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There are several peaceful and scenic places to visit near Anachal, each offering a different side of Idukki’s highlands. Unlike busier parts of Munnar, Anachal sits away from the traffic and noise, yet gives you road access to some of the most striking waterfalls, forest zones, and hill viewpoints in the region. From here, you can reach sandalwood groves, wildlife sanctuaries, tea plantations, and lakes without long travel hours or crowded parking spots. Many roads are flanked by valley slopes and tall eucalyptus trees, and the weather stays cool most months. If you’re staying in or around Anachal, these nearby places are all easy day trips.
10 Places To Visit Near Anachal
From waterfalls just a few minutes away to forest sanctuaries further into the hills, these places to visit near Anachal are easy to reach and worth your time.
1. Munnar Town
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
Among the most popular places to visit near Anachal, Munnar stands out for its blend of old hill station charm and local culture. You can start your day at the Tea Museum, where the guided walkthrough explains how the leaf-to-brew process evolved over the last century. The nearby Rose Garden adds colour, especially from October to February, with organised plant sections and photo points. Walking through the local market near the main bus stand gives you a glimpse of Munnar’s daily rhythm. Munnar’s elevation keeps the air cool throughout the year, even during midday.
Distance From Anachal: 13.6 km
Major Attractions: Tea Museum, Rose Garden, Hydel Park, local markets
2. Attukad Waterfalls
Photo: Hari K Patibanda / Wikimedia Commons
Attukad sits near Anachal and offers a refreshing retreat where nature feels truly untouched. The waterfall flows through dense greenery and over rugged rocks, first coming into view from a narrow iron bridge just before the final bend. What sets this spot apart isn’t just the cascade itself, but the scenic walk leading up to it. Early mornings are especially magical, with mist hanging low over the trail and soft light filtering through the trees. It’s a peaceful escape, perfect for those who enjoy quiet natural surroundings and short hikes.
Distance From Anachal: 9.6 km
Major Attractions: Scenic cascades, forest trail, photography spots
3. Pallivasal Tea Estate
Photo: Vivek Kumar kumarvivek0811 / Wikimedia Commons
Pallivasal Tea Estate gives you a quieter experience compared to the larger plantations around Munnar. It lies just a short ride away, and the road passes through residential areas and patches of forest before the green grid of tea bushes comes into view. The estate allows guided walks where you can follow the route of leaf plucking and sorting, ending at the small processing unit. The workers often pause to explain how they work, and you’ll find more interaction than scripted narration. Morning visits are best, especially before the midday fog sets in.
Distance From Anachal: 14.8 km
Major Attractions: Tea plantation walk, factory visit, lush green views
4. Mattupetty Dam
Photo: Bimal K C / Wikimedia Commons
Mattupetty Dam is among the few places to see near Anachal, where you get clear views of a large water body surrounded by hills. The route climbs gradually, passing small hamlets and shaded roads before the reservoir opens into view. Once you reach the top, the water stretches out across the hills, bordered by thick forest on one side and boat jetties on the other. The boating options range from pedal boats to speedboats, and each gives you a different view of the surrounding cliffs. On quieter days, you may even spot elephants grazing near the opposite bank.
Distance From Anachal: 23.8 km
Major Attractions: Dam view, speed boating, Echo Point nearby
5. Eravikulam National Park
Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons
Eravikulam National Park is one of the most ecologically rich tourist attractions near Anachal, known for its native wildlife and high-altitude grasslands. The entrance lies beyond Munnar, and your drive from Anachal will take just over an hour, depending on traffic near the Munnar junction. At Rajamalai, you’ll need to collect your entry pass and board the official shuttle that takes you into the protected zone. The Nilgiri Tahr often appears near the cliffs, especially in the early hours when the area stays quiet. The upper pathway opens into a fenced viewpoint from where you can see cloud lines passing over Anamudi, the highest peak in South India.
Distance From Anachal: 21.1 km
Major Attractions: Nilgiri Tahr, Rajamalai grasslands, Anamudi views
6. Kundala Lake
Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Kundala Lake is one of the quieter attractions near Anachal, especially if you’re looking for space and fewer interruptions. The road past Munnar leads you there in about an hour, passing tea fields and occasional rows of pine. As you approach the lake, the road runs parallel to the water for a short distance, giving you your first clear look. There’s a small pier area where you can rent pedal boats or try the shikara rides run by locals. The water reflects the hills clearly when the wind is low, and most people sit by the edge rather than rush into activity.
Distance From Anachal: 37.5 km
Major Attractions: Pedal boating, shikara rides, cherry blossom trees
7. Lockhart Gap Viewpoint
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Lockhart Gap Viewpoint offers wide valley views and crisp mountain air, making it a favorite for scenic stops. Named after the heart-shaped gap between two hills, the view from here includes rolling tea estates and drifting clouds that cast moving shadows over the landscape. The road leading up is bordered by bushes and silver oaks, with a few open stretches where visitors pause. There are no fences or formal platforms, just raw hillside charm. A few tea sellers set up near the parking area, making it perfect for photos and quick breaks.
Distance From Anachal: 26.9 km
Major Attractions: Valley views, cloud formations, misty hill backdrop
8. Top Station
Photo: Rainer Halama / Wikimedia Commons
Top Station ranks among the highest places to visit, both in terms of altitude and the reach of its views. Once used as a historic transhipment point for tea sent to Tamil Nadu, it now functions as a lookout over the Western Ghats. The last few kilometres rise sharply, with tight curves and brief openings in the forest that reveal the height you’re gaining. At the top, a small gate marks the start of the walking trail that leads to the viewpoint. The view here spans across the border, letting you see into the plains of Theni on a clear day.
Distance From Anachal: 46.9 km
Major Attractions: Panoramic Western Ghats views, Tamil Nadu-Kerala border
9. Marayoor Sandalwood Forest
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Marayoor Sandalwood Forest is one of the most distinctive places, especially if you’re interested in natural reserves with cultural layers. The area is known for its government-managed sandalwood plantations, where trees are tagged and monitored to prevent illegal felling. You’ll see signs at regular intervals explaining the protected status of the forest. Alongside the plantation, there are stone structures called dolmens, burial sites believed to date back to the Megalithic period. These are scattered across the dry grass slopes and are easy to spot on foot. This crop grows widely in the region.
Distance From Anachal: 54.1 km
Major Attractions: Sandalwood groves, prehistoric dolmens, sugarcane farms
10. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is suited for those who want more than just a viewpoint stop. It lies near the state border, and the land here is dry, rocky, and unlike the wetter forests around Munnar. The entrance is marked by a checkpost where you can register for short treks or a guided walk to Thoovanam Falls. These trails are led by tribal guides familiar with the terrain, and the walk itself crosses streams and open grass patches where you might spot the endangered grizzled giant squirrel. You’re more likely to see animals near the streams during the dry season, when water is scarce elsewhere.
Distance From Anachal: 62.1 km
Major Attractions: Grizzled Giant Squirrel, guided treks, Thoovanam Falls
These places to visit near Anachal offer more than typical hill station views; some are untouched and remote, others calm and familiar. You won’t need to go far or rush through plans. Anachal keeps you close to Idukki’s everyday beauty without the crowd. Whether you’re here for a short stay or using it as a base, the region opens up easily. Plan your journey with TripXL today for your next hillside escape.
Cover Photo: Srinivasan Venkataraman / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
