Overview
- Features: Mountain and valley views from a high vantage point
- Opening Times: Dawn to dusk, daily
- Best Time to Visit: April to May
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Travelled By: Private car
- Cost: Free
- Address: SH18, Munnar-Top Station Highway, Tamil Nadu, India
- Type: Natural wonder
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Summary
Located 32 km from Munnar on the Tamil Nadu border, Top Station Munnar is a tourist destination in the Kannan Devan Hills of Tamil Nadu. Sitting at an altitude of 1,700m, Top Station has some of the highest tea estates in India. It is an idyllic spot with panoramic views over the Tamil Nadu plains and the edge of the majestic Western Ghats.
Top Station Munnar
Located 32 km from Munnar on the Tamil Nadu border, Top Station Munnar is a tourist destination in the Kannan Devan Hills of Tamil Nadu. Sitting at an altitude of 1,700m, Top Station has some of the highest tea estates in India. It is an idyllic spot with panoramic views over the Tamil Nadu plains and the edge of the majestic Western Ghats. At this highest point, you may feel that the clouds are just within reach.
The area is also popular for the rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) flowers that bloom once every twelve years. This flower is well known for its strong fragrance that fills the air of the tea plantations and colours the hills blue. The last time it bloomed was in 2006; the next flowering season is in 2018. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary is nearby.
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Top Station Munnar was a trans-shipment point for delivery of tea from Munnar to Bodinayakkanur. Top Station derived its name from its being the upper terminus of the Kottagudi Aerial Ropeway that connected it via Middle Station to Lower Station at the valley bottom. It was also the location of the terminal railway station on the Kundala Valley Railway, built in 1902 between Munnar, Kundalai and this low point in the crest of the hills above steep cliffs.
Tea chests arriving at Top Station Munnar from the Kundalai Valley were transported by a ropeway from Top Station 5 km down hill to the south to Kottagudi, Tamil Nadu. The tea was then shipped 15 km by cart to Bodinayakkanur, then by rail to other places in India and finally shipped to England. Remains of the ropeway station at Top Station are still visible.
Getting to & from Top Station
Buses ply frequently between Munnar and Top Station which is the most affordable way to get here. However, the best way is to hire a private car for the day and take a day trip stopping at several attractions on the way to or from Top Station. Other popular attractions along the route include Mattupetty Lake and Echo Point.
It is not advisable to visit Top Station Munnar between June and October as the roads become wet and slippery due to the monsoon rains.
