The Valley of Echoes: A Journey Through Munnar’s Reservoirs and Ridges
Focus: Water Bodies, Boating, and Panoramic Landscapes.
Munnar, the emerald of the Western Ghats, is a landscape sculpted by two great forces: the thriving tea industry and a complex network of high-altitude water bodies. While many travellers come for the rolling hills, the Valley of Echoes day tour offers a different perspective—one where shimmering blue reservoirs meet mist-laden peaks.
This route eastward toward the Tamil Nadu border is arguably the most scenic drive in Kerala. It takes you past engineering marvels from the colonial era, natural acoustic wonders, and eventually leads to a point where you feel you can touch the clouds. Here is your definitive 900-word guide to the ultimate Munnar lake and dam circuit.
The Itinerary
This route takes you eastward toward the Tamil Nadu border, passing through some of the most scenic stretches of road in Kerala.
- 09:00 AM – Photo Point: A quick stop at a perfectly manicured tea garden that serves as the ultimate backdrop for professional-looking travel photos.
- 10:00 AM – Mattupetty Dam: A massive gravity dam where you can enjoy speedboating. The surrounding Shola forests are often visited by wild elephants coming down to drink.
- 11:30 AM – Echo Point: Located at the confluence of three mountain ranges. Shout your name and wait for the natural acoustics of the valley to send it back to you!
- 01:00 PM – Kundala Lake: Famous for its "Neelakurinji" flowers (which bloom once in 12 years) and the unique pedal boats shaped like swans.
- 03:00 PM – Top Station: The highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. It offers a 360-degree view of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu and the Theni Valley.
09:00 AM – The Perfect Frame: Photo Point
Your journey begins just a short 3-km drive from Munnar town at Photo Point. Often overlooked as a mere roadside stop, this location is actually a carefully curated segment of the Kannan Devan Hills. Interspersed with towering silver oak trees, the silver-grey bark provides a striking contrast against the deep green tea leaves. In the soft morning light, usually between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, the dew still clings to the leaves, making the entire hillside sparkle. It is the gold standard for "Munnar photography," offering a professional backdrop that requires no filters.
10:00 AM – The Heart of the Valley: Mattupetty Dam
As you continue along the Munnar-Top Station highway, the air grows cooler as you approach the Mattupetty Dam. Situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters, this massive gravity dam was constructed in the late 1940s as part of the Pallivasal Hydroelectric Project.
More Than Just a Reservoir
Mattupetty is more than an engineering feat; it is a vital ecosystem. The reservoir, known as Mattupetty Lake, is surrounded by dense Shola forests. These high-altitude evergreen forests are the natural corridors for wild Asian elephants. If you are quiet and arrive during the early hours, it is common to see herds of elephants emerging from the forest canopy to bathe in the cool waters.
For the adventurous, the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) offers speedboating and motorboat cruises. Racing across the mirror-like surface of the lake while surrounded by mountains is an exhilarating experience that provides a unique vantage point of the dam’s structure.
11:30 AM – The Acoustic Wonder: Echo Point
Continuing 6 km past Mattupetty, you arrive at the world-famous Echo Point. This scenic spot is located at the confluence of three mountain ranges: the Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala.
Nature’s Own Theater
The unique geographical placement of these mountains creates a natural acoustic phenomenon. When you stand on the banks of the lake and shout, your voice hits the rock faces and reverberates back with startling clarity. Beyond the fun of hearing your own echo, the area is a tranquil haven. The banks are often covered in soft grass, making it a favorite for family picnics. Local vendors here sell freshly sliced pineapples and spiced mangoes, which are the perfect snacks to enjoy while watching the mist roll over the water.
01:00 PM – The Romantic Retreat: Kundala Lake
Often referred to as the most beautiful lake in the region, Kundala Lake is home to Asia’s first artificial arch dam. The Sethuparvathipuram Dam, built in 1946, creates a vast, silent reservoir that feels miles away from civilization.
The Neelakurinji and Cherry Blossoms
Kundala is famous for its flora. Every twelve years, the hillsides here are carpeted in the purplish-blue Neelakurinji flowers. However, you don’t have to wait a decade for beauty; the lake is also famous for its Cherry Blossoms, which bloom twice a year, turning the lakeside into a pink-and-white paradise reminiscent of a Japanese garden.
For travellers seeking a peaceful experience, Kundala offers Kashmiri-style Shikara boats. Unlike the roaring speedboats of Mattupetty, the Shikaras allow for a silent, rhythmic glide across the water, making it the most romantic spot on the eastern trail.
03:00 PM – Touching the Sky: Top Station
The grand finale of the tour is Top Station, located 32 km from Munnar on the very edge of the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. At 1,880 meters above sea level, it is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road.
A Glimpse into History
The name "Top Station" isn't just descriptive; it’s historical. In the early 1900s, this was the upper terminal of the Kundala Valley Railway and the Kottagudi Aerial Ropeway. Tea chests from Munnar were brought here by rail and then lowered 5 km down the mountain by ropeway to the plains of Tamil Nadu for further transport.
Today, visitors can walk to the viewing platform for a breath-taking 360-degree view. On clear days, you can look down into the vast Theni Valley of Tamil Nadu and see the silver lines of rivers snaking through the plains. You are quite literally above the clouds here, witnessing the raw majesty of the Western Ghats.
Essential Travel Tips for the Eastern Trail
- The Layering Rule: The temperature at Top Station can be 5–8 degrees Celsius lower than in Munnar town. Even if the sun is out, the wind chill is significant. Carry a light jacket or windbreaker.
- Beating the Mist: The "Sea of Clouds" at Top Station is beautiful, but thick fog can roll in within minutes, completely obscuring the view. Try to reach the viewpoint before 3:30 PM to ensure the best visibility.
- Footwear: Reaching the Top Station viewpoint involves a short but steep trek down a stone path. Wear shoes with good grip, especially during the monsoon months when the stones can be slippery.
- Stay Hydrated: While there are small tea stalls and shops at every stop, carry your own water bottle to stay hydrated during the high-altitude walks.
The Valley of Echoes tour is a master class in the diverse beauty of Munnar. It transitions seamlessly from the manicured precision of Photo Point to the rugged, wild heights of Top Station. For the travellers of Munnar.com, this journey is a reminder that in the mountains, every echo, every ripple, and every cloud has a story to tell.
