Top Station

Overview

The Top Station Eco-tourism centre is located in the Theni District. Top Station derived its name from its being the upper terminus of the Kottagudi Aerial Ropeway, established to bring it down the tea chests from Munnar to Bodi. The remains of the ropeway station are still visible, and the cliff showcases the entire Kottangudi valley. Elevation: 1880m. It offers a panoramic view of the majestic Western Ghats and the valley of Theni district. The Shola forests, rolling grasslands, valleys, water bodies and tea, coffee and spice plantations, when viewed from this location, provide a breathtaking experience. It is also the natural habitat of the rare Nilakurinji plants (Strobilanthus). Nilakurinji plants, which bloom only once in twelve years, envelope the hill sides of Top Station in bright blue.

Attractions:

1. Kottangudi: The village is located on the way to the Cardamom hills. It is a perfect destination to immerse yourself in the local culture, cuisine and farming. It is a good place for a plantation walk, birdwatching, and trekking. The village is historically associated with ‘’Kannagi’’ who is known to have reduced the ‘’pandya dynasty’’ to ashes.

2. Kuragnani: It is known as the bottom station by the British, as it was the last station of the old ropeway that carried tea chests from Munnar. The Kottangudi River has a steep fall-off close to the village. It is an apt spot for trekking. Besides, it is also good for bird watching and sighting waterfalls.

3. Middle Station: It is the middle part of the ropeway. It is surrounded by coffee plantations, shola grasslands and caves. It is an ideal location for bird watching. Butterflies could be sighted during the pre-monsoon period.

4. Top Station: It was the highest ropeway station, used by the British to offload the tea chests. From here, visitors could be mesmerised by the overview of the rolling grasslands and evergreen forests. The place is suitable for trekking, bird watching, mountain cycling and plantation walking.

5. Yellapatty: It is located at the edge of the Kottangudi valley between tea plantations and shola forests. Trekking and bird-watching can be undertaken in this place.

6. Watch tower: The watch tower is in the Top Station, from where the visitors can have the breathtaking view of the Kottangudi Valley.

7. Interpretation centre: The centre is located in the bottom station, Kurangani. A rare collection of wildlife photos is displayed in the centre. It is also equipped with audio-visual facilities. Trekking groups can refresh here.

HOW TO REACH

Nearby Bus Stand : Vattavada Bus Stand - 8 km
Nearby Railway Station : Bodinayakanur Railway Station - 23 km
Nearby Airport : Madurai Airport - 121 km