If you’re planning a trip to Munnar, there’s one place you’ll hear about repeatedly and that will be the Top Station.
It’s the land where Neelakurinji blooms, where most bloggers, vloggers, and travel reels point their cameras. The scenic trekking, chilled air and the ultimate view opens into a panoramic view of wide valleys and endless hills.
But the real question is whether Top Station is really the best Munnar viewpoint, or just the most popular one?
That’s something worth talking about.
What Makes Munnar Top Station Viewpoint So Famous?
Top station lies about 32 km away from Munnar town and sits at an altitude of approximately 1,700 meters on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road.
What makes it special is the wide view of the Western Ghats and the valleys of Theni district in Tamil Nadu.
Long ago, this place had Kerala’s highest railway station, which was used for transporting tea. Even though the railway is long gone, the name remains.
Social media and travel vloggers played a big role in making the top station famous. Even though it helped more people discover this place, it also comes with its drawbacks such as overcrowding.
Photography Experience
You’ll end up reaching for the camera multiple times while trekking looking right at the Evergreen Western Ghats.
And the ultimate destination of this trekking is a complete panoramic view of those Ghats that provides an over the clouds experience.
Make sure to capture the stunning landscapes especially during sunrise and sunset.
Even though at crowded times, this trekking can be quite exhausting, at the end of the day you will leave with an experience of a lifetime and the photos that are worth looking at.
Limitations of Munnar’s Top Station Viewpoint
The biggest issue of the top station is overcrowding.
All the reels and travel vloggers managed to flood this place with a large number of tourists, and vendors and food stalls lined up the trekking walkway. This took away the peaceful and calm feeling this place once had.
Weather is another problem as monsoon and foggy climate can block the stunning view.
Honest Comparison with Other Viewpoints in Munnar
Echo Point
Echo Point is a reservoir dam famous for its echo effect when you call out over the lake.
When the beautiful view of the lake is combined with the scenic drive, you’ll leave with an experience that is both pleasant and refreshing.
It is a great spot for trekking and nature walks in addition to boating, picnics and photography.
Echo point is the next best destination that has all the greatness of the Top Station but without the overcrowding.
Pothamedu Viewpoint
Pothamedu Viewpoint is one of those places that leaves you with refreshing vibes.
You’ll witness winding roads covered with never-ending tea plantations and lush grasslands. On a cloudless day, you can even see Idukki Arch Dam.
It’s a paradise for photographers if you manage to go for sunrise or sunset in this beautiful valley.
Whether you seek a destination to chill in nature or you seek adventure and fun, Pothamedu will fulfil your every desire.
Lockhart Gap
About 12 km away from Munnar lies the Lockhart Gap viewpoint, a gap between two mountains that looks like the shape of the heart.
It’s a heaven for trekkers and a quiet vacation for anyone who’s looking out for solitude.
For a minimal fee, Lockheart Gap will reward you with mesmerizing views and experience of misty wind from the tea gardens.
Gap Road Viewpoint
Gap Road, Munnar is one of the most unmissable experiences of Munnar.
Cruising through the curvy mountain roads with tall cliffs on one side and non-ending tea plantations is an experience you’ll never forget.
It offers a stunning 12 km drive through the high ranges of the Western Ghats.
The best time to visit the Gap road is between September and March when the weather is cooler and clear.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Top Station Viewpoint in Munnar?
Early morning is the best option for misty air and ideal photography. Afternoon offers a bit clearer view, but the crowd can be overwhelming.
Winter is the best season for clean view and crisp air, though it is crowded.
Summer offers warm and moderate greenery while monsoon brings extreme lushness and lively waterfalls but risks heavy fog and poor visibility.
Visit early for the best visibility and check out the forecast of the day you’re planning to go.
Practical Tips Before Visiting
- Plan your departure according to your hotel check-in time and weather conditions.
- Visit Top Station early in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowds and the remarkable journey.
- Wear strong and comfortable footwears as there’s significant walking involved.
- There are 2 entry points in Top Station where you’d have to pay 20rs to get into the Top Station watch tower and 25rs where you can walk down deep into the mountains and enjoy the view from there.
- Stay on the designed path as the terrain is rough and very steep.
