Bison Valley Munnar is named after the Indian bison (gaur) that once roamed the area. In the colonial era (and earlier), Travancore royalty and East India Company officers used the valley as a hunting ground, and the place came to be called “Bison Valley”. In Bison Valley, gaurs, which is the largest wild ox in the world prefer to stick to their natural habitat, sprawling grassland pastures that fringe the jungles.
Walking up the bird songs, amid misty mornings, and nature around you; that’s what the beautiful Bison Valley in Munnar is all about now. Bison Valley Munnar distance is is 24 kms, and it takes approximately 47 to 50 minutes to reach Bison Valley from Munnar. Although the valley itself doesn’t have a lot of attraction points, its natural beauty is perfect for people seeking solitude and peace. It is often considered a hidden gem, as not a lot of tourists come to explore. However, those who come are mesmerised by the long stretches of plantations and rare animal sights.
Places to Explore Near Bison Valley, Munnar
Bison Valley is surrounded by the freshness of cardamom forests and tea estates. It is a perfect place to witness the sunset and watch how the spices and tea leaves are grown.
Tea Gardens of Munnar
Begin your expedition with a stroll in the tea gardens of Bison Valley. The endless series of estates and the refreshing fragrance of tea leaves can intoxicate you and make you a chai person,
even if you aren’t. The atmosphere and weather of this place make it suitable to grow high-quality Nilgiris tea. Tourists often tour the plantations and take a pack of tea leaves with them for home.
ALSO SEE-Top 5 Munnar Tea Estates That Are A Must-Visit For All
Shola Forests
The next stop is the evergreen forest of Munnar, Shola. Although you can get a glimpse of the Pampadum Shola National Park from the valley, you have to cross 60 km to reach the location. It will take you approximately 2 hours, depending on the tourist traffic. The park is in Nilgiri, Palani, and Anaimalai Hills, and is known for its grasslands and dense forests.
What’s special about the Shola Forests is that it is the originating point for most of the South Indian rivers. Its harbour is a savoured land of the birds and animals, giving you a chance to breathe amid nature without interruptions.
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Lekshmi Hills
Another point of attraction close to the Bison Valley, Munnar, is Lekshmi Hills, a sunrise point at 1420 m. It is a trek route that begins from Old Munnar and is approximately 50 minutes from the valley. The 14-km-long trek involves both ascending and descending terrains, giving you a little bit of a challenge along the way.
In case the adventurer within you has awakened, you can also hit the 1870 m altitude, which will be an additional 8 km ahead. Along the route, you will pass grasslands, tea plantations, and gorgeous views of the Ananchal and Pallivasal villages.
Although the route is long, you can cover it in one day, and at the end, you will find a paved road that connects you to the KSTRC bus stand.
If you take a guided tour, the fee will be INR 700 to 1000. However, the entry to the hills is free.
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Pothupara Waterfalls
Popularly known as the Ripples Waterfalls, the tourist attraction in Sree Narayanapuram is merely 10 km from the Bison Valley. Book a cab and you’ll reach the place within 20 minutes. The cascading waterfall looks almost like a children’s water park and is clean and hygienic.
It is naturally formed by the Muthirapuzha River, and is at an elevation of 1600 m. You can enjoy activities like ziplining, bird watching, and trekking here.
ALSO SEE – Top 8 Munnar Waterfalls
Entry fee: INR 20 per person
High Range Glass Bridge
The High Range Swing is in Anachal, merely 16.2 km from Bison Valley. You can reach the destination within 30 minutes by car. Here you can enjoy a day full of adventure, enjoy, and let go of your worries.
Book a swing seat and touch the sky; you will be there for around two minutes, giving you an adrenaline rush. Three people can sit at a time, and the swing will take you to over 3000 ft above sea level. If you are a thrill seeker, this sky swing is perfect to fulfil your desires.
Ticket price: INR 500
How to Reach Bison Valley Munnar?
You can book a private cab from your hotel to the Bison Valley. However, if you are directly coming from your native place to this location, here are a few travel options you can consider:
Railway Station
The closest railway junctions are:
Aluva: 106 km, approximately 3 hours
Ernakulam: 123 km, approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
ALSO SEE-Kochi To Munnar- Taxi Fare, Distance, Travel Time
Cochin International Airport is the closest option to reach Bison Valley: 105 km, approximately 3 hours.
You can book a prepaid taxi from outside the junction/airport, or board a KSTRC bus from the bus stand. It depends on your convenience and budget.
ALSO SEE – Nearest Airport to Munnar – How to Reach
When is the Best Time to Visit Bison Valley Munnar?
Plan a trip to Bison Valley between September and May as the weather is pleasant and there are minimal chances of rain. During these months, you will get to experience greenery and a lovely atmosphere everywhere. Even the sun is soothing, and you can easily explore the nearby places during the day.
Bison Valley Timings
The tourist attraction near Munnar is open throughout the year for tourists. You don’t need to pay any entry fee. People simply come to break free from the monotony and explore the surroundings.
Plan a trip to Bison Valley in Munnar with your family and friends to witness a location that hasn’t been exposed to urbanisation yet. Here, it is all about greenery, being close to nature, and among animals. If that sounds like something you would love to check out, book your ticket to Kerala and add this valley to the top of your bucket list.
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