Top Station

Top Station is tourist destination in the Kannan Devan hills of Munnar. It is a part between the border of Idukki-Theni Districts in the state of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.Top Station is notable as the historic transshippment location for Kannan Devan tea delivered up here from Munnar and Madupatty by railway and then down by ropeway to Kottagudi. This area is popular for the rare Neelakurinji flowers. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary is nearby. Top Station is the western entrance to the planned Palani Hills National Park.HistoryTop Station was a transshipment point for delivery of tea from Munnar to Bodinayakkanur. Top Station derived its name from its being the upper terminus of the Kottagudi Aerial Ropeway. It was also the location of the terminal railway station on the Kundala Valley Railway, built in 1902 between Munnar, Kundalai and this low point in the crest of the hills above steep cliffs. A monorail goods carriage system was initially installed along this cart route. In 1908 the monorail was replaced by a 24 inch gauge railway. Kundalai is 12km west from Top Station on the way from Munnar station. Some remains of Kundala Valley Railway can be seen at the Munnar Tea Museum.