Journal

How to reach Vattavada from Munnar and Kochi

· 3 min read

Photo: the road past Top Station

Vattavada is one of the more remote villages in the Munnar hills, and getting here is part of the trip. The village sits about 45 km north-east of Munnar, close to the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border, at the end of a road that climbs past tea estates, lakes and a shola forest. Here is how to plan the journey.

From Munnar

From Munnar town the drive takes about two hours. The road goes past Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake and up to Top Station, about 32 km from Munnar, where the land falls away towards Tamil Nadu. From there it continues through Pambadum Shola National Park, the smallest national park in Kerala, and down into Vattavada.

The road is narrow and winding in places but paved. Drive slowly, especially through the forest section, where you may see gaur, wild boar or other animals on the road. Taxis and jeeps from Munnar town know the route well if you would rather not drive.

The forest check-post

This is the most important thing to plan around. The Pambadum Shola check-post only lets vehicles through between 6 AM and 6 PM. If you arrive after it closes, you may be turned back and have to stay the night in Munnar. Aim to reach the check-post by 4 or 5 PM at the latest. We have heard that guests with a confirmed booking are sometimes allowed through later, but please do not rely on it. Fog and animals make that stretch hard to drive after dark anyway.

From Kochi

Most people fly into Cochin International Airport or take a train to Aluva or Ernakulam Junction. From Kochi to Munnar is roughly 130 km on NH85, through Kothamangalam, Neriamangalam and Adimali. That part usually takes three and a half to four and a half hours, depending on traffic and stops. From Munnar it is another two hours to Vattavada.

All told, plan for five to six hours from Kochi, and about 160 to 170 km. Leave early, by 6 or 7 AM, so that you have daylight for the last stretch and a little spare time for the check-post. The road from Kothamangalam onwards starts to climb, and Adimali is a good place for fuel and a meal before the hills.

By bus

KSRTC runs regular buses from Ernakulam and Aluva to Munnar. The journey takes about four to four and a half hours. From Munnar, there are a few local buses towards Top Station and Vattavada, but they are not frequent, so many people hire a jeep or taxi for the final leg. If you are coming by bus, message us before you leave and we will help you plan the last part.

From Tamil Nadu

If you are coming from Madurai or Theni, the usual way is up the ghat road from Bodinayakanur to Munnar via Bodimettu, and then on to Top Station and Vattavada. There is no through road for cars from the Tamil Nadu side of Top Station straight into Vattavada, so you will still pass through Munnar's side of the hills.

Driving tips

  • Fill up on fuel before you leave Munnar. There are no reliable fuel stations past it.
  • Download offline maps. Mobile coverage fades after Top Station; Jio and BSNL hold up best.
  • Use low beams in fog, and give way on the narrow bends.
  • Carry water, snacks and a warm layer in the car. It gets cold fast once you are above Top Station.

When you arrive

Vattavada is small, and EKA Forest is not always easy to spot from the road. We will send you an exact map pin when you book, and we are happy to talk you in on the phone if you get lost. Check-in is from 1 PM. If you are early, the farms and Kovilur village are a lovely place to stretch your legs.

Once you are here, the journey makes sense. The air is cooler, the roads are quiet, and the only traffic is a farmer's pickup heading down to the market.

Timings, transport and facilities can change – please check locally before you go.