Your cart is currently empty!
Tucked away near Munnar, Vattavada is often called Kerala’s hidden paradise — and for good reason. With its misty valleys, sprawling vegetable farms, and peaceful homestays, it feels worlds away from the usual tourist bustle.
This blog captures my weekend journey to Vattavada — through winding roads, tea gardens, starry nights, and breathtaking sunrises — all seen through the lens of a passionate traveler and photographer.
We stayed at a friend’s house on Friday night, set our alarms for 3 a.m., and despite sleeping a bit late, we were ready to begin our journey at 3:30 a.m.
Escaping the Roadblocks of munnar
We began our journey from Munnar early in the morning, determined to avoid the usual traffic snarls. Starting before dawn rewarded us with some unexpected surprises — playful monkeys on the roadside.
One curious monkey caught my eye, and I managed to capture a stunning shot on my Realme smartphone — its glowing eyes reflecting the rising sun. Moments like this remind me why I love travel photography: it’s about catching stories hidden in the details.
Tea Gardens of Munnar
No trip to Munnar is complete without walking through its iconic tea plantations. We stopped at a secluded point, where the endless green slopes stretched like a living painting. Workers moved gracefully between rows, plucking tea leaves, while I took the chance to capture wide-angle photos and cinematic B-rolls that brought out the calmness of the hills.
These landscapes are a dream for photographers — perfect for experimenting with leading lines and slow-motion captures.
Mattupetty Dam – A Photographer’s Delight
By mid-morning, the roads were beginning to get crowded, but we made our way to Mattupetty Dam without much trouble. The atmosphere was refreshingly cool, and the lake, set against a backdrop of blue skies, was stunning. I noticed a shikara boat that reminded me of the ones in Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. I took wide-angle shots of the serene lake, the fascinating tree patterns, and the vibrant orange hues of the surrounding scenery—it was a photographer’s delight!
Vattavada Homestay Experience
From Mattupetty, we headed deeper into the hills toward Vattavada. Our homestay Roamrustic Vattavada was perched at the top of a ridge, accessible only after a short hike. The climb was steep and winding, with tree roots cutting across the path — challenging but refreshing.
For those of us who spend our days at desks and screens, the trek felt like a much-needed escape. Reaching the homestay, surrounded by silence and greenery, was worth every step.
If you wish to experience Vattavada authentically, consider staying at Roamrustic Vattavada Tent Camping – our homestay offering tents under starry skies and local food experiences.
A Magical Night Under the Stars
As night fell, Vattavada revealed its true magic. The sky was clear, bursting with thousands of stars, and the silence was occasionally broken by the call of jungle foxes. With my Realme Narzo 70 Pro, I set up a long-exposure shot — the starry sky stretching infinitely above the dark silhouette of the hills.
Wrapped in sweaters and blankets, we sat outside by the fire, soaking in nature’s tranquility. It was one of those rare nights where technology, silence, and wilderness blended into something unforgettable.
Sunrise and Deer Sightings at vattavada
The next morning, we woke up before dawn and trekked to a nearby viewpoint. As the first rays of sunlight pierced the mist, the valleys glowed in shades of blue, green, and gold. The air was crisp, carrying the sound of birds waking up.
On our way back, we were lucky enough to spot a herd of deer grazing peacefully in the fields. Watching them in their natural habitat was surreal — the perfect end to our Vattavada escape.
How to Reach Vattavada
From Munnar :
Distance ~45 km (2 hours). The road winds through Mattupetty and Kundala Dam before opening into the vegetable valleys of Vattavada.
From Kochi :
Distance ~160 km (6–7 hours). Drive via Munnar, making it a great weekend trip.
From TamilNadu (Coimbatore / Pollachi):
Reach Munnar first, then continue the scenic drive to Vattavada.
Travel Tip: Roads are narrow and winding. Start early to enjoy scenic stops and avoid heavy traffic.
Travel Photography Tips for Vattavada
Carry a wide-angle lens to capture sprawling farms and tea estates.
For night photography, bring a tripod for stable star shots.
Early mornings are best for spotting wildlife like deer and birds.
Pack warm clothes — nights in Vattavada can be unexpectedly chilly.
Vattavada isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience of silence, stars, and stories. Whether you’re a traveler looking for peace or a photographer chasing that perfect shot, this hidden paradise of Kerala has something magical waiting for you.
Many travelers combine their Vattavada trip with nearby Munnar Tea Plantation or a quick detour to Marayoor’s sandalwood forests
