Kundala Dam: A Hidden Gem in Munnar, Kerala

The places in Munnar, Kerala, are characterized by rich tea plantations, wonderful landscape views, and lakes of serenity. Kundala Dam is one of the most beautiful and serene scenic places located amidst the various locations of the hill station. Kundala Dam is located about 20 kilometers from the town of Munnar and serves as a perfect destination for those who love nature and desire peaceful solitude. Kundala Dam and its lake have become a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to Munnar because of its stunning views, lush surroundings, and serene atmosphere.

Kundala Dam: Overview

Kundala Dam is an artificial lake situated in the Idukki district of Kerala. The dam was built in 1946 by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) for the Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project, and hence, it is one of the oldest dams in the area. The Kundala Dam is constructed across the Kundala River, which is a tributary of the Periyar River. Its purpose is to provide water for the generation of power.

The dam is situated at a height of approximately 1,700 meters above sea level, providing an unobstructed view of the surrounding hills, valleys, and tea estates. This location provides the perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a popular tourist destination in Munnar.

Kundala Lake: A Scenic Paradise

Kundala Lake is a serene and peaceful water body surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills at the heart of the Kundala Dam. The lake is an ideal spot for boating, photography, and enjoying the scenic beauty of Munnar. The cool, crisp air, coupled with the tranquil waters of the lake, makes it an excellent place for relaxation.

Boating at Kundala Lake

Boating is one of the most significant attractions Kundala Lake offers. The lake offers pedal boats and row boats to allow visitors to leisurely cruise its serene waters. Tranquil boat rides through the lake give a unique view of the surrounding landscape with misty hills, tea plantations, and forests forming a beautiful backdrop. The lake surrounded by towering Western Ghats and lush flora creates an ideal environment for peaceful boating excursions.

The boat ride is very charming during the early morning hours when the mist still stays on the water and when the sun rises, the lake will get golden hue light across the lake. Whether you are planning for a romantic trip, a family trip, or traveling alone, a boat ride in Kundala Lake will surely be a memorable experience.

Shikara Ride

For those looking for a more traditional and peaceful experience, the Shikara ride at Kundala Lake is a must-try. The Shikara is a wooden boat accommodating several passengers and is more leisurely and tranquil than using pedal boats or rowboats. These rides are perfect to enjoy the natural surroundings in a peaceful and calm environment with the help of these ridges, which float down the lake's surface at a leisurely pace to view the beautiful scenes of tea estates and adjacent hills.

Surrounding Nature

The scenic natural surroundings at Kundala Dam and Lake are marvelous. Kundala is known for teeming with thick green woods, tea plantations, and full-cover forest area covering all the rolling hills. Such natural surroundings enhance the beauty of the structure built there in the midst of nature and make Kundala Dam the perfect platform for sightseeing and photography opportunities. As one walks in the vicinity of Kundala Lake, people are likely to notice many birds, butterflies, and smaller creatures which could also interest many of its nature enthusiasts and photographicians.

Tea Plantations

Munnar is very popular for its vast tea estates, and Kundala Dam is no different. Several tea plantations surround the lake, and a visit to the area would be incomplete without taking a walk through the fragrant tea gardens. The neat rows of tea bushes across the hills make for a beautiful sight. The rich green of the plants contrasts beautifully with the blue sky and the misty mountains in the background.

These tea gardens present an excellent opportunity to enjoy the traditional process of harvesting tea and learning about one of India's most important beverages. The freshly brewed tea can even be savoured while taking in the sceneries of the dam and its surroundings.

The Western Ghats

Kundala Dam lies in the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for rich biodiversity and some of the most beautiful landscapes. The mountain range stretches from Kerala to Tamil Nadu. It hosts many species of flora and fauna, of which many are rare and endangered species. The hills surrounding the dam are often covered in mist, and thus, this is a very good place to go trekking, where one can trek in the forests, explore all the hidden trails, and discover all the natural wonders of this region.

Nearby Attractions

Though Kundala Dam and Lake are very beautiful, the region surrounding Kundala offers a range of other attractions that add more depth to your Munnar tour experience.

Top Station

The site at Top Station is around 10 kilometers from Kundala Dam and has breathtaking sceneries of the Western Ghats. Because it possesses magnificent panorama scenery of the tea estates and the valleys below, Top Station is a must-see place in Munnar. The region is famous for the Neelakurinji flowers that grow once every twelve years; on bloom season, the hillsides have to be covered with the very energetic shade of vibrant purples.

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The other tourist spot in the region is Echo Point located a little away from Kundala. It is based on the phenomenon of having an echo of sounds going across the valley. It would be an excellent spot to click photographs, have a picnic, and go for nature walk.

Mattupetty Dam

Just a few miles away from Kundala Dam is Mattupetty Dam. It is an ideal complement to a visit to Kundala because of its scenic surroundings and the opportunities it offers for boating. One can enjoy speed boating or take excursions through the tea plantations around.

Best time to visit Kundala Dam

The best time to visit Kundala Dam and Lake is from October to March, as the weather in Munnar remains cool and pleasant. The temperature ranges between 10°C and 25°C, which makes it a perfect time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. It can also be a good time to visit from April to June, but the temperature rises during that period. The monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rainfall, making it less favorable for outdoor activities.

How to Reach Kundala Dam

Kundala Dam is accessible via road from Munnar. It is about 20 kilometers from the heart of the town, and there are ample taxis, auto-rickshaws, and private vehicles that can be used to commute. The nearest railway station is at Aluva, which is about 110 kilometers from here, while the nearest major airport, Cochin International Airport, is about 110 kilometers from Munnar.

Conclusion

Kundala Dam and its lake, in a picturesque view, add to the magic of traveling to Munnar. Whether you are there for a serene boat ride, nature walks through the tea plantations, or just to cherish the serenity of the surroundings, Kundala Dam promises to be one of the unforgettable visits. A serene atmosphere with breathtakingly beautiful Western Ghats presents it as one of Munnar's best and hidden gems in Kerala. Kundala Dam is the perfect retreat whether you are a nature lover, photographer, or someone just looking to get away from the daily rush and get closer to nature.