Top Station Munnar

Top Station Munnar is a wonderful place on the edge of Kerala’s prime tea growing region and a well known tourist destination which is located at about 32 kilometers from Munnar, in the Theni District along the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
The highest point (1700m) on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The panoramic view of the majestic Western Ghats from top station is great. Top Station name was derived from the fact that it was the uppermost railway station located in the Kundala Valley. The Tea packets were used to be transported in the olden days to Kottagudi through the ropeway system here. Even now also some part of the rope way station remains there.
The area is very popular for the Neelkurinji flowers (Strobilanthus), which bloom once in 12 years. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary is also located very near. Top Station is easily accessible from Munnar as frequent buses are run by the public transport. You can also get Cabs to go to Top station from Munnar as a day trip/excursion.
Get in:
By taxi, hiking or local bus from Munnar. One hour drive 32 km. Trip jeeps departing every ½ hour from Munnar
By local bus from Kodaikanal. 3 hour trip.
Get around:
Walking a short steep trail is the only way to the best observation point.
Things to see:
It is a short but steep walk to the spectacular viewing area at Top Station. The rewards all come at this summit, where the air is crisp and the views sheer and dramatic. The craggy laterite peaks of the Western Ghats, the rolling plains and immaculately laid-out tea plantations are all around. one can see Kambam Valley, Tamilnadu to the east, Kundala Valley.
Things to do:
Trekking in Chinnar forest.
Things to buy:
Fresh locally grown spices including cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg.
Places to stay:
There are no hotels. All of the area is reserved forest. Therefore you will not find many shops as well. You would want to go back to Munnar before night as there is a chance that elephants might block your way back to hotel.