Visitor Information
- Famous for: photography, trekking, adventure sports, hiking
- Entrance Fee: 30 for adults and 15 for children
- Visiting Time: 7 AM to 6 PM
- Visit Duration: Trekking time would not exceed 2 hours.
Located atop one of Kerala’s rich colonial legacy is the Echo Point. What makes the place a dream come true is the misty background surrounded by a green blanket. While this is a typical feature of all the peaks in the Munnar Hill ranges, what mesmerize one is the wonderful echo phenomena that the peak produces.
Traveller Tips
- Your wardrobe is an absolute necessity no matter what. Pack some woollen clothes and ear mufflers and scarfs. Trust me; you are going to need it to warm up to Munnar.
- During the peak season, home stays in Munnar and their unbelievable rent rates can exploit travellers. The rate usually shoots up five-fold. This particular tendency can be seen particularly during the Neelakurinji bloom period. This trend is quite evident in the home stays that are illegally set up to exploit the peak tourist season in Munnar.
- A walking stick is needed to aid you when you climb the steep peaks, especially if you have plans to trek to some of these peaks.
- Make sure that you have carried the original and photocopy of your valid ID proofs with you.
Things to Do
- Just walking around the lush forests of the surrounding landscapes in Munnar is itself a soul satisfying expedition.
- You can take a dip in the pristine rivulets and ponds created by the roaring waterfalls in the region. Lakkam Waterfalls, Nayamakad Waterfalls and Powerhouse Waterfalls are just a few.
- You cannot reach Echo Point, without trekking to the peak so I guess trekking is already among the top things to do in your list.
- If you have wished for that perfect picnic all your life, then I guess the plush dells and the smell of spices in the air is the perfect backdrop for the perfect picnic.
- Just book a boat and go for a ride in the beautiful waters of the lake at Echo Point.
- The distance from the nearest railway station to Munnar is over a 100kms. Make use of this distance and turn it into a road trip.
Availability of Guides
The unknown terrains of Munnar do demand the expertise of a guide. The trek to Echo Point is considerably safe and only a moderate trek. But there are elephant pathways so you need to be careful. A person who is new to the place would not be able to recognise these wild trails. But I would not suggest for you to hire a local guide on the spot. Better consult with the official tourism office at Munnar.
Best Time to Visit
The summer stretch in Kerala generally extends from March till the first monsoon phase in June. Being a hill station Munnar always has a climate well-toned to accommodate tourists. Let it be the scorching summer or the cold winters, Munnar has one of the most hospitable climates in the country. But I would suggest for you to avoid the monsoons in Munnar because the climate can be mean and inhospitable. You cannot indulge in adventure sports during this period.
How to Reach Echo Point
If you prefer the rails then the nearest railway station is at Angamaly and Alwaye; both these stations are just a few kilometres apart and both being situated in the Cochin Metropolitan hub is quite well connected with Munnar. The railway stations are both approximately 125kms away from the town of Munnar. This distance can be easily traversed and you can either avail local transportation facilities or you can hire a cab. A private cab would be more convenient, because the scenic views on both the sides of the road are quite pleasant and adorned with mesmerizing views.
Interesting Facts and Trivia About Echo Point
- Echo Point is the highest peak point in Top Station, and it indeed offers one mesmerising views unparalleled in beauty by any other. As the name itself suggests, the peak is named so because of its unique echo phenomenon. It is the only place in Munnar which provides a precise repetition of the echoes. Others peak points are often not audible and clear.
- When the British realised the beauty of this wonderful secret tucked away in the Ghats and chose this place as the perfect summer retreat centre, they also realised one other important thing. Something that could greatly contribute to their colonial agenda.
Nearby Attractions
- Mattupetty Dam
- Mattuppetty Indo-Swiss Dairy Farm
- Blossom Hydel Park
- Echo Point
- Anamudi Peak
- Kollukkumalai Tea Estate
- Attukal Waterfalls
- Pallivasal Hydro-electric Power Station
- Pallivasal Falls
- Top Station
Nearby Restaurants
- Eastend Munnar Dining
- Hotel SN
- Hotel Sri Nivas
- Al Buhari
- Mayabazar
- Indian Coffee House
- Guru’s Restaurant
- Copper Castle
Reminiscent of the colonial aura of a bygone period, it is indeed a climb definitely worth the hardships. The ruins of the transit railway lines of top station and the trek through the narrow winding paths of the peak are no doubt rewarding. You will also get the chance to scream at the top of your voice and it is indeed tempting enough to hear it back from the mysterious mist surrounding you.
