Attractions near Varkis

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Kolukkumalai is reputed to be the highest tea estate in the world, with tea grown at about 7,130 ft above sea level on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. The altitude gives its leaves an exceptional flavour.

The sprawling plantation and its old tea factory, a two-storey building from the 1930s with wooden interiors, still process tea the traditional orthodox way rather than by the more common CTC (crush-tear-curl) method. Take a guided tour, sip different varieties at the tasting centre and buy fresh packets at the factory outlet. The sunrise over a sea of clouds here is unforgettable.

Anayirankal Dam

Anayirankal is for those who love gentle pursuits, such as a refreshing walk among the soothing sights and sounds of nature. Tea plantations stretch for miles across the hills and valleys here.

Mornings are busy with plantation work, while evenings are quiet but for birdsong and the rustle of tea leaves in the cool breeze. A small irrigation dam sits against a backdrop of green estates, about 23 km from Munnar town.

Periyakanal Waterfalls

Periyakanal Waterfalls lie close to our dreamhouse on the Munnar–Thekkady route. The enchanting setting amid lush tea plantations makes it an excellent picnic spot and viewpoint.

Lockhart Gap

Best known for its panoramic views of the Western Ghats and its bracing winds, Lockhart Gap lies near Chinnakanal on the Munnar–Madurai highway. It is ideal for trekking and adventure tourism.

On many days the valley below disappears under waves of wispy cloud that roll up against the mountain, giving you the feeling of standing above the sky.

Meesapulimala

One of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, Meesapulimala rewards trekkers with misty ridgelines, rolling grasslands and views across the Munnar hills.

Top Station

Top Station sits at about 1,700 m on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. On clear days you can look far out over the plains of Tamil Nadu, a striking contrast with the green hills elsewhere.

The KDH tea company once carried tea down to Munnar by ropeway from here. The area is also home to the rare Neelakurinji, which flowers once every twelve years and turns the hills violet for about a month.

Eravikulam National Park

A sanctuary for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Eravikulam stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Kannan Devan hills. It is an ideal place to see the biodiversity of the high-altitude shola-grassland ecosystem.

Visitors are taken up to Rajamala in Forest Department vehicles; private vehicles are not allowed. The park usually closes during the Tahr calving season early in the year, and is open from 7 am to 6 pm.

Rajamala

The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr, the Eravikulam–Rajamala region is home to a large share of the world’s population of this mountain goat. The Tahr is only one reason to come; the picturesque beauty of the mountain will make you want to stay forever.

Mattupetty Dam

At a height of about 1,700 m, Mattupetty is known for the Indo-Swiss livestock project, a specialised dairy farm rearing high-yielding cattle. The lake and dam a short distance away make a beautiful picnic spot, with speed boats and motor boats on hire from DTPC Idukki.

Echo Point

Set among thick forest beside a lake on the way to Top Station, Echo Point takes its name from a natural echo. Call out across the reservoir and the hills answer back.

Kundala Lake

At about 1,600 m above sea level, the Kundala area was once a summer retreat of the British in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, a calm lake for boating and the Neelakurinji, which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years, make it a favourite stop.

Pothamedu View Point

From this high village viewpoint the surrounding country lies open below: tea, coffee and cardamom plantations and cloud-kissed mountains. On clear days you can even see the Idukki Arch Dam, 60 km away. The rolling hills are ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Devikulam

Devikulam is a hill station in Idukki district known for Sita Devi Lake, where legend says Goddess Sita bathed. The town is surrounded by lush green hills, tea estates and the Pallivasal waterfalls nearby.

Marayoor

The only place in Kerala with natural sandalwood forests. See the Forest Department’s sandalwood factory, rock caves (muniyaras) with murals and relics from the New Stone Age, and a children’s park under the canopy of a single banyan tree. Thoovanam Waterfalls and the Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.