Vattavada travel guide
Vattavada is a farming village in the hills of Idukki district, Kerala, about 45 km east of Munnar and close to the Tamil Nadu border. Terraced fields of carrot, cabbage, beans and garlic climb the slopes, with strawberry farms and fruit orchards in between. Most visitors drive up from Munnar in about two hours and stay at least one night.
Where is Vattavada?
Vattavada is in Devikulam taluk of Idukki district, on Kerala’s eastern edge next to Tamil Nadu. The nearest town is Munnar, about 45 km away by road. Koviloor is the neighbouring settlement, and many stays are around it, including our house in Edamanal. Both Tamil and Malayalam are spoken in the village.
What is Vattavada known for?
Farming. Vattavada is often called Kerala’s vegetable village. Carrots, cabbage, beans and garlic grow on the terraces, and Kerala Tourism lists it as the state’s largest garlic producer. Strawberries, plums, pears, peaches and passion fruit grow here too, which is unusual for Kerala.
Best time to visit Vattavada
December to February is the most popular time: strawberry season, clear mornings and cold nights. June to September brings thick monsoon mist and the plum harvest. The village is open all year.
| Months | What it’s like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| December – February | Clear skies, cold nights | Strawberry farms, sunrise trips, valley views |
| March – May | Warmer, drier days | Walks, farm visits, sunrise trips |
| June – September | Monsoon mist and rain | Plum harvest (roughly late June to August), slow days at the house |
| October – November | Rains ease, the hills turn green | Walks and village life |
In heavy rain, check the road before you drive. Jeep trips stop on orange and red weather-alert days.
How to reach Vattavada
- From Munnar. By road, about 45 km and around two hours, via Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Dam and Top Station. Fill up in Munnar, which has the last fuel before the hill. Cross the forest checkpost before it closes at 6 PM. Full route with every stop →
- From Kochi. Cochin International Airport and Aluva railway station are each about 150 km from Vattavada. Allow 5 to 6 hours by road via Munnar.
Things to do in Vattavada
- Strawberry farm walks: farms within walking distance of the house; the season is December to February.
- Village and farm walks: terraces of carrot, cabbage, garlic and beans. Ask before you enter a field or pick anything.
- Fruit orchards: plums in season (roughly late June to August), plus pears and peaches. Most orchards sell fruit but may not allow picking.
- Top Station: the old ropeway lookout, about 10 km back towards Munnar. Best at sunrise.
- Pampadum Shola National Park: Kerala’s smallest national park, about 1.3 km². The road in passes through its forest, and the forest checkpost is at its entrance.
- Sunrise jeep trips: in local 4×4 jeeps, and Kolukkumalai on request. How our jeep trips work →
- Campfire nights: at the house, on request.
Where to stay in Vattavada
Vattavada has homestays, farm stays, cabins and cottages rather than big hotels.
Our own place is an entire private house, with the hosts living on-site:
- two bedrooms and two bathrooms;
- a full kitchen;
- a terrace over the valley;
- sleeps up to 10.
For two or three nights, we link it with partner cabins and cottages nearby. See Vattavada packages →
Food and supplies
Shops are a distance away, so carry snacks. At our house:
- Meals: home-cooked Kerala meals are made on request, including early breakfasts and kid-friendly food.
- Brooklyn Store: you can order farm produce, dairy, BBQ gear and rentals on WhatsApp before you arrive. It’s ready at check-in.
Tips before you go
- Carry warm layers. Mornings and nights are cold, especially from December to February.
- Reach the forest checkpost before it closes at 6 PM.
- Fill up with fuel in Munnar.
- In the forest stretch, stay in your vehicle and don’t feed animals.
- Ask before you enter farms or pick fruit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vattavada worth visiting?
Yes, if you want farms, mist and quiet rather than sightseeing crowds. It’s a working village with terraced fields, strawberry and fruit farms, shola forest and sunrise viewpoints, about two hours beyond Munnar.
How far is Vattavada from Munnar?
About 45 km by road, around two hours.
What is the best time to visit Vattavada?
December to February for strawberries and clear views; June to September for monsoon mist and plums.
Can I visit Vattavada as a day trip from Munnar?
You can, but it’s about four hours of driving in a day, and you have to time the forest checkpost, which closes at 6 PM. Staying a night lets you see the sunrise and the farms early in the morning.
Is Vattavada good for families?
Yes. At our house the whole place is yours and meals can be made kid-friendly, and the village is quiet.
What is Vattavada famous for?
Farming: vegetables, garlic, strawberries and plums.