Vattavada

Vattavada, Idukki Overview

Located in the Idukki district Vattavada lies in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats. Experiencing a pleasant climate in the region around and in Vattavada varies in height from 4760 ft to 8842 ft above sea level. All these factors, coupled together, give Vattavada the perfect required conditions for the growth of various vegetables and fruits. With a wide variety of crops grown here, Vattavada is a unique tourist destination surrounded in lavish greenery and nature.

Situated in the Western Ghats, the rolling topography of the hills and valleys of Vattavada are only about 45km away from Munnar. Interestingly, the village of Vattavada also has a Tamil connection. The residents of this village are mainly from Tamil Nadu who fled into the area after the invasion by Tipu Sultan around two hundred years ago. Their cultural nuances are still felt in their dialect and practice of caste system which varies slightly from those of the Kerala plains.

Best Time to Visit Vattavada

One can visit Vattavad throughout the year. However, from September to mid-April, Vattavada is lush green and pleasant to visit. The temperatures range from 7 deg Celsius to 14 deg Celsius during this period and rainfall averages at about 6 cm. Most vegetables and fruits are in bloom with different shades of green adorning the terrain. It is also an excellent time to watch and interact with the locals who are busy with their agricultural activities.

Places to Visit in Vattavada

Vattavada is wonderfully located and is a perfect weekend getaway from Munnar. It’s proximity with many other attractions of Kerala make it easier to visit it for a short trip. The various places around Vattavada that merit visit includes, Mattupetty (34km) famous for the Mattupetty Dam. Kanthaloor is 93km away and known for its beauty and crops. Kolukkumalai’s tea estates are 76km away, whereas, Meesapulimala at 75km is a splendid trekking route. Top Station and Echo Point are en route when one is travelling from Munnar at 9km from Vattavada.
Besides, for wildlife lovers, the various sanctuaries and national parks around Vattavada are very inviting. Kurinjimala Sanctuary is 5km from Vattavada, and the Pampadum National Park is 9km away. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 93km away, and the Eravikulam National Park is 55km from Vattavada.

Things to Do In and Around Vattavada

In Vattavad, the best way to explore the village is by taking a walk through the fields. Enjoy the lush greenery as you can watch the locals at work in the areas. The village centre is where the produce is brought after harvest and the agents’ line up to distribute it to the other markets of the state. Homemade jams and wines from the locally grown fruits are a must to add to your shopping cart.
Trekking is also a popular activity in Vattavada. Trekking routes from Vattavada lead to Kodaikanal, Meesapulimala, Mattupetty, Kanthaloor and more.
Vattavada is a great weekend getaway destination. Its natural beauty, pleasant cold climate and vast tracts of vegetation make it a satisfying experience. Its proximity to the other wildlife and tourist attractions of Kerala makes it a convenient and easy stopover too.

Flora and Fauna Vattavada

Undoubtedly, Vattavada produces some of the freshest and sumptuous vegetables and fruits that are devoured by the entire state. Some of the crops grown in Vattavada are carrots, onions, cabbages, strawberry, plums, peach, orange, apple, blackberry and more. Besides the agricultural produce, the area is also home to various native and natural flora, such as the neelakurinji that blooms once every 12 years.
Vattavada is close to various natural and protected sanctuaries, such as the Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Manjampatti Valley, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park and the Pampadum Shola National Park. One has to enter the Pampadum Shola National Park to reach Vattavada when travelling from Munnar. Since wildlife hubs surround Vattavada, the region is also home to various wildlife, such as Nilgiri tahr, grizzled giant squirrel, guar, elephants, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri wood-pigeon and sambar.

How To Reach Vattavada

Vattavada is only an hour’s ride away from Munnar and easily accessible.
By air, the nearest airport is Kochi 158km away. From the airport, one can hire a cab and reach Vattavada directly. Or some buses ply from Kochi to Munnar. From Munnar, one can hire a taxi to reach Vattavada.
By rail, Aluva is the nearest railway station 160km away.
By road, Vattavada is well-connected to many cities of Kerala, such as Munnar. One can reach Munnar from the significant cities of Kochi or Kottayam effortlessly by both bus and cabs.