April 2020 ~ Trip guide - explore the nature

Kundale lake : Kundale lake is situated in Kannan Devan hills in Idukki district of Kerala. The village of Kannan Devan hills in Devikulam taluka.

Kundale lake

About this place

Kundale lake is situated in Kannan Devan hills in Idukki district of Kerala. The village of Kannan Devan hills is located in Devikulam taluka. It is located at a height of 1700 m above the sea level. This place is popular for boating and natural beauty. One can try different types of boating like Pedal boating, Row boating , Kashmiri shikkara boating and speed boating . Horse rides and balloon shooting games are also available in this area . The entry fees for pedal boating is Rs 300 for 2 person. The lake is as blue as sky and the atmosphere is convent quit . The lake is so beautiful that both the color of the water and the color of the sky are same. The rising sun cause a division of arm fly to swarm into the air. The scene is so glorious that it look like a heaven. This lake is surrounded by lush green mountain , green valleys and majestic landscapes from all sides . People love to see Cherry garden here , that blossoms twice in a year and make the surrounding of lake even more attractive . However, the famous Neela kurunji flowers, which bloom once in 12 years and change the green valleys of Kundala into refreshing blue. It is just around 24 km from Munnar hills station. One can see many things in the surrounding of this lake like green valleys , tea garden , waterfall , eucalyptus and pine trees etc . The boating is another major attraction at this glorious lake.

How to reach there ?

This lake is does not directly connected with railways and airways. So it is well connected by roadways and you can reach to Kundale lake by bus and car because it is located on hilly area.
Kundale lake is situated in Kannan Devan hills in Idukki district of Kerala. The village of Kannan Devan hills is located in Devikulam taluka. It is located at a height of 1700 m above the sea level.
This lake is surrounded by mountain so only one ways to reach the lake i.e Roadways. If you travelling from other parts of India. Ernakulam is the nearest railways station to reach to the Kundale lake. The distance from Ernakulam station to Kundale lake is about 147 km and it's takes 4 to 5 hours to reach to the lake by bus and car. You can reach to Cochin international airport , if you are travelling from other country or not comfortable in the train. The distance from airport to Kundale lake is around 129 km and get direct bus from airport to Kundale lake. It takes 4 to 4.30 hours to reach to Kundale lake. You can also see many other tourist spot on the way of Kundale lake.

Where to stay?

Limited hotels are available near the Kundale lake due to located in hilly area. So the rate of hotels is high. Book your hotel one month in advance before going to Kundale lake. The range of hotels start from Rs 1000 -5600 per night for 2 person. Book and check the availability of hotels online.

Restaurant and cuisine

A couple of food stalls and restaurants near the lake , serves fast food like dosa , noodles, sandwiches, omlette, and soft drink.

Other tourist place

You can also visit this places like

Thoovanam waterfall

Thoovanam waterfall is situated in Keezhanthoor village in Kerala .This waterfall is located deep inside the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary and is an ideal place to enjoy the sights of wild life and trekking. The best time to visit Thoovanam waterfall during monsoon and just after monsoon. It is just around 69 km from the lake and takes 2 to 3 hours to reach to Thoovanam waterfall by bus and car .

Chithirapuram view point

Chithirapuram view point located in Chithirapuram hill town and just 34 km from Kundale lake. You can reach to Chithirapuram view point by bus and car and takes 30 minutes to reach to the point. The view point of Chithirapuram is very beautiful and surrounded by mountain. The cottage rooms are big and clean.

Sandalwood forest

Sandalwood forest is situated in Marayoor town in Kerala. It is just 65 km from the Kundale lake and takes 2-3 hours to reach to sandalwood forest. This is also good place for tourist attraction and you can also see wildlife animals and plants in the sandalwood forest. This forest look more beautiful during monsoon . You can also feel the beauty of mother nature.

Echo point

This echo point is situated in Kannan Devan hills of Idukki district . It is just 7.7 km from Kundale lake and takes 5 to 9 minutes to reach to echo point by bus and car. To see the Echoponit , you should buy ticket at the counter. You can also observe many shops near the Echo point like fruits stall , tea stall , spice and Chocolate shops etc. There is tiny river between the magnificant mountain . There is also boating in the river

Rhodo valley

Rhodo valley is situated in Kannan Devan hills of Idukki district . Rhodo valley is one of the amazing place on the way to Meesapulimala .It is just 32 km from the Kundale lake and you can reach to Rhodo valley by bus and car. This place is good for trekking and hike is really beautiful . Many wildlife animals reside in this valley like elephant , tiger , Panther, snakes etc.

Lakkam waterfall

Lakkam waterfall is located in Marayoor near Eravikulam National park. It is approximately 50 km from the Kundale lake and takes 1 to 2 hours to reach to the Lakkam waterfall by bus and car. The best time to visit this waterfall after monsoon and the beautiful cascading flow of water from the cliff makes it very appealing. 20 rupees is the entry fees to visit this waterfall. There are lots of monkeys near the waterfall.

