Choondal & Poopara tour Itinerary
Choondal (also locally known as Chudal or Choondel) is a serene, lesser-known hilltop spot nestled near Poopara in the Idukki district of Kerala. Situated along the scenic belt connecting Munnar, Bodimettu, and Thekkady, this area is famous for its misty high-altitude cardamom plantations, sweeping wind gaps, and offbeat nature trails.
3-Day Choondal & Poopara Itinerary
Day 1: Offbeat Plantations & Sunset Vistas
- Morning: Arrive at Poopara/Choondal. Check into a local cardamom estate homestay or plantation resort. Take a guided walking tour through private cardamom and pepper plantations.
- Afternoon: Head to Puthadi Paramedu View Point or the Poopara Photo Point for views of rolling tea gardens and mist-covered valleys.
- Evening: Drive to Bodimettu Viewpoint (15 minutes away) along the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border to watch the sunset over the Bodi Ghats.
Day 2: Lakes, Waterfalls & Wind Gaps
- Morning: Visit Anayirangal Dam & Reservoir (approx. 20 minutes from Poopara). Take a peaceful speed boat ride or pedal boat surrounded by green tea slopes.
- Afternoon: Stop by Marachuvadu Waterfalls or Power House Waterfalls (Chinnakanal) for a cooling rest amidst forest surroundings.
- Evening: Take a drive through the famous Gap Road stretch (Munnar–Devikulam highway) to experience the mountain pass views.
Day 3: Forest Treks & High-Altitude Views
- Morning: Trek through the trails of Mathikettan Shola National Park (located right near Poopara), famous for its evergreen shola forests, biodiversity, and cool canopy walk.
- Afternoon: Visit Chathurangapara Windmill Viewpoint, an off-road border crest known for powerful winds and panoramic vistas of the Tamil Nadu plains below.
- Evening: Stop at a local spice shop in Poopara town to buy farm-fresh green cardamom, black pepper, and clove before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where is Choondal (Poopara) located and how do I get there?
Choondal is located near Poopara village in Idukki district, Kerala.
- By Road: Situated ~32 km from Munnar town and ~70 km from Thekkady. Well-connected via the Kochi–Dhanushkodi Highway (NH 85).
- By Rail: Nearest major railway station is Madurai Junction (~110 km) or Aluva / Ernakulam (~125 km).
- By Air: Cochin International Airport (COK) is ~120 km away.
Q2: What makes Choondal/Poopara different from central Munnar?
While Munnar town is heavily commercialized, Choondal and Poopara offer a much quieter, offbeat experience. The landscape features dense cardamom forests, high-altitude wind gaps, fewer crowds, and direct access to off-road viewpoints like Chathurangapara.
Q3: What is the best season to visit?
- September to March: Excellent weather with clear skies, mild cold temperatures (15°C–22°C), and misty mornings.
- June to August: Ideal for monsoon lovers who enjoy lush greenery, heavy rains, and full-flowing streams.
Q4: How many days are needed for Choondal/Poopara?
A 2 to 3-day trip is perfect to explore Choondal, Poopara, Anayirangal Dam, Mathikettan Shola, and the nearby border viewpoints without feeling rushed.