We love Munnar. It's the tea capital of South India. But let's be honest—Munnar has changed. What used to be a quiet hill station is now often gridlocked with traffic, especially on weekends. If you're looking for the Munnar of 20 years ago, you need to drive a little further.
Welcome to Vattavada, located just 45km from Munnar town. It's not just a different location; it's a completely different world.
The Reality Check
| Feature | Munnar Town | Vattavada |
|---|---|---|
| Crowd Level | High (Traffic Jams common) | Low (Peaceful roads) |
| Landscape | Tea Gardens | Vegetable Farms & Shola Forests |
| Climate | Cool (15°C - 25°C) | Colder (5°C - 20°C) |
| Vibe | Commercial Tourist Hub | Rustic Village Life |
1. The Drive is Therapy
The road from Munnar to Vattavada passes through the Pampadum Shola National Park. This isn't just a commute; it's one of the most scenic drives in Kerala. You drive through dense forests where sunlight struggles to touch the ground. In Munnar town, you're often stuck behind a line of buses.
2. Agriculture over Commercialization
Munnar is dominated by tea estates owned by large corporations. Vattavada is a village of farmers. Here, you see terraced slopes growing carrots, cabbages, strawberries, and garlic. It feels alive, authentic, and grounded. You can walk into a farm, talk to the locals, and buy fresh produce.
3. True Privacy
In Munnar, most hotels are stacked next to each other. At Gypsys Paradiso in Vattavada, our campsite is hidden in the forest. You don't hear honking cars; you hear the wind in the trees and the chirping of birds. It's the kind of silence that city dwellers crave.
The Verdict
If you want to tick off standard tourist spots and don't mind the crowd, stay in Munnar. But if you want to disconnect, sit by a campfire, and see a side of Kerala that remains untouched, come to Vattavada.
The extra 45-minute drive is a small price to pay for the peace you'll find here.