You might have heard about the Idukki District in Kerala. This is where Vattavada is located. If you are planning to visit a place in God’s Own Country, you can choose Vattavada. This village is located around 45 km east of Munnar. It is popular for its cool climate, terraced farmlands, and lush greenery. You will get a serene getaway from the bustling tourist spots in Kerala when you choose this village. Read on to learn everything about this place before you plan your visit:
Vattavada – An Introduction
Vattavada is often referred to as the vegetable bowl of Kerala. It is celebrated hugely for its wide range of agricultural produce, including apples, strawberries, and many other vegetables and fruits. Apart from being known for its agricultural lands, this village is attractive to tourists for its camping and trekking opportunities. Also, tourists are enticed by the rich biodiversity of this village.
How to Reach Vattavada?
When travelling to Vattavada, you will pass through the scenic western ghats. You can choose one of the many transportation modes available to reach this village. Here are some options:
By Bus
From many cities in Kerala and also from Tamil Nadu, you can find direct buses to Munnar. From Munnar, you can take Kerala State Road Transport Corporation Buses to directly take you to Vattavada. From Munnar, the village is located around 44 km. So, you can reach within 2 hours from Munnar by bus.
By Train
Aluva Railway Station is the nearest to Vattavada. However, this railway station is located around 150 km from the village. Nevertheless, you can hire a taxi from this station to take you to the village. Otherwise, you can also take KSRTC buses from the station to reach the village.
By Flight
The nearest airport to the village is Cochin International Airport. This airport is located around 160 km from the village. You can cover this distance by hiring a cab from Cochin Airport. Otherwise, you can find KSRTC buses from the airport to take you directly to Vattavada.
By Car
If you are travelling by car from nearby cities in Kerala, you will pass through Munnar. After reaching Munnar, the distance to the village is around 44 km. On this route, you will get excellent views of the Western Ghats. This driving experience will be delightful for sure.
Key Attractions & Things to Do
Tourists visit Vattavada not only to explore its vegetable and fruit plantations and production. Yes, the village offers more to tourists to get the best experience in God’s Own Country. Here are some places you should not miss out on visiting when you are at Vattavada:
Pampadum Shola National Park
Even though this is the smallest national park in the Idukki District, it holds a place in the hearts of many for its wondrous species and scenic sights. This national park has recorded around 93 species of moths, 100 species of butterflies, 9 species of mammals, and 14 species of birds in terms of wildlife present here. Climbers will love this place for sure.
Visit the Strawberry Farms
The strawberry farms in Vattavada are always welcoming for almost all visitors. Indeed, strawberries are not the only crops grown in this village. If you would like to explore farming practices, you can explore a lot of farms in this village. When visiting the strawberry farms, do not forget to try out strawberry wines and jams.
Munnar Tea Museum
Munnar Tea Museum in this village will tell you a lot about the history of tea in Munnar. You can understand how the transformation happened from the initial tea plantations to the present-day tea factory. This factory was established in 2005 by Tata Tea. Right from there on, the factory has continued to provide its visitors a glimpse of the past in Munnar.
Top Station
Top Station is an attraction in Vattavada that dates back to the Colonial Times. You can expect excellent scenic views, misty skies, huge mountains and lush tea plantations along with colourful blooms that dot the valley.
It was once a part of the Monorail line established by the British. They used this line for transporting tea leaves. The British exported tea back to Britain from this place. However, from 1924, the line was destroyed completely. The signs that the British left are now part of the Munnar Tea Museum. This is one of the favourite places among tourists visiting this village.
Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is essentially used in Kerala for electricity production. It is popular for its natural beauty. Also, people visit to get a glimpse of birds and animals visiting this place. This attraction is popular for its Echo Point. You can hear your voice coming back to you at this point.
Anamudi Shola National Park
Bordering the Eravikulam National Park, the Anamudi Shola National Park was awarded the status of National Park in 2003. From thereon, this place has played a crucial role in boosting eco-tourism in Kerala.
In this national park, you can find nearly 174 species of herbs and shrubs, 62 species of trees and 39 types of climbers. The wildlife statistics in this national park are also impressive. Yes, you can find 100 species of butterflies, 9 species of mammals, 13 species of birds and 232 species of moths.
Kundala Dam Lake
This attraction is located around 20 km from Vattavada. You can enjoy boating in this serene lake. So, it is an ideal spot for relaxation.
Trekking and Camping
When talking about the things to do in Vattavada, trekking and camping are the best experiences to get in this village. It serves as a base for different treks that include routes to Meesapulimala and the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats. The cool climate and the undulating terrains, make Vattavada, the best place to camp under the stars.
Explore Local Culture
Yet another interesting thing to do in Vattavada is to engage with the local community. When you do this, you can gain insights into the traditional farming practices. Also, you can learn about the rustic charm of village life from the locals.
Also, check out my post on Kasargod – The Place Where History Meets Natural Splendour.
Best Time & Season To Visit
Vattavada being part of God’s own country enjoys a pleasant climate all through the year. The temperature ranges between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius in winter. During summer, the temperatures are between 12 to 18 degrees Celsius. The best time to plan a visit to this village is between September and March. During this post-monsoon season, the weather will be cool. Also, the landscape will be vibrant and lush during this season.
Check out my post on Ponmudi: The Emerald Paradise of Kerala.
Duration To See
You can consider a stay of between 2 and 3 days in Vattavada. Within these days, you can fully experience the offerings of the village. Also, within two or three days, you can explore the major attractions and take part in adventure activities. Do not forget to spend some time immersing yourself in the serene ambience of the village.
Best Restaurants & Cafes in Vattavada
- Tanal Restaurant
- Grandma’s Café
- Al Baiq Family Restaurant
- Hotel Welcome Non-Veg
- Hotel New Imran Biryani
- Pastry Corner
- Aby’s Café
- The Royal Tibet
- Muncheez
- Freshy’s Ice Cream
- Saravana Bhavan
Where to Stay? Best Resorts
- Dream Valley Resort & Spa
- Stephen’s Legacy
- Sahari Mariental Resorts
- Camp Noel
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
Entry to Vattavada Village is open to all without any fee. However, camping, trekking and other activities require you to pay a fee. Also, some attractions might charge you an entry fee.
FAQ
What is Vattavada Popular For?
Vattavada is popular for its terraced farmlands that produce a wide range of vegetables and fruits. For instance, you can find farms producing carrots, apples and strawberries in this village. It is also a favourite destination for nature exploration and trekkers.
Can I Take My Family to Vattavada Exploration?
Yes, Vattavada is popular for family trips. The village offers a serene atmosphere with attractive valleys, cascading waterfalls and beautiful hillocks. So, it is ideal for tourists of all age groups. For families visiting this village, engaging with the local communities and exploring nature trails gives an enjoyable experience.
What Type of Climate Does Vattavada Experience?
Vattavada experiences a pleasant and cool climate all through the year. The temperatures in this village range between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. It gets considerable rainfall on all most months with only a short dry season. Due to these favourable climatic conditions, the cultivation of different vegetables and fruits becomes possible in this village. This is why it has lush green landscapes.
Is It an Expensive Endeavour To Explore Vattavada?
No, this village is not an expensive location for tourists. In comparison with other destinations in Kerala like Idukki, Vattavada offers affordable dining and accommodation options. You can enjoy the local attractions and natural beauty of this village without incurring high expenses. So, it is a budget-friendly destination in Kerala.
Conclusion
Kerala, as you know, is popular for its rich cultural tapestry and unspoiled natural beauty. Vattavada without any doubt stands as a testament to Kerala’s beauty. So, buckle up today for the best experience.
Check out my other posts on Kerala
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