Most people arrive in Munnar for Meesapulimala and leave without seeing much else. With a spare half day or a full day, these stops round out the trip nicely. Distances are approximate from Munnar town.
1. Kolukkumalai
A high tea estate on the Tamil Nadu side, reached by jeep from Suryanelli. Go for sunrise over the clouds and the old tea factory. Pair it with the trek using our 3 day itinerary.
2. Mattupetty Dam
On the road towards the Meesapulimala side, about 13 km from town. Calm water, boating and tea-covered hills around it. An easy stop on the way back from the trek.
3. Kundala Lake
Further along the same road, a quieter reservoir with pedal boats and eucalyptus trees on the shore.
4. Top Station
Near the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border, about 30 km out. On a clear day, the drop to the plains below is dramatic. Go in the morning before cloud rolls in.
5. Eravikulam National Park
Home to the largest population of Nilgiri tahr, close to Munnar. Visitors are taken up by park buses. The park usually closes for a few weeks early in the year during the tahr calving season, so check dates before you plan around it.
6. Anayirangal Dam
On the Suryanelli side, surrounded by tea estates. A good stop if you are heading to or from Kolukkumalai.
7. Chokramudi
A shorter peak trek off the Bison Valley road. Good as a warm-up the day before Meesapulimala. Read how it compares.
8. A tea museum visit
Learn how the tea on the slopes you just walked past becomes the tea in your cup. A good rest-day activity the day after the trek.
Planning tips
- Do sightseeing the day after the trek, not before. Save your legs.
- Viewpoints are clearest early. Cloud usually builds by late morning.
- Long weekends make Munnar roads slow. Start early.