Pampadum Shola national park

This place is situated in Vattavada village in Kerala and it is just around 12 km from Kundale lake . you can reach to Pampadum shola national park by bus and car. Forest department has built some houses to stay in the forest . A beautiful log cabin surrounded by mountain and forest . The temperature falls upto the 10 degree during winter.

Wonder valley adventure and amusement park

It is located in Chithirapuram village in Munnar . The distance from Kundale lake to Wonder valley adventure and amusement park is about 38 km. The entry fees is costly here i.e around Rs 1000 per person. You can do activities like Crossing the bridges , net climbing , go under waterfall , water zorbing , zip climb jump , arcade games 12d movies etc.

Dream land fun and adventure

It is situated in Chithirapuram village in Kerala and 39 km from the Kundale lake. You can also do activities here like 12D, virtual walking , virtual coaster , water balloon , 360 degree etc. The entry fees is Rs 1000 and 1600 each person. The Rs 1000 for fun events and Rs 1600 for adventure games.

Mountain view -kodaikanal

Mountain view is situated in Kottakamboor village on the Munnar road. The distance from Kundale lake to Mountain view is about 23 km and you can reach to Mountain view by bus and car . Mountain view is first place towards Dolphin nose. It is sloopy and risky path .... very dangerous and skidy. The best to visit in the winter season.

Sengulam dam

Sengulam dam is situated in sengulam reservoir near Anachal and 40 km from Kundale lake. This dam is surrounded by mountain . A beautiful small garden is nearby the dam . It is a quite tourist spot. You can also enjoy variety of boating experience like Kayaking , speed boating , pedal boating etc . The cost of speed boating ride is Rs 900 per person . The fish spa is also available here.

Cheeyappara waterfall

Cheeyappara waterfall is located on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National highway between Neriyamangalam in Ernakulam district and Adimali in Idukki district . This waterfall is about 66 km from Kundale lake. It is a beautiful waterfall and some small shopping centre available near it. The best time to visit after monsoon .

Kuthumkal waterfall

This waterfall is situated in Kuthumkal village in Kerala and 53 km from the Kundale lake . You can reach to Kuthumkal waterfall from Kundale lake by bus and car. It's wondeful spot during the monsoon . The adventurous can try scaling the cliff to the mouth of a cave , natural and inhabited by bats. The cave is wet slippery and dark , with streams and narrow regions.

Cinnamon garden spices plantation

This garden is located in Karadippara village in Kerala and 37 km from the Kundale lake. Just Rs 100 and you will get a tour and presentation of several spices and medical plants growing here. You can also taste new fruits like cocoa , passion fruits etc.

Munnar hills station-Munnar is the most beautiful hills station in India.This hills station is located in Idukki district of Kerala.

Pallivasal (Munnar)

About this place
Munnar is the most beautiful hills station in India and it attract many tourist from all over the world.
Many tourist are visit Munnar in the winter season to take delight .There are many exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests . Nature's is so beautiful when the sun rises and set in between the mountain in Munnar , so colorful and so cheering our minds to make us so energetic. The Moon light in the night on a full moon day is so wonderful and amazing. Munnar hills station is located in Idukki district in Kerala of the southwestern India. It is situated at around 1600 m (5200 feet) above mean sea level in the western ghats mountain range. Munnar hills station is approximately 278 km from Thiruvananthapuram city which is the capital city of Kerala. Tea plant will be seen everywhere and tea factory will also be seen. It is a most beautiful tea town in Kerala. This hills station is also famous for film shooting. Many shots of famous Bollywood movies like Chennai express are taken from Munnar. Hollywood movies like "life of pi" is also shot here. Munnar is also called "kashmir of the Kerala". This area is famous for tea and coffee , you can also buy it from Munnar.

How to reach there?

Muvattupuzha bus stand

Munnar hills station is covered with mountain ranges at around 1600 m above sea level. This hills station is approximately 278 km from Thiruvananthapuram city which is the capital city of Kerala. is hills station is not directly connected with railways and airways. It is well connected by roadways. If you are travelling from different parts of India to visit Munnar hills station reach to Ernakulam junction railway station by train which is the nearest station from Munnar . The distance from Ernakulam junction to Munnar hills station is around 124 km. You can get direct bus from Ernakulam bus stand to Munnar hills station . So there are few direct bus from Ernakulam to Munnar. Otherwise you have to change 3-4 bus to reach to Munnar. It takes 4 to 5 hours to reach Munnar from Ernakulam by bus. The fare of bus from Ernakulam junction to Munnar is 100-120 rupees. If you have car then it is easy for you to reach to Munnar. If you are travelling from other country reach to Cochin International airport. There is the direct bus from Cochin to Munnar which is just around 104 km. It takes 3 to 4 hours from airport to Munnar.

Direct bus

Ernakulam junction → Munnar

Indirect bus
Ernakulam junction →Muvattupuzha → Kothamangalam → Adimali →Munnar

Where to stay?
Munnar hills station is the tourist place and it attract tourist from all over the world . So you can option to pick cheap hotels to expensive hotels in Munnar. From 2-5 star hotels are available here. The price of hotels start from 600-6000 rupees per night for 2 person. The check in time in hotel at 12 pm and check out next day at 11am. You can book and check availability of hotels online . Book a hotel 1-2 month before leaving to Munnar. Sometimes the hotels are full during vacations. The food of hotels are more expensive as compare to local restaurant because of hilly areas.

