Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 218

Top Station Highest point on the Munnar - Kodaikanal Road Top Station: (32 kms from Munnar and 1700 mt above sea level) This is the highest point on the Munnar–Kodaikanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (Strobil-anthus) belongs to this region. These plants bloom once every twelve years bathing the hillsides in bright blue. Top station also offers a panoramic view of the neighbouring State of Tamil Nadu. Sanctuary visit: The park is divided into three regions – the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area, which is in the Rajamala region. The Nilgiri tahr can be observed at close quarters here. Visiting time: 0800-1700 hrs. Visitors are not allowed during monsoons. Permission: Wildlife DFO, Munnar, Ph: 04865 231587 Valara: It is located on the Kochi-Madurai Highway. The surrounding thick forest add beauty to this cascade. Ramakalmedu: (16 km from Nedumkandam) Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. 216 IDUKKI|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS