

Eravikulam National Park

One of the main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. This park is famous for its endangered inhabitant – the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of the Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years.

Anamudi Peak

Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in South India, standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.

Another prime draw for visitors, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty’s fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one can encounter different high yielding breeds of cows.

Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.

Chinnakanal & Anayirangal

Near Munnar Town lie Chinnakanal and its waterfalls, popularly known as the Power House Waterfalls, which cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with a scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges. When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.

Top Station

Top Station, which is about 32 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is among the prime spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming over a vast area.

Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects of the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala’s high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses artifacts, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell about the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.

Idukki Arch Dam

The Idukki Dam, located in Kerala, India, is a 168.91 m (554 ft) tall arch dam. The dam stands between the two mountains – Kuravanmala (839)m and Kurathimala (925)m. It was constructed and is owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board. It supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station.

It is built on the Periyar River, in the ravine between the Kuravan and Kurathi Hills in Kerala, India. At 167.68 metres, it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia and third tallest arch dam. It started generating power on 4 October 1975.[1] Technically, the dam type is a concrete double curvature parabolic, thin arc dam. This dam was constructed along with two other dams at Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. Together, the three dams have created an artificial lake that is 60 km² in area. The stored water is used to produce electricity at the Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside nearby rocky caves. The Government of Canada aided in the building of the dam with long term loans and grants.

Vattavada Tourist Places