The New Gap Road: A Photography Guide to South India’s Most Scenic Highway
For decades, Munnar was known for its quiet tea estates and the misty Eravikulam. But in 2026, a new icon has taken center stage: The New Gap Road. A section of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH 85), this stretch between Munnar and Poopara has been transformed into a world-class engineering marvel that rivals the most beautiful alpine drives in Europe.
If you are a photographer, a vlogger, or simply a traveler with a smartphone, the Gap Road is your ultimate canvas. This guide explores the "how, when, and where" of capturing the soul of South India’s most scenic highway.
The Transformation: From Rugged Pass to Emerald Highway
Historically, the "Gap" referred to the natural opening between two massive cliffs in the Sahyadri range. Today, the "New" Gap Road is a mirror-smooth, multi-lane highway carved directly into the mountain face. On one side, you have vertical rock walls dripping with seasonal waterfalls; on the other, a sheer drop into a valley that seems to hold the entire world's supply of green.
What makes this road a "Photography Destination" is its elevation. At nearly 1,500m, you aren't just looking at the clouds—you are often driving through them.
Top 5 Photography Spots on Gap Road
- The Heart-Shaped Lockhart Gap
Named for the heart-shaped cleft formed between two neighbouring mountains, this is the most iconic "stop-and-shoot" point.- The Shot: Use a wide-angle lens (16mm to 24mm) to capture the vastness of the Bison Valley below.
- Pro Tip: Look for "God Rays" during the late afternoon (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM) when the sun pierces through the mountain gap, creating dramatic beams of light across the tea carpet.
- The Serpentine Curves (The Drone Zone)
The new engineering has introduced elegant, sweeping curves that look like a silver ribbon laid over green velvet.- The Shot: If you have a drone, this is the place to fly. An aerial top-down shot of a red or yellow car navigating the grey asphalt curves against the bright green tea bushes is a classic 2026 "Munnar Aesthetic" photo.
- Safety Note: Always check for wind gusts; the "Gap" acts as a wind tunnel.
- Malayil Kallan Guha (The Cave of the Mountain Thief)
A small roadside cave with a big history. Legend says a notorious thief once lived here to hide from the authorities.- The Shot: Capture the contrast between the dark, rugged textures of the cave entrance and the bright, misty valley visible just across the road.
- The Power House Waterfall Viewpoint
As you descend toward Chinnakkanal, the road offers a perfect lateral view of the Power House Falls.- The Shot: Instead of shooting the waterfall alone, include the winding highway in the foreground. This creates "leading lines" that guide the viewer’s eye from the road to the cascading water.
- The Anayirangal Dam Overlook
From certain stretches of the Gap Road, the Anayirangal Dam appears like a blue sapphire nestled in a green bowl.- The Shot: Use a telephoto lens (70mm to 200mm) to compress the layers—the distant blue water, the middle-ground tea estates, and the foreground road.
Mastering the Light: Timing Your Shoot
In Munnar, the light changes by the minute. To get the best results for the new Munnar.com blog style, follow this schedule:
The "Blue Hour" & Sunrise (5:30 AM – 7:30 AM)
This is when the Gap Road is at its most mystical. The valley is usually filled with a "Sea of Clouds" (Undavalli).
• Photography Goal: Long exposure shots of the clouds flowing over the ridges like water. You will need a tripod and a slow shutter speed (5–10 seconds).
The Golden Hour (4:30 PM – Sunset)
The mountains to the east catch the last orange glow of the sun. The shadows of the tea bushes become long and textured.
• Photography Goal: Warm, high-contrast landscapes. This is the best time for "lifestyle" shots of travellers standing by the road-edge barriers.
The Monsoon Mist (June – August)
While difficult for gear, the monsoon provides the most "moody" shots.
• Photography Goal: Use the mist to create depth. Dark, saturated greens and foggy horizons provide a cinematic feel that is very popular on social media.
Technical Tips for the Perfect Road Trip Frame
- Use a Polarizing Filter (CPL): This is non-negotiable for Munnar. It cuts the glare from the waxy tea leaves and makes the sky a deep, rich blue. It also helps see "through" the light haze in the valley.
- Leading Lines: Use the white and yellow road markings as leading lines. Position your camera low to the ground to make the road appear to stretch infinitely into the mountains.
- Human Scale: The scale of the Gap Road is hard to convey with just rocks and trees. Have a friend walk along the edge of the road or park your bike/car in the frame to provide a sense of perspective.
- Weather Proofing: In 2026, the Gap Road is known for "micro-rains." Keep a dry microfiber cloth and a rain cover for your camera in your bag at all times.
Responsible Photography in 2026
Munnar has recently been designated a Global Responsible Tourism Destination. As a photographer for Munnar.com, your work should reflect this:
- Don't Litter: Ensure your "perfect shot" doesn't involve stepping into tea bushes where you might damage the plants.
- Safety First: The new road is fast. Never stop your vehicle on a blind curve. Use the designated "viewpoint lay-bys" built by the NHAI for photography.
- Respect the Locals: If you are photographing tea pluckers, always ask for permission first. A simple smile goes a long way.
Gap Road Fact File
Feature & Detail
- Route : Munnar to Poopara (National Highway 85)
- Distance from Town : Starts approximately 12 km from Munnar Central
- Key Stops : Lockhart Gap, Malayil Kallan Guha, Power House Falls
- Best Vehicle : Motorbikes or open-roof jeeps for 360-degree views
- Road Condition : Excellent (World-class tarring as of 2026)
The Road is the Destination
There was a time when the road was just a way to get to a viewpoint. On the New Gap Road, the road is the viewpoint. It represents the modern face of Munnar—accessible, majestic, and undeniably beautiful. Whether you are a professional with a DSLR or a casual traveller with a phone, the Gap Road promises a portfolio of memories that will last a lifetime.
Pack your extra batteries, clean your lenses, and set your alarm for 5:00 AM. The most scenic highway in South India is waiting for its close-up.
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