Season to visit
The best season to visit Munnar in winter between the month of Nov-march. Avoid to travel in summer season due to hot climate. The temperature reach upto 36 degree in summer .

Restaurant and cuisine
You can taste varieties of Indain food especially Kerala dishes. The western food are also available in some restaurant. But the food is very costly in Munnar. These are the famous food in India like Idali sambhar , curry ,appam, masala dosa etc.

Other tourist place
There are many other attractive places near Munnar. This places is also good to visit during munnar trip like.

Mattupetty dam

Attukad waterfalls
Kolukkumalai tea plantation
Pothamedu view point
KFDC floriculture centre
Tea museum
Mattupetty dam
Nayamakad waterfall
Eravikulam national park
Anamudi
chokramudi peak
cowboy peak
Sengulam dam
Munnar rose garden
Hanging bridge
Scenic spot

Attukad waterfall

Attukad waterfall is also famous for tourist destination in Munnar , ideal for trekking and picnics. It is located in Idukki district of Kerala. Attukad waterfall is very close to Pallivasal spice jungle resort around 3-4 km . The height of waterfall is about 100 feet. You can reach to Attukad waterfall by bus or autorickshaw. It takes 13 min to reach waterfall by auto rickshaw.

Kolukkumalai tea plantation

Kolukkumalai tea plantation is located in Moolakadai village in Munnar. It is just around 6.4 km from Pallivasal. Kolukkumalai is the world's highest elevation tea plantation at 8000 feet. This place is also most beautiful scenic destination. Every year lakhs of people come to visit here. This place is more crowded during vacation. The view of tea garden is amazing during the sunrise.

Pothamedu view point

This place is covered with green mountain and hills. It is popular for trekking and hiking. Pothamedu view point is 5.6 km from Pallivasal spice jungle resort. The best time to visit it early in the morning.
The pothamedu view point looks so wonderful and amazing in the morning. You can also hear the sound of Attukad waterfall from pothamedu view point in the rainy season.

KFDC floriculture centre

It has many varieties of plants and flowers. KFDC floriculture centre is very close to Mattupetty dam. The entry fees is 50 rupees for per person to visit KFDC floriculture centre. This floriculture garden is maintain by the kerala government . This garden is 9.3 km from Pallivasal spice jungle resort and takes 20-25 minute by bus or car . If you are visiting Munnar don't forget to visit this garden.

Tea museum

This museum is located in Nullatanni village in Munnar. This museum is 4 km from KFDC floriculture centre . you can reach to tea museum by bus ,car and autorickshaw and its takes 15-20 minutes to reach museum by autorickshaw. you can also see a varieties of tea powder and leaf in this museum. Tea shop are also available , you can buy tea powder from this museum.

Mattupetty dam

This place is also very beautiful and very attractive and it also good tourist destination . Mattupetty dam is located on Munnar highway 12 km from tea museum . You can reach to Mattupetty dam by bus , car and jeep and it takes 30 minutes to reach dam from tea museum. Mattupetty dam is a water reservoir to irrigate tea plantation throughout the Munnar. This dam is covered with beautiful mountain and hills.

Nayamakad waterfall

Nayamakad waterfall is located in between Munnar and Rajamal and very close to entrance of Eravikulam national park. The water cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 metres. The enchanting surrounding makes an excellent trip and trekking point. It is 15 km from Pallivasal spice jungle resort and takes 30 to 40 minutes to reach Nayamakad waterfall by bus or car.

Eravikulam national park

This national park is located at high altitude and wide spread. Eravikulam national park is famous for its wild goats. You can book your ticket online to avoid queue at counter. The climate and natural beauty are very attractive for tourist. This park is very close to Nayamakad waterfall about 290 metres . By walk you can reach to Eravikulam national park from Nayamakad waterfall.

Anamudi

Anamudi is lies on the border of Devikulam taluka of Idukki district in Munnar. This is the highest mountain in Kerala and encounters with wildlife such as elephants, boars and bison etc. Anamudi is the highest peak in western ghats in kerala , having an elevation of 2695 metres. It is 23km from Pallivasal and takes 1 hours to reach Anamudi.

Chokramudi peak

Chokramudi is also good for trekking located in Idukki district.The entrance fees is Rs 400 (Indian) and Rs 600 (Non Indian) for per person.They also provide you a biscuit and water bottle before trekking . It is situated at an altitude of 7200 feet. The scenery and views are awesome. It is 9 km from the Munnar town and takes 15 to 20 minute by bus and car. It will take 2-3 hours to climb on the top.

Budget
The budget of your trip will be 1000-16000 rupees for 2 person for 5 day 4 night including hotel stay , bus and train ticket , food . If you are visiting other tourist place use government bus to save money because autorickshaw and jeep overcharges you. Often they charge more , if you are new in that area or tourist. So always ask to the local people or shopkeepers regarding travelling .