Top Station, Munnar

History

Top Station was a transshipment point for delivery of tea from Munnar to Bodinayakkanur. Top Station derived its name from its being the upper terminus of the Kottagudi Aerial Ropeway. It was also the location of the terminal railway station on the Kundala Valley Railway, built in 1902 between Munnar, Kundalai and this low point in the crest of the hills above steep cliffs. A monorail goods carriage system was initially installed along this cart route. In 1908 the monorail was replaced by a 24 inch gauge railway. Kundalai is 12 kilometers (7.5 mi) west from Top Station on the way from Munnar station. Some remains of Kundala Valley Railway can be seen at the Munnar Tea Museum.Tea chests arriving at Top Station from the Kundalai Valley were transported by a ropeway from Top Station 5 km downhill to the south to Kurangani, Tamil Nadu. The tea was then shipped 15 km by cart to Bodinayakkanur, then by rail to other places in India and by ship to England. Remains of the ropeway station at Top Station are still visible. The elevation at the top of the Bodi ropeway was 1,911 meters (6,270 ft).