Top Station

Top Station is historically known as a transhipment point for the delivery of tea that Munnar produced to Bodinayakkanur. Its name was inspired by its location, as it is the upper terminus of the Kottagudi Aerial Ropeway. The Kundala Valley Railway was built to help transport the tea from Munnar to Kundalai, the lowest point in the crest above the cliffs. The terminal railway station for this railway line was also at Top Station. The initial installation was a monorail goods carriage system which was later replaced by 24-inch gauge railway in the year 1902. Kundalai is about 12 kilometres west of Top Station on the way to Munnar station. You can find remains of the Kundala Valley Railway at the Munnar Tea Museum.

The transportation process of tea was not an easy one. The tea chests that arrived at Top Station from Kundalai Valley were directed to Kottagudi through the ropeway on a 5-kilometre journey downhill. These chests were then transported to Bodinayakkanur by a cart which was a 15-kilometre long journey. From there the chests were sent within India by rail or shipped to England via sea routes. Remains of the ropeway can still be seen from Top Station. The elevation at the top of this ropeway was about 1,911 meters that are 6,270 feet.

1. Best time to visit is in the morning or evening as it tends to become a little warm during the afternoons.
2. Hiring a cab to reach Top Station provides a better view as the road goes through valleys.
3. Wear comfortable shoes as it involves walking on the hilly terrain

This destination is located on the Munnar-Kodaikkanal highway. Cabs can be hired to reach the attraction. Bikers can drive down too.