Kundala Dam And Echo Point
On the road from Top Station to Munnar, two stops quietly steal the show. First comes Kundala Dam, a serene reservoir sitting amid dense Nilgiri forests, its still waters reflecting the misty hills around it like a giant mirror. There is something almost meditative about standing there, with no noise except the occasional rustle of trees. A few kilometres further is Echo Point, where the surrounding Western Ghats do something delightfully unexpected, they throw your own voice right back at you. Kids absolutely love it, and honestly, so do adults. These two spots along the Munnar- Top Station route are not just add-ons to your itinerary, they are reasons enough to slow down and soak in the kind of natural beauty that the Kerala hill stations are famous for. If you are driving up to Top Station, do yourself a favour and keep at least 30 minutes aside for each of these.
Planning
We began our journey from Top Station, the highest point in Munnar and one of the most scenic viewpoints in Kerala at around 11:30 AM. The plan was a smart and strategic one: visit Top Station first and cover all the key attractions on the return journey rather than fighting the morning rush toward these spots. This turned out to be an excellent decision, as traffic heading toward Top Station was significantly heavy by mid-morning, while our return route through Kundala Dam, Echo Point, and Photo Point was comparatively relaxed and far less congested.
We wrapped up sightseeing by early afternoon and reached Munnar town by 3:30 PM, making it a well-paced and satisfying half-day itinerary.
Best route
Top Station → Kundala Dam → Echo Point → Photo Point → Munnar Town
This route is arguably the most efficient and rewarding way to experience the Top Station corridor.
Kundala Dam
Kundala Dam is an arch dam built across the Kundala River in the high ranges of Munnar, sitting at an altitude of approximately 1,700 metres above sea level. It was constructed in 1946 by the Tata Tea Company (then Tata-Finlay) primarily for hydroelectric power generation, making it one of the earliest arch dams in India. The reservoir created by the dam forms the beautiful Kundala Lake, which has since become one of Munnar’s most visited tourist attractions.
What makes Kundala Dam truly special is the surreal calmness of its waters. The lake reflects the surrounding hills like a vast mirror, and the thick Nilgiri Shola forests that cradle it on all sides lend the place an almost mystical quality. The cool mountain air, the silence broken only by the chirping of birds, and the emerald-green water make it a deeply peaceful experience.
Tourists can walk or drive across the top of the dam itself, which offers a panoramic view of the lake on one side and the valley on the other. Shikara (boat) rides on the lake are also available for visitors who want to get closer to the water. The surrounding flora includes several rare and endemic species of plants, and on a clear day, the reflections of the tea estates on the water surface are simply stunning.
Echo Point
Located just a few kilometres from Kundala Dam, Echo Point is a natural acoustic phenomenon where the valley’s unique topography causes sounds to echo back clearly. It sits beside a tranquil lake surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills, creating one of the most picturesque backdrops in the entire Munnar region.
While the echo itself is the obvious draw, what makes a visit here truly memorable is the sheer peace of the surroundings. The lake at Echo Point is calm and cool, bordered by thick Shola forest. It is a favourite among birdwatchers and nature photographers. The spot is also known for its pleasant microclimate — temperatures here remain cooler than Munnar town even in peak summer, making it a great place to simply sit, breathe, and soak in the mountains.
Towards Munnar
After wrapping up at Photo Point by 2:45 PM, we made our way toward Munnar town with hungry stomachs. By 3:30 PM, we pulled up at Saravana Bhavana (agaian) and honestly, the timing couldn’t have been better. The post-lunch rush had died down, and we were seated almost immediately.
With our bellies full, we thought of making one last stop -the Kannan Devan Tea Museum, just a short distance away. But unfortunately the museum was closed for Good Friday, and we stood there for a moment, staring at the shut gates, disappointed. A reminder to always check public holiday timings before building them into your itinerary! We decided to visit the place again tomorrow and headed towards the Karadipara viewpoint which again didnt have much to offer apart from a scenic drive. Later we retired in our homestay.
Tips For Travelers
- Start early or go to Top Station first: Visit Top Station first thing in the morning and cover Kundala Dam and Echo Point on your way back. Traffic builds up significantly on the Top Station road by mid-morning, and this reverse strategy saves you considerable time and frustration.
- Parking at Kundala Dam is challenging: The parking area is narrow and fills up quickly. Be prepared to wait at least 10–20 minutes for a spot, especially on weekends and holidays. The parking fee for a four-wheeler is ₹20.
- Drive carefully on the dam road: The road across the dam is narrow and often filled with pedestrians and slow-moving tourists. Drive at a crawling pace and be patient.
- At Echo Point, stop early: Stopping slightly before the main Echo Point area (as we did) means fewer crowds and a more authentic, peaceful experience. You can still enjoy the echo and the lake views without the chaos.
- Photo Point is a quick stop: It sits right next to the main road and offers great photography opportunities, but there isn’t much to do beyond that. Plan for a 10–15 minute stop.
- Check museum timings in advance: The Kannan Devan Tea Museum in Munnar is a must-visit but remains closed on public holidays (including Good Friday). Always verify timings before including it in your itinerary.
- Carry light snacks and water: Food stalls near Kundala Dam and Echo Point are limited. Keep some water and snacks handy, especially for children or elderly travellers.
- Best time to visit: September to May is ideal. Avoid the peak monsoon months (June–August) as roads can be slippery and visibility poor due to heavy mist and rain.
Places to Visit Nearby
| Destination | Distance from Kundala dam |
|---|---|
| Echo Point | ~6 km |
| Top Station | ~13 km |
| Photo Point | ~10 km |
| Mattupetty Dam | ~8 km |
| Eravikulam National Park | ~22 km |
Food Options
- Roadside tea stalls: Multiple small stalls dot the Top Station–Munnar road near Kundala Dam and Echo Point.
- Temporary food carts at Echo Point: Small vendors near the Echo Point parking area sell corn, tea, and light snacks. Not ideal for a full meal, but great for a quick bite.
- Saravana Bhavana, Munnar: A popular South Indian vegetarian restaurant that delivers consistently good food.
Pro tip: If you plan to eat in Munnar town, try to arrive before 1:30 PM or after 2:30 PM to avoid the peak lunch rush. Most popular restaurants fill up quickly between 1 PM and 2 PM on weekends.
Live the Experience
We suggest you to watch our short informative video on this place before visiting.