around Munnar

Krishnika

Found this while browsing the Southern Railways discussion group. Am thinking of trying this although I can't find ANY information on Kurangani. Would like to know what kind of hike it is to Top Station - 1 hour, 7 hours... : ) Where can I find maps?

"You can board the Madurai-Bodi train at Madurai and can get down at theni
the fare will be 14 rs!approx. From Theni you can get a bus to Munnar. Be sure to reserve the ticket at theni bus stand
Another breathtaking way to Munnar is to Board a bus from Theni to Kurangani. From Kurangani take a walk to Top station by road. From Top station buses ply to Munnar"

radz

Hi
Dont know how long the trek,am sure its not very long distance so definitley 7hrs ruled out.
Madurai to Bodi train goes very slow,if u have time then can go by trian.
Bus will take only 1.30 min.
From Theni to Bodi you get bus very offten.
Dont you will get map in net,you have to ask local ppl.

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Krishnika

Is Madurai-Bodi preferable by bus, or is it too uncomfortable? Most of the trips I will take in TN will have to be by bus, and I thought it would be nice to take a train as a change. Of course if it's twice as long, may not be worth it.

hash666

hey krishnika try paying the forest gaurds and try trekking top station to berijam(kodaikanal) its the most freakiest trek u can go on...tonnes of wildlife like bisons and elephants and deer and almost every other animal u can see in india...
also try thekkkady whichis bout 3 hrs from munnar for treks in periyar wildlife sanctuary...
have a blast...boom shankar

Krishnika

sounds amazing hash - how long a trek? and any special requirements?

radz

Madurai to Bodi bus will be comfortable,Bodi is 16km from Theni .All Madurai-Bodi bus will stop Theni.
If you dont have anything to do ,better you get straight bus.
Chek here,u can see pic of Bodimettu(Top staion)

hash666

its a one day trek but permission from the forest dept is a must...

Krishnika

Found some more info in case anyone was interested in going Bodi-Munnar via Top Station.

Bodinayakanur - Kurangani (Bottom Station) 17km by bus
Kurangani - Top Station 22km, to walk estimate 5 hours (by road)
Top Station - Munnar 8 buses/day 32km 1hr

Apparently there is a place called Central Station between Bottom and Top Stations, so the walking part can be reduced to 2 hr if transportation can be had to Central Station. Taxis can also be hired from Bodi.

This area is mostly Reserve Forest.

radz

Hey thats useful information.If u going to take the trek plz KEEP us updated was . I think its relally offbeaten path.

artwallah

I'm looking for an interesting way to go from Madurai to Kerala backwaters area and this sounds like a good option. Do you all think it would be feasible to go from Madurai to Munnar in one day via Top Station, or are there too many connections?

radz

artwallah: Its possible to go by oneday.

radz

Krishnika

I emailed the Tourism Dept of TN to get some info on buses running in the Theni district between Theni, Bodi, Top Station, Munnar, etc, but they only sent me a phone number in Madurai:

Pls call the Tourist Officer,
Madurai at 0452- 2337471 for the details called for.

I suppose I will call once I get to India.

radz

Krishnika:
From Madurai bustand Madurai to Bodi, THENI ,Every 30 min you will bus.Bus will be starting one by one,so if u find its full then u can sit next bus to get seat.IF ur problems is finding bus schedule ,then you need not worry,bus stand itself they have office ,where the bus driver will bereporting.Don't before it was used to black board all the timming&route number will be written. But you can always ask ppl at office.
Madurai one of nice place ppl will be helpful.

radz

drnoor50

Can anyone let me know which are the places worth seeing in Munnar?Waht mode of transportation is good for that? To vist these places I have to get the DFO's permission ,How?

snonymous

If you take a look or search at the "Kerala" forum, you will find plenty of threads where all the tourist spots in and around Munnar are covered quite comprehensively - basically it is mountains / views /lakes / sanctuaries / waterfalls / tea estates.

Budget permitting, it is most convenient to hire a taxi for this region.

Since you have referred to "DFO's permission", I presume you are more interested in visiting reserve forest areas. Unless you have something specifically in mind, you need not go this route. The Idukki district DTPC in conjunction with the Forest Dept. Eco Tourism programme, allows you to do guided treks in the Pambadum Shola sanctuary near Top Station and in the Chinnar sanctuary near Marayur. For the Eravikulam NP, you can enter the sanctuary at Rajamala. You require the DFO's permission if you want to climb Anaimudi, or trek the old Top Station to Kodai route.

http://idukki.nic.in/munnar.htm
D. T. P. C. Information Centre, Munnar. Tel. : 91-486-531516

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