Top Station
Top Station, situated 40 km from Munnar, is a breathtaking destination offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats and Theni valley. At 1,880 meters above sea level, it is the highest accessible point in Munnar and the uppermost railway station in the Kundala valley Railway, earning it its name. This misty spot is also the natural habitat of the rare Nilakurinji plants, which bloom once every twelve years, painting the hillsides blue. On clear days, Madurai District of Tamil Nadu can be seen from Top Station, which borders Idukki District of Kerala and Theni District of Tamil Nadu. With its rich history as a trade center, Top Station offers a unique experience for visitors, who can enjoy trekking, walking, and taking in the stunning views of Munnar and surrounding areas, including Shola forests, grasslands, valleys, and plantations. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
History of Top Station
Top Station, a scenic tourist destination in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu, has a rich and fascinating history. The name "Top Station" originates from its status as the uppermost point on the Kottagudi Aerial Ropeway and the terminal railway station on the Kundala Valley Railway, built in 1902. During the British era, Top Station served as a transshipment point for tea delivery from Munnar to Bodinayakkanur. The tea was transported from Munnar to Top Station by railway and then transferred to the ropeway to reach Kurangani, from where it was shipped to other parts of India and England. However, the ropeway was replaced by a 24-inch gauge railway in 1908, and the Kundala Valley Railway was eventually abandoned after a devastating flood in 1924. Although the railway and ropeway are no longer in operation, remnants of this historic transportation system can still be seen at Top Station and the Munnar Tea Museum, serving as a testament to the region's rich cultural and industrial heritage. Today, Top Station is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world with its breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and its rare Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years.
Attractions on the way to Top Station from Munnar
KFDC Flower Garden is a beautiful garden with a variety of flowers and plants. The garden is maintained by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation and is a popular spot for nature lovers. The garden is a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it a must-visit attraction for those looking to relax and unwind.
2, Photo Point:
Photo Point is a designated spot for photography, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The point is located on a hill, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The point is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts, making it a must-visit attraction.
Mattupetty Boating is a relaxing experience, offering a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake. The boating experience is peaceful and serene, making it a must-visit attraction for those looking to unwind and relax.
Mattupetty Tea Factory is a working tea factory, offering insights into the tea-making process. The factory is located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by tea plantations and hills. The factory tour is a unique experience, offering a chance to learn about the tea-making process and see the machinery in action.
5, Shooting Point:
Shooting Point is a popular spot for film shootings, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The point is located on a hill, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The point is also a popular spot for photography, making it a must-visit attraction for photography enthusiasts.
Echo Point is a scenic spot with an echo phenomenon, where you can hear your voice reverberate. The point is located in a valley, surrounded by hills and valleys, making it a popular spot for tourists. The echo point is a fun and interactive experience, making it a must-visit attraction.
7, Wild Elephant Arrival Point:
The Wild Elephant Arrival Point is a unique attraction, offering a chance to spot wild elephants in their natural habitat. The point is located in a forest area, where elephants often arrive in search of food and water. The experience of seeing these majestic creatures up close is thrilling and unforgettable.
Kundala Lake is a picturesque lake with a dam, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The lake is surrounded by hills and valleys, making it a popular spot for boating and photography. The lake is also home to a variety of aquatic life, adding to its natural beauty.
Top Station is the highest point in Munnar, offering a breathtaking view of the Western Ghats. The sunrise from this point is a mesmerizing experience, with the sky turning pink and orange as the sun rises above the hills. The view from the top is panoramic, with rolling hills and valleys stretching as far as the eye can see.
What is the speciality of Top Station tour
The Top Station sunrise tour is a unique and breathtaking experience that offers several specialities that make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here are some of the specialities of the Top Station sunrise tour:
- Breathtaking Sunrise: The tour offers a chance to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Western Ghats, which is a rare and unforgettable experience.
- Tea Plantations: Top Station is surrounded by lush green tea plantations, which add to the beauty of the landscape and offer a unique opportunity to learn about tea production.
- Rare Neelakurinji Flowers: The region is home to the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once in 12 years, and the tour offers a chance to see these flowers in their natural habitat.
- Historic Railway Station: The tour includes a visit to the historic Top Station Railway Station, which offers a glimpse into the region's rich history.
- Scenic Drive: The tour involves a scenic drive through winding roads and picturesque landscapes, which adds to the overall experience.
- Birdwatching: The region is home to various bird species, and the tour offers a chance to spot these birds in their natural habitat.
- Trekking: The tour offers a chance to trek through the surrounding hills and valleys, which adds to the adventure quotient.
The Top Station sunrise tour is a unique and special experience that offers a chance to witness breathtaking natural beauty, learn about local culture and history, and experience adventure and thrill.
Top Station Entry Fee and Timings
Here are the details about the Top Station sunrise tour :
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Top Station.
Best time to visit Top station
The best time to visit Top Station for a sunrise tour is during the months of September to March. During this period, the weather is generally clear, cool, and pleasant, providing excellent visibility for sunrise views. The monsoon season (June to August) is best avoided as heavy rains can obscure views and make travel difficult.
During this time, the sky is painted with hues of orange, pink, and purple, signaling the arrival of a new day. The sun rises above the rolling hills, casting a warm glow over the lush green tea plantations and the misty valleys. The atmosphere is serene and peaceful, with a gentle breeze carrying the sweet scent of tea leaves and the songs of birds.
How to reach Top Station
Here are the different ways to reach Munnar Top Station :
- By Road: Munnar is accessible by road, and you can get a bus or hire a cab from the top car rental companies in Munnar to reach the place. The distance from Top Station to Munnar is about 35 kilometers. Munnar bus stop is about 35 km from Top Station, and there are regular buses available from Coimbatore, Kochi, Madurai, and other nearby towns.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Aluva, which is about 120 km away from Munnar. It provides regular railway connectivity with the nearby towns and cities. Coimbatore, Ernakulam, and Madurai are the other railway stations around Munnar, with nation-wide connectivity.
- By Air: The nearest international airport is at Kochi, about 120 km away. It has daily flights from many airports of India and the neighboring countries. Coimbatore and Madurai airports are also near Munnar. From the airport, you can take a cab for Top Station Munnar and other tourist spots
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