Top Station Munnar: Sunrise, Jeep Trip and Timings
Top Station near Munnar: how to reach it, the best time for sunrise and views, the neelakurinji bloom, jeep options and what to carry.
Top Station is the highest point on the Munnar to Kodaikanal road, at about 1,700 metres, and it is the best viewpoint in the area. On a clear morning, the view runs across the tea hills into Tamil Nadu.
This guide covers how to reach it, when to go and what to expect.
The view at Top Station.
At a glance | |
|---|---|
Where | On the Munnar to Kodaikanal road, near the Tamil Nadu border |
Distance from Munnar | About 32 to 34 km |
Drive time | Around 1 to 1.5 hours |
Height | About 1,700 m |
Best time | Early morning, on a clear day |
Entry | Free; parking charges may apply |
What it is
Top Station is a viewpoint where the road reaches its high point, with a drop into the valley below. In the old days, a ropeway carried tea down to the plains from here, which gave the place its name.
The view changes by the hour. Early mornings often start in mist that lifts to show the valleys. By midday, haze can reduce the visibility.
The neelakurinji bloom
Top Station is a good place to see the neelakurinji, a hill shrub that flowers in blue once every 12 years. The slopes turn blue during the bloom, which draws large crowds. Check for the bloom dates if your timing is flexible, as the last major bloom was in 2018.
Getting there
By car with a driver: the simplest option, on a winding hill road.
By jeep: local jeeps run from Munnar, and are popular because they take the rougher side roads. Agree the fare and the stops in advance.
By bus: a few services run along the route, but timings are limited.
The road passes tea estates, small villages and lookout points, so it is a pleasant drive even without the destination.
Timings
The viewpoint is open all day, but early morning is the best time. Leave Munnar by 5:30 or 6 am if you want the sunrise, and wear warm clothes, since it is cold at that height.
Practical tips
Carry a jacket, even in summer.
Bring water and snacks. There are few stalls.
Check the weather. Cloud and mist can hide the view.
Watch your step on the wet paths near the edge.
Respect the plantations. Do not enter private estates.
Combine it with Munnar
Top Station fits into a day with the other Munnar sights. See our Eravikulam National Park guide for the Nilgiri tahr and the Kerala 7-day itinerary for how it fits a longer trip.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Top Station from Munnar?
About 32 to 34 km, around an hour to an hour and a half.
What is the best time to go?
Early morning on a clear day.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is free. Parking may be charged.
Is it cold?
Yes, especially in the morning.
When does the neelakurinji bloom?
Once every 12 years. The last major bloom was in 2018.
Plan your Kerala days with us
We arrange an early start and a driver who knows the hill road. Explore the Kerala destination page or talk to a trip designer.
Photo credits
Top Station: BinoBose, